Wellington Plumber: Dux Pipe: What It Is & Why You Should Replace It – Laser Plumbing Wellington East

At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we recommend replacing Dux pipe as soon as possible to prevent major leaks, water damage, and costly repairs. In this article, we explain what Dux pipe is, why it fails, and why you should replace it before it causes damage to your home.

What Is Dux Pipe?

Dux pipe was widely used as a lightweight, flexible alternative to traditional copper pipes. It became especially popular during the 1980s, with around 30,000–40,000 homes in New Zealand using it for plumbing systems.

However, it soon became clear that Dux pipe was prone to failure. Many homeowners reported leaks, burst pipes, and extensive water damage, leading to Dux Industries withdrawing the product from the market.

Why Does Dux Pipe Fail?

Over time, Dux Qest pipes have proven to be unreliable, with several major weaknesses:

Cracking & Splitting – The plastic material tends to split at the joints or along the length of the pipe, leading to sudden leaks.

UV Damage – Exposure to sunlight weakens Dux pipe, making it more likely to crack or burst. Even short-term exposure (such as sitting in a tradie’s van for a few weeks) increased its failure risk.

High Water Pressure Issues – Houses with high water pressure or those that have upgraded to a mains pressure hot water system are at an even greater risk. Increased water pressure can cause Dux pipes to rupture suddenly, leading to major flooding and damage.

Insurance Issues – Many New Zealand insurance companies refuse to cover damage caused by Dux pipe leaks due to its high failure rate. This leaves homeowners to pay out of pocket for repairs.

How to Identify Dux Pipe in Your Home

Dux Qest pipes can be difficult to identify, as they look similar to other polybutylene (PB) piping. However, there are a few key signs:

Colour & Markings – Dux pipes are typically black and may have “Dux Qest” or “Quest” printed in white lettering. However, these markings often fade or rub off over time.

Pipe Location – Dux pipes were commonly used for hot and cold water plumbing inside homes built between 1970–1989.

Frequent Leaks – If you’ve experienced recurring plumbing leaks, especially in an older home, it’s worth getting your pipes inspected.

If you're unsure, the best way to confirm whether your home has Dux pipe is to contact a professional plumber for an inspection.

Why You Should Replace Dux Pipe Now

If your home still has Dux Qest piping, replacing it before a major failure can save you from expensive water damage and insurance headaches.

Avoid Costly Water Damage – Burst Dux pipes can cause extensive damage to walls, flooring, and electrical systems.

Prevent Future Leaks – Even if only part of your plumbing system fails now, the rest of the pipes will likely fail soon. A full replacement prevents ongoing problems.

Increase Home Value – Many buyers avoid homes with old Dux piping. Replacing your pipes boosts your property’s value and makes it more attractive to potential buyers.

Ensure Insurance Coverage – Many insurance companies won’t cover damage from Dux pipe leaks. Replacing it ensures your home remains insured.

Need to Replace Dux Pipe? Contact Laser Plumbing Wellington East!

At Laser Plumbing Wellington East, we specialise in Dux pipe replacements for homes across Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Kapiti Coast. Our team can inspect your plumbing, identify Dux piping, and provide a full replacement to prevent leaks and water damage.

Laser Plumbing Wellington East

4A Wakefield Street

Alicetown Wellington 5010

New Zealand

(04) 569 2396

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