Iplex Pro-fit Typlex 1050 resin polybutylene pipes (Typlex 1050 pipes) are a growing concern for the real estate industry.
The facts
Iplex Typlex 1050 pipes were manufactured by Iplex Australia and installed in between 12,000 – 15,000 WA homes built or renovated between mid-2017 and mid-2022.
A large number of the homes with these pipes in place have experienced leaks, leading to damage to the property and personal belongings.
As a result, Typlex 1050 pipes have been deemed to have a high failure rate and the State Government has launched an Industry Response Agreement with the manufacturer and participating builders.
The Industry Response Agreement
The agreement provides a staged remediation program, replacing pipes at no cost to the home owner when a leak occurs. It also offers the installation of a free leak detection unit. The leak detection unit can monitor and report on water flow and shut off the water when it detects a leak. It will also let the resident shut the water off remotely if they are concerned.
Only Typlex 1050 pipes and homes built or renovated between mid-2017 and mid-2022 are covered by the agreement.
You can find more information about the agreement here.
A material fact
Typlex 1050 pipes are considered a material fact and sellers and investment property owners should tell their agent and property manager if pipes are present at their property and if there have been any leaks. They should also disclose if a leak detection unit has been installed.
If they are made aware of the presence of pipes and occurrence of leaks, agents and property managers must disclose the information to buyers and tenants.
To help you understand the issue and how it might affect you, REIWA has published a Typlex 1050 pipes fact sheet.
How do I know if my home has Typlex 1050 pipes?
Only homes built between mid-2017 and mid-2022 are likely to have Typlex 1050 pipes installed.
If your home was built in this timeframe, the pipes are easily identifiable if you can enter the roof space. However, this can be a safety issue.
Instead, you can contact your builder and ask them if the pipes were used. If you do not know who the builder was, you can contact your local council and ask for a copy of the building permit or plans. This will tell you who the builder is.
If you do have the pipes installed at your property and are eligible for a leak detection unit, we recommend installing one to protect your property and offer peace of mind.
