Crossfield Poly B Replacement | Calgary Case Study

Whole-Home Repiping in Crossfield

Nicole had been aware of the Poly B plumbing in her Crossfield home for some time. Like many homeowners in small-town Alberta, she understood the risks associated with aging polybutylene piping and decided to take action before a leak or insurance issue forced her hand. She contacted Urban Piping’s Poly B Replacement Calgary team to schedule a full PEX conversion.

Urban Piping’s crew arrived with all materials and equipment, including travel accommodations for the out-of-town project. Site preparation began with Ram Board protecting tile and hardwood surfaces, carpet liner in high-traffic areas, and plastic sheeting over furniture in work zones. The team carefully cut and saved drywall pieces for reinstallation by others.

The plumbing scope involved complete removal of all Poly B plumbing throughout the home, replaced with Class A Rehau PEX featuring color-coded hot and cold lines with UV barrier protection. Every fixture received new connections using quality materials: Dahl and BMI shut-off valves for all hot and cold supply lines, braided distribution hoses for faucets and toilets, brass exterior garden faucets, and a city-compliant laundry box setup. Plastic PEX fittings from Bow or Ipex with copper crimp rings ensured secure, lasting connections.

Nicole also took the opportunity to complete additional plumbing upgrades while Urban Piping was on site. The team replaced her old water heater with a Rinnai tankless unit rated at 199,000 BTU, including gas line alterations and new venting with proper termination. A General Air 1042 whole-house humidifier was installed to improve indoor air quality during Alberta’s dry winters. The drains received hydrojetting service to restore them to like-new condition, and a customer-supplied shower valve was installed.

A professional-grade 4-stage HEPA air scrubber ran throughout the project to control dust and maintain air quality. The project concluded with removal of all prep materials and construction waste, plus a basic vacuum and wipe-down to restore the home to clean condition.

Crossfield Homes and Poly B Plumbing

Crossfield is a growing town in the Calgary Metropolitan Region, located approximately 43 kilometers north of Calgary along Highway 2A. Originally founded as a railway station in 1892 and incorporated as a village in 1907, Crossfield became a town in 1980 and has experienced steady growth as part of the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor.

The town’s housing stock reflects its development history. Approximately 40% of Crossfield homes were built after 2000, with the remainder dating primarily to the 1960s through 1980s. Homes constructed between 1985 and 1997 were built during the peak years of Poly B installation in Alberta, when polybutylene was the go-to material for residential plumbing across the province.

Crossfield homes are predominantly single-family detached houses, typically featuring three to four bedrooms with basements. Many properties in the established areas of town were plumbed with polybutylene during original construction, and as these homes approach 30 to 40 years of age, pipe replacement becomes essential for homeowners concerned about leaks, water damage, and maintaining insurance coverage.

Why Crossfield Homes Need Experienced Contractors

Homes in smaller communities like Crossfield present unique considerations for Poly B replacement projects. Many were built during a period when construction practices and materials varied more than in larger urban developments, meaning plumbers encounter different pipe routing and access challenges from house to house.

The climate in this region of Alberta also plays a role. Cold winters and dry indoor air put stress on aging plumbing systems, while the freeze-thaw cycle can accelerate deterioration in Poly B lines. Homeowners who bundle related upgrades—like Nicole’s tankless water heater and whole-house humidifier—benefit from addressing multiple systems during a single service visit rather than scheduling separate appointments.

Urban Piping serves communities throughout the Calgary region, including smaller towns like Crossfield where finding qualified Poly B specialists can be challenging. Our team travels with all necessary equipment and materials, ensuring homeowners outside the city receive the same professional service and quality workmanship as urban clients.