Ottawa Poly B Plumbing Replacement Service

Most residents know what kind of plumbing runs through their homes, but they may not know how dangerous it is. Poly-B is a type of plastic pipe created in 1975. It was removed from Canada’s standard plumbing code nearly 20 years ago due to frequent reports of leaks, pipe bursts, and flooding. Because most homes with this particular type of piping had it installed in the 1980s and 90s, there's a high chance you had an improper installation. Or it was installed too close to your hot water heater tank. With that in mind, replacing Poly B plumbing isn't just a smart choice for residents; it's a necessity if they want to steer clear of serious disasters that can cost them big.

If you suspect you have Poly B plumbing, there's no way around it; it needs to be replaced. For fast, fair service, your licensed Ottawa plumbers can handle a Poly B replacement effectively. Don’t put your family and your property at risk of flooding, water damage, and the repair costs that come with it. Contact the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa today.

Re-Piping Options For Poly B Plumbing in Ottawa, ON

A Poly B replacement is something homeowners will want to do sooner rather than later. You’ll need a licensed plumber for the job, and Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa’s team of highly trained professionals can help. We’ll help you prevent disasters from happening by replacing your old Poly B pipe system with one of two options: copper or PEX. You’ll find the details, advantages, and drawbacks of each material ahead.

1. Copper

Copper is one of the best choices for your Poly B replacement. It’s incredibly durable and can handle a pressure of up to 1000 psi. Copper pipes last for around 50-70 years—which is much longer than the average 15-year lifespan of Poly-B. Living in Ottawa means cold winters and hot water, which makes copper the ideal choice.

This material isn’t as likely to freeze in the winter, and what’s more, it won’t contaminate your water supply. At the end of their lifecycle, they’re recyclable, and expert plumbers love them because they are lightweight and easier to install. With copper’s high thermal rating, they’re also fireproof. When compared to PEX, copper is better for the environment too.

The drawbacks? Because of all of its advantages, copper is slightly more expensive and requires soldering during installation. This leads to higher installation costs. Due to copper’s pricey nature, it can also get stolen if a burglar puts in enough effort.

2. PEX

While PEX is still plastic like a Poly B pipe, this type of plumbing is stronger and more durable. It’s also resistant to cold temperatures and an excellent option for Ottawa homeowners. PEX has been around since the 1980s, outlasting Poly B because of its durability.

Thanks to this material’s makeup, it’s a lighter alternative to copper piping and very easy to install. It’s also more affordable, won’t corrode, and can’t be affected by limescale. With sturdy pipe joints, you’ll experience fewer leaks too. Are there any cons? PEX is still made from plastic and cannot be exposed to light. This means it must be used indoors or completely buried in your yard.

Why Choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa For Poly B Plumbing Replacement?

Whether you just bought a house with an existing Poly-B pipe or feel it’s time to replace yours, installing new plumbing isn’t just a good idea. In fact, it’s an important one that can prevent serious plumbing disasters. When it comes to polybutylene pipes, leaks, and bursts are almost inevitable, and acting now is essential to avoid them. Once you make the decision, your licensed professional plumber will help you choose the right style of pipe for your home. After it’s been installed, we’ll back our work with a guarantee.

Taking care of all of your re-piping needs, we also expertly handle a wide range of other plumbing needs, including drain cleaning, sewer backup, leaking pipes, and 24/7 emergency service. Our promise to Ottawa residents? We’ll be there when you need us most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Poly B Plumbing

What is Poly B Plumbing?

Poly-B stands for polybutylene piping and is a type of grey plastic. Because it was much cheaper than copper, the grey pipes were an easy choice for plumbers and homeowners, and if it performed as well as it was claimed to, we’d all be sitting pretty. Turns out, the big fuss about Poly B plumbing wasn’t quite warranted, and the 30-year lifespan was much shorter. From leaks to pipe bursts, it became apparent that Poly B failure became common for homeowners.

When Was Poly B Piping Banned in Canada?

Poly B pipes were made in 1975 and discontinued in 1998. As of 2005, the piping was completely removed from Canada’s standard plumbing code. Said to last up to 30 years, homeowners frequently experienced burst pipes and plumbing issues because of it. On average, Poly B plumbing lasts around 15 years; however, there are some homeowners who have had theirs for up to 45.

How long your Poly-B pipes last depends on the climate and water systems in your city. Ottawa uses high levels of chlorine to purify the city’s municipal water, which can wear down POLY-B piping faster than the water in other cities might. Each case is unique, but one thing is for certain: you can’t depend on these pipes.

Should You Buy a House With Poly B Plumbing?

If you're interested in a house with Poly B plumbing, you should ask the seller to get a Poly B replacement. If they refuse, and you'd still like to buy it, it might be hard for you to secure financing or coverage from an insurance company because of the pipes. Yes, they really are that dangerous! In reality, it will be very difficult for the property owner to sell their house, and if re-piping isn’t in their plans, ask them to lower the price as it’s something you will need to do before you move in.

Can You Transition from Poly B to PEX?

Yes! Though you may be tempted to ask us to replace the busted Poly B pipe with PEX, it’s something we don’t do. This is because the pipes are simply not compatible with one another, and you will most likely see issues down the road. If you’d like a complete replacement of your piping system with PEX, now that’s something we can do.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late! Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for a Poly B Replacement!

Once you know the drawbacks of Poly B plumbing, if you have it in your home, you’ll be extremely motivated to replace it. Not only will doing so prevent leaks and bursts from happening in the future, but it will give you peace of mind and increase your property value.

For expert Poly B replacement, homeowners can rely on our team of experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa. We provide upfront pricing and a guarantee that the job will be done right. For more questions about this particular type of plumbing, or any for that matter, call us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives. We serve all of Ottawa, including Centretown, Gatineau, and Gloucester.