Step 4 · Removing Old Polybutylene Pipes
With the pipes exposed, begin removing the old polybutylene system. Wear gloves and safety glasses. It is often easiest to start at the fixtures and work your way back toward the main supply lines. Use a PEX/tubing cutter to cut the grey PB pipe into manageable sections for easy removal. The pipe and its plastic fittings can be very brittle, so expect them to crack or break. Disconnect the pipes from the fixture shutoff valves (these will also be replaced). Carefully pull the old pipes out from the wall and ceiling cavities. Keep a bucket handy to catch any remaining water.