Mary Jo and I usually take Mandy our dog and walk our neighborhood most everyday. We can't help but feel sorry for the owners where their front yard is dug up and a fresh pile of dirt in place of the nice primped yard that proceeded the apparent emergency plumbing work. We know exactly what was going on. We see it week after week in this and many other neighborhoods where polybutylene water pipe better known as "Blue Max" water pipes were used. 
If you have Blue Max water pipes and you experience a break you may qualify for some help. There has been a class action law suit against Shell Oil the manufacturer of the Polybutylene water pipe. There are some qualifications and restrictions that you need to learn about.
As a Realtor when working with a buyer I need to be observant enough to look at what type of water pipe is suppling the main water source to the house. You can usually tell if it is Blue Max by looking closely behind the main water shut-off valve. If it is blue in color and you can move it ever so slightly it is probably Blue Max and that could be a possible problem.
If I am looking at a home to list and suspect Blue Max water pipe I feel obligated to bring it to the sellers attention and encourage them to consult a Blue Max plumbing specialist to consider having it replaced before it becomes a problem. The worst case scenario is a water main break.
When does it usually break and what are the damages?
It usually breaks when you least expect it to. While you are on vacation or at best while your are at work. By the time you find the problem some damage has already been done. The very least is a very wet front yard and then the loss of water for a couple of days. The damage can be as excessive as water damage inside your home primarily in the basement area.
There are a couple of plumbing contractors in the Cincinnati area that specialize in replacing the Blue Max water pipes. They have done it so often they have it down to a science. Midwestern Plumbing is one that I can recommend with confidence. They have a system that doesn't require them to dig up your entire front yard. The cost is a little higher but the result is better and less expensive in the long run.
Don't wait. If you have Blue Max it is only a matter of time. Call a specialist.
God Bless You and pray for our troops.
Did you know I have my license in both states, Ohio & Kentucky?...So Please call me if you need help around the house or maybe to buy a new home. I will gladly say THANK YOU! Gary Rossignol, the Realtor with integrity. 513-777-2402 email Gary@GaryRossignol.com.
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I purchased an older manufactured home in 2006 ( built in the late 1980's) that was plumbed with polybutyl (a local plumber refered to them as Blue Max pipes. I have had pipes split under the house and had major plumbing repairs completed. I still have some "blue" pipes under the house. I have been told that my home no longer qualifies for settlement funds for plumbing repairs because it is a manufactured home. This is a croc ! If my home were not a manufactured home I would still be eligible for reimbursement from class action funds for pipe failure expenses. This makes no sense to me Does anyone know if any avenue of recourse is open to me ? Should I try to hold the realtor accountable since they were aware of the fact that the home I purchased had these pipes but did not disclose same prior to closing? Don Schneider, Havana, Fl
Posted by: Don Schneider | January 14, 2009 at 06:51 PM