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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 BPEX
Full NamePolybutyleneCross-linked Polyethylene
MaterialHydrocarbon polymer made from buteneHydrocarbon polymer made from ethylene
Use in Canada1970s to 1990s No longer available but still found in homes1990s to present
Lifespan10-15 yearsPotentially 50+ years
Probability of leaksHigh
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.

About Us

Modern Drainage is comprised of a crew of dedicated, hardworking individuals, most of whom have been with the company for well over 20 to 30 years. Our crew strives to maintain our excellent reputation, which has been built on over 35 years of honesty, integrity, and quality work. We value our customers and treat your property as if it were our own.

165 Amherst Avenue, North Vancouver, BC V7H 1S5

Tel: 604-984-4343

Email: info@moderndrainage.com