Plumber Wellington: What Is Dux Pipe and Why Should You Replace It?
Plumber Wellington: What Is Dux Pipe and Why Should You Replace It?
If your home was built or renovated between the 1970s and late 1980s, there’s a chance it may contain Dux piping, also known as Dux Quest or polybutylene (PB) piping. This material was widely used in thousands of New Zealand homes during that time due to its affordability and ease of installation. However, over the years, Dux pipe has developed a reputation for being unreliable and prone to failure.
At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we have dealt with numerous cases involving the deterioration of Dux pipes. Understanding what Dux pipe is and why it should be replaced can help homeowners avoid serious plumbing issues, water damage, and potential insurance complications.
What Is Dux Pipe?
Dux pipe is a type of flexible plastic plumbing pipe made from polybutylene, primarily used in hot and cold water systems. It was commonly installed in homes throughout New Zealand in the 1980s. The pipe is typically black and may be marked with “Dux Quest” or “Quest” in white lettering, although this labeling often fades over time, making identification difficult.
Why Is Dux Pipe a Problem?
Over time, Dux pipe has been shown to degrade and become brittle, especially at the joints and connection points. The primary issues include:
- Splitting or cracking along the length of the pipe
- Leaks at joints, causing water damage to walls, floors, and ceilings
- Degradation from UV exposure, even from minimal sunlight during storage
- Increased failure under high water pressure, especially when homes have been upgraded to mains pressure systems
Many of these problems became apparent after the pipe had been in place for a number of years, prompting a widespread recall and compensation initiative by Dux Industries. Despite this, thousands of homes across New Zealand may still have this faulty piping installed.
Why You Should Replace Dux Pipe
Insurance companies in New Zealand often refuse to cover damages caused by Dux pipe failures due to its known history of issues. Leaving it in place puts your home at risk of unexpected water damage and expensive repairs. While some homeowners opt to replace only the sections causing immediate problems, this is a short-term solution. The remaining pipe is likely to fail in the future, resulting in additional costs and disruptions.
A full pipe replacement ensures your plumbing system is modern, reliable, and safe. It also increases your home's value and can give peace of mind to future buyers. If you're unsure whether your home contains Dux pipe, it's best to have a qualified plumber conduct a thorough inspection.
Upgrade Your Plumbing with Confidence
At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we specialise in full system replacements for outdated or unsafe plumbing materials, including Dux Quest piping. Our licensed plumbers can assess your system, provide clear recommendations, and carry out the replacement with minimal disruption.
Don’t wait for leaks or water damage to occur. If your home was built in the 70s or 80s, or if you suspect it may still have Dux piping, contact us today for a professional inspection and quote. Protect your home with a plumbing system you can trust.