Polybutylene/Poly-B

Poly B, also referred to as Polybutylene, is a flexible grey pipe used in hot water systems and residential plumbing. It was manufactured in between the years of 1985 and 1997 because of its flexibility, low cost, and ease of installation. It is estimated that in Canada alone there are over 700,000 homes that have had this piping installed prior to it being discontinued.

Eventually and over time the pipe begins to leak and cause damages to homes. One or more of the following are the reasons you may be experiencing poly b issues in your home:

• High levels or free chlorine exist in the water supply causing leakage throughout the piping system.
• Improper installation of the piping in homes where fitting were installed too right causing hair line cracks eventually ending with leakage and damages to homes.
• Improper installation of piping to be bent and put under stress causing leaks and damages to homes.
• Installation near high heat areas including hot water tanks, in the attic, and other areas of extensively high temperatures.
• The use of acetal (white or grey) fittings to connect pipes rather than the preferred metal fittings.