What is Polybutylene (Poly-B) Piping?

Initially the issues weren’t with the piping at all. The hard plastic joints and elbows were known to crack and break, a problem solved in Canada mostly by using brass or copper. Another issue was the chlorine and heat of the water caused pinhole leaks through homes. There were also several issues with piping being stored outside prior to installation. Exposure to sunlight caused the plastic to deteriorate at an accelerated rate, requiring whole-home repiping. Additionally, poly-b is oxygen permeable; oxidized water can drastically shorten the life of boilers and water heaters.

Poly-B is easy enough to identify. You can check by opening any plumbing access or checking the plumbing connected to your water heater. You’re looking for grey, plastic tubing with permanent markings down the pipes. If you’re still not sure Kingstree Plumbing can come out and check for you.

Don’t panic! While poly-b will eventually fail, it’s unlikely to happen tonight. Eventually though, you will need to repipe your house. Keep an eye out for small leaks and cracks in the meantime, and book a plumbing inspection with Kingstree Plumbing so you know just what’s going on in your home.

Eventually every inch of poly-b will need replacing, not a small feat when it runs through your whole house. Kingstree Plumbing is here to help you through the process. Starting with a full plumbing inspection to assess your pipes and get you an accurate quote. Next we’ll come up with a plan to get your home back in peak shape. Whether you plan to repipe the whole house at once or work through your home in stages, we can help you out.

Kingstree Plumbing is happy to work with you and your insurance company. Most insurance companies don’t cover the replacement of poly-b piping, nor do they consider it an added risk.

Although there are several class action lawsuits being settled throughout north america, those avenues have all closed. The government of Canada did offer a reimbursement program, but only if you finished your whole home replacement by May of 2005 or within 15 years of the installation, whichever was later.

Replacing poly-b is nearly always an invasive renovation, but likely less than you think. In terms of cost, it’s impossible to give you a quote without seeing the project. However most repiping projects are comparable to other maintenance projects such as replacing your shingles or changing the carpet in your home. Plus, it can increase the value of your home as well; which makes it an excellent investment.