If your home was built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, there’s a hidden risk lurking behind your walls — and it’s called Polybutylene piping, or Poly-B. Once hailed as a revolutionary plumbing material, Poly-B has since earned a reputation for sudden failures, costly damage, and insurance nightmares.
At Pipes Plumbing, we’ve helped countless Ottawa homeowners replace Poly-B before it turned into a flooded basement or a denied insurance claim. Here’s why you should act now.
What Is Poly-B — and Why Is It a Problem?
Poly-B is a flexible, grey or blue plastic pipe stamped with “PB2110.” It was widely used in Canadian homes for its affordability and ease of installation. But over time, it’s proven to be dangerously unreliable due to:
- Chlorine exposure from municipal water
- UV light and heat from water heaters or sunlight
- Improper installation with metal fittings
These factors cause the material to degrade, leading to cracks, leaks, and even catastrophic pipe failure — often without warning.
How to Spot Poly-B in Your Home
Poly-B pipes are typically:
- Light grey or blue in color
- Flexible plastic tubing
- Found near hot water tanks, under sinks, or in unfinished basements
- Marked with “PB2110”
Not sure what you’re looking at? Our certified plumbers can inspect your home and identify Poly-B quickly and accurately.
The Real Cost of Leaving Poly-B in Place
Ignoring Poly-B can lead to serious financial and structural consequences:
| Risk | Impact |
| Insurance Issues | Many providers won’t insure homes with Poly-B or charge higher premiums. |
| Resale Trouble | Buyers may walk away or demand price reductions if Poly-B is found. |
| Sudden Leaks | Failures are often abrupt and severe — not slow drips you can manage. |
| Hidden Damage | Leaks behind walls can cause mold, rot, and structural damage before you notice. |
What’s the Fix?
The safest solution is a full “re-pipe” — replacing Poly-B with PEX or copper piping. At Pipes Plumbing, we make the process smooth and stress-free:
- Full inspection and transparent quote
- Minimal wall access required
- All work completed to code
- Plumbing restored the same day (in most cases)
Want to spread out the cost? Ask about our Plumbing Subscription Plans — monthly or annual options that include proactive upgrades like Poly-B replacement.
Don’t Wait for a Leak to Take Action
Poly-B failure isn’t a matter of “if” — it’s “when.” Whether you’re planning to sell your home, reduce your insurance risk, or simply sleep better at night, replacing Poly-B is a smart move.
Call us today at (613) 706-4874
Visit www.pipesplumbing.ca
Request your free inspection now
We’re proud to serve the Ottawa region with plumbing you can trust — and homeowners who take their peace of mind seriously.
Why Homeowners Trust Pipes Plumbing
“From consultation to cleanup, the process was smooth and professional. Now I feel confident my home is safe!” — Satisfied Client. Appointments are filling up fast — don’t wait for disaster to strike. Book your free quote today and protect your home from Poly-B plumbing risks.
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