Complete Home Systems Upgrade in Riverbend SE
When Armiel contacted Urban Piping about the Poly B plumbing in his Riverbend home, the conversation quickly expanded beyond pipes. His 1980s-era home needed more than just a plumbing update—the furnace was aging, the air conditioning was struggling, and the water heater was nearing end of life. Rather than addressing each system separately with different contractors over several years, Armiel chose to tackle everything at once with a comprehensive whole-home mechanical systems upgrade.
The project scope was extensive. For plumbing, the team replaced all polybutylene lines with Rehau Class A PEX piping featuring UV barrier protection. Every fixture received new Dahl shut-off valves for both hot and cold supply lines, along with braided distribution hoses for faucets and toilets. A new Contrac toilet replaced the aging original in the basement bathroom, and a worn Moen shower cartridge was replaced to restore proper temperature control.
The HVAC upgrades included a new Ruud three-stage high-efficiency furnace paired with a 2-ton Ruud air conditioner. The plenum connecting the furnace to the ductwork was completely rebuilt to ensure proper airflow with the new equipment, and the existing humidifier was reinstalled and integrated with the new system. A new 50-gallon Rheem water heater replaced the aging original.
Perhaps most forward-thinking was the installation of a Flo by Moen smart water shutoff system. This device monitors water flow throughout the home and can automatically shut off water if it detects a leak—providing protection for all the new systems and peace of mind for the homeowner. The complete Poly B Replacement Calgary project transformed Armiel’s home from aging infrastructure to modern mechanical systems throughout.
About Riverbend Calgary SE
Riverbend is a mature residential community in southeast Calgary that takes its name from its location along a distinctive bend in the Bow River. Development began in 1980, with the first show homes opening in 1981, and the neighborhood was officially established in 1982. The majority of homes were built throughout the 1980s, placing Riverbend squarely within the polybutylene pipe installation era.
The community features three distinct landscapes that influence home construction and design. Properties on the upland plain offer traditional suburban lots with views toward the river valley and distant Rocky Mountains. Homes along the escarpment take advantage of the elevation change for walkout basements and dramatic sightlines. Properties on the floodplain closest to the river enjoy immediate access to pathways and green space, though they sit in lower-lying terrain.
Single-family detached homes dominate Riverbend’s housing stock, with a smaller number of townhouses and duplexes scattered throughout. Home sizes and floor plans vary considerably, reflecting the custom building preferences of the 1980s. Two-story designs are common, as are split-level and bungalow configurations that take advantage of the varied terrain.
Homes built during the 1980s represent the peak of polybutylene pipe installation in Canadian residential construction. Riverbend properties from this era commonly contain the gray or blue plastic pipes that were then marketed as the modern alternative to copper. Four decades later, many of these original plumbing systems are reaching the end of their reliable service life.
Why 1980s Riverbend Homes Often Need Complete Systems Updates
Riverbend homes built during the 1980s share a common timeline that affects multiple mechanical systems beyond just plumbing. Understanding this helps homeowners plan strategically rather than reacting to failures one at a time.
Polybutylene pipes installed in the early 1980s have now been in service for over forty years. The chlorine-related degradation that affects Poly B progresses over time, with micro-fractures expanding and connections that have held for years failing without warning. Proactive replacement eliminates this ongoing risk.
Furnaces and water heaters from original construction face similar age-related concerns. Equipment from the 1980s has often exceeded practical service life, and older units lack the efficiency features of modern equipment. A three-stage furnace like Armiel’s new Ruud unit modulates output to match heating demand, reducing energy consumption compared to older single-stage equipment. Water heaters typically last ten to fifteen years, meaning even second-generation units in these homes may now need replacement.
By addressing multiple systems in a coordinated project, homeowners avoid the disruption of repeated contractor visits over several years. They also gain the opportunity to integrate modern technology like smart water monitoring that protects all the new systems from water damage.
Smart Water Protection for Riverbend Properties
Armiel’s project included installation of a Flo by Moen smart water shutoff system—technology representing the evolution of home water management. This device monitors water flow continuously, learning normal usage patterns and detecting anomalies that might indicate leaks.
For a home with all-new plumbing, the smart shutoff provides ongoing protection. Small leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed trigger alerts to the homeowner’s phone. Major failures—a burst pipe, a failed appliance connection, or a running toilet—can trigger automatic shutoff to prevent extensive water damage.
The system proves particularly valuable for homeowners who travel frequently. Rather than worrying about what might happen while away, owners receive real-time monitoring and automatic protection. Insurance companies increasingly recognize this technology, with some offering premium discounts for homes with automatic shutoff systems.
For Riverbend homes undergoing Poly B replacement, adding smart water protection during the project makes practical sense. The plumbing system is already being modified, and the shutoff valve installs at the main water entry point where work is already occurring.
Riverbend SE Project Photos
Urban Piping documents the work completed on every job site. Below are the project photos from Armiel’s Riverbend whole-home mechanical systems upgrade.
