Poly-B plumbing is prone to failure and leaks, leading to water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. If you live in a strata or apartment building with Poly-B plumbing, it’s essential to plan for a replacement.
Step 1: Check If You Have Poly-B Plumbing
The first step is to determine if your strata or apartment building has Poly-B plumbing. Poly-B piping is typically gray, black, or blue and has stamped markings indicating that it’s polybutylene. If you’re not sure, you can hire a plumber to inspect your building’s plumbing system and confirm for you.
Step 2: Consult With Your Strata Or Apartment Board
Once you confirm that your building has Poly-B plumbing, you need to consult with your strata or apartment board. Explain the risks associated with Poly-B plumbing and the benefits of replacement. Discuss the possibility of organizing a meeting with other residents to discuss the issue and come up with a plan of action. This can help create a sense of urgency among residents and encourage them to take the issue seriously.
Step 3: Create A Budget
Poly-B replacement can be expensive, especially in large strata and apartment buildings. It’s essential to create a budget for the replacement project to avoid overspending. Consult with your strata or apartment board to determine how much money is available for the project. Once you have a budget, you can start planning for the replacement process.
Step 4: Plan The Replacement Process
Replacing Poly-B plumbing requires careful planning to ensure that the process goes smoothly. The first step is to create a timeline for the replacement project. The timeline should include the start and end dates for the project and the expected duration of each phase. This will help you avoid any disruptions to residents’ daily routines.
Next, you need to plan the logistics of the replacement process. Determine the areas that need to be accessed and prepare the building for the replacement process. This may involve moving furniture, clearing out storage areas, and creating a safe work environment for the plumbing company.
Step 5: Communicate With Residents
Communication is key when it comes to replacing Poly-B plumbing in strata and apartments. Keep residents informed about the project’s progress, and provide updates as necessary. Inform residents of any disruptions or inconveniences that may occur. Create a plan for residents to access water and essential services during the replacement process.
Step 6: Monitor The Replacement Process
It’s essential to monitor the replacement process to ensure that it’s going according to plan. Schedule regular inspections to check the progress and quality of the work. Keep track of any changes or issues that arise during the replacement process and address them promptly. Once the replacement is complete, conduct a final inspection to ensure that everything is in working order.
Step 7: Hire a Professional Plumbing Company
Hiring a professional plumbing company is crucial when it comes to replacing Poly-B plumbing. Look for a reputable plumbing company with experience in Poly-B replacement. Check their credentials and references to ensure that they’re qualified to handle the job. Make sure that the plumbing company is licensed, insured, and bonded to protect yourself from any liability in case of accidents or damages during the replacement process.
Poly-B plumbing can cause extensive damage to strata and apartment buildings. It’s essential to plan for its replacement to avoid costly repairs. A well-planned replacement process, like the one outlined above, minimizes disruptions to residents and protects your building from future damage.
If you’re ready to replace your Poly-B piping, our expert technicians can help. We have developed an exclusive procedure to replace all the Poly-B in your multi-unit building while ensuring minimal repairs are needed for your walls. Contact us today.