What is a Poly B Pipe?
Poly B Piping was used from the late seventies until the mid-nineties due to being inexpensive, and easy to install. However, while they were thought to be durable, problems occurred over time. It began to break, leading to leaks and damage to homes, which led to multiple class-action lawsuits and their eventual ban. If your home was built during or before 1995, there is a decent chance you have Poly B pipes. If you want to avoid expensive insurance claims, it’s important to replace the piping before a leak occurs. You may want to check with your insurance company on what your deductible is and whether they will even cover you for a Poly B leak.”
What does poly b pipe look like?
A Poly B pipe or polybutylene is generally light grey and has copper fittings and elbows. It is flexible and smaller than drainpipes, usually one inch to an inch and a half. They are generally located near water heaters, under sinks, and in your basement. The piping runs through walls, ceilings, and crawlspaces of homes.
Why Were Poly B Pipe Used?
Back in the late seventies when it was first introduced, it was thought to be highly advantageous over copper pipes. It seemed resistant to corrosion and mineral buildup, is flexible and easy to install. Because it lowered labor costs and were inexpensive, it was used widely in the construction of new homes at the time. It is estimated that there were 700,000 homes across Canada that had Poly B piping installed.
Problems Associated with Poly B Piping
While it was considered durable, several factors weren’t accounted for and tested for, leading to major problems. It would degrade and flake apart due to chlorine-treated water. In several cases, after ten years it would start to get pinholes and, in many cases, cause major leaks and damage to homes.
The issues with poly B piping got so bad that contractors stopped using in the construction of homes. It can affect the property value of your home if you have it. In some cases, buyers want to see the piping replaced as part of a home purchase contract.
Steps to Take if You Have Poly B Pipes
If you have Poly B pipes in your home, then it’s important to get it replaced. However, it’s a good idea to contact a plumbing professional to properly inspect it. They’ll be able to locate and identify the pipes clearly and be able to discuss the best Poly B replacement options. Luckily, there are new standards for testing pipes before they are on the market, meaning you’ll get new pipes that won’t give you the headaches that Poly B pipes do.
The price for replacing the pipes in your home will depend on several factors including the new type of piping you are going with. It can cost you up to $12,000 or higher depending on the scope of work, location of piping, and size of the home. If you are including drywallers and painters along with the whole-house replacement, then it can cost up to $20,000 and even higher for larger homes.
Your Options for Poly B Replacement
The two options we would recommend for replacement are Pex A and Pex B. Copper is another option but seldom used due to the cost to install. Copper is lightweight, durable, lasts for decades, and is less harmful to the environment. However, it is more expensive. Pex Pipes are only a third of the cost of copper pipes, are easy to install, and are corrosion resistant.
It’s important to talk with a plumbing professional before you make a major decision so they can give recommendations and help guide you through the process. Know every option you have available so you can pick the choice that works best for you.
In this article we went over what a Poly B pipe is, what it looks like, why it was used, the problems associated, steps to take, and your replacement options. It is integral to take action as soon as possible if you have Poly B pipes in your home so you can avoid major repair bills and risk your home’s value. With this information, you should have what you need to take the first step in replacing your pipes.
Contact the team at John Sandler Plumbing & Heating today! They’ll be able to thoroughly inspect your home’s pipes and will help you pick out the best option for replacing them. Whether you have plumbing issues, or heating and cooling problems you need addressing, we will be glad to help you however we can.
