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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.
Google Rating
4.9
Based on 113 reviews
Urban Piping
4.9
Penny Watson
1693221004
Their expertise in Poly b pipe replacement in Calgary is commendable. They completed the task efficiently, replacing Polybutylene pipes and fittings with precision. I'm impressed with their skills and professionalism!!
Penny Watson
1693221004
Their expertise in Poly b pipe replacement in Calgary is commendable. They completed the task efficiently, replacing Polybutylene pipes and fittings with precision. I'm impressed with their skills and professionalism!!
Lorene Costea
1692714004
Quick response, efficient care in replacing entire piping in house. Knowledgable and straight to point on issues. Only problem was follow-up on some issues. Had a personal hand tool go missing after job was complete and was told it would be looked for in workers equipment. There was no follow up information provided and several attempts to inquire about retrieving it from whomever took it were not acknowledged or calls returned. Hand tool still missing.Update: Since review was posted, we did get the hand tool returned to us.I have recommended Urban Piping to several parties who have heard about our poly b removal experience, as the quality of replacement pipe, the efficiency and knowledge was high level.
Lorene Costea
1692714004
Quick response, efficient care in replacing entire piping in house. Knowledgable and straight to point on issues. Only problem was follow-up on some issues. Had a personal hand tool go missing after job was complete and was told it would be looked for in workers equipment. There was no follow up information provided and several attempts to inquire about retrieving it from whomever took it were not acknowledged or calls returned. Hand tool still missing.Update: Since review was posted, we did get the hand tool returned to us.I have recommended Urban Piping to several parties who have heard about our poly b removal experience, as the quality of replacement pipe, the efficiency and knowledge was high level.
Gladys Morris
1692678546
I want to express my gratitude for their exceptional service in replacing my polybutylene pipes. Their professional team in Calgary not only provided expert craftsmanship but also ensured I understood the cost and process of poly b replacement. With them, you can confidently bid farewell to polybutylene water pipes!
Gladys Morris
1692678546
I want to express my gratitude for their exceptional service in replacing my polybutylene pipes. Their professional team in Calgary not only provided expert craftsmanship but also ensured I understood the cost and process of poly b replacement. With them, you can confidently bid farewell to polybutylene water pipes!
Michaela Rebus
1692309313
We had Poly B™ piping removed from our house with this company in June 2022. We have mixed feelings about the experience.Positives: The work of removing the Poly B™ piping, replacing the piping, and drywalling the house was excellent. When we returned to the house after the work was complete we were overjoyed to see how well everything had been repaired, and all of the plumbing worked great. It was easy to have this work done and set up by Urban Piping, and the team was communicative about how and what would be done through the process.Negatives: A marble composite bathtub skirt/siding was broken into multiple pieces in the process of removing one of the pipes. During our walkthrough with Graham, he assured us that he would help connect us to someone who would repair the piece. He also implied the repair would be covered and initiated by them. We paid for the completed pipe work and awaited further instructions about the tub. A month went by without any contact and the damage remained, which made it unsafe to use due to the potential for splashing into the interior walls behind the bathtub. We attempted to contact Urban Piping, the admin desk, and Graham directly over the next 2 months. Calls were not returned and Graham left multiple texts on read, then responded by sending us contact information for the person he said could repair the damage and denied he would cover the damage that his team caused. 3 full months went by. We spoke to his contact. She as well as 5 other bathtub repair companies indicated the repair was too large and would need to be ordered new. After receiving quotes, we ordered a new piece ourselves. Graham never responded further to our communication about this, including an invoice for the cost of replacement. We paid $2000 to have the piece replaced and had to do several hours of searching to find out what was needed as there are limited sources of marble composite siding.We would recommend the pipe replacement work done by the company as it was was worth the price and excellent quality. However, the unresolved bathtub damage replacement really soured our experience and made us wary of Urban Piping's customer service and very disappointed in Graham's lack of integrity. If you use this service, we would suggest carefully inspecting for damage and not providing full payment until it is repaired at Urban Piping's cost and time instead of yours.
Michaela Rebus
1692309313
We had Poly B™ piping removed from our house with this company in June 2022. We have mixed feelings about the experience.Positives: The work of removing the Poly B™ piping, replacing the piping, and drywalling the house was excellent. When we returned to the house after the work was complete we were overjoyed to see how well everything had been repaired, and all of the plumbing worked great. It was easy to have this work done and set up by Urban Piping, and the team was communicative about how and what would be done through the process.Negatives: A marble composite bathtub skirt/siding was broken into multiple pieces in the process of removing one of the pipes. During our walkthrough with Graham, he assured us that he would help connect us to someone who would repair the piece. He also implied the repair would be covered and initiated by them. We paid for the completed pipe work and awaited further instructions about the tub. A month went by without any contact and the damage remained, which made it unsafe to use due to the potential for splashing into the interior walls behind the bathtub. We attempted to contact Urban Piping, the admin desk, and Graham directly over the next 2 months. Calls were not returned and Graham left multiple texts on read, then responded by sending us contact information for the person he said could repair the damage and denied he would cover the damage that his team caused. 3 full months went by. We spoke to his contact. She as well as 5 other bathtub repair companies indicated the repair was too large and would need to be ordered new. After receiving quotes, we ordered a new piece ourselves. Graham never responded further to our communication about this, including an invoice for the cost of replacement. We paid $2000 to have the piece replaced and had to do several hours of searching to find out what was needed as there are limited sources of marble composite siding.We would recommend the pipe replacement work done by the company as it was was worth the price and excellent quality. However, the unresolved bathtub damage replacement really soured our experience and made us wary of Urban Piping's customer service and very disappointed in Graham's lack of integrity. If you use this service, we would suggest carefully inspecting for damage and not providing full payment until it is repaired at Urban Piping's cost and time instead of yours.
Claire Hill
1691401345
Urban Piping in Calgary excels at Poly b pipe replacement. Skilled and efficient team!
Claire Hill
1691401345
Urban Piping in Calgary excels at Poly b pipe replacement. Skilled and efficient team!
John Angel
1690955973
Their crew are experts for polybutylene pipe replacement. Their knowledge of poly b plumbing and poly replacement is unmatched!!
John Angel
1690955973
Their crew are experts for polybutylene pipe replacement. Their knowledge of poly b plumbing and poly replacement is unmatched!!
Jeanne Chambers
1690525386
Swift and skillful! This plumber professionally replaced my deteriorating Polybutylene Water Pipes, ensuring proper functionality. Their efficient approach and attention to detail were commendable.
Jeanne Chambers
1690525386
Swift and skillful! This plumber professionally replaced my deteriorating Polybutylene Water Pipes, ensuring proper functionality. Their efficient approach and attention to detail were commendable.
Laura Gordon
1690366456
A seamless experience with this company in Calgary when replacing my Poly B™ piping. Their team's attention to detail and knowledge of Poly b plumbing was evident throughout the process. The air scrubbers they used kept the amount of dust in our home to a minimum. It was really nice to work with someone that you can tell cares about their customers' homes.
Laura Gordon
1690366456
A seamless experience with this company in Calgary when replacing my Poly B™ piping. Their team's attention to detail and knowledge of Poly b plumbing was evident throughout the process. The air scrubbers they used kept the amount of dust in our home to a minimum. It was really nice to work with someone that you can tell cares about their customers' homes.
Christopher Lopez
1689931753
Trust Urban Piping for efficient Poly B™ replacement in Calgary. They're the best!
Christopher Lopez
1689931753
Trust Urban Piping for efficient Poly B™ replacement in Calgary. They're the best!
Bruce Duncan
1681114795
Urban Piping provided exceptional service for my Poly B™ pipe replacement. Their expertise in handling polybutylene pipe and Poly b plumbing ensured a hassle-free experience. Good work team!
Annabelle Harrison
1676575986
Awesome company!! I highly recommend them as they're on top of their game! 5 stars all the way! Thank you guys for leaking pipe repair.
Annabelle Harrison
1676575986
Awesome company!! I highly recommend them as they're on top of their game! 5 stars all the way! Thank you guys for leaking pipe repair.
Geordan Labrosse
1669939021
Had Graham and two of his crew completely replace all poly b piping in my house and brought to code with pex piping. They had completed my entire house in one full day. Also addressed other issues and actually repaired them and kept the price within our contract. They were very friendly, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond. Me my wife and our newest little addition, are very thankful. The drywall and painting afterwards within the same company, was top notch. They even mudded my main wall and painted to match their repairs. That wasn’t included in the price but they did it anyways. I cannot express how thankful we are. The company should have 5 star rating. I highly recommend them for any plumbing or poly b needs. Even drywalling. They will definitely be hired for any services going forward and all my family and friends will use nobody else. Thanks Urban Piping 🙏🏻
Geordan Labrosse
1669939021
Had Graham and two of his crew completely replace all poly b piping in my house and brought to code with pex piping. They had completed my entire house in one full day. Also addressed other issues and actually repaired them and kept the price within our contract. They were very friendly, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond. Me my wife and our newest little addition, are very thankful. The drywall and painting afterwards within the same company, was top notch. They even mudded my main wall and painted to match their repairs. That wasn’t included in the price but they did it anyways. I cannot express how thankful we are. The company should have 5 star rating. I highly recommend them for any plumbing or poly b needs. Even drywalling. They will definitely be hired for any services going forward and all my family and friends will use nobody else. Thanks Urban Piping 🙏🏻
Carmen Lydell
1666237167
Fully replaced poly-b in our home. From re-piping, to drywall, ceiling finishing, and painting, the team completed the work extremely efficiently. The house looks great and all is working well. It’s true that you wouldn’t even know they were there when they finished. Thanks for the great work!
Carmen Lydell
1666237167
Fully replaced poly-b in our home. From re-piping, to drywall, ceiling finishing, and painting, the team completed the work extremely efficiently. The house looks great and all is working well. It’s true that you wouldn’t even know they were there when they finished. Thanks for the great work!
Susan Steele
1655565918
Recent supply chain deficiencies meant that a critical replacement part was not available for an important mechanical repair at our large condominium. Thank you, Urban Piping, for fashioning a custom pipe so that hot water was quickly restored to the boiler in our building. You are ROCK STARS!
Susan Steele
1655565918
Recent supply chain deficiencies meant that a critical replacement part was not available for an important mechanical repair at our large condominium. Thank you, Urban Piping, for fashioning a custom pipe so that hot water was quickly restored to the boiler in our building. You are ROCK STARS!
Glenn Gibb
1621541104
After discussing with Graham it was apparent there was some misunderstanding on the estimate.
Glenn Gibb
1621541104
After discussing with Graham it was apparent there was some misunderstanding on the estimate.
Erica Conyers
1620822642
A pipe burst in the middle of the night and we were freaking out, didn't know who to call and what to do. We got a hold of Graham from Urban Piping, and he was there very quickly. The fast call back time was what sold us, as well as his knowledgeable conversation. The job was done quickly, its like they were never here. Very impressed with the work from Urban Piping.
Erica Conyers
1620822642
A pipe burst in the middle of the night and we were freaking out, didn't know who to call and what to do. We got a hold of Graham from Urban Piping, and he was there very quickly. The fast call back time was what sold us, as well as his knowledgeable conversation. The job was done quickly, its like they were never here. Very impressed with the work from Urban Piping.
Clem
1619497997
Urban piping installed a new hot water heater in my house. Gary and Dennis were efficient and polite. They took care not to damage my floors while removing the old water heater and bringing in the new water heater. They installed a good quality quarter turn ball valve and used braided hoses, ensuring an easy install years down the road. The hot water tank itself was a high spec model and was installed at a reasonable price.
Clem
1619497997
Urban piping installed a new hot water heater in my house. Gary and Dennis were efficient and polite. They took care not to damage my floors while removing the old water heater and bringing in the new water heater. They installed a good quality quarter turn ball valve and used braided hoses, ensuring an easy install years down the road. The hot water tank itself was a high spec model and was installed at a reasonable price.
Claire Wilkins
1619212404
My dad had to have all of his piping replaced before listing his house. We thought it was going to cost an arm and a leg but we found Urban Piping and were very happy with the estimate. He did not over charge anything, no hidden fees, and the quality of work and time put in is well worth it. I am happy that we decided to use Graham and his team because they are hard working individuals who get the job done.
Claire Wilkins
1619212404
My dad had to have all of his piping replaced before listing his house. We thought it was going to cost an arm and a leg but we found Urban Piping and were very happy with the estimate. He did not over charge anything, no hidden fees, and the quality of work and time put in is well worth it. I am happy that we decided to use Graham and his team because they are hard working individuals who get the job done.
Katie Beaudry
1619193103
While renovating our kitchen we had to get call a plumber in because of a small leak. When Graham was there he was fixing the repair and had informed us that the piping in our home was out of date and banned. We ended up going with Urban Piping for an entire plumbing pipe replacement. 10/10 would recommend them.
Katie Beaudry
1619193103
While renovating our kitchen we had to get call a plumber in because of a small leak. When Graham was there he was fixing the repair and had informed us that the piping in our home was out of date and banned. We ended up going with Urban Piping for an entire plumbing pipe replacement. 10/10 would recommend them.
Emma Williamson
1619130974
We were in the midst of selling our home and were told that we would have to replace some of our piping. I had no idea what polybutylene was but found out from our home inspector it is not good. We were referred to Urban Piping to replace these pipes. Graham and his team came in, left our home in the exact same condition (maybe even cleaner). I was blown away with the professionalism and high quality of work form Urban Piping
Emma Williamson
1619130974
We were in the midst of selling our home and were told that we would have to replace some of our piping. I had no idea what polybutylene was but found out from our home inspector it is not good. We were referred to Urban Piping to replace these pipes. Graham and his team came in, left our home in the exact same condition (maybe even cleaner). I was blown away with the professionalism and high quality of work form Urban Piping
Sarah Larson
1617919946
these people were so amazing to deal with and were very attentative right from the hop. poly b can be scary, but when a professional like graham walks you through it, you can confidently trust them to take over. thanks again!
Julie Reggie
1617919841
Great service for my emergency plumbing needs when nobody else could come the same day! Thank u to Graham and associates
Shey Nouri
1617919735
Thank you guys for making my poly b replacement so efficient and easy! I was so worried but graham calmed my nerves and was super patient.
Iain Gidley
1615386194
We had our poly-b pipes pre-emptively replaced and when they were describing the process of how they were going to remove the pipes, you can't help but feel worried about what your house would look like after, but if I hadn't of dropped in part way through I never would have known they were there. The house looked the same as it did when we left, the team really cared about doing the job properly and getting all the details right. It's how business should be run, on time, on budget, doing what they say they are going to do (and even going the extra mile when they didn't have to).
Iain Gidley
1615386194
We had our poly-b pipes pre-emptively replaced and when they were describing the process of how they were going to remove the pipes, you can't help but feel worried about what your house would look like after, but if I hadn't of dropped in part way through I never would have known they were there. The house looked the same as it did when we left, the team really cared about doing the job properly and getting all the details right. It's how business should be run, on time, on budget, doing what they say they are going to do (and even going the extra mile when they didn't have to).
Moe Akl
1577239601
Great work by these guys I was very impressed with the amount of experience and knowledge they have.
Stella rheymir
1576867706
Such great people to deal with they were very prompt. I especially loved the sense of humour of graham during a stressful time. Thank you!
Levi Switzer
1576780667
We were happy with the prompt response time and professionalism. Thank u guys for easing our worries! Our poly b was a nightmare
Cory Smith
1574832483
Replaced our poly b that was a pain in our rear for such a long time. Our only regret is not calling sooner
Julie Reggie
1574372836
Replaced all our poly b in a matter of days and came in a lot more reasonable with their quotes. Graham was great as well. Always checking in and sending us updates!
Shey Nouri
1574372475
It’s been a pleasure! Me and my husband are so happy with the work and will recommend urban piping to anybody that asks!
Megan Spisak
1574301777
These guys were great, we had them replace all the poly b piping in our house in Sherwood park last week and they finished the whole project in only 7 days.
Dennis Hill
1574298615
Amazing service thank you graham i will never forget the little things you did for me that nobody else previous did for me.
Kameron S
1574192737
They made an anxiety filled poly b replacement experience the smoothest and best experience possible. Great value, great people. It’s rare you find companies that truly care these days.Thanks again!
Yasy V
1574192593
Great people who actually treat you like a human and care about customer service! Was able to be in contact with them throughout the whole process. Amazing. And cleanest work I have ever seen
Ryan Durbano
1574192423
Before calling these guys I knew nothing about what was causing so many plumbing issues in my home. They were very knowledgeable and patient about explaining how my home had been built with outdated and faulty pipes. We agreed on getting them all changed out. They were in and out in a few days with such a good job of cleaning you really couldn’t tell they were in there. Couldn’t be happier and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend graham and his team.
Simon Petouris
1574041323
My partner and I experienced a poly b leak a couple days ago. We called out this outfit, instead of just fixing the leak we decided to just change the entire piping system.The ended up fixing the leak for free when we signed up for the replacement.Couldn’t be happier with their customer service.
PhoForDinner 1
1574036100
Had Urban Piping to replace our poly b piping, they were very quick and changed all the pipes in just a couple days. super speedy and friendly!
Abe Akl
1574025953
After doing research on a new house I wanted to purchase, I found out that it contained polybutylene or poly b piping.I started investigating companies that replaced the piping, and found Urban Piping specializes in this type of work.We called them out for a consultation, and they were able to provide us with an exact price upon seeing the job.We went with them, and they did such a great job, we can’t even see where the holes in the drywall were cut. If it wasn’t for pictures of the work we wouldn’t believe they were here. I loved that they kept us updated and sent us lots of puctures. Graham was such a pleasure to deal with. cant say enough good things. they made such a terrifying experience so hassle free .thanks guys!
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.
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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.
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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.
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