Poly B? Forward Plumbing is Here to Help!
Polybutylene pipe, commonly known as “Poly B”, was used extensively in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The low cost and ease of installation made it a popular option at the time. Unfortunately, it has proven to be unreliable, with a tendency to develop serious leaks. The risk of costly repairs and insurance means that Poly B pipes have a negative effect on home sales and insurance.
If you have a Poly B problem, Forward Plumbing & Gas is ready to assist. We have extensive experience with Poly B replacement, and we would be happy to provide a complementary quote. In many cases, the cost of replacement is lower than the insurance deductible in the event of a leak. As with every job, you can rely on us to provide professional service, cost-effective solutions, minimal disruption, and peace of mind.
Request a Free Quote
Does your home have Poly B pipes? Please fill out the form below for a free, no-commitment quote.
Identifying Poly B Piping
Poly B piping is gray in colour, it’s a flexible, plastic piping and its fittings are often made of copper or in a few instances plastic. However, it’s important to note that the presence of poly B piping in a home isn’t always immediately visible because it’s often hidden behind walls, under floors, or in ceilings. If you suspect that your home has poly B piping, you can check in areas such as the basement, crawl spaces, or utility rooms where pipes are often exposed. Additionally, you can hire a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing system if you’re unsure about the type of piping used in your home and they can guide you through the process.
Issues with Poly B Piping
Polybutylene (poly B) piping gained popularity due to its low cost and ease of installation. However, it fell out of favor due to several significant issues:
- Susceptibility to deterioration
Poly B piping is known to degrade when exposed to certain chemicals commonly found in water supplies, such as chlorine. Over time, this can cause the pipes to become brittle, leading to cracks, leaks, and potentially catastrophic failures. As well as it was lacking UV inhibitors that would add to the likely hood of a leak through brittle piping. - Leaks and water damage
As poly B pipes degrade, they are prone to developing small pinhole leaks, or splits in the piping which can result in water damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. These leaks may go undetected for some time, leading to mold growth and structural damage. - Insurance cost and deductibles
Many insurance companies have trouble with the presence of Poly b piping. People are finding that their deductibles for a water leak can be upwards of $5000.00, Which in a lot of situations this deductible is more expensive than the cost of removing all of the Poly b piping and replacing it with the more favored PEX piping. As well as some insurance with simply not insure a home with Poly b piping. - Reduced home value
Homes with poly B piping may be perceived as higher risk by buyers and appraisers, leading to reduced property values and difficulty in selling.
Overall, the combination of degradation over time, frequent leaks, repair difficulties, and legal issues has led to the widespread consensus that poly B piping is not a suitable choice for residential plumbing systems.
Differences Between PEX and Poly B
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) and Polybutylene (Poly B) are two types of plastic piping commonly used in residential plumbing, but they differ in several key aspects:
- Material Composition
PEX is a newer type of plastic piping introduced in the late 20th century. PEX is made by cross-linking polyethylene molecules, which enhances its strength and durability.
Poly B is a flexible plastic resin that was used for water supply piping in residential plumbing systems primarily during the late 1970s through the mid-1990s. - Resistance to Chemicals
PEX piping is highly resistant to chemical degradation and corrosion, making it suitable for use with a wide range of water qualities and plumbing applications.
Poly B piping is susceptible to degradation when exposed to certain chemicals commonly found in water supplies, such as chlorine, leading to brittleness and potential failure over time. - Durability
PEX piping is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, scaling, and freezing, making it less prone to leaks and failures over time.
Poly B piping has a history of premature failures due to degradation, which can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs or replacements. - Cost and Availability
PEX piping is widely used in modern plumbing installations. While it has a higher upfront cost compared to Poly B, its durability and ease of installation can result in long-term cost savings.
Poly B piping was once a popular choice due to its low cost. It is no longer manufactured or widely available due to concerns about its reliability and performance.
While both PEX and Poly B are plastic piping used in residential plumbing, PEX offers superior durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemical degradation.
Insurance Considerations
Insurance rates and coverage can be impacted by the presence of polybutylene (Poly B) piping in a home due to the increased risk of water damage and associated claims. Here’s how Poly B piping can affect insurance:
- Higher premiums: Insurance companies may charge higher premiums for homes with Poly B piping due to the increased likelihood of leaks and water damage. The potential for costly claims can make insuring homes with Poly B piping more expensive.
- Limited coverage: Some insurance companies may refuse to provide coverage or offer limited coverage for homes with Poly B piping. They may exclude coverage for damages caused by the piping itself or impose higher deductibles for water damage claims related to Poly B piping.
- Policy exclusions: Insurance policies often include exclusions related to certain types of plumbing materials, including Poly B piping. These exclusions may limit or deny coverage for damages caused by leaks or failures of Poly B piping, leaving homeowners responsible for repair costs.
- Risk assessment: Insurance companies consider the presence of Poly B piping during home inspections and risk assessments. Homes with Poly B piping may be deemed higher risk, which can affect eligibility for coverage and impact insurance rates. They may charge a larger deducible rate for water coverage. It can often be a less expensive option to replace the Poly with PEX over the high deductible cost
- Disclosure requirements: Homeowners may be required to disclose the presence of Poly B piping when purchasing or renewing their insurance policies. Failure to disclose this information accurately can result in coverage disputes or claims denial.
If your insurance is coming up for renewal and you are unsure if you have Poly B piping, allow one of our experts at Forward Plumbing & Gas come out and take a look.
Impacts from Poly B on Home Sales
The presence of polybutylene (Poly B) piping can have significant and negative effects on a home sale. Examples include:
- Perception of Risk: Many homebuyers are aware of the issues associated with Poly B piping, such as its susceptibility to degradation, leaks, and potential for water damage. The presence of Poly B piping in a home may raise concerns about the reliability and condition of the plumbing system, leading buyers to perceive the property as higher risk.
- Insurability: As mentioned earlier, insurance companies may have restrictions or limitations on providing coverage for homes with Poly B piping. Some insurance companies may refuse to insure homes with Poly B piping altogether, while others may charge higher premiums or impose exclusions on water damage claims related to the piping. The availability and cost of insurance can influence a buyer’s decision to purchase a home with Poly B piping.
- Negotiations: The presence of Poly B piping can become a point of negotiation between buyers and sellers. Buyers may request repairs or replacement of the Poly B piping as a condition of the sale, or they may negotiate a lower purchase price to account for the potential costs associated with addressing the piping in the future.
- Disclosure Requirements: In many jurisdictions, sellers are legally required to disclose known defects or issues with the property, including the presence of Poly B piping. Failure to disclose this information accurately could lead to legal consequences and potential liabilities for the seller.
- Impact on Marketability: Homes with Poly B piping may be less desirable to some buyers, which can affect the marketability of the property and potentially lead to longer time on the market. Sellers may need to adjust their pricing or marketing strategies to attract buyers and mitigate concerns about the piping.
While the presence of Poly B piping may not necessarily prevent a home sale, it can certainly impact the process and outcome of the sale. Sellers should be upfront about the presence of Poly B piping, and buyers should carefully consider the implications and potential costs associated with purchasing a home with this type of plumbing system.