Commercial Plumber: Why You Should Replace Dux Pipe in Your Wellington Home
Commercial Plumber: Why You Should Replace Dux Pipe in Your Wellington Home
If your home in Wellington was built between the late 1970s and the 1980s, there is a good chance it contains Dux pipe—also known as Dux Quest or polybutylene (PB) pipe. This type of plumbing material was commonly used during that era due to its low cost and ease of installation. However, over time it became clear that Dux pipe poses serious long-term issues for homeowners, making full replacement an important consideration for anyone still living with it.
What Is Dux Pipe?
Dux pipe, or Dux Quest, is a form of polybutylene plumbing that was widely installed in New Zealand homes from the late 1970s through the 1980s. Initially considered a revolutionary plumbing material, its flexibility and affordability made it a popular choice among builders and plumbers.
Unfortunately, Dux pipe quickly proved to be unreliable. The plastic material is prone to cracking, tearing at the joints, and splitting down the length of the pipe—especially under pressure or when exposed to UV light. Pipes that sat exposed on job sites or in the back of trade vehicles for more than 30 days were already compromised before installation even began.
Why Should You Replace Dux Pipe?
Over time, thousands of homeowners began reporting leaks, water damage, and burst pipes caused by Dux piping. The material degrades with age and is highly sensitive to water pressure and heat—especially if a new mains pressure hot water cylinder has been installed. Homes with upgraded plumbing systems often experience accelerated failure of their original Dux piping.
Although Dux Industries acknowledged the problems and offered limited compensation, many homeowners never made claims. As a result, a large number of properties across Wellington may still contain this aging and unreliable pipework.
Insurance companies now frequently exclude coverage for damage caused by Dux pipe failures, recognising the high risk associated with the material. Even a minor leak can result in expensive water damage, mould issues, and costly repairs.
How to Identify Dux Pipe
Dux pipe is black with white lettering that reads “Dux Quest” or “Quest.” However, this lettering often wears off, making visual identification unreliable. The safest way to confirm whether your home has Dux piping is to book a plumbing inspection with a qualified professional.
Full Replacement Is the Smart Option
Some homeowners only replace the sections of Dux pipe that have failed, leaving the rest of the system vulnerable. This often results in ongoing issues, unexpected failures, and added costs down the line—especially for new homeowners who may not be aware of partial replacements.
For peace of mind and long-term protection, a full plumbing system replacement is strongly recommended. At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we specialise in identifying and replacing outdated Dux piping with modern, reliable plumbing systems. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your home is safe, efficient, and future-proof.