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- Guaranteed 100% Pipe Removal in 48 Hours.
- 25 Year Warranty on Piping.
- Home Fully Protected During Service.
- Only Class A Grade 1 PEX Piping on all Replacements.
- Poly B™ Replacement Certificates Issued.
- All Work Done in House (No Sub-Contractors).
Canadian Leader in Poly B™ Replacement Calgary.
Urban Piping Ltd. stands as the leading authority in Poly B™ replacement Calgary AB, offering comprehensive Poly B™ replacement services to Calgary homeowners. Our expertise extends to all aspects of the process, from pipe replacements to drywall repair and paintwork. We replace Poly B™ in both commercial and residential buildings, making us a trusted name in pipe replacement services.
Trust the Company who Pioneered The Complete Poly B™ Replacement Process.
Ask About Our 48 Hour Poly B™ Replacement Service. (403) 988-3801
The Only Poly B™ Replacement Company with an in-house Drywall Department.
Calgary's Only Dedicated Poly B™ Replacement Company.
As lifelong plumbers in Calgary, we set ourselves apart from the competition by removing our focus on general plumbing services and creating a dedicated team of Poly B™ plumbing replacement specialists. Unlike other companies, we don’t outsource our work when plumbing Poly B™. Our team, with their combined decades of experience in Poly B™ piping replacement, have made us the most experienced plumbers in the country when it comes to polybutylene pipe replacement. Our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and the multitude of 5-star reviews for our Poly B™ replacement service is a testament to our excellent customer service and superior workmanship.
Contact us today for an over-the-phone estimate in minutes.
We will pull the blueprints of your home remotely using our software and provide an accurate price estimate over the phone.
What is Poly B™ piping?
Poly B™ piping, or polybutylene pipes, is a type of light grey colour plastic plumbing pipe that was widely used as a cheaper alternative to copper piping and copper plumbing in residential plumbing systems between 1985 and 1997. Poly B™ was a popular choice in North America, with almost all new builds and renovations during this period utilizing this type of pipe. However, due to its high failure rates causing plumbing issues including extensive water and property damage, the polybutylene pipe b has been banned.
What does Poly B™ Piping look like?
If your home was built or renovated between 1985 and 1997, it’s crucial to inspect or identify poly b piping throughout a home’s heating system. Poly B™ piping or polybutylene plumbing can be identified by its distinct colors. To identify poly b pipes, check the utility room, water meter, water heaters, and hot water tank and look for blue piping which was primarily used for cold water, while black and silvery gray piping were used interchangeably for indoor and outdoor purposes.
Why does Poly B™ Piping fail in Calgary?
Poly B™ was initially praised in the plumbing industry for its cost-effectiveness and malleability. However, it wasn’t long before the molecular imperfections of poly b piping systems were exposed, leading to faulty and burst pipes. This resulted in significant water leaks and property damage. The molecular links within poly b piping are fragile, making the pipe prone to cracking under certain environmental pressures. Furthermore, conditions such as high chlorine content in the municipal water supply, prolonged exposure to UV light, and exposure to high heat areas or high temperatures can accelerate the deterioration of the poly b piping itself.
- A high amount of chlorine exist in the municipal water supply.
- Prolonged exposure to UV light before or after installation.
- Improper installation of the piping system including bent piping.
- Exposure to high heat areas or high temperatures.
Any or all of these issues can cause piping failure as water pressure increases regardless of copper fittings, copper connections, brass fittings, acetal fittings, or plastic fittings used in the piping system.
What is the Failure Rate of Poly B™ Piping?
There is no doubt that Poly B™ piping will eventually fail; the only unknown is when it will happen. As there are a variety of factors that contribute to the degradation of the poly b pipes, it is not possible to accurately predict the timeframe. Some elements that play a role in the likelihood of failure include:
Where was the poly b pipe manufactured?
If the poly b pipes were manufactured in a warm environment, the probability of breakdown would be higher instead of a colder one. It is well established that extreme temperatures are a big factor in the deterioration of these pipes. In Calgary the temperature takes drastic changes throughout the year contributing to a faster deterioration of the piping.
How was the poly b piping transported?
Was the piping moved in a sealed semi-trailer or an uncovered flatbed? Exposure to UV light during the transfer boosts the likelihood of the poly b piping failing.
How was the poly b piping stored?
It was common for the plumbers to keep the piping outdoors, exposed to the sun, until they had to fit it into a house. This could make the piping susceptible to environmental elements and the ultraviolet rays of the sun, leading to rapid deterioration.
What was the original pipe installation process?
Homebuilding firms in Calgary that partner up with bigger contractors usually deliver all the materials for a whole group of houses simultaneously. These components are usually stored on the driveway or within the garage while they go through each house one by one. The Poly B™ Piping might have been exposed to UV radiation and variations in temperature for a long time before they're eventually installed in the home, resulting in a higher rate of failure.
Was the poly b piping used in a well water supply system or a high chlorine municipal setting?
The higher the potency of chlorine in a water system, the faster the pipe will deteriorate.
Taking all of these components into account, it is not possible to precisely estimate when a polybutylene piping system might break down. We are aware that the very first leak is a warning that the entire house’s piping system is about to give way. The longest we have seen it last is 34 years, and the shortest amount of time we have seen it fail is within the first 12 months. This is the situation we are facing when it comes to Poly B™ piping.
Contact us today for an over-the-phone estimate in minutes.
We will pull the blueprints of your home remotely using our software and provide an accurate price estimate over the phone.
Poly B™ Replacement Process for Calgary Home Owners
Are you a Calgary homeowner dealing with Poly B™ pipe issues? Look no further, as we offer a comprehensive Poly B™ Replacement Process that prioritizes protecting your home, replacing the problematic pipes, restoring the aesthetics, and ensuring a thorough cleanup. Let us guide you through the four key steps involved in our process:
Protect Your Home: First, we plastic wrap and cover your home where work will take place. This includes covering all flooring and furniture so your home and belongings are completely protected during the Poly B™ remediation process.
Begin Poly B™ Replacement: Then we begin the remediation process by accessing pipes through the drywall. Old Poly B™ lines are pulled out of the walls and ceiling where necessary and replaced with new Class A PEX pipes (cross-linked polyethylene). We then connect pipes and ensure the system is free from leaks.
Restore Your Home: After the remediation of the Poly B™ pipes is complete we then fix all holes in the drywall and ceiling where necessary as well as paint match your home’s paint to its original colours.
Clean Your Home: Then we clean the house and ensure that it is in the same condition that is was upon our arrival. After a walk-through with yourself checking over our work we then settle up with you and your Poly B™ issues are no more.
The Poly B™ Replacement Options for Calgary Homes
Installing a new plumbing system into a building requires adequate knowledge about the right material for performance, efficiency, safety, and durability. Different types of pipes are available for all piping replacement purposes, and they each come with a different estimated life expectancy. Here is a list of available home piping options. Urban Piping only offers the highest quality Class A PEX Piping in All Pipe Replacements.
Class A PEX Piping (High-Grade)
- Class A PEX is the highest-rated PEX piping available on the market.
- In its most advanced grade, this pipe can handle up to 497 psi.
- Top manufacturers warranty piping for up to 25 years.
- With a cross-linked development process, this PEX piping can withstand multiple occasions of freezing and extreme heat applications.
- Class A PEX can be ordered in O2 (oxygen barrier), making it the perfect PEX for in-floor heating applications and domestic water lines.
- Estimated life expectancy is 100+ years
Class B PEX Piping (Mid-Grade)
- Class B PEX is the pipe most plumbers refer to as “ PEX“ likely because of lack of training and because it is regularly accessible through typical plumbing suppliers.
- Ratings for Class B PEX range from 100 – 110 psi.
- The pipe is cross-linked and has adequate freezing and heat-resistant prevention qualities.
- Class B PEX can be ordered in an O2 Barrier tubing for in-floor heat applications.
- Estimated life expectancy is 50 years
Class C PEX Piping (Low-Grade)
- This type of pipe is commonly found in big box home improvement stores and was the first type of PEX piping released on the market.
- This PEX is only rated for 80-100psi.
- Can come color-coded
- Class C PEX has low resistance to high heat and will commonly burst if frozen.
- Estimated life expectancy is 50 years.
Contact us today for an over-the-phone estimate in minutes.
We will pull the blueprints of your home remotely using our software and provide an accurate price estimate over the phone.
Lawsuits, Litigation, and Insurance
When was Poly B™ Banned?
There are 2 different dates on which polybutylene piping was banned.
In 1997, the National Plumbing Code, which has jurisdiction over all plumbers in Canada, declared Poly B™ to be off-limits. It was not permitted to be employed in any building that needed a piping system.
In 2005, the Canadian government officially prohibited the use of Poly B™. It was due to a high number of cases that were taken to court against Shell and Dupont for destruction of property and structure caused by broken Poly B™ piping in many dwellings. It was reported that the pipes were not functioning correctly after a short period of installation, causing damage to walls, water damage, and expensive repairs. Ultimately, Shell and Dupont lost the lawsuit.
Poly B™ Lawsuits and Litigation History
A series of class-action proceedings resulted in Poly B™ becoming one of the most expensive pre-settlement legal battles on record in North America. The combined claims added up to billions of dollars.
Poly B™ Insurance Coverage for Calgarians
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 2005 that Poly B™ piping was not something that insurance companies had to insure. So, even though many companies previously offered leniency to current customers and new clients, they have begun to retreat from that policy due to the financial losses they have incurred. Now, if an insurance company does offer to cover a home with Poly B™ piping, it is usually with a high premium and high deductible for the first leak. Therefore, customers should be cautious.
Calgary Real Estate and Poly B™ Piping
The real estate industry in Alberta is thriving due to cost-effective housing prices and record-low interest rates. Despite this, homes are being sold regardless of their Poly B™ piping, which could lead to surprises for buyers and sellers who are not aware of the potential risks associated with this type of piping.
Buying a Home with Poly B™ in Calgary
If you are looking to purchase a house and you find one with Polybutylene installed, it can be disheartening. Generally speaking, houses from the 80s and 90s are in good condition and located in desirable areas with great features. A quick repair should make sure that the home’s plumbing system is up-to-date and the plumbing systems functioning properly.
It needs to be noted that sellers do not usually replace the piping and plumbing before they put their property up for sale. Some may replace the hot water heater system or hot water tanks but only in extremely rare cases is the plumbing system even thought about. Prior to signing the contract with the seller, ask your real estate agent to tell them to either:
Selling a Home with Poly B™ in Calgary
If you are trying to offload a residence with Poly B™ piping, you could encounter a knowledgeable buyer who is cognizant of all the Poly B™’™ problems, and this individual could be unable to procure house insurance when they purchase the home.
There are typically three options
- Replace the Poly B™ piping before selling the home.
- Face a buyer asking for unrealistic discounts to cover the remediation costs.
- Address the possibility of buyers backing out of a house purchase due to unwillingness to tackle the job of changing the pipes or be unable to cover the costs of the repair job.
Poly B™ and Home inspectors in Calgary
A home inspector with the proper credentials should be aware of the potential risks associated with Poly B™ piping and should not use fear-mongering tactics, but rather inform the homeowner of the risks and provide advice on the available options for managing them.
Poly B™ Contractors in Calgary
Poly B™ remediation or a replacement service requires the services of expert craftsman in four professional trades:
- Plumbers
- Tapers
- Painters
- Texturers
Responsibilities of Poly B™ Contractors
- Plumber – removes and installs new water lines during the Poly B™™ replacement process.
- Taper – seals joints between wallboard and plasterboard and repairs holes cut in drywall and ceiling to prepare the wall surface for painting
- Painter – paints the work area to become similar to the other parts of the house
- Texturer – textures the ceilings to match the home.
With all the different tradespeople connected to a project, there is a potential for a variety of troubles, including: a lack of communication, tardiness, incorrect estimates, incomplete jobs, missed timeframes, subpar quality, and insurance issues.
Why is the Experience so Important?
When replacing Poly B™ piping, it is highly beneficial to hire a contractor with experience as they will be able to provide invaluable insight and complete the job correctly.
- A reliable contractor should be familiar with your residence without needing to be physically present. The contractor should possess the blueprints of your property, and be capable of providing you with an estimate over the phone in a short amount of time, usually within 5 minutes.
- The contractor is responsible for finishing the Poly B™ remediation project in accordance with the predetermined deadlines.
- You can be assured that if any Poly B™ in your home needs to be replaced, it will be done with the finest quality materials.
- Proper team qualifications, critical thinking, and communication.
Insurance and Poly B™ Contractors
It is of great importance to employ a legitimate and insured Poly B™ replacement specialist to remediate the Poly B™ piping in your residence. When recruiting a poly b replacement contractor, make sure that the following requirements are fulfilled:
- Contractors should have a minimum of 5 million dollars of insurance per home they are working on.
- In the event of a problem, it is critical to identify who is in charge of providing insurance when working with a business that subcontracts. Negotiations of this kind could result in lengthy legal battles, which can be immensely stressful for a homeowner.
Warranty and Poly B™ Contractors
When employing a Poly B™ contractor, request a warranty, a guarantee that the job will be completed satisfactorily. All piping should be exchanged with the least possible Class A PEX piping, which comes with a 25-year warranty from the maker.
Contractors should have a two-year minimum warranty on all other materials and labour. Ask yourself: “Is the contractor in a position to take care of the warranty job?” Smaller companies are not usually in a position to pay for these issues, leading to huge problems for the homeowner. Insurance companies usually do not cover warranty work, and contractors must be financially sound enough to bear the costs.
Referrals and Reviews with Poly B™ Contractors
When employing a Poly B™ contractor, request referrals and examine former customers’ appraisals. Do your research to ensure that you are content with the referrals given to you as numerous companies nowadays set up faux reviews and phone references.
Workers should have photographic proof of the projects they have completed beforehand, case studies on their website, and Poly B™ substitution reviews online. It has been noticed that a lot of phone call referrals are staged in the industry.
Do not solely depend on phone call referrals. Put your trust in HomeStars, Google, and the BBB for certified reviews by verified consumers discussing Poly B™ replacement.
Poly B™ Pipe Replacement Guarantees
The contractor must ensure they guarantee the elimination of all the Poly B™ pipes from the house. It has been reported that some contractors have left pieces of the poly b pipe behind in hard-to-access spots.
Poly B™ Pipe Replacement Time Frames
The replacement of the piping in regular residences can be finished within three days. For a full Poly B™ renovation piping job in the usual homes, it will take a team of experienced technicians ten days to complete it.
Prepping a Home for Poly B™ Replacement
The home should be properly prepped, following the steps below:
a. All flooring of the home should be covered. Dent proof ram boards should be used to cover any hardwood flooring.
b. All furniture should be removed or covered with plastic.
c. Rooms that do not require work in a home should be taped off to prevent dust from entering.
d. A 4 stage hepa filter should always be set up and used to mitigate drywall dust throughout the remediation process.
Cleaning a Home After a Poly B™ Replacement
It is the responsibility of the contractor to return the home to its original condition before commencing the remediation project. Replacing a home’s piping and plumbing system can cause a great deal of dust and particles, leading to a chaotic environment. Contractors should make use of at least 4-stage HEPA filter systems to reduce the amount of dust. After completion of the work, additional cleaning may be necessary as dust can settle over time. Making the correct preparations beforehand can help lessen the amount of additional cleaning required.
Project Management Software & Documented Process
The contractor must utilize project management software to keep track of the remediation process, including pictures of the work that is being done.
Contact us today for an over-the-phone estimate in minutes.
We will pull the blueprints of your home remotely using our software and provide an accurate price estimate over the phone.
Get A Free Copy Of Our E-book
The Complete Guide to Poly B™ Piping And how to Hire a Qualified Contractor
For a limited time, we’ll send you a FREE copy of our comprehensive guide to Poly B™ Piping. This exclusive guide contains vital information that will help you better understand Poly B™ piping and show you exactly what to look for when hiring a Poly B™ contractor.
This is a must-read for any homeowner, realtor, or home inspector that is currently dealing with Poly B™ piping. Get your free copy now. This is only available for a limited time.
Poly B™ FAQ Videos
Here is our Poly B™ Replacement Newscast as well 31 Poly B™ FAQ videos to help our customers with all of the commonly asked questions we typically get asked about Poly B™ Piping.
Poly B™ FAQ
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We Love Plumbing
At Urban Piping Ltd., we love what we do and it shows through our attitude and the service that we provide. We have been providing fair prices to Calgary, AB and the surrounding areas since 2008.
100% Committed To You
Our friendly plumbers always treat your home as if it were their own and we strongly believe in honest, up front, hassle free pricing. Our plumbers are punctual! We understand nobody wants to wait around all day.
Our People Count
Every journeyman plumber on staff at Urban Piping is licensed, background checked, insured, professional, and drug tested. We only employ the best and the brightest plumbers to ensure the highest quality service for our customers.
Poly B™ PDF Resources
A collection of downloadable and printable resources about Poly B™ Piping for our customers.
Consistent Quality Content by our Team of Trusted Local Plumbers
Recent Poly B™ Articles
Our Poly B™ Replacement Work
We are the only call that you need to make if Poly B™ Plumbing has been found in your home. Our team of Poly B™ plumbers have done more Poly B™ Replacement work that any other plumbing company and all work is done in house by Urban Piping without the use of subcontracting any services. We currently operate in Calgary, Edmonton, Burnaby, and all surrounding areas. If you have found Poly B™ Piping in your home please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Urban Piping Head Office – Friendly Plumbers in Calgary, AB
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