Poly-B
Polybutylene, Poly-B, piping was removed from the market in 1998 and some homes will have it up until the 1990’s. It was used almost exclusively between 1978 till the early 90’s because of poly-b’s inexpensive installation cost compared with copper piping. If you have Poly B piping, your home is at risk of catastrophic waterline failure.
Poly B was certified by the Canadian Standards Association, CSA, for hydronic heating and for potable drinking water systems. B C Redi-Rooter Ltd has seen some homes that have poly b waterline systems that have not given the home owner many problems. Problem free homes have some or all things in common.
Installation was done in a quality fashion
Water pressure regulator was changed regularly
Water pressure was kept below 40 psi
Pipe sizing was adequate
Correct metal fittings and connectors were used
Hot water tank was kept to a minimum temperature and serviced regularly
Expansion tank was installed on hot water tank
Hammer arrestors were used through-out home
Low levels of chlorine in water supply
No bends or stress at fittings
No excessive bends in piping
Adequate piping support
Adequate room for expansion and contraction of piping
Sediment and chlorine filters in system
Leak detectors like the Auqa-trip were installed
Many homes in Canada pay a significant premium for Poly B home insurance, even higher premiums for Poly B with plastic fittings. We have noticed that Poly-B replacement in homes typically costs from $3000 to $25000 depending on drywall removal and remediation (currently the removal and disposal of drywall has to be treated as asbestos laden unless lab tested or certified less than 15 years old). Other cost contributing factors are size of home, materials, access, number and location of fixtures, concrete, tile, labour, etcetera.
Please call us about your Poly B issues for fast, experienced and fair service, prevention and or replacemant of your water lines.
