- 25 Year Warranty
- 100% Poly B™ Pipe Pipe Replacement Guaranteed
- Certified Poly B™ Re-mediators
- Fixed Price
- Home Completely Protected Throughout Work
- Poly B™ Remediation Certificate Issued.
Poly B and Plumbing Service
The Canadian Leader in Poly B™ Pipe Replacement
Urban Piping Ltd. is the leader in Poly B™ Replacement in Canada. With multiple Canadian offices we can service nearly every part of western Canada. Our Polybutylene pipe replacement service offers a complete re-piping, drywall, and paint repair for any commercial or residential building. All Poly B™ replacement work is done in house by Urban Piping and we do not hire any outside contractors. We are licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers with decades of experience. Our business holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and hold hundreds of 5 star reviews online.
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
4.7
Based on 104 reviews
Urban Piping
4.7
Paul Butler
23:16 22 Dec 21
hilary grant
00:24 13 Jul 21
We had a small leak in one of our bathrooms and had Urban Piping come in to fix it. I was blown away with the post-construction of our home. The drywaller, Samuel, left our house better than when he started. I am very pleased with the work done, will keep this company in our back pocket and recommend to all.
Paul Hannania
19:34 26 Jun 21
Glenn Gibb
20:05 20 May 21
After discussing with Graham it was apparent there was some misunderstanding on the estimate.
Erica Conyers
12:30 12 May 21
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
04:33 27 Apr 21
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
21:13 23 Apr 21
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
15:51 23 Apr 21
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
22:36 22 Apr 21
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
Frank Pembleton
21:06 10 Apr 21
Company came and Replaced Poly B at my home in Airdrie. 3 Years later i found this leaking pipe from Incorrect Crimping, in the ceiling of my bathroomI had Good Plumbing and Heating came and repair the leaky pipes because Urban Piping would not respond !!
Jake Simmons
15:45 10 Apr 21
I would highly recommend using another company for replacing your Ploy B. Graham the owner of Urban Piping has some of the most outrageous pricing in the industry. His prices were $20,000- $25,000 more than 4 other Plumbing companies that we went out to quote for in Calgary. Do yourself a favor and get multiple quotes before ever using this Companyin Response to owners comments below:Is it not ironic that when someone says something bad about your company( Urban Piping) you quickly jump to "we have no records of you in our system" and dismiss the situation! it appears that way from every other bad review of your company posted on google.....
Iain Gidley
14:23 10 Mar 21
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).
Kristine Castillo
01:26 02 Mar 21
William Watson
23:54 17 Feb 21
Had a water tank installed. They were on time and efficient.Great company. I will use them again for sure
Ryan Crowley
15:47 31 Jan 21
Urban Piping replaced our Poly-B in our new house. They do not subcontract so you are not dealing with multiple parties for drywall and restoration. They kept to their quote. They delivered on time. Honestly, its rare to find such caring and professional people. They protected our floors and walls and did a thorough clean after the work was complete. We were blown away by their restoration work, they even matched faded stucco paint after we moved our outdoor facet. We had them back to our house since the Poly-B replacement to replace our main shut off valve. We have no hesitation giving them a 10/10 and highly recommend them.
ckkenny75
19:27 18 Jan 21
Graham is very knowledgeable, friendly, punctual, and followed through with his promises. He and his crew did a fantastic job replacing all the poly-B pipes in our house. When the City of Calgary adjusted the water pressure in our area that caused one of our taps to 'water hammer' we informed Graham and he came right away and resolved the problem for us. I highly recommend the services of Urban Piping for Poly-B replacement.
Steve Morrical
14:41 02 Jan 21
We live in Red Deer and still went with Urban Piping for a large poly b replacement project in spite of having several local plumbing companies that I'm comfortable using for most big plumbing projects. Absolutely no regrets, work was started and completed on time and as per quote in spite of running into several hidden surprises. I would not hesitate to recommend them for this type of project to anyone!!
Zeni Taye
02:01 05 Nov 20
I am very happy and satisfied .absolutely I will use it again if I need it .
Alex Holland
03:00 03 Oct 20
A couple of guys showed up on time and took about 2 hours to do the work. They cleaned up after themselves and left everything as expected. Not sure I could ask for anything else other than maybe a lower cost but don't we all want that.
Denise Petrick
00:26 03 Sep 20
I had a garburator installed for $800. When I called regarding what I thought had been an issue they responded very quickly and went far beyond my expectations. Excellent customer service.
Ted Weryshko
17:49 29 Jul 20
cpt black
21:46 03 Jul 20
Gareth Harvey
21:13 18 Jun 20
Morakinyo Okusami
00:01 15 Jun 20
Yvan Savard
23:46 10 Jun 20
It was going to be a while for a plumber to get to our house so Graham came himself so that we could get our water back on faster. He isolated the problem, fixed it quickly and that was that. Not having water due to a leak is a pain so it was very nice of him to come as quickly as he could. Thanks!!
Jenny Vandewerfhorst
19:25 07 Jun 20
So impressed with how quick and efficient Graham was! We got our hot water to our outside hose bib in minutes! Also super friendly and followed all covid safety regulations to a tee! Would highly recommend urban piping!!
D
04:10 23 May 20
This place is a joke! Called them to have an estimate done on our home to replace poly-b plumbing throughout, they said to send them pictures that they did not want to come out . I don't know how you can do an estimate from photos.
Joydeep Bhattacharya
00:05 14 Mar 20
Jen G
02:04 23 Feb 20
Scott Blenkhorne
23:37 21 Feb 20
We had a leak from one of the bathrooms into our living room below. Jordan was prompt, professional, and thorough in completing the repair. We were very thankful and impressed with the whole process and price was reasonable. It's as if there was no issue at all.
Esmond L
21:03 29 Jan 20
I'd give them a zero if I could. I called in the evening for emergency service due to a leaking hot water tank. I was told specifically a technician would call between 9-10pm with more information. I called back just after 10 and advised I would not receive service until the next morning and this misunderstanding was blamed on a miscommunication. It's 2 in the afternoon now and still no word. This is the first time a well reviewed company on homestars didn't live up to expectations.
Susan Lewis
17:12 29 Jan 20
The service provided by Urban Piping was outstanding. When my hot water heater failed during the recent awful cold snap they replaced it and provided "above and beyond" service to ensure all went well in that very cold weather. Graham and Jordan were knowledgable, efficient, prompt and diligent. I would recommend Urban Piping without hesitation.
Lynn Mccartney
18:55 22 Jan 20
I cant provide a review on any work done because the job didnt get that far...I would have had to pay a fee if $250.00 for them to come look at my Poly b replacement job and honestly I don't do that. The price over the phone was very high and will end up going with a different company. I still wanted to get this out there so others can be prepared and my 3 rating is just because the gentleman I talked to was personable.
Dale Greene
02:44 21 Jan 20
Great service with courteous and timely response. Respond within an hour of my call on a Sunday. Provided detailed explanation of what would be done to fix my issue. Would use Urban Piping again without hesitation.
Spidey Sense
04:07 16 Jan 20
Had a very stuck/plugged washing machine drain pipe which caused a bit of flooding in our main story mud room/washing room. I posted a request for service on homestars and these guys called in seconds. Had Jordan come right away in less than hour. It seems to have been a ridiculously bigger than expected job. My guess and his is, gunk plus 4-5 days of -25 to -40 weather caused the blockage. He worked at it for about 2.5 hours but it’s all unstuck now. I have insurance coming to repair the damage to wall and basement ceiling drywall. Expensive, as all plumbing issues seem to be but the service was excellent and they came fast and he worked right up until it was fixed, leaving at about 7pm. Good work Jordan.I do have a bit of an issue with being charged for the Drain Hydro Jetting and then for the Auger cleaning at $200 for the first and $250 for the second, when the first option did nothing. I would have preferred to pay for his time and he just did what he needed to do to get it fixed. Didn’t realize that two separate tools used were two separate charges.Update: Graham and Jordan gave me a call and clarified the billing and I am happy with their explanation. Again, very happy with the service. Jordan did the jetting again after the augering to clean the pipes completely.
Spencer Wannop
22:44 15 Jan 20
James Mills
17:42 11 Jan 20
I contacted Urban Piping via Homestars on New Year’s Day. I didn’t expect a response for a day or two after the holiday. I got a phone call that day and within two days my rusty water heater had been removed and a new one installed. The service was quick, efficient and effective. All my questions were answered politely and completely. This company clearly cares about their customers and the service they provide.
Arthur Cristea
23:27 09 Jan 20
My water heater start leaking and I called them for a replacement cause it was very old anyway. They didn’t had any people available that day so the owner came instead and did the work.
Rick Nash
21:21 06 Jan 20
Graham responded promptly late Friday to my plea for help for a new water heater and provided a a very reasonable quote and confirmation to replace it the very next business day (Monday)!Monday saw Jordan arrive just as promptly at the appointed time. He was courteous, efficient and performed a very clean replacement installation of the new one. Very happy!
Paul Hannania
03:35 20 Dec 19
Just had Urban Piping out to install 2 x 50 gal hot water tanks. Jordan did a great job, was super helpful and answered all my questions friendly and professorial. It's not the first time I have used them and it wont be the last. Thank you!
Mariane Gill
17:01 11 Dec 19
We have called Urban Piping on two occasions for our rental property. The first time we had a leaky water tank which they quickly diagnosed and replaced. Their price was very reasonable and their service was prompt. The second time we had water coming into the basement. I called them and they came over the next day. They were able to run their equipment to clear debris out of the pipes going to the street and the problem was solved.It took about an hour, the temperatures were -13C so I was worried that a pipe had burst. They let me know how much they were going to charge so there were no surprises. We were very happy with the service and price. Thanks Jordan!
Ron Theaker
18:01 29 Nov 19
I have to say Urban Piping were careful considerate and their plumber was pleasant, courteous, and did a professional job.I thought a $100 service call fee was reasonable
Kelsey Kittleson
15:23 26 Nov 19
Really happy with Urban Piping. Our hot water tank broke down on a Sunday, and I had a call back within 20 minutes. I really appreciate their recommendations and options for me to save some cost. They were out the next day and the install was quick and clean. Great experience.
David Pattison
16:00 20 Nov 19
First rate service for a a somewhat tricky drain/sink replacement. Jordan was competent, hardworking and pleasant, and he charged a reasonable rate.
Amina Ji Hong Yu
04:56 20 Nov 19
Excellent job, first class results. Dedicated workers, efficient and timely. I am thrilled now and am sure will be happy with the work they have done in years to come
Brett Robidoux
22:30 19 Nov 19
These guys were exceptional. Had a hot water tank leak Friday in the middle of the night. They were there right away with a tank replacement. Jordan was professional, clean and quick. The owner Graham was incredible and walked me through the whole process. Could not be happier. Will recommend over and over again.
Leslie Stevens
19:49 18 Sep 19
Graham and his team really know every aspect of what needs to be done. The finished job is amazing- Thank you Urban Piping
Ryan Goldenberg
21:26 19 Aug 19
Graham was honest, thorough, and friendly. He recommended only the services that were needed and started with the simplest approaches first.
maryann HT
21:57 08 Aug 19
We are super happy about the service we got from Urban Piping ! Jordan went above and beyond in helping us! He installed a new toilet , and kitchen faucet and helped out out with a couple small problems as well. I can't say enough about what great service we received. Graham also arranged for us to have some drywall fixed also, which was a great plus ! Thanks again
Jane Stevens
16:06 06 Aug 19
Urban Piping did a fantastic job in changing a water valve and piping in the kitchen sink.Thanks again for doing a great job!
Expert Plumbing Services
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Our Poly B™ Replacement Process
Step 1
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 completed protected during the Poly B™ remediation process.
Step 2
Begin Poly B™ Replacement
Then we begin the remediation process by accessing pipes through the drywall. Old lines are pulled out of the walls and ceiling where necessary and replaced with new piping.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
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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Poly B™ Replacement – Know The Facts
We are local experts on Poly B™ Replacement in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and all surrounding areas. Our team of Poly B™ Plumbing Specialists have completed more Poly B™ Replacement work than any other plumbing company.
Poly B™ Piping Services
What is Poly B™ (Polybutylene) Piping?
Poly B™ piping, also referred to as polybutylene piping, was a plastic grey plumbing pipe commonly used in residential water systems throughout North America. Typically, Poly B™ piping is found in homes built between 1985-1997 and with homes that received renovations during that time frame.
Poly B™ piping turned out to be a very temperamental product. The piping breaks down over time due to Chlorine, Fluoride, excess pressure, and environmental factors including exposure to UV rays.
Brief History of Poly B™ Piping
Shell and Dupoint struck up a partnership plumbing deal in the early eighties and quickly engineered a flexible grey plastic pipe called “Polybutylene” or “Poly B™” for short. They wasted no time putting this product to market and we are not claiming that were paid off, but there have even been reports that state members of the CSA and ASA were paid off in order to have the plumbing pipe quickly put on the market.
Poly B™ Piping was Revolutionary at the Time
This new Poly B™ pipe was praised by plumbers as the most revolutionary plumbing product of the century. Poly B™ was inexpensive, very easy to install, and required less joints typical of copper piping.
Because things that are too good to be true often aren’t what they seem, Poly B™ received its first documented lawsuit in 1991 where a community in the southern USA came home to find their Poly B™ pipes leaking and their homes flooding with water. Since then we have seen Poly B™ piping be the cause of the biggest lawsuits ever in North American plumbing history.
Read More: A Brief History of Poly B™ Lawsuits and Home Litigation
How to Identify Poly B™?
Ways to Identify Poly B Piping
It is crucial to know how to identify Poly B pipes in your home, especially if you are living in an older home or you are interested in purchasing one. Here are a few things to check through when trying to figure out if you have poly b piping in your home.
Find Out When Your Home Was Built
The first way to know if Poly B piping was used in your home is to check when your home was built. If your home was constructed between 1985 and 1997, and that you have not carried out extensive plumbing renovations in the home, you may have poly b piping in your home.
Identify Poly B Piping by Color
Look out for Poly B in your home by its colors. Polybutylene piping comes in silvery gray, blue, and blank colors. Silvery gray and black colors were used interchangeably for both indoor and outdoor uses while blue poly B pipes were mainly used for cold water.
Look for Poly B Stamping on the Plumbing Pipes
Poly B pipes have identifiable stamping on them. Although they are flexible and sometimes have color codes as explained above, they are also made from plastic material and have the letters “PB” preceding a string of numbers imprinted on them. The most common stamping on polybutylene pipes is “PB2110.” If you see these numbers, contact a plumber and have them quote you on a poly b replacement for the building.
Checking Plumbing Installation Locations
There are certain areas to check in the home for Poly B pipes. For the outdoor location, check the main water shut-off valve for Poly B pipes, especially at the water meter when coming in from the basement. For indoor area, check the basement ceilings and walls, feeding into sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and also around the hot water heaters.
Check Hidden Places for Different Plumbing Pipes
You have to look further for Poly B by removing the panels behind the toilets, tubs, and showers and under sinks to expose the plumbing pipes. There may be galvanized steel or copper pipe fittings used to connect Poly B pipes behind the walls.
Check Plumbing Fitting Locations
Another way to know if Poly B pipes were used in your home is to look out for aluminum, copper, or brass crimp fittings that plumbers used to link different Poly B pipes to plumbing joints and fittings. The sight of these fittings is a good place to check if there is any poly b piping connected in your home.
Hire a Professional Poly B Plumber
If you are unsure how to check, you should hire a professional Poly B plumber who has the right training and experience in finding the Poly B pipes in homes. As long as the age of your home falls within the time frame when Poly B piping was introduced, do not take chances; let a professional help you out.
Poly B pipes do not show signs of wear and tear from the outside, even when they look completely okay. Poly B pipes are damaged by oxidants in the public water supply, harsh weather, and water pressure. So, there is no way you can tell that the polybutylene pipes in your home are in perfect condition. Avoid water damage by a sudden burst of Poly B pipes may require emergency plumbing and timely poly b replacement. Contact us if you require any assistance.
Cost of Replacing Poly B Piping
Poly B Replacement is becoming more and more common however determining the Cost to replace poly b piping can get a little complex. The damage from having Poly B piping your home is no longer breaking news. Most houses that contain Poly B piping are now replacing them with PEX piping.
Read More: Poly B to PEX Piping - Making the Switch
The damage caused by Poly B piping is as a result of the chemical properties used in the production of this pipe. Ready to change your Poly B pipe to PEX pipes and you do not know how much it will cost you? This article breaks down the cost of replacing Poly B.
Replace Poly B Piping with PEX Piping:
The size of the House that Contains Poly B Piping:
The bigger the house, the more the pipes to be used in replacing or fixing the Poly B piping. If you own a big structure, you should think of increasing your budget.
The Materials that the Poly B Replacement Will Need:
The more materials that need to be replaced the more cash required to purchase these items. Given a structure that has much plumbing fittings like showers, sinks, toilet, etc, there will be a need for more replacement piping to connect to all the plumbing features of a home.
The Type of Poly B Replacement Materials used:
Considering the fact that you have chosen the PEX pipe, there are different types of PEX pipe, and their prices are different, you might want to check the less expensive option or the most expensive one. This is going to affect the total cost of replacing the Poly B pipes.
Read More: Differences Between Classes of PEX Piping
Amount of Drywall Removed and Replaced during Poly B Remediation:
The more drywall removed, the more the drywall that will be replaced. This will determine the quantity of drywall that one will buy. Buying more drywall means an additional cost to the total cost of your Poly B replacement work.
The Plumbing, Drywall and Painting Labor:
Getting poly b piping replaced by an unskilled roadside plumber may end up doing more damage and later on costing you more. One should be extremely careful not to contract quacks. Urban piping has done more Poly B replacement work than any other company and all work is done 100% by Urban Piping Ltd. We do not subcontract.
Read Warning About Sub-contracting Poly B Replacement Here: https://www.poly-b.com/poly-b-contractor/
Number of Bathrooms that have Poly B Piping:
The number of bathroom will have an effect on the cost of poly b replacement. If the plumbing system of a home has the bathrooms stacked on top of each other this may reduce the cost of replacement services.
Property Location:
The cost of things, in general, are usually effected by the location of your property. If materials have to be shipped far distances this can effect cost and one should take into account the provincial tax rates that come along with acquiring the plumbing materials.
The cost of replacing Poly B piping runs typically from $7000-$20000 CAD:
This is for a complete replacement including replacement piping, labour, parts, drywall, painting, and clean-up.
- The cost of the parts for replacement runs from $2000-$3000 based on the above-mentioned factors
- Labor charges $4000-$8000 also based on the factors mentioned above, ranging from the local plumber to the corporate professionals.
- Dry Walls cost $4000-10000 still looking at the above-mentioned factor which is the number of drywall to be replaced.
- Painting after the job is done runs from $400-$900, of course, the size of the house to be painted matters and the quality of the paint.
- Total cost from start to finishing runs around $7000-$20000
Read: Poly B Drywall Repair - Best Practices
Tips for Hiring a Poly B Contractor:
Find a Plumbing and Poly B Replacement Contractor with Experience:
The years one has stayed in a business should be considered while hiring. Years of practicing is what makes one an expert. Plumbers that have stayed long in the business have upper hand because they have encountered more problems than the other startup plumbers.
Ensure the Poly B Replacement Company has a Proper License:
This is key, get a licensed contractor if you can’t get one stay in the house with the Poly B pipes. The license shows that they have been approved by the government of that jurisdiction to take on plumbing jobs and they have met all necessary requirements.
Check the Plumbing Company for Insurance:
Getting a contractor with insurance is usually not considered by homeowners. But this is a very important aspect of hiring. Your contractor should not just have insurance alone but liability and workers compensation just in case. So you won’t be incurring liability charges. This might also protect your property in case of any damages.
Always Check Poly B Pipe Replacement Reviews and References:
While hiring make sure you work with reviews of those that have been clients to the plumber you intend hiring. Most high-rated plumbers have websites where you can actually check for their customers’ review.
Ask for Photos of Poly B Replacement Work:
Ask for pictures of your contractor’s previous works, if they are good at what they do they happily share the pictures with you.
WARNING: Don't Hire a Poly B Pipe Replacement Company that Subcontracts!
Check if the contractors are subcontracting parts of the job. This has become a huge problem. At Urban Piping, we do not subcontract and all plumbing, painting, and drywall is done in house 100% by Urban Piping.
Poly-B.com has a great article to read about warning signs of hiring a poly b contractor. This article can be found here: https://www.poly-b.com/poly-b-contractor/
Poly B to PEX Piping
Poly B to PEX Piping – Make the Switch!
Suffering water leakages caused from Poly B Piping? It’s probably one of those structures built in the ’80s and ’90s and was piped with the legendary Polybutylene also known as Poly B. Poly B piping. Majority of home owners are now renovating and switching to PEX A piping to ensure no surprise leakages will effect their homes.
What is Class A PEX Piping
PEX is polyethylene that has all it’s polymer chains joined chemically as it undergoes a transformation process in the molecular structure. The polymer chains are cross-linked with each other creating a three-dimensional network. This process leads to flexible thermoset polymer, having enhanced chemical, thermal and mechanical properties that proves itself to be long lasting when dealing with plumbing systems.
PE means polyethylene while the X symbolizes the cross-linking. You can as well say it’s cross-linked polyethylene.
Commercial Cross-Linking
Commercial cross-linking was started in 1968 with the use of high-pressure peroxide known as PEXa. It requires the addition of liquid peroxide in a small quantity to HDPE in a monitored building under normal temperature. The next cross-linking achieved a higher and better result with pipes cross-linked up to 85 percent. Some PEX pipes have the unique ability to expand under pressure and contract back to normal when the pressure is not present. This occurs because of the flexibility of the PEX pipe.
Some Comparable Qualities – Poly B to PEX Piping
- The brief information above shows that PEX is as a result of the reaction gotten from a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This piping is used all over the world, and it is currently the best approach on the market to replace Poly B piping.
- The process of manufacturing anything at all is very important. Let’s examine the manufacturing process. During PEX production, the polymer chains connect with each other, and this connection is called “Cross-Linking,” this is not applicable in Poly B manufacturing processes.
- One of the significant and outstanding qualities of the PEX A is pressure tolerance. The PEX A has a high-pressure tolerance capacity unlike the Poly B piping systems. The manufacturers of Poly B pipes previously tried to improve the pressure tolerance but did not have any success.
Other important factors to consider...
- The PEX A pipe does not react with chlorine, but Poly B does reacts with chlorine. When one Poly B gets in contact with water containing chlorine, it results to slow deterioration, ruptures and leakages. This is different for the PEX A piping.
- Both of these products are strong to water pressure when they are newly installed but the PEX A pipe is known to be stronger, lasts longer, and is more flexible.
- The cross-linking feature in the manufacturing process of PEX A has left the pipe to be known as the most favorable and reliable plumbing pipe today. The Poly B does not have this cross-linking feature.
Why use PEX A Piping for Poly B Replacement
We will discuss some exceptional qualities of the PEX A pipe, that makes it the perfect pipe for Poly B replacement.
Exceptional Flexibility
The PEX A pipe is seen to be the best because of the ability to stand impacts and freezing. It’s flexibility also allow it to withstand pressure more than any other pipe. The feature of expanding and contrasting of the pipe under pressure is as a result of its flexibility.
Resistance to Chemicals
Chlorine comes to mind. The PEX A pipe is highly resistant to many chemicals; these are silicones, glycols, urethane foam, acid and bases, and latex paints.PEX A Piping is Easy to install
The PEX pipe is easy to install because of its Flexibility and a unique joining technique. This pipe requires no glue nor soldering in the process of installation, and they also do not tend to produce a flame.PEX A Piping is a Very Strong Pipe
The PEX A pipe is proven to be the strongest pipe plus a top of the range pressure ratings. This means the pressure or weight of water in it does nothing to the pipePEX A Piping is Very Reliable
This PEX A pipe is reliable in the sense that it has been in usage for over 40yrs, which makes it the right replacement for Poly B piping.PEX A Piping is Resistance to Corrosion
The PEX A pipe is strong and not open to corrosion from soil or water. This pipe barely leaks no matter how bad the situation is.PEX A Piping is Environmentally Friendly
PEX A pipe is the only pipe that has been recorded to be environmentally friendly because of the following stated reasons Bellow;
- The weight is light, and the cost of transporting it is very low
- There is no chlorine added in the production process of this PEX A unlike that of Poly B
- Efficient and fast delivery of hot water through the pipes
- Heat loss is reduced and as well as condensation
- The durability and the longevity of the PEX A pipe have passed the test of time. 50 years on the average that sounds like forever
- Production of the PEX A does not require mining of ore as do other pipes
Conclusion
The difference is now made know you can now choose which is your best pipe among these. PEX A pipe is generally accepted everywhere for piping projects while the Poly B is no longer accepted. PEX A is the best replacement piping for Poly B plumbing systems to date.
Be sure to read this article from www.poly-b.com on choosing a Poly B Contractor and adhere by the warning against hiring a plumbing company that subcontracts there work: https://www.poly-b.com/poly-b-contractor/
Why Does Poly B Leak?
What Causes Poly B Piping to Leak?
- High levels or free chlorine exist in the water supply causing leakage throughout the piping system.
- Improper installation of the piping in homes where fittings were installed too tight causing hairline cracks eventually ending with leakage and damages to homes.
- Improper installation of piping. When improperly installed pipes are put under stress they will cause leaks and damages to homes. This will end up in you needing poly b replacement plumbers to come into your home and access the problem.
- Installation near high heat areas including hot water tanks, in the attic, and other areas of extensively high temperatures.
- The use of acetal (white or grey) fittings to connect pipes rather than the preferred metal fittings.
Other Articles Related to Leaking Poly B Piping:
Lifetime of Piping
What pipes are used for a Poly B Replacement?
Installing a new plumbing system into a building requires adequate knowledge about the right material to use for performance, efficiency, safety, and durability. Different types of pipes are available for piping purposes, and they come with different estimated life expectancy. Not much was known about Poly B’s life expectancy at the time it was introduced into the market. The fact that it was a cheaper alternative and freeze-proof was all anyone wanted to know.
Choosing the right pipe for Poly B Replacement
Knowing the life expectancy of the piping material you want to use in your home will give you an insight into when you should replace them to avoid any leaks or warranty issues. Different piping materials react differently to the oxidants found in the public water supply. Some of them can withstand chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride, chloramine, and other types of oxidants used for water filtration while other materials become brittle and fail over time. Lets go over the different types of plumbing pipes that could be used in a poly b replacement service.
Class C PEX Piping
These are cast-iron pipes that are designed for potable water piping. They can withstand chlorine and other oxidants used for treating public water. Class C pipes have a life expectancy of 20 years.
Class B PEX Piping
This is the class B of cast-iron pipes. They are stronger and more durable with an estimated life expectancy of 50 years. This type of pipe handles harsh chemicals correctly and does not fail.
Class A PEX Piping
Class A pipes are the strongest in this group and this is what we use at Urban Piping for every poly b replacement job. They have estimated the life expectancy of 100 years. They are perfect for residential and commercial water piping systems and do not weaken due to the chemicals in the potable water flowing through them.
Copper Piping
Copper piping is commonly used for the construction of water supply lines and the refrigerant lines in the HVAC systems. They are resistant to corrosion, and they are reliable. Their life expectancy is estimated at 50 years.
Poly B Piping
Poly B piping was used as a replacement for copper piping. Due to their high rate of failure, their life expectancy rate is pegged at 3 to 25 years.
Lead Piping
Led piping is one of the most reliable and durable piping materials. It handles potable water supply effectively and is estimated to last from 80 to 120 years. The only downside of led piping is the danger of having the led filter into drinking water.
Galvanized Steel Piping
Galvanized pipes are steel pipes coated with zinc for protection against corrosion and rust. The life expectancy of galvanized piping is 60 years.
During The Replacement
What Happens During Poly B Replacement?
During remediation we find it is not the most habitable place to live, there is hikes cut in the walls and ceiling through the house, plastic isolating areas of the house and the water is off, our best recommendation is that our customers find other living arrangements for the duration of the poly b replacement and drywall work. a Poly B Remediation is typically done completely in 5-8 business days.
That being said we are flexible with our customers needs and would be more than happy to come to an agreement that works best for both parties.
Poly B Legal Info
Poly B Insurance Problems
In recent years insurance companies have started to get nasty with poly b leaks and poly b replacement. Ever since the class action lawsuit was settled in 2005 insurance companies have become exempt from legally having to cover damages caused by poly b.
Paying More for Poly B Insurance
There are some companies that do cover poly b damage for an "extra fee" but beware that insurance companies will usually do whatever it takes to try and get out of loosing money. We have seen in Calgary and Edmonton numerous recent examples where an insurance company will issue a "Multi Instance Deductible" clause, where some customers have reported having to pay 5-8 deductibles before the insurance companies will start the repair. Doesn’t sound like savings to us.
At Urban Piping Ltd. we are registered with most insurance companies and highly regarded as the number one choice for full remediation.
Poly B Lawsuits
In Canada and Calgary AB, trying to get reimbursement through a lawsuit or through insurance is no longer an option. This may be a new issue to you as a home owner but the reimbursements for a complete Poly B replacement system was only available if your system was replaced by 2005 or within 15 years of it being installed. The reimbursement for the complete system was only 25% of the system and 25% of any damages that had been caused.
More information here: A Brief History on Poly B Lawsuits and Litigation
Also refer to www.poly-b.com for more information on Poly B Lawsuits and Poly B Insurance Problems.
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Search Your Home For Poly B™ Piping
A searchable Poly B™ Map containing the homes that have a high probability of containing Poly B™ Piping. Search for your home address in either Calgary or Edmonton, AB.
Due to the nature of data collection, the information may not be 100% accurate. We also recommend contacting our professionals if you are unsure if your home may contain Poly B™ Piping.
Poly B™ Contractors
Poly B™ remediation or replacement requires the services of expert craftsman in four professional trades:
Plumbers, Tapers, Painters, and 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.
However, with all of these trades involved, it opens up the door for problems, such as: Poor communication, Delays in service, Inaccurate quotes, Unfinished work, Missed deadlines, Poor craftsmanship, Insurance issues
Why is the Experience so Important?
Hiring an experienced contractor is invaluable especially when replacing Poly B™ piping because:
- The right contractor should know your home without visiting, have access to blueprints, and be able to give you an estimate over the phone in 5 minutes in most cases
- The contractor should complete the Poly B™ remediation project as scheduled by meeting pre-scheduled deadlines.
- Quality craftsmanship that guarantees 100% replacement of all active Poly B™ inside of the home.
- Proper team qualifications, critical thinking, and communication.
Poly B™ Pipe Replacement
The Poly B™ 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.
Poly B™ PDF Resources
A collection of downloadable and printable resources about Poly B™ Piping for our customers.
Poly B™ Articles
Poly B Replacement articles curated by our team of professional plumbers to help you with any Poly B Piping information that you may be looking for.
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.