The issue with these plastic tubes for indoor water lines is that polybutylene is a plastic compound that tends to flake and crack quickly, and the seams separate.
But the biggest issues:
- The fittings split and crack. Even if copper fittings are used, the plastic under can crack.
- They aren’t able to handle the water pressure that comes from water lines.
- Highly prone to pinhole leaks as the plastic breaks down.
- They are prone to chemical damage from chlorine and degradation as city water flows through, causing those chemicals to leech into drinking water.
- Since they are now banned, homes or businesses will have issues getting insurance to cover their homes if a plumbing leak happens.
How To Know If You Have Poly B Pipes, Mississauga Residents
If you are unsure if you have Poly B plumbing, Mississauga residents can look for a few of the telltale signs of this type of pipe:
- Look for grey plastic pipes with copper, brass, or plastic fittings.
- They will be stamped with a variation of this code— “PB2110,” “Poly-B Potable,” or "PB pipe".
- If your home was built between the mid-1970s to the late 1990s, then chances are high that you have them, as a majority of homes built during this time used Poly B plumbing.
- Look for the visible fittings; there will be plastic pipes fit together with plastic or metal fittings.
Where To Find Poly B Plumbing In Your Mississauga Home?
It is estimated that ten million homes have these potential catastrophes connected in their homes. When you walk around your home, visually inspect any water lines or drain lines. Look under sinks, utility rooms, basements, or connected to hot water tanks, water meters, shut-off valves, or any other areas where there are drainpipes. We recommend replacing poly b plumbing anywhere you see, protecting your home and family.
If you are unsure about the drainage system your home or business has, but your place is older than 2005, call and talk to one of our professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter. Or we can book you a service call with our trained plumbers to help you.
Process of Polybutylene Pipes Replacement: Mississauga Options
Polybutylene (poly b) plumbing has been known to fail and cause water damage in homes. If you have poly b pipes in your home, it is time to consider replacing them with alternative plumbing materials. Here are some alternatives to poly b plumbing:
- Copper pipes: Copper is a popular choice for residential plumbing systems. They are durable, long-lasting, as well as resistant to corrosion. They can also be easily soldered, making installation relatively simple. However, copper pipes can be expensive and leak if improperly installed.
- PEX pipes: PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is flexible plastic tubing that has become increasingly popular as an alternative to copper piping in recent years. PEX lines are easy to install, lightweight, and less expensive than copper lines. They are also resistant to corrosion and freezing. However, they can be prone to damage from UV light exposure.
- PVC pipes: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a type of plastic tubing that is commonly used in drainage and waste systems. PVC lines are affordable, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion. However, they are unsuitable for hot water and may crack if exposed to freezing temperatures.
- CPVC pipes: CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is similar to PVC but designed for hot water use. CPVC pipes are resistant to corrosion, easy to install, and affordable. However, like PVC, they may crack if exposed to freezing temperatures.
Consult with our licensed expert plumbers at Mr. Rooter to determine which option is best for your home's plumbing system. By making the switch to an alternative plumbing material, you can help prevent water damage and ensure the safety of your home's water supply.
