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Should I Replace My Poly-B Pipe?

Plumbing, Poly-B Replacement

With a storied history of leaks and costly damage, why are you still holding onto your Poly-B pipe? Trust the experts at Always Plumbing & Heating to replace your plumbing system with industry-leading equipment, tools and knowledge. We’re here, 24/7, to provide a smooth transition and ongoing support. Check out our latest blog to learn the tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace your pipes.

Posted by Glenn | August 26, 2024 | Reading Time:

Is it time to say goodbye to your Poly-B pipes? With a history of leaks and costly damage, these outdated pipes can become a nightmare for many Edmonton Area homeowners.

But don’t worry! Dive into our comprehensive guide and learn the tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace your pipes, and discover the best options for a more reliable and more durable plumbing solution.

The team at Always Plumbing & Heating has been your preferred choice for Poly-B pipe replacement for more than 20 years. We have the experience and tools necessary to ensure the ongoing safety of your plumbing system. Contact us today!

What Is Poly-B Pipe?

Poly-B pipes (short for polybutylene, what a mouth full!) were an inexpensive piping option popular in Canadian homes in the 1980s and 1990s. And it wasn’t long before the issues began to outweigh the benefits of using Poly-B pipes, including:

  • Prone to cracking and bursting
  • Easily harbour mold and mildew growth
  • No longer covered by home insurance policies
  • Expensive to repair

A technician plumber uses a wrench to repair a water pipe under the sink, addressing issues such as plumbing leaks, replacing the kitchen sink drain, or cleaning clogged and rusty pipes.

Signs Your Poly-B Pipe Needs To Be Replaced

If you have Poly-B in your home, no matter its condition, it’s recommended that you call in our experts to have it replaced to ensure the health of your plumbing system and your home. But common signs include:

Visible Signs of Deterioration

Poly-B pipes are prone to various types of deterioration such as discoloration, flaking, blistering, or scale build-up on the pipes. These physical defects can indicate chemical reactions within the pipes caused by household cleaners.

Also, if you see any bulging or warping on the plastic, it could point towards a serious water pressure issue, so call our experienced plumbers in right away.

Frequent Leaks & Increased Water Damage

One of the most telling signs that your Poly-B needs to be replaced is the occurrence of frequent leaks. Poly-B pipes are notorious for developing cracks and holes over time, which can eventually lead to significant water damage in your home. Yikes!

If you’re constantly noticing leaks or pooling of water even after plumbing repairs, it’s a clear indication that your pipes are failing which can result in costly home repairs and even health risks, thanks to the increased risk for mold growth. Double yikes!

Insurance & Resale Concerns

Having Poly-B in your home could also affect your insurance coverage and property resale value.

Many Alberta insurance companies are reluctant to provide coverage or may charge a higher premium for homes with Poly-B due to the increased risk of water damage.

Potential buyers may also be wary due to the risks associated, and the potential of increased home inspection costs and upgrades. This can make selling your home difficult, and potentially lower its market value.

Replacing your Poly-B piping can mitigate these concerns, providing you with peace of mind. So let’s take a look at some considerations below.

An image of a water leak in a house, with blue and yellow buckets on the living room floor catching water from a burst pipe. A frustrated couple sits on the couch in the background, trying to find a plumber.

Considerations For Replacement

Material Options

There are many material options available on the market today for Poly-B replacement, including copper and PVC. But when you choose Always Plumbing & Heating we replace it with high-quality PEX plastic and fittings.

PEX is flexible, durable, cost effective and protects the quality of your water, as other options can be prone to corrosion and mineral build-up.

PEX is also the preferred choice for Edmonton Area homes because of our harder municipal water.

Costs & Logistics

While the cost to replace your Poly-B ultimately depends on the amount of it we find within your plumbing system, you can rest assured that the cumulative cost of ongoing repairs can quickly surpass the initial investment of a full on replacement. Meaning a full replacement is probably your most attractive option.

At Always Plumbing & Heating you’ll never have to worry about hidden fees or surprises with our StraightForward pricing guarantee. All pricing and scope of work is discussed and agreed upon prior to the work beginning. Contact our team today for your no obligation quote!

Testimonial from a happy customer surrounded by 5 gold stars

5 Star Superstar Poly-B Replacement

Here’s what you can expect from our Poly-B replacement experts!

Preparation

When you book your Poly-B replacement, a specialized plumber will come to your home and begin our evaluation process.

During this evaluation, your plumber will thoroughly examine your current plumbing system looking for signs of mold, cracks and leaks. They will also inspect the layout, material, age and condition of your current system before presenting you with your personalized, comprehensive quote.

Recommendation

Due to the potential urgency of Poly-B pipe replacement, we guarantee to have your detailed, no-obligation quote delivered to you no later than 24 hours after your initial evaluation.

All replacement piping material recommendations are thoroughly explained and consider your budget.

Finally, as discussed above, with our StraightForward pricing you can rest assured that no surprises or extra charges will be added to your invoice.

Replacement & Remediation

Once your quote has been approved, your plumber can get right to work, scheduling a date and time for your replacement that works for you!

In order to replace the pipe, your plumber will have to make entry holes in your drywall or ceiling to gain access to the lines. But we always strive to complete this process efficiently and as cleanly as possible, lying down coverings to ensure your belongings are protected.

Once the replacement is complete we’ll ensure your home is cleaned and restored back to the way we found it by cleaning up debris, repairing your drywall and ceilings and ensuring they’re painted back to their original colour. You’ll never know we were there once we complete your Poly-B replacement. At Always Plumbing & Heating, we’re your one stop shop!

We’re also proud to offer industry-leading, flexible financing options so you can get access to the plumbing service you need, faster than you thought possible!

A young couple reviewing financing options and calculating expenses at a table.

A close-up of a plumber using a red wrench to repair a water pipe under a sink, addressing maintenance to fix a water leak in a bathroom, illustrating a plumbing installation concept.

An aerial view of a plumber repairing a sink pipe in a residential home.

The Importance of Ongoing Maintenance

Once your replacement is complete, ensure your new PEX system’s ongoing performance by scheduling annual plumbing inspections from our team.

These inspections allow our team to identify and address any potential issues early on, preventing big problems and big costs. Keeping up with routine maintenance enhances the lifespan of your new PEX pipes and ensures a reliable water supply for your home for years to come.

We also recommend joining our Diamond Maintenance Program for exclusive discounts, priority service and continued peace of mind.

Replacing your entire plumbing system can seem like a daunting task, but it’s a small inconvenience compared to the risks posed by aging Poly-B piping. By investing in a new PEX system from Always Plumbing & Heating you’re safeguarding your home while enhancing it’s overall value.

Our dedicated team is here 24/7 to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing support. So don’t wait for problems to escalate, take proactive steps and give Always Plumbing & Heating a call today!

TLDR: Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Replace Poly-B Pipe?

Poly-B pipes are prone to cracking and bursting, which could cause serious property damage. They also encourage mold and mildew growth which could negatively affect your health. Finally, it can be expensive to deal with the fallout from a plumbing failure in your home.

How Much Does Poly-B Pipe Replacement Cost?

The cost to replace Poly-B depends on the amount of it we find in your plumbing system. Contact us today for your no-obligation quote.

How Long Does Poly-B Pipe Replacement Take?

The time it takes to replace your piping will greatly depend on the size and complexity of your plumbing system. No matter the job, our plumbers are trained to get the job done quickly with minimal interruptions to your day-to-day life. Contact us today to learn more.

What Is The Best Way To Maintain My New Plumbing System?

The best way is by joining our Diamond Maintenance Program for exclusive discounts, priority service and regular inspections.

Are There Any Warranties On Poly-B Replacement Service?

Through our Diamond Maintenance Program we offer 2 year service and repair extended warranties, as well as 10 year equipment extended warranties. Contact us today to learn more.

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