Poly-B pipes and poly-b pipe replacement are now common topics in the Canadian plumbing market. Unless you’ve had plumbing work completed on your Victoria, BC home recently or keep a copy of the home inspection report from when you bought the property, it’s unlikely you know too much about your plumbing structure. But the plumbing work of the past has implications for the future safety of your home.
New research shows Poly-B (Polybutylene) pipes, thought to be in over 700,000 Canadian homes, have a number of structural issues. Let’s explore Poly-B pipes and the benefits of Poly-B removal for your home.
Why Was Poly-B Plumbing Used?
The material was lightweight, and testing at the time showed it to be reliable in high-pressure plumbing applications. Poly-B material was also much cheaper than copper for plumbers to buy wholesale, so many switched from copper in order to save on business expenses.
When was Poly-B Popular?
Poly-B was installed in Canadian homes between the years 1978 and 1997. Homes built before 1978 generally have either copper or lead piping, while properties built after 1997 usually feature PEX piping, which can withstand freezing temperatures well and requires fewer plumbing joints.
What are the Risks of Using Poly-B Pipes?
- The tensile strength of Poly-B has subsequently proven to be below the standard required for everyday use in Canadians. There have been numerous reports across the country of Poly-B piping leaking and flooding homes.
- Chemicals found in municipal water supplies, such as chlorine, can degrade Poly-B plumbing, causing cracks and leaks.
- The material and manufacturers of Poly-B have also been subject to lawsuits from homeowners seeking to recover their water damage recovery costs.
- Many insurance companies refuse to insure homes found to have Poly-B plumbing installed until the homeowner replaces the Poly-B material.
How Can I Tell if My Home Has Poly-B Pipes?
There are telltale signs of grey Poly-B plumbing you can look for within your home. Homes with Poly-B generally have gray plastic pipes with copper fittings. Remove a few ceiling tiles in the basement and check for grey pipes. Poly-B pipes sometimes have an identifying code. If you look at the side, you might see either “PB2110” or “CSA-B 137.8″, both of which represent Poly-B.
If you remove a tile in the ceiling of your basement, you should see the color of the pipes and the style of connections. But if you have any questions about the type of plumbing in your home, you can rely on your local plumbers to inspect the piping and determine whether you need replacement work.
This video helps explain more about what Poly-B pipes look like:
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Poly-B Plumbing in My Home?
As with any plumbing job, there are multiple factors that can impact the total cost of the Poly-B piping replacement work. For example, the price of the work may increase with the difficulty of accessing the older piping. Larger properties with broader square footage will also require more extensive replacement work, which may lead to a higher-priced job. On average, you’ll pay between $6000 and $12,000 to remove Poly B piping and replace it with PEX piping. If drywall removal is required, the work may cost an additional $5000 to $10,000.
One element is certain: the cost of replacing your Poly-B plumbing now is far smaller than the potential price of the water damage recovery work you’ll face in the future if you choose to keep the material in your home.
Poly-B Plumbing Removal in Victoria, BC with Thunderbird Plumbing Victoria
There is a significant danger that poly-b pipes will cause leaks and potential structural damage to your home. Thunderbird Plumbing Victoria takes our responsibility as local plumbers seriously. As such, we’re available urgently if you have questions about Poly-B plumbing and whether your home requires replacement work.
We offer bookings throughout the week and have a fleet operating throughout Victoria, Oak Bay, Langford, and the surrounding greater Victoria area to respond to Poly-B plumbing removal service calls.
Book your upcoming installations, repairs, and upgrades with trusted local plumbers. Call our plumbing team today.