If you own a home that was built before the mid-90s, chances are it has Poly-B plumbing. Also known as Polybutylene plumbing, this type of piping was widely used in residential construction due to its low cost and ease of installation. While it may have been a great solution when it first came out, over time, Poly-B has been found to be highly susceptible to deterioration, leading to costly repairs and water damage. Let’s take a closer look at why replacing your home’s Poly-B plumbing is so important.
What is Poly-B Piping?
Poly-B piping, otherwise known as “polybutylene” or “polyethylene” plumbing, was installed in millions of homes between 1973 and 1999 due to its low cost and easy installation process. However, it wasn’t long before homeowners started noticing issues with their Poly-B plumbing systems. The pipes were prone to leaking due to corrosion caused by oxidizing water—particularly hard water that has high levels of chlorine.
Why Replace Poly-B Plumbing?
The primary reason for replacing your home’s Poly-B plumbing is that it can become brittle and contaminated over time. The plastic tubing can degrade due to age, as well as exposure to chlorine or other chemicals found in tap water. When these tubes start to degrade, they can crack, split or burst which can result in expensive water damage repair bills. Additionally, since the pipes are made of plastic rather than metal, they are much more prone to bursting if exposed to cold temperatures during winter months.
Another issue with Poly-B plumbing is that it can contaminate drinking water supplies over time due to chemicals leaching into the pipes themselves. These toxins can cause health problems when ingested over long periods of time. Therefore, replacing your home’s Poly-B pipes with safer alternatives is essential for protecting yourself and your family from potential harm.
Call Tap 2 Drain Plumbing
Homeowners who have Poly-B water piping should consider having it replaced with a more durable material. While the upfront cost may be higher, it will save money in the long run by preventing costly water damage. In addition, replacing Poly-B plumbing will provide peace of mind and increase the value of your home. We can help put your mind at ease and replace your old plumbing fixtures with new, more durable materials without tearing out whole walls. Contact us today to get a quote!