If your home was built or repiped between 1983 and 1997, there’s a chance you have a Blue Maxx water service line buried underground. While not always a visible part of your plumbing system, this type of pipe has a known history of problems that homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals should be aware of.
Blue Maxx is a brand of polybutylene (PB) piping manufactured by Shell Oil Company and Quest (Qest) Plumbing. It was mainly used for underground water service lines—the pipe that connects your home to the municipal water supply. Its dark blue color makes it easy to spot when visible at the meter or entry point into the house.
These pipes were commonly installed from 1983 to 1997, after which they were pulled from the market due to performance issues. However, many homes from that era may still have Blue Maxx lines in use today. We find Blue Maxx water service lines like the one pictured above in many homes each year.
Blue Maxx pipes were made from polybutylene resin, a flexible plastic that was initially praised for several advantages. It was marketed as a cost-effective solution for water supply lines—but the reality didn’t hold up. Polybutylene reacts poorly with chlorine and other disinfectants in water, leading to micro-fractures and eventual failure of the pipes.
Over time, several serious problems emerged:
Chlorine and other oxidants used in city water supplies react with the polybutylene, weakening the pipe from the inside out. This leads to:
The fittings used to connect Blue Maxx pipes were also a weak point. Crimped connections often failed under pressure, especially as the pipe expanded and contracted with temperature changes.
Because the product was easy to work with, it was sometimes installed by contractors without proper training. Common mistakes included poor connections or using sharp backfill materials like rocks, which could puncture the pipe over time.
Blue Maxx is typically buried underground, running between the municipal water meter and the home’s foundation. It may enter the home through a basement wall, crawlspace, or utility closet, but it’s not commonly found inside the house—that’s more likely to be gray polybutylene which also had several issues and is no longer used in residential plumbing.
Leaks in Blue Maxx lines often occur without warning and can remain hidden for months—especially when underground. You might not notice anything wrong until your water bill suddenly spikes to double or triple the usual amount. By that point, the leak may have already caused foundation damage, water intrusion, or even mold growth.
Many insurance companies consider polybutylene piping—like Blue Maxx—a high-risk material due to its history of unexpected failures. Because these pipes are prone to leaking or bursting without warning, insurers often see them as a liability. As a result, some providers refuse to issue policies on homes with Blue Maxx lines. Others may offer coverage but with higher premiums, limited protection, or specific exclusions for water damage caused by pipe failure. In some cases, insurers require homeowners to replace the piping before they’ll approve a new policy or renew an existing one..
In Ohio and many other states, sellers are legally required to disclose known material defects in a property. That includes plumbing systems—especially if they are known to have a history of failure, like Blue Maxx or other polybutylene pipes. While laws vary by state, nondisclosure can lead to serious legal consequences if a buyer discovers the issue after closing.
The best solution? Full replacement of the Blue Maxx line. Modern options include:
Cost range: Typically $1,500 to $4,000+, depending on:
If you're dealing with Blue Maxx or polybutylene water lines, trenchless replacement can sometimes be used to replace the main water line from the meter to the house—without digging up your entire yard. It’s often worth asking about during inspection or repair planning, especially when resale value and insurance concerns are involved.
Look for the following:
In the 1990s, a major class-action lawsuit (Cox v. Shell Oil) resulted in over $1 billion in payouts for property damage. Unfortunately, the claims period ended in 2009, so no compensation is available today.
Home inspectors and service pros often flag Blue Maxx when identified and recommend a plumber evaluate it. It’s not necessarily a deal breaker in a home sale, but it’s something to be aware of—especially as a future cost or risk.
“We observed what appears to be a Blue Maxx polybutylene service line supplying water to the home. These types of pipes have a known history of failure due to chemical breakdown from water treatment additives. We recommend you consult a licensed plumber to evaluate the system and provide a quote for replacement. While the system may currently be functional, future failure could result in significant property damage.”
If you suspect your home has Blue Maxx piping, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Get a licensed plumber to inspect the line, understand your insurance coverage, and plan for a potential replacement. Being proactive now can prevent a costly mess later.