Frequently Asked Questions

Polybutene-1 (PB-1) is a thermoplastic material used in pressure piping systems for potable water, heating and building services. It has been used in piping applications for several decades.

Yes, Polybutene-1 is often referred to as PB, PB-1 or Polybutylene. Polybutene-1, however, is chemically a more accurate way of describing the raw material. Also, Polyisobutene or Polyisobutylene (PIB) is a completely different material than PB-1. Polyisobutylene is in fact used in the manufacture of chewing gum! Consequently it was decided to use the more chemically accurate name of Polybutene-1 (and PB-1 in short).

PB-1 combines flexibility, high pressure performance, durability and resistance to corrosion and scale. It is designed and tested for defined temperature and pressure classes in recognised piping standards. Its flexibility can help absorb pressure fluctuations and reduce water hammer effects.

Its low weight and flexibility can simplify transport, handling and installation. Depending on the system, PB-1 piping can be joined by either mechanical or fusion methods. PB-1 piping must be protected from prolonged UV before and after installation, following the manufacturer's guidance.

Compared with metals, PB-1 does not corrode, is lighter in weight and can be easier to handle. When compared with other plastics solutions, PB-1 is recognised for balancing flexibility, long-term strength and high-temperature capability.

PB-1 piping is designed for use in hot and cold potable water, underfloor heating and radiator systems. It can be used across residential and larger scale commercial projects.

PB-1 is a thermoplastic material and can be recycled where suitable infrastructure exists. Its long service life, durability and efficient installation can contribute to lower lifecycle impacts. Many manufacturers can provide Environmental Product Declarations to support their PB-1 systems

PB-1 systems are commonly tested against national and international pressure piping standards, as well as relevant drinking water requirements. The manufacturing members of the PBPSA have third party certification for their products in various countries. Quality control of PB-1 piping systems is achieved through manufacturing quality systems, material control, routine testing and regular certification audits.

No, Polybutene-1 has been successfully used for over 50 years in heating pipe applications and for over 40 years in potable water applications.

In some markets, Polybutene-1 piping is known as ‘the plumber's flexible friend’. Its flexibility combined with the excellent pressure resistance at high temperatures make it very easy to work with. This, together with the available jointing techniques applicable to PB-1 products and specialised piping systems, provides distinct installation advantages over other materials.

Polybutene-1 (PB-1) stands out from other plastics because it combines exceptional strength, flexibility, and versatility in a way no alternative material does. It is the strongest thermoplastic used for hot-water supply, which makes it ideal for demanding installations that require continuous 24/7 hot-water recirculation, such as hotels or hospitals. PB pipes have unmatched flexibility, allowing them to be supplied in coils and enabling faster, easier, and more comfortable installation on-site. PB-1 also offers a unique advantage in jointing methods, as it supports both mechanical and fusion techniques—unlike others which may only function with one method.

Another key advantage is PB-1's superior resistance to water hammer and its remarkable energy-absorption capacity, which stem from the material's flexibility and high strength. This means wall thickness can be reduced, increasing the internal diameter, improving flow rates, and minimizing pressure losses. Together, these properties contribute to the exceptionally long service life of PB-1 piping systems, making them one of the most durable and reliable solutions available for modern plumbing installations.

PB-1 is an inherently high-density polymer for hot water (no cross-linking or other modification needed), whereas PEX and PE-RT are both engineered forms of polyethylene created to overcome standard PE's unsuitability for hot water.

Arguably Polybutene-1 systems are hygienically superior to traditional metal products. Corrosion in metal pipes releases the chemical products of corrosion into the water supply. Polybutene-1 does not corrode. PB-1 does not need fluxes, greases or solder for installation. PB-1 pipe grade material is approved for use in contact with drinking water. PB-1 piping systems therefore have excellent hygienic properties and meet the most stringent drinking water regulations around the world.

In some cases, plastics piping systems are now the only viable choice and PB-1 material will prove competitive, especially when system installation, running and servicing costs are considered. Visit the PBPSA website contact page, where you will be able to access members' details and obtain assistance with your project.

Sometimes it is difficult to recognise the benefits of change. There is no doubt that copper plumbing was the material of choice for several decades. Plumbers in the 1950s were loath to change from sweating lead joints; however we are now in the era of plastics, which are versatile materials and offer new solutions and advantages in many fields.

When installing a new system or replacing an existing one, for example, during extensive renovations within a house, PB-1 pipe systems offer many advantages. As already mentioned, installation is simple. The flexible pipes adapt to the local conditions, not the other way around. A single pipe system can be used for all applications: hot and cold drinking water, underfloor heating, and radiator connections. The pipe system, including all its components, meets the latest drinking water regulations and is approved and monitored accordingly by the relevant authorities. And last but not least, PB-1 pipe systems don't build up lime over time as with copper pipes and provides unmatched water hammer absorption, thereby offering a problem-free operation over their lifetime.

The choice is yours - but the state-of-the-art and technology advancements are firmly with plastics systems – don't be left out in the cold!

The resistance of pipes to deformation and burst is determined by testing to international and national standards. The test results qualify the temperature and pressure classes for a piping system.

These temperature classes are compiled to reflect the likely cross-section of service conditions for a 50-years period for a range of different heating and water supply applications. The internationally accepted temperature classes are stipulated in ISO Standard 10508 and referred to in other systems standards for plastic piping systems.

When demanded by international standards, small PB-1 pipes sometimes have the same wall thickness as pipes made of other plastics. In this case, PB-1 pipes have a significantly higher safety factor. These pipes are still much more flexible than pipes made of other plastics. The advantage of easier and faster installation of PB-1 pipes compared to other materials remains.

Like with many other plastics ultraviolet rays and sunlight can cause or accelerate the deterioration of the material. The product must be shielded from direct sunlight, in storage as well as in its final use. In the case of outdoor use, it should be sheathed or painted to protect it. If it is painted, it is preferable to use emulsion paints (water-based) to paint Polybutene-1. Oil-based lacquer paints can be used with a primer. Do not use cellulose-based paints, paint strippers or solvents. Before painting, ensure the surfaces are clean, dry and free of grease.

Refer to the specific advice of PB-1 pipe manufacturers

Chlorine, chloramines or chlorine dioxide are commonly used to disinfect drinking water piping systems. These methods can be used safely with PB-1 piping systems when manufacturers' disinfection instructions are followed correctly and flushed with fresh, wholesome water at the end of the process.

Prolonged use with water supplies containing elevated levels of chlorine, chloramine or chlorine dioxide is not recommended and the piping manufacturer's instructions must be followed. Many manufacturers will not offer warranties in these conditions. PB-1 pipes must not be used in systems with water containing high levels of chlorine or other oxidising agents, such as swimming pools.

Yes, the defendant group (a.o. former Shell) was forced to spend a great deal of money defending itself against claims alleging defects in “Polybutylene plumbing systems.” The complaints, to the extent that they were valid at all, centred almost entirely around products made from plastics other than PB-1, produced by other raw material suppliers for the manufacture of pipe fittings. These companies were co-defendants in this litigation. No such experiences of failure have occurred in the almost 50 years that PB-1 plumbing products have been used in Europe and Asia. The PBPSA believes that properly manufactured and installed pipe and fittings made from PB-1 pipe grades will meet all national and international stringent standards and, based on these standard, is confirmed to be the most technically advanced pressure pipe material. In view of the outcome of the US litigation process, PBPSA members have restricted sales of PB-1 piping systems into North America and is only allowed after prior written approval.