If you are looking to buy a home in Lake Worth, FL, be sure that it doesn't have polybutane pipes. They have a poor design that leads to ruptures in the plumbing. There are a few steps you can take to identify any of these pipes so that you can look into having them replaced by a licensed plumbing professional.

‍
1. Locate

‍

The first step is to locate an area where you can easily read any information on your pipes and see what color they are. Some of the easiest places for this are near your water heater, around your sinks and toilets, adjoining your water meter or main shut-off, or in the ceiling of your basement (if it's unfinished).

‍
2. Read

‍
After you've located a pipe that's easy to see and access, grab a flashlight or your phone and look for writing on the side of the pipe. If you see the letters "PB" or the numbers "2110," it's a guarantee that those are polybutane pipes. If the writing is faded or unreadable, don't worry: There are other options for identification.

‍
3. Look

‍
The last and arguably the simplest option for recognizing these pipelines is to see what color they are. Conventional, modern pipes tend to be white or cream in color, but polybutane ones are a blue color. They may also be black or grey in color. Generally, pipes outfitted for interiors are grey or black, but outdoor pipes are usually blue.

‍
4. Touch

‍
If you're still unsure, try to gently bend the pipe. If it's flexible, it's likely made of polybutane. Be careful not to bend any rigid, regular pipes, as these can be fragile if you use too much pressure.

‍
The last thing any homeowner wants is a water leak. If you're worried that your home may have polybutane pipes, it's always best to thoroughly check and follow these steps.