What is Quest Piping?
Quest (or Qest) is a brand name for a type of polybutylene pipe commonly used in residential plumbing from the 1970s to the 1990s. Most people refer to it as "Quest" rather than "Qest," so we'll use the more common term in this article.
Quest polybutylene pipe was primarily used for potable water plumbing. It gained popularity due to its ease of installation, low cost, and resistance to freezing damage.
It was most commonly installed in new homes throughout the Sunbelt region, particularly in states like Florida and Arizona. Quest was also used to repipe older homes in many other states during this period.
Is Quest Similar to Polybutylene?
Quest piping is simply a brand name for polybutylene piping, making the two terms interchangeable. Polybutylene refers to the type of polymer used in Quest piping.
Quest piping has been known by various names, including poly-B, poly-pipe, PB, and PB-1. However, it is not the same as other types of plastic piping, such as modern-day PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), CPVC, or PVC.
Why Might Quest Piping Fail?
There are several reasons why Quest piping may eventually fail. The industry behind Quest piping has claimed that the pipes and tubing themselves have no inherent flaws. Instead, they argue that failures result from improper installation, particularly issues with pipe connectors.
However, some suggest that Quest piping failures in the U.S. are more likely linked to variations in municipal water chemistry. As a result, Quest and all forms of polybutylene are no longer approved as plumbing materials in building codes across the country.
Should I Replace Quest Piping?
If you've experienced one water leak in your Quest piping, there may be a systemic issue affecting your entire home's plumbing. This can influence whether you choose to replace only the failed section or opt for a full repipe.
The cost of repairs and damage from Quest piping can quickly add up, often exceeding the price of a whole-house repipe. A slow, undetected leak can lead to water damage, mold, and other health hazards, while a larger leak can cause significant destruction and expensive repairs.
For this reason, a full house repipe is often the more cost-effective solution compared to repeatedly fixing individual leaks in Quest piping.
Can I Sell My House If I Have Quest Piping?
Having Quest piping in your home may make it more difficult to sell, as many buyers and insurance companies are aware of the potential risks associated with polybutylene plumbing.
If you're planning to sell your home, it may be wise to replace your Quest piping before putting it on the market.
We're happy to assist prospective sellers with Quest repiping quotes, as well as buyers who want to understand the potential cost of a full home repipe.
Contact us for a free quote, and one of our local repipe consultants will be glad to answer any questions you have.
Get your free estimate today
With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
Is There a Class Action Lawsuit Involving Quest Piping?
There have been multiple lawsuits related to Quest and polybutylene piping.
The most well-known class-action lawsuit involving Quest piping was Cox v. Shell Oil, which resulted in a $950 million payout to thousands of homeowners. However, the deadline to receive compensation passed several years ago.
If you have Quest piping and were not part of previous litigation, your legal options are now very limited. A more recent class-action lawsuit, Hurt v. Shell Oil, was filed in 2017 but was ultimately dismissed with prejudice. This means it cannot be refiled, making it much more difficult for Quest pipe owners to seek compensation for repiping their homes.
We have an article that breaks down everything you need to know about previous Quest class-action lawsuits.
What is a Good Replacement for Quest Piping?
When it comes to Quest piping replacement, homeowners often choose between copper and PEX pipes. Both pipe materials are durable and commonly used, but the decision depends on factors like cost, flexibility, and personal preference.
- Copper: We use high-quality American-made Type-L copper pipe. Copper is a durable option for repiping Quest piping and is often chosen for its longevity and resistance to extreme temperatures.
- PEX: Most of our clients choose Uponor PEX tubing, another USA-made material covered by our lifetime warranty. PEX is flexible, resistant to freezing, and generally more cost-effective. Learn more in our Should I Repipe with PEX article.
If you're unsure about which piping material is best for your home, we've made it easy for you with our article breaking down whether you should repipe with copper or PEX.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Quest Piping?
The cost of replacing Quest piping can vary based on several factors. Here are the key factors that can influence the price of your repiping project:
- The accessibility of your home's plumbing
- Where your home is situated (this is dependent on your city and state, which will also affect the material and labor costs)
- The company you hire to repipe your home
- Whether you opt for a partial or complete home repipe
- The repiping material you decide to use (Copper or PEX being the most common materials used today)
Our company specializes in whole-home repipes, typically at a much lower cost compared to a general plumber. Most of our repipes fall between $4,500 and $15,000.
For a more detailed breakdown of repiping costs, check out our How Much Does It Cost To Repipe A House article.
Get a Quote for Repiping Your Home
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced Quest plumbing in thousands of homes across the United States using both copper piping and PEX tubing. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:
- Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
- Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
- Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
- Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
- Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
- Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.
Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.