Do I have grey polybutylene pipe in my home?
Grey polybutylene water pipe has been used in Australian homes under several brands, and it's been in the news because of leaks in one product. In Western Australia, the building regulator investigated leaks in Iplex Pro-fit polybutylene pipe in Perth homes, mostly in pipe made between mid-2017 and mid-2022. If your home has grey plastic water pipe, it's natural to wonder whether you're affected. Here's how to check, what's actually known, and what to do.
How to tell if you have it
- Grey (sometimes other colours) flexible plastic pipe carrying hot or cold water, often visible under sinks, at the hot water system or in the roof.
- Printing on the pipe showing the material, usually "PB", and the brand.
- Push-fit or crimp fittings, often plastic or brass.
- If you can't see the printing, take photos and send them to us, or we can check on site.
What's known
The WA investigation
Focused on Iplex Pro-fit polybutylene in Perth homes, with most leaks in pipe made from mid-2017 to mid-2022.
Other states
The WA findings related to WA homes. Having grey pipe doesn't by itself mean your pipe is faulty.
Older polybutylene
Polybutylene has been used for decades, and many systems have performed well. Installation quality and water conditions matter.
Signs worth acting on
- Leaks at fittings or along the pipe, especially near the hot water system.
- Damp patches, mould or swelling in walls or floors. See mould on walls.
- Your water meter moving with everything turned off. See our hidden water leak guide.
- Repeated leaks in the same system.
How we help
We identify the pipe type and brand, check fittings and accessible sections, pressure test the system, and look for leaks. If there's a problem, we'll give you options, from repairing fittings to replacing sections or the whole system, with a fixed price before any work starts. If you think your pipe is covered by a manufacturer or warranty process, keep records and photos of what we find.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Is grey polybutylene pipe a problem?
Not automatically. One product had leak issues investigated in WA homes. Signs of leaks, not the colour of the pipe, are what to act on.
How do I know if I have Iplex Pro-fit pipe?
Check the printing on the pipe for the brand and product name, or have a plumber identify it.
Should I replace my polybutylene pipes?
Only if there are leaks or signs of failure. We'll check the system and give you honest advice.
Can you test my pipes for leaks?
Yes. A pressure test and leak detection show whether the system is sound.
Related help: plastic pipe types, leak detection, hidden water leak guide and I can hear water running. Local pages: Eastgardens, Pagewood, Little Bay and Matraville.