The Complete Guide to Poly B™ Plumbing And how to Hire a Qualified Contractor
Recognized as the leading authority on Poly B™ plumbing, Urban Piping has not only been the go-to informational resource but has also spearheaded more Poly B™ remediations than all other companies combined.
Urban Piping is offering a FREE copy of our in-depth guide on Poly B™ Piping. This exclusive guide is packed with crucial insights, helping you navigate the intricacies of Poly B™ piping and guiding you on what to prioritize when seeking a Poly B™ specialist.
Every homeowner, realtor, or home inspector grappling with Poly B™ piping challenges should consider this guide indispensable.
What is Poly B™ plumbing?
Poly B™, also known as polybutylene, served as a popular plumbing material for both residential and commercial structures from 1985 to 1997. This lightweight and cost-effective alternative to copper pipes was a go-to choice for many builders. Over the years, Poly B™ became a staple in numerous Canadian households, with over 700,000 homes benefiting from its use.
Poly B™ was common in North America, almost all new builds and renovations that took place during these years used this type of pipe. Poly B™ has been banned due to extensive water and property damage caused by it’s high failure rates.
Identifying Poly-B Plumbing in Your Home
Recognizing poly-b plumbing is straightforward. Typically, these are light grey plastic tubes complemented by copper joints and bends. To determine if your residence utilizes poly-b plumbing, inspect areas like your basement’s ceiling, especially around the utility section. If you spot grey tubes paired with copper connectors, it’s a clear indication of polybutylene plumbing. For a comprehensive assessment, consider reaching out to a certified home inspection body in your locality.
The Concern with Poly B Plumbing
Despite its initial popularity, poly-b plumbing systems faced discontinuation in favor of more contemporary solutions. The primary reason? Their vulnerability to damage over time. Many homeowners reported pipe bursts and leaks, leading to significant water damage. The aftermath of such incidents often involved lengthy insurance claims, some of which were not even covered due to the numerous class action lawsuits against poly-b plumbing. For homeowners, the presence of poly-b pipes signifies a looming risk of potential failure.
Addressing Poly-B plumbing in Your Home
Legal claims against poly-b plumbing manufacturers have long expired. The settlement from the class-action lawsuit against poly-b only covered a fraction of the replacement and damage costs, and that too for claims made by 2005 or within 15 years of installation. The most prudent approach for homeowners is to proactively opt for a complete home re-piping, ensuring they address the issue before any leaks occur. Merely patching up sections of the poly-b system is a temporary fix, as leaks tend to recur in multiple areas.
Estimating the Cost of Poly B Plumbing Replacement
The expense of transitioning from poly-b to a more reliable piping system, like pex piping, largely depends on your home’s dimensions. Urban Piping’s seasoned plumbing experts can assist in this transition, ensuring a seamless replacement process. While there’s an initial cost involved, it’s a worthwhile investment to prevent unforeseen water damage. For any queries related to poly-b plumbing in western Canada, Urban Piping stands ready to offer its expertise in whole-home re-piping.
What does Poly B™ Plumbing look like?
If your home was built or renovated between 1985 and 1997, it is crucial to have your home inspected for possible Poly B™ pipes. The first way to identify Poly B™ piping is by its colours. Polybutylene piping is made in blue, silvery gray, and black colours. Blue pipes were used mainly for cold water, while black and silvery gray were used interchangeably for indoor and outdoor purposes.
Why does Poly B™ Plumbing fail?
When it was first introduced to the plumbing industry, Poly B™ was widely accepted due to its affordability and flexibility. However, it was not long when its molecular flaws came to light and the pipe started to rupture and fail woefully. This caused water leakage and property damage worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The molecular bonds inside Poly B™ Piping are unstable causing the pipe to crack under certain environmental strains. The following scenarios speed up the deterioration process of the piping.
- High chlorine content in the municipal water supply.
- Prolonged exposure to UV light.
- Exposure to high heat areas or high temperatures.
What is the failure rate of Poly B Plumbing?
If you are looking for a short answer, it is 100%. It is not a question about if it will fail; but when it will fail. The different factors involved with the deterioration of the piping make the exact time frames impossible to determine. Here are some notable factors in determining the failure rate of Poly B™™ piping:
Where was the Poly B pipe manufactured?
If the piping was manufactured in a hotter climate, the rate of failure increases instead of a colder setting. We know that high heat is a critical factor in the deterioration of the piping.
How was the Poly B plumbing transported?
Was the piping transported in a closed semi-trailer or an open flatbed? UV light during the transportation increases the failure rate of the piping.
Where was the Poly B piping stored?
Often, the piping was stored outside in the sun until the tradesmen were ready to install it into a home. Exposure to weather elements and UV light would cause quick deterioration of the piping.
What was the Poly B plumbing installation process?
New home building companies working with large contractors typically deliver all of the materials for an entire block of houses at one time. These materials are placed either on the driveway or inside the garage while the teams work through home by home. Poly B™™ Piping may have been exposed to UV light and temperature changes for months before even being installed in the home, causing a higher failure rate.
What water system was used through the Poly B piping?
Is it used in a well water supply system or a high chlorine municipal setting? If the Poly B piping was used in a high chlorine setting the pipe would deteriorate quickly causing leaking pipes.
Lawsuits, Litigation, and Insurance
When was Poly B™ Plumbing Banned?
There are 2 different dates on which polybutylene piping was banned.
The use of Poly B™ was banned by the National Plumbing Code, which oversaw all plumbing trades in Canada and refused to recognize Poly B™ after 1997. The pipe was disallowed to be used to construct any building requiring piping systems.
The government of Canada officially banned Poly B™™ in 2005. The ban’s reasoning was that a substantial volume of lawsuits were filed against Shell and Dupont over structural damage and property damage caused by ruptured Poly B™ piping throughout hundreds of homes. Poly B™ was reported to be failing after a few years of installation.
This resulted in structural damage to drywalls, water damage, and costly restoration. Shell and Dupont lost the lawsuit.
Poly B™ Plumbing Lawsuits and Litigation History
Combined class-action lawsuits made Poly B™ one of the highest pre-settlement lawsuits in North American history. The total combined lawsuits amount to multiple billions of dollars.
Poly B™ Plumbing and Insurance Coverage
Poly B™ piping has proven to be a huge liability for both homeowners and insurance companies. In 2005, the Supreme Court of Canada deemed Poly B™ inadmissible to indemnity clauses. This means that no insurance company is required to ensure a home with Poly B™ piping under law.
Until recently, most insurance companies have offered grandfather clauses to current customers with Poly B™ piping and leniency to new clients. However, because of the losses incurred by insurance companies, most of them are no longer willing to renew policies or insure new clients that come to them with Poly B™ in the home. Legally, they do not have to because of the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2005.
Buyer beware, If an insurance company does offer to insure the home, there are typically massive premiums and costly deductibles following a first leak.
Real Estate and Poly B™ Plumbing
There is a boom in Alberta’s real estate market with decade-low housing prices and historically low-interest rates. This means that houses are moving regardless of Poly B™ piping, and many buyers and sellers may be caught off guard if they are unaware of the Poly B™ piping in the home and the risks involved.
Buying a Home with Poly B™ Plumbing
As a buyer, if you have found a home, but it has Polybutylene installed, you may feel discouraged about buying the house. Most houses built in the 80s and 90s are top-quality builds and are often located in highly desirable neighborhoods with great amenities. A quick remediation will have your new home in tip-top shape and give you peace of mind that your domestic water plumbing system is worry-free for years to come.
However, it is important to mention that sellers do not repipe homes before putting up their properties for sale. Before you complete the purchasing contract with the seller of the home with Polybutylene piping, inform your real estate agent to tell the seller to either:
- Replace the Poly B™ piping in the home OR
- Reduce the selling price of the home to allow you to replace the Poly B™ pipes before you move in.
- Oftentimes, a seller will meet you halfway on the remediation of Poly B™ piping.
Selling a Home with Poly B™ Plumbing
If you are selling a home with Poly B™ piping, you may be faced with an educated buyer who is aware of these Poly B™ issues, and this person may be unable to get home insurance upon purchasing 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
- Deal with potential buyers walking away from a home because they simply do not want to deal with the hassle of replacing the piping in the home upon purchasing or be unable to accommodate the remediation itself.
Poly B™ and Home inspectors
A qualified home inspector should be familiar with Poly B™™ and the piping risks in a home. They should not implement scare tactics but educate the homeowner on the risks and educate them on their options in dealing with it.
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™ Video Series
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Poly B™ Pipe Replacement
The Poly B™ Plumbing Replacement Options
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 piping 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
Sub-Standard
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
Sub-Standard
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.
Understand the Risks and Realities of Poly B Plumbing
Once popular in North America, it poses significant risks to Canadian homeowners. Urban Piping Ltd., the leading authority in Canada for Poly B™ Replacement, offers expert solutions for both residential and commercial properties. With decades of experience and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, Urban Piping provides comprehensive repiping services, including drywall and paint repair, across western Canada. Their fixed pricing model, home protection measures, and 25-year warranty demonstrate their commitment to excellence in Poly B™ remediation.
What Is Poly-B Plumbing and Why Is It Used in Homes
Urban Piping Ltd. offers expert Poly-B replacement to prevent water damage and floods. Contact them today for a free consultation and protect your home from potential plumbing disasters.
Identifying Poly-B Plumbing in Your Home
Homeowners can identify Poly-B pipes during renovations of single detached homes, condos, or townhomes by their distinctive grey color and 1/2-inch diameter. These polyethylene pipes, designed for high-pressure water and heating systems, may require poly b plumbing replacement to prevent potential issues. Contact Urban Piping Ltd. in Calgary or Kelowna to get a poly b replacement estimate today.
Key Risks Associated With Poly-B Plumbing Systems
Poly-B plumbing systems pose significant risks to western Canadian homes. Regular maintenance cannot prevent potential failures in this plastic piping:
- Increased likelihood of leaks and ruptures
- Susceptibility to chlorine degradation
- Potential for catastrophic water damage
- Decreased property value
Contact Urban Piping Ltd. for a free Poly-B assessment today.
Signs of Failure in Poly-B Pipes
Degraded Poly-B pipes can compromise indoor air quality and poly b plumbing infrastructure. Metal solder joints may fail, affecting heating systems and violating current plumbing codes. Contact Urban Piping Ltd. in Calgary or Vancouver for a free poly b assessment or to get a poly b replacement estimate to protect your home, whether you live in single detached homes, condos, or townhomes.
Solutions for Homes With Poly-B Plumbing
Urban Piping Ltd. offers comprehensive solutions for single detached homes, condos, and townhomes with poly b plumbing. Home inspectors in Coquitlam, Calgary, and Kelowna recommend replacement to reduce insurance deductibles. Marketing efforts highlight the benefits of proactive poly b replacement and improved heating systems. Contact us to get a poly b replacement estimate. Term:
- Increased property value
- Lower insurance premiums
- Peace of mind for homeowners
- Compliance with current plumbing codes
Contact Urban Piping Ltd. today for a free Poly-B assessment and protect your home.
Cost Implications of Replacing Poly-B Plumbing
Replacing poly b plumbing improves water treatment, heating systems, and protects floors from leaks in single detached homes, condos, and townhomes. Real estate value increases, while dust-free installation preserves home cleanliness. Contact Urban Piping Ltd. in Calgary and Kelowna for a free poly b replacement assessment today and get a poly b replacement estimate.
Comparing Different Piping Materials for Replacement
Urban Piping Ltd. offers PEX pipes for leak-free replacements. Heat pump-compatible materials ensure longevity, with inspectors confirming extended life expectancy:
Material | Leak Resistance | Life Expectancy |
|---|---|---|
Copper | High | 50+ years |
PEX | Very High | 40-50+ years |
Budgeting for a Poly-B Replacement Project
Urban Piping Ltd. provides accurate Poly-B replacement estimates for Ottawa homes. Their expert team ensures safe drinking water and prevents mold growth during construction:
- Comprehensive assessment of existing plumbing system
- Detailed cost breakdown for materials and labour
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Flexible payment options to suit homeowners’ budgets
Choosing the Right Contractor for Poly-B Removal
Urban Piping Ltd. specializes in comprehensive poly b removal, preventing drain and heating system failures in Calgary and western Canada. Their experienced team ensures proper drainage installation for single detached homes, condos, and townhomes, protecting homes from heat-related poly b plumbing issues. Customers can get a poly b replacement estimate to ensure their heating systems operate smoothly.
Service | Benefit |
|---|---|
Poly-B Removal | Prevents system failures |
Piping Installation | Protects from heat-related issues |
Understanding Insurance Implications With Poly-B Systems
Urban Piping Ltd. offers expert poly b replacement to prevent water damage and floods. Contact them today for a free consultation and protect your home from potential plumbing disasters. Homeowners in Calgary and Kelowna can identify Poly-B pipes during renovations for single detached homes, condos, and townhomes by their distinctive grey color and 1/2-inch diameter. These polyethylene pipes, designed for high-pressure water systems and heating systems, may require replacement to prevent potential issues. Contact Urban Piping Ltd. to get a poly b replacement estimate or for a free Poly-B assessment today. poly b plumbing systems pose significant risks to Vancouver homes. Regular maintenance cannot prevent potential failures in this plastic piping:
- Increased likelihood of leaks and ruptures
- Susceptibility to chlorine degradation
- Potential for catastrophic water damage
- Decreased property value
Contact Urban Piping Ltd. for a free poly b assessment today. Degraded Poly-B pipes can compromise indoor air quality and plumbing infrastructure. Metal solder joints may fail, violating current plumbing codes. Contact Urban Piping Ltd. to get a poly b replacement estimate and protect your home. Urban Piping Ltd. offers comprehensive solutions for single detached homes, condos, townhomes, and heating systems with poly b plumbing. Home inspectors in Coquitlam recommend replacement to reduce insurance deductibles. Our services are available in Calgary and Kelowna. Marketing efforts highlight the benefits of proactive poly b replacement:
- Increased property value
- Lower insurance premiums
- Peace of mind for homeowners
- Compliance with current plumbing codes
Contact Urban Piping Ltd. in Calgary, Vancouver, or Edmonton today for a free poly b assessment and protect your single detached homes, condos, or townhomes. Replacing poly b plumbing improves water treatment and protects floors from leaks. Real estate value increases, while dust-free installation preserves home cleanliness. Contact Urban Piping Ltd. for a free poly b assessment and get a poly b replacement estimate today. Urban Piping Ltd. offers copper and PEX pipes for leak-free replacements. Heat pump-compatible heating systems ensure longevity, with inspectors confirming extended life expectancy:
Material | Leak Resistance | Life Expectancy | |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper | High | 50+ years | |
PEX | Very High | 40-50+ years |
Urban Piping Ltd. provides accurate Poly-B replacement estimates for western canadian homes. Their expert team ensures safe drinking water and prevents mold growth during construction:
- Comprehensive assessment of existing plumbing system
- Detailed cost breakdown for materials and labour
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Flexible payment options to suit homeowners’ budgets
Urban Piping Ltd. specializes in comprehensive poly b removal, preventing drain and heating system failures. Their experienced team in calgary and vancouver ensures proper drainage installation for single detached homes, condos, and townhomes, protecting homes from heat-related plumbing issues: get a poly b replacement estimate.
Service | Benefit |
|---|---|
Poly-B Removal | Prevents system failures |
Drainage Installation | Protects from heat-related issues |
Edmonton home insurance rates decrease with Poly-B replacement. Urban Piping Ltd.’s customer service extends from kitchen to tank:
- Lower insurance premiums
- Comprehensive plumbing solutions
- Expert guidance throughout the process
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main risks associated with Poly-B plumbing in homes?
Poly-B plumbing poses significant risks to homes, including pipe degradation, leaks, and potential water damage. The material’s vulnerability to chlorine and high water pressure can lead to unexpected failures, resulting in costly repairs and potential mould growth if left unaddressed.
How can I identify if my house has Poly-B pipes installed?
To identify Poly-B pipes in your home, look for grey plastic pipes with “PB2110” printed on them. These are typically found in visible areas like basements or crawl spaces. Poly-B pipes were commonly installed in Canadian homes between 1978 and 1995, so consider your home’s age as well.
What are the typical signs that Poly-B pipes are failing?
Signs of failing Poly-B pipes include frequent leaks, discoloured water, low water pressure, and visible deterioration of pipe fittings. Homeowners may notice water stains on walls or ceilings, mould growth, or unexplained increases in water bills. These indicators suggest potential Poly-B pipe issues requiring professional assessment.
What solutions are available for homes with Poly-B plumbing systems?
Urban Piping Ltd. offers comprehensive Poly B™ Replacement services for homes with polybutylene plumbing systems. Their full-service approach includes re-piping, drywall repair, and painting, ensuring a complete solution for both residential and commercial properties. With fixed pricing and a 25-year warranty, they provide reliable and long-lasting remediation for Poly-B issues.
How much does it cost to replace Poly-B plumbing in a house?
The cost to replace Poly-B plumbing in a house typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 in Canada, depending on factors like home size, pipe accessibility, and labour rates. Urban Piping Ltd. offers fixed pricing for Poly B replacement, ensuring transparent and competitive costs for homeowners.
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