Poly B Plumbing Kelowna
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Kelowna Poly B Repipe - What is Polybutylene?
Polybutylene pipe, commonly referred to as poly B, represented the first generation of flexible plastic piping that found widespread use in water supply systems from the early 1970s until approximately 1995. Initially, poly B was regarded as an ideal material for residential plumbing due to its affordability and ease of installation compared to copper piping. Its pliability made it a favourite among plumbers, as it allowed for more flexible installation without the need for precise measurements and intricate connections. Moreover, the lightweight nature of plastic made it simpler to transport, further streamlining the installation process.
Polybutylene piping was initially certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for use in potable water systems. Consequently, it gained widespread usage across North America, particularly in regions with substantial residential construction during the 1980s and early-to-mid 1990s. Cities like Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton in British Columbia witnessed the extensive adoption of poly B piping, with entire neighbourhoods relying on this material.
Polybutylene piping systems were used for underground water mains and in residential homes as interior distribution piping. Plumbers and industry experts estimate that polybutylene pipes were installed in between 6 and 10 million homes throughout North America, and upwards of 650,000 – 750,000 homes in Canada alone! The piping was installed in about 20-25% of new homes built, and even many businesses need Poly B services.
Poly B Plumbing Concerns & Regulatory Actions
In the early 1980s homes with polybutylene pipes began to spring leaks—often these were tiny, pinhole leaks that aren’t always obvious until they’ve caused significant damage in walls and ceilings. Many lawsuits were filed complaining of allegedly defective manufacturing and improper installation, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages.
By the mid-1980s, insurance companies began noticing a pattern of leaks in homes equipped with poly B piping. This issue raised substantial concerns about its long-term reliability. By 1995, most professionals in the construction industry ceased using poly B in residential projects. Furthermore, in 1997, the National Plumbing Code, governing plumbing trades in Canada, officially banned the use of poly B. In 2005, the NRC-CNRC National Plumbing Code and the Government of Canada removed poly B from the list of acceptable plumbing materials. Consequently, in the Okanagan region, homes constructed between 1978 and 1995 are typically the homes with domestic poly B water piping.
Now we know, decades later, that polybutylene is prone to leaks 10-15 years after installation.
Over time, exposure to chlorine, oxidants, and UV rays weakens the pipes, causing them to become brittle and prone to cracks, leaks, and even bursts. Additionally, fittings used with poly B plumbing were often made of metal, which can corrode and further exacerbate the issues.
The oxidants in water supplies—and chemicals such as chlorine—react with the polybutylene pipes and their fittings, slowly degrading the plastic and making it brittle. Different cities and municipalities have different minerals in their water supplies, and some are more strenuous on piping materials than others. Tiny cracks form inside the plastic pipes, and the structural integrity of the pipes is reduced. The pipes can fail without warning, causing pinhole leaks which can damage the structure and belongings. Other factors such as poor installation can certainly contribute to the failure of polybutylene systems, but it’s nearly impossible to detect installation problems in a home when most of the plumbing system is concealed behind walls, ceilings, and floors.
Due to their unreliability and the potential for extensive water damage if they fail, it is highly recommended to replace Poly B plumbing in homes with more durable and long-lasting plumbing materials like PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) to ensure the safety and integrity of the plumbing system. This proactive measure can save homeowners from costly repairs and damage caused by water leaks.
Urgent Concerns Associated With Poly B Piping In Your Home
If your home contains Poly B plumbing, you must act swiftly to address the following critical concerns:
Elevated Risk of Leaks & Water Wastage
Poly B piping poses an immediate threat to your property’s integrity. The longer you delay, the higher the risk of unexpected leaks and excessive water wastage. These leaks can go undetected for extended periods, leading to severe structural damage and significant utility bills.
Undetectable Pinhole Leaks with Water Damage & Mold Growth
Poly B pipes are notorious for developing tiny, hard-to-spot pinhole leaks. These insidious leaks may seem minor, but they can unleash a cascade of problems, including water damage, mold growth, and compromised indoor air quality. Don’t wait for these silent threats to escalate.
Concealed Damage Within Walls & Ceilings
The damage caused by poly B leaks isn’t limited to what you can see. Water can infiltrate your walls and ceilings, weakening the structural integrity of your home and leading to costly repairs. Replacing poly B piping promptly can prevent extensive and expensive damage down the line.
Potential Insurance Complications
Insurance companies are increasingly wary of homes with poly B plumbing due to its history of leaks and damages. You might face higher insurance premiums or even difficulty obtaining coverage if you delay taking action. Protect your home and your insurance options by addressing this issue immediately.
Challenges Selling Your Home
If you plan to sell your home, having poly B pipes can be a significant deterrent for potential buyers. Many are aware of the risks associated with this type of plumbing, and it can negatively impact your home’s marketability and value. Acting promptly to replace poly B pipes will make your home more attractive to buyers and increase your home’s value.
Don’t wait for these poly B piping concerns to escalate into costly disasters. The urgency of addressing these issues cannot be overstated. Contact Vision Plumbing immediately to consult with our experts and ensure the safety and integrity of your home’s plumbing system. Our experienced team is ready to provide you with the necessary guidance and swift solutions. Protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind – reach out to us now for immediate assistance. Your proactive action today can save you from a costly disaster tomorrow.
How to Tell if You Have Poly B Plumbing
Poly B pipes are typically grey in colour with a dull, matte finish. The most common diameter is 1/2” or 3/4”—the same as most residential copper piping.
To check for poly B plumbing inside your home, look near your hot water tank, running across the ceiling in your utility room, crawlspace, or unfinished basement, under your kitchen sink, and penetrating walls to supply sinks and toilets.
To check for poly B plumbing outside your home, start by taking a look at your water main. Polybutylene water mains are usually grey, blue, or black (note that black poly B can look similar to polyethelene piping).
Quick tip: the water main usually enters the home near the water heater, right before your main shutoff valve.
Check service piping as well as your water main. Service piping is usually 1″ in diameter, and it may be found entering your home through a penetration in the concrete slab (either the floor or wall in the basement or crawlspace).
Canadian residents can look for the common piping manufacturer’s stamps, or identifying codes, on their pipes to determine if they are poly B. These codes usually look like one of the following:
- “POLY” or “POLY-B”
- “PB2110”
- “B 137.8” or “CSA B 137.8"
- “ASTM”, “D3309” or “ASTM D-3309”
- “QEST”
- “SDR11” or “SDR-11”
- “POTABLE” (This word stamped on the pipe validates the safety the piping for drinking water)
- “MIN 690 kPa @ 82C” or “100 psi @ 180F” (Pressure rating)
Note: The absence of these codes doesn’t necessarily mean the plumbing is not poly B. If the plumbing material meets all the other criteria, it could still be polybutylene, and you should have your pipes inspected by a professional to confirm.
Contact Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling to help confirm if you have Poly B plumbing.
How to Replace Poly B Plumbing
If you determine that you have poly B pipes in your home, it is important to replace them as soon as possible in order to prevent severe damage and costly emergency repairs when they do eventually fail. Replacing poly B plumbing is a big job that requires expertise, so do not try to do it yourself. We always recommend replacing the entire system with new PEX piping, which is durable and has a long lifespan. Vision Plumbing Heating Cooling offers specialized poly B replacement services to homeowners in Kelowna and the surrounding area. Trust our team for expert poly B replacement services.
Poly B Replacement Cost
The cost to replace poly B piping in your home will be dependent on a number of factors, including how much piping needs to be replaced, the size of your home, and the complexity of the installation. Because of this, the estimated cost to replace an entire system can be anywhere between $4,000 and $20,000. If you have poly B plumbing in your home, don’t wait to have them replaced! Get in touch today and let us know the specifics of your project. We’ll be more than happy to provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
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