A Story of a Poly-B Nightmare
One bright Saturday morning, the Johnson family discovered a problem. Sarah cooked breakfast when she noticed water gathering near the kitchen baseboards. She first thought the dishwasher caused it, but she soon realized the issue was more serious. Their house constructed in the mid 80s still had the original Poly-B piping system.
The Poly-B piping had at last broken down. The pipes had deteriorated over time causing a small but expanding pool of water. But as water began to leak into the living room drenching the carpet, and threatening the hardwood floors, the Sarah grew alarmed.
Tom turned off the main water valve, but the damage was done. They contacted Ace Plumbing and continued to clean up the mess the water had made. Brian confirmed their biggest worry. All of the lines in the plumbing system needed to be replaced and brought up to code.
The Johnsons learned a lot about home maintenance that day. Replacing the Poly-B water lines with PEX lines would cost a lot now, but it needed to be done in order to prevent bigger problems down the road. They immediately set up a time with Ace Plumbing and also found out that what they would save money on insurance premiums. This would help offset the installation cost in the long run.
Poly-B Pipe Replacement in Calgary
If you own a home in Calgary, you will hear more about Poly B water line replacement. Because homes that were built from the 1980’s to mid 1990’s had Polybutylene (Poly-B) water lines installed instead of copper. Problem was, that this water line system developed a bad reputation a few years later, because it would often break or leak without warning. The guide below will explain more about replacing Poly-B pipes. You will also learn about why you should replace it, when to replace it, and who to call .
Why Replace Poly-B Piping?
Poly B piping made a splash in the plumbing world when it first came out. People thought it would change how water lines were installed, because it was cheap and easy to put in. But as time went on folks realized Poly-B had some big flaws. These water lines tended to break down when they come into contact with certain water treatments, chlorine, sun light, and even hot water to name a few. The result was a huge headache for homeowners and insurance companies. It became such an expensive hot potato that many insurance companies refuse to cover a home that has Poly-B pipes installed.
Risks and Issues
Poly-B pipes often develop tiny pinhole leaks in the actual pipe or in the joints. These leaks often cause major water damage over time. Houses with Poly-B piping are also harder to sell and make your home less valuable by making it less attractive to potential buyers. While some insurance firms might not cover homes with Poly-B piping. Others might charge more for coverage because of the higher risk of water damage.
Possible Health Concerns
We can’t say for sure that Poly-B pipes harm health. But leaks and water damage can create spots where mold and mildew grow if left unchecked.
When Should You Replace Poly-B Piping?
Signs of Deterioration
Visible Wear and Tear. Flaking, scaling, or discoloration on your pipes might show they’re breaking down. Constant leaks or water damage serve as warning signs and rusty or off-color water can point to pipe corrosion, a big red flag with Poly-B.
Age of the Pipes
Homes built from the 1980s to mid-1990s there is a strong possibility that they have Poly B water pipes installed and should be inspected for pinhole leaks in the pipe or near joints.
Before Major Renovations
If you’re thinking about a major renovation to your home, you might want to include changing out Poly B water lines in your budget to avoid future plumbing problems.
How to Switch Out Poly B Pipes
Begin by calling Ace Plumbing to check your plumbing system to confirm that you have Poly B pipes and find out how much it would cost have them replaced. Next, picking out the right pipe is very important. These days instead of Poly-B, you can use PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), copper, or CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride).
Each type of pipe has its good and bad points. Pex is easy to install, bends, and holds up well against scale and chlorine. Copper is very durable and lasts a long time, but costs more and can corrode over time. CPVC stands up to chlorine and costs less than copper but it is more brittle and doesn’t bend as well as PEX.
Choosing the Right Company for the Job
Call Ace Plumbing for an estimate. Changing out Poly-B pipes isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it if you are considering selling your home in the short term. This job cannot be done overnight. So, allow plenty of time to have the new water line system installed. The savings on insurance premium are significant.
Carrying Out the Replacement
Ace Plumbing will get the appropriate permits and install your new system adhering to all city standards and bylaws. Installing water piping is a big undertaking. This will involve cutting holes in walls, floors, and ceilings to remove all Poly B piping.
After installing the new pipes, you’ll need to have any holes or damage to walls and floors repaired. Ace Plumbing can help with that as well. We will inspect the work and provide you with a warranty. You can use the warranty as proof of installation for insurance purposes.
Final Tips for Homeowners
After replacing Poly B regular plumbing maintenance is important. Schedule yearly check-ups to check for any potential problems. Keep up with any changes in local regulations or recommendations about plumbing materials.
Plumbing upgrades can hit your wallet hard. Like replacing hot water heaters, furnaces, leaky taps, sinks, and toilets. Creating a budget for these upgrades will make it easier on your wallet when it comes time to replace them. The amazing Club Royal Membership offered by Ace Plumbing can help you save money on maintenance and when the time comes for a plumbing upgrade.
You can get more information on Poly-B piping simply by calling the Jack, Professor of Plumbing