
A Drainage Contractor’s Guide to All You Need to Know about Poly B and PEX in North Vancouver
Poly B and PEX are both types of plastic piping used for water supply lines in home plumbing. Poly B was a cost-effective alternative to copper and other rigid pipes, such as PVC, but they vary wildly in terms of durability and current usage. Keep reading to discover all you need to know about the two types of piping.
Poly B
Poly B piping was a popular, cost-effective alternative to copper piping in Canada from the 1970s to the 1990s, but within 10 to 15 years of its installation, homeowners began to notice leaks and experienced burst pipes. These events were so frequent that homeowners, plumbers, and drainage contractors began to search for other alternatives. These included PVC, CPVC, copper tubing, and, by the late 1990s, PEX.
PEX
While Canadian plumbers turned to Poly B in the 1970s, Europeans turned to PEX flexible piping instead. It was even used for radiant heating as early as 1972, but it took until 1997 before PEX was adopted into plumbing codes in North America. It has now become a popular choice for water supply lines in new constructions and as a replacement for Poly B piping, which was banned and ultimately removed from the National Plumbing Code.
Why Poly B Was Banned
The high failure rate of Poly B piping was the main reason for the removal and banning of Poly B from the National Plumbing Code. Leaking and burst Poly B pipes resulted in numerous lawsuits and claims against the manufacturer. Consequently, there were significant increases in insurance premiums and even the denial of coverage for homes with Poly B pipes.
Why Poly B Failed So Often
Poly B’s construction as a single-strand polymer contributed to its failure. It was not able to resist chlorine in water, high temperatures, high pressure, or UV rays. PEX, however, which has a cross-linked molecular structure, is able to resist these elements and provide a longer-lasting water supply line.
Quick Facts
Poly B | PEX | |
Full Name | Polybutylene | Cross-linked Polyethylene |
Material | Hydrocarbon polymer made from butene | Hydrocarbon polymer made from ethylene |
Use in Canada | 1970s to 1990s No longer available but still found in homes | 1990s to present |
Lifespan | 10-15 years | Potentially 50+ years |
Probability of leaks | High | Low |
From a Drainage Contractor’s Perspective
While PEX is not generally used for wastewater, drainage contractors are still interested in the use of Poly B and PEX because they like pipes! They also like to know what type of water supply system they are dealing with. This helps ensure proper integration and avoid potential conflicts during drainage installations and repairs.
Replace Poly B in North Vancouver
If you live in a home in North Vancouver that was built between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s, you may have Poly B pipes in your home. Home builders, plumbers, and drainage contractors are encouraged to replace them as soon as possible because, unfortunately, they can burst without warning. To avoid the costly mess of water damage, contact Modern Drainage to replace them. We have proudly served North Vancouver communities since 1987.