What is Poly B Plumbing?
18 Jul 2019 Plumbing Services
Understanding what poly b plumbing is and the common problems associated with it can help you be better prepared in the event of a plumbing emergency. At Murrayville Plumbing, they understand how important it is to have fully functioning plumbing throughout your home. That is why they offer a wide range of plumbing services, including poly b replacement.
What is Poly B Plumbing?
Polybutylene or poly b is a grey plastic pipe that was installed throughout the early 1970s until the early 1990s as a home’s water supply line. Since poly b offered greater flexibility, lower cost, and easier installation than copper pipes, it was thought to be an excellent option until the poly b pipes began to spring leaks. While the use of poly b piping was originally tested and certified by the Canadian Standards Association for potable water systems, poly b pipes were discontinued in the late 1990s.
Poly B Plumbing Problems
Even though there are many homes that have still not had any issues with poly b plumbing, it is only a matter of time before the pipes begin to leak and cause damage to the homes. The main causes of poly b plumbing problems are:
- There are high levels or free chlorine in the water supply.
- The pipe fittings were installed too tight on the pipes, causing hairline cracks.
- The pipes were either bent or put under too much stress during installation.
- The pipes were installed near a high heat area, such as the attic or the hot water tank.
- The pipes were installed with acetal (white or grey) fittings rather than metal fittings.
What Should You do When Something Goes Wrong?
Since the damage to the poly b plumbing tends to originate on the inside of the pipes, it can be very difficult to tell what condition the plumbing is in, unless there are obvious signs like visible repairs or improper installation. In most cases, a home inspector will advise that a leak can happen without any warning and that you should replace the poly b pipes with PEX or copper. While there are steps that you can take to help maintain the life of poly b, the best solution is usually to replace the entire system.
If you would like to learn more about what poly b plumbing is, or if you are interested in one of their poly b replacement services, please contact Murrayville Plumbing at 778-888-6451 or by filling out a contact form on their website.
