Poly- B Plumbing Replacement Services

Poly-B Pipe Replacement Services in Calgary, Airdrie, & Area

Poly-B plumbing was once a household name. Prized for their durability and affordability, these water pipes were heavily used in both residential and commercial buildings. That is no longer the case. In fact, one of the main reasons people require home plumbing repairs in Calgary and Airdrie nowadays is damaged or deteriorating Poly-B water lines.

The most common reasons homeowners require Poly-B pipe repair and replacement include:

Damage to inner plastic due to high levels of chlorine in the water supply which eventually results in leaks
Improper installation, such as fitting the pipes too tightly, resulting in hairline crack formation over time
Pipes installed in close proximity to high heat areas such as hot water tanks
Poor positioning of pipes during installation that causes them to break or bend due to stress

Our plumbing experts will quickly locate and repair your pipe leaks and get your plumbing system back to proper working order in no time. When you suspect that one of the pipes in your plumbing system may have sprung a water leak, call our team at 403.945.8324 to prevent any more water damage to your property.

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What Is Poly-B Plumbing?

Poly-B stands for polybutylene, a type of lightweight, flexible plastic resin used for making different materials, including water pipes. Poly-B pipes are sometimes also called PB pipes for short.

From the early ‘70s till the late ‘90s, Poly-B plumbing was extensively installed in new homes. Constructors considered it a fantastic material at the time. It was flexible and easy to work with, allowing for convenient fitting and hassle-free installation. More importantly, being a plastic polymer, Poly-B pipes were significantly cheaper than their metal alternatives. This made them a perfect substitute for copper piping.

However, during the mid-‘80s, problems started emerging. Homes that had Poly-B plumbing were frequently experiencing leaks and eventually required Poly-B replacement. The leaks usually occurred behind drywall. As a result, homeowners were unable to discover the problem until mold appeared or the leak caused significant water damage.

Based on survey reports, it is estimated that more than 700,000 homes in Canada had this piping installed before it was discontinued.

It’s interesting to note that the Canadian Standards Association initially approved Poly-B plumbing for potable water systems. The pipes were tested and certified for use in homes and offices. And Poly-B plumbing did indeed work well for about 10 to 15 years. However, people noticed that beyond this period, Poly-B pipes began to fail.

In other words, the main issue with Poly-B lines is not ‘if’ the pipe will suffer damage. Rather, it’s a matter of how long until it deteriorates.

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How Do I Tell If MY Home Has Poly-B Piping?

If you aren’t sure whether your home has Poly-B water lines, look for exposed plumbing. The easiest way to confirm Poly-B plumbing is via the PB2110 code stamped somewhere along the pipe.

Poly-B pipes are also easy to identify with their characteristic grayish-blue colour. However, they can sometimes be white, black, cream, or silver as well. Poly-B piping often has plastic or copper fittings joining different lengths of pipes as well. At times, they might use brass-fittings for connections. Moreover, Poly-B lines are an average of ½ to 1 inch in diameter. Also, given their material composition, they can sometimes be curved as well. If your plumbing lines have these features, they are probably Poly-B pipes.

You can look for exposed plumbing under the sink or near your home’s main water supply. The pipes at the hot water heater and on unfinished basement ceilings are also typically bare. So, you can tell if you have Poly-B plumbing by looking at those water lines.

Locating Poly-B Plumbing Pipes

Older homes built between 1980 and 1998 should be inspected for Poly B plumbing. In many homes finding polybutylene pipes is very easy, however in homes that are fully developed it can be quite challenging. Houses with a finished basement may require cutting into the drywall to locate and identify the pipes used.

Places to look for Poly B Pipes include:

Any crawl spaces
Mechanical Room / Water Heater Closets
Stubbed out under the kitchen sink or next to a toilet
Any unfinished basement areas
In floor joist areas hidden above your basement ceiling

Common Warning Signs That Your Poly B Pipes Are Leaking

Water leaks, especially inside walls and floors, are not always easy to detect. It is important to watch for warning signs in your home to prevent further damage and costly repairs due to structural damage, rotting or molding. Common warning signs that you have a water leak include:

Discolored, Damaged or Bubbling Walls And Paint

Look closely at the walls and ceilings of your home, a wall with bubbling drywall or paint is another obvious indication of a troublesome leak. When water and moisture get into the walls and behind the layer of paint, it eliminates the bond and begins to separate the two, causing the paint to rise from the wall and shed off. When drywall is exposed to moisture, it becomes soft and begins to blister, ultimately warping and breaking into pieces. If your drywall has become discolored, damaged or starting to bubble and crack, there most likely is a water leak behind the wall - even with water-resistance drywall, persistent leaks can still cause some discoloration or bubbling.

Musty Odor And Mold Growth

Mold grows and thrives in damp, dark areas. A mold problem anywhere in your home could indicate a leaky pipe somewhere. A persistent musty odor is a clear indication you have a leak. You may even smell the effects of a leak before you notice obvious signs of a problem.

Unexplained Increases In Your Water Bill

If you notice your water bill going up without explanation, a hidden plumbing leak could be the issue. Performing a water meter reading test will easily confirm if you have a hidden water leak.

Ceiling Stains

If you have a bathroom on a second floor that has sprung a leak, you will notice a stain or discoloration on the ceiling beneath the bathroom. Keep in mind water can travel a long distance, so it’s possible to find water stains on the ceiling farther away. A sagging ceiling is also a definite sign of water issues and should be investigated immediately.

Floor Damage

If you notice sections of your floor are starting to showing signs of cracking, buckling, or beginning to stain for no apparent reason, chances are hidden water damage is the culprit. Depending on the type of flooring you have, moisture can make it feel spongy or soft. Tile may lose its adhesion and become loose, allowing you to easily remove a piece and possibly expose water or moisture underneath it.

If you notice any of these warning signs of a water leak in your home, don’t hesitate to call (403) 945-8324 or contact us online for leak detection and repair services in Airdrie, Calgary or surrounding areas. We can help you prevent serious water damage to you home or business caused by hidden water leaks — and we always offer free estimates, competitive rates, and quality workmanship.

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Maintaining Poly B Plumbing

Perhaps the biggest problem with poly-b plumbing is that the pipes often look good from the outside. However, they might be degrading on the inside and, therefore, can burst without prior warning. As mentioned earlier, many times, the leaks are small and hidden. Hiring a professional plumber in Calgary to inspect your water lines is of crucial importance. They can help you identify the condition of your piping and perform any required Poly-B repairs on time.

Additionally, there are certain things you can do to prevent Poly-B issues in your home. For example:

Change The Plastic Fittings

White and gray acetal fittings are prone to cracking due to the freeze-thaw cycle. If your Poly-B plumbing utilizes plastic fittings, have a plumber replace them with their brass or copper alternatives.

Lower the Chlorine Level

Chemical reactions between chlorine and polybutylene are bound to damage Poly-B pipes. If the municipally supplied water in your region has a high chlorine concentration, consider installing a filter near the main supply. This can increase the lifespan of your Poly-B piping.

Decrease the Water Temperature

Excessively hot water increases the rate of deterioration of Poly-B pipes. So, try to lower your hot water heater temperature, if possible. However, do not set it below 55-degrees Celsius as it can result in bacterial growth in the tank.