Poly-B Remediation

Poly B piping is the short form of polybutylene. It is the grey plastic pipe used mainly for plumbing works in residential buildings from 1985 to 1997. Polybutylene was most commonly used in construction works in North America for new building construction at the time as opposed to the more expensive copper option.

It would have also been the material of choice for plumbers doing renovations and repair work during that period.

Poly B piping received warm and wide acceptance when it was launched and brought to the market, primarily because of its flexibility and affordability. 

Meanwhile, its molecular errors and failed integrity soon came to the forefront, as the pipes became brittle and fail unabated.

The Poly B pipes molecular bonds were unstable and resulted in cracks under unfavorable environmental strains. The following are the factors that increase the rate of deterioration in Poly B pipe

1. High content of chlorine in the water supplied by the municipality
2. Extensive exposure to ultraviolet light
3. Usage in extremely hot areas or high temperatures

The rate of Poly B piping’s failure is undoubtedly 100 percent. Due to diverse factors causing failure, the exact timeframe for Poly B pipe failure cannot be predicted or determined.

The fastest rate of failure recorded was within the first 12 months, while the longest time the piping lasted was 34 years. There is no way to determine how soon or long it will take the piping to fail. This rate of uncertainty makes Poly B piping a gamble.

The replacement project starts by making an assessment of where the waterlines are ran within the home and potentially what access will be required to replace the existing lines.

In most cases replacement of some plumbing fixtures such as outdoor taps and shower fixtures may be necessary to replace the Poly b in its entirety.

Providing Access

The Next step will be for us to begin creating strategic cuts in the drywall  where necessary making sure we make things as easy to patch after as possible.

We Use The Best Quality Material

Once we have access we can begin pulling the lines  and reconnecting the lines in the home. 

Todays best waterline tubing on the market is a Pex A cold expansion product. Plumb Simple only uses the very highest quality Pex A tubing that has been tested under pressure in extreme conditions since the 80s.

Patching of holes

In most cases it will be required to work with a contractor To patch holes and refinish areas. This work would not be carried out by Plumb Simple and should be completed by a reputable drywall and refinishing contractor.