Flowguard Gold cpvc pipe question

[Tomdude]

Good evening. I live in a 1971 home that was completely replumbed with flowguard gold cpvc in 1994 by a low skill handyman type. The home is on well water which is acidic ( PH of 6 ) and the original copper was getting pinholes.

I have read about a lawsuit against flowguard for sudden leaks. So far, I have had no problems but have no idea if the installer used the right cement or primer. Should I replumb with PEX before the great flood or can this wait a year till I retire?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

since 1994?? You are ok....
The pipe tends to get brittle over time but I would not worry about it too much...
just leave sleeping dogs lie... Just dont pile up anything near the lines that might fall over some day and possibly
snap or break a fitting....

Being on well water it will probably last a long time because it is not being attacked by
chlorine that is strong in city water.....

 

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[JohnCT]

I agree with Mark. Flowguard doesn't usually leak, but it can fracture from impact or stress when it becomes embrittled with heat and age. Be careful turning very stiff valves, particularly those on the hot water side like a washing machine shut-off for instance, and especially those that in the wall.

John

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

I agree with Mark. Flowguard doesn't usually leak, but it can fracture from impact or stress when it becomes embrittled with heat and age. Be careful turning very stiff valves, particularly those on the hot water side like a washing machine shut-off for instance, and especially those that in the wall.

John

thanks, I totally spaced and forgot about the flow guard ball valves get stiff and how they can literally snap off in your hand...
I have walked away from a few jobs before due to the risk of snapping off a main shut off valve in an
8 unit condo apartment building where you would have to shut off the whole complex if it were to break...
I ran out of that place and told them to get someone else to play Russian roulette with the stuff... it was not
wroth the risk to me

NEVER attempt to force a flow guard ball valve to shut off it is is stiff.... some will move easily and many
will not move and will break off in your hand when you try to force it......
if you ever decide to do something to your home..
.shut the whole well down at the main... be careful

 

[Tomdude]

Awesome ! Thanks for the info, I have encountered brittle cpvc working on some rentals I used to own. The only way I could cut it without fracturing is a very fine hacksaw blade or a copper tubing cutter. Great suggestion about being careful with the valves.

This site is the best plumbing resource on the net. Thanks