New Year, New Pipes?

Have you heard of Poly B pipe? Polybutylene pipe, or its common name, Poly B, is a flexible grey pipe that was used in residential plumbing and hot water heating systems from 1978 until 1998. By the mid ‘80s, an unfortunate pattern started to emerge: homes with Poly B plumbing were experiencing leaks. Some Poly B plumbing would leak slowly, hidden behind drywall, and the homeowner wouldn’t discover it until it was too late. These homes had not just water damage, but also mould. Other Poly B would simply burst! Water chlorination, water pressure, and heat breaks down these pipes and fittings over time causing them to become brittle and flake, crack or break. Although Polybutylene pipes can last between 10 and 15 years they are known to fail without prior signs as the break down happens from the inside.

Many people don't realize that have Poly B pipe until they have an unexpected leak.

Do you have Poly B pipes?

Most Poly B pipes are grey, though other colours (like black, white, or blue) exist. Look for gray plastic pipes anywhere there is exposed plumbing: under the sink, connected to the water meter, at the hot water tank, or on the ceiling of an unfinished basement. Another way to identify it is by the markings printed on the pipes. Poly B pipes usually have an identifying code stamped on the side PB2110 or CSA-B 137.8. The absence of these codes doesn’t automatically mean it’s not Poly B. If you suspect your home’s pipes are Poly B but you can’t confirm it, give us a call to arrange an inspection.

For all your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs give us a call at Service First Tradeworks Ltd. (250) 832-5558 or (250) 675-3668.

Excerpts taken from https://www.squareoneinsurance.com/resource-centres/getting-to-know-your-home/poly-b-plumbing and https://www.urbanpiping.com/poly-b-replacement/why-replacing-polybutylene-is-time-sensitive/ check out these posts for even more info!