So, how can you tell if your home is outfitted with Poly B plumbing? Here are a few indicators: Pipe Colour and Markings: Poly B pipes are typically grey in colour but may also be blue or black. Look for the stamped markings “PB2110”, “PB2110-ASTM,” or “CSA-B 137.8” on the pipes.
Along with the shape, flexibility, and diameter, you can also identify PEX by the color. PEX is colorcoded, with red for hot water and blue designated for cold water. In comparison, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are white and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipes are black. Why Should You Choose PEX Piping?
Polybutylene pipe was commonly used from 1978 – 1995 and is a gray flexible pipe. PEX is a plastic flexible pipe that comes in white, blue, orange, red and a translucent milky white clear. This piping came about to replace polybutylene plumbing.
The easy way to check is to look at the color of the pipes under the sink. Grey is polybutylene, white red blue or clear is cross-linked polyethylene, and black is polyethylene. If it's a glued pipe, then it's probably cpvc or some variation like aquarise.
Beware of gray pipes: Polybutylene is a gray tube that carries potable water through many homes. PB is pretty much the only gray water pipe ever installed in homes. PB tubing found in homes will have a dimeter of 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, or 1 inch.
Selling a house with polybutylene pipes can be challenging due to the known issues and potential risks associated with these outdated plumbing systems. Polybutylene pipes, used in residential construction from the 1970s to the mid-1990s, have a history of failure, causing leaks and significant water damage.
Contrary to their popularity, the damages caused due to their failure have been unprecedented in history. Due to the high possibility of failure of these pipes, homeowners who have yet to replace them are advised to do so as a matter of urgency. Polybutylene pipes are liable to fail at any moment without prior signs.
PEX-A will clearly say PEX-A, while PEX-B will say — you guessed it — PEX-B. Easy peasy. The second way is to identify the style of fittings. PEX-B will have metal rings — either cramp or clamp — whereas the PEX-A uses an expansion ring made out of PEX or a similar material.
A magnet will not stick to copper or lead. Copper pipe: where you scratched will be a shiny orange color, like a new penny. Lead pipe: where you scratched will be a shiny silver color and will be easy to scratch. Galvanized pipe: where you scratched will be a dull gray and will be hard to scratch.
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, comes in various colors — red, blue, and white are the most common. The piping is smooth, flexible, and can bend around corners easily, reducing the need for multiple fittings. The versatility of PEX pipes makes them ideal for tight spaces and complex plumbing layouts.
Interior polybutylene pipes are most often gray, but they can be black. If they are outside the home, they may even be blue. The pipes are usually a half-inch to 1 inch in diameter. Polybutylene pipes are flexible and will bend easily with just a little pressure.
PEX pipe can be used as a service line based on its corrosion resistance to soil and water, its long life and its oxidative resistance. Our PEX pipe is not suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may become contaminated, including soil used for backfilling.
In the mid-1980s insurance companies noticed a pattern of leaks emerging in homes with polybutylene piping. By 1995 most tradespeople stopped using the material in residential construction. In 1997 Poly B was banned by the National Plumbing Code, which oversaw plumbing trades in Canada.
In general, insurance companies do not provide coverage within homeowners insurance policies for polybutylene pipes. They are simply too much of a liability as they are easily damaged and will break down, burst, and damage the home.
Are PEX fittings compatible with Poly B? PEX fittings are not compatible with Poly B piping. The connection methods and materials used in Poly B and PEX systems are different, so they cannot be connected directly.
Pex-A is slightly more flexible than pex-b. Pex-A fittings are not flow restrictive. If you compare fittings side by side, you'll see the inside diameter of the pex-b is much smaller.
Apollo PEX-B tubing is cross-linked, high density polyethylene and is available for potable water distribution systems in red, white and blue colors for easy identification of hot, cold and main water lines.
PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): PEX is a flexible and relatively new player in the plumbing game. It's often used for water supply lines and is easy to spot with its bright red or blue coloring.
PEX Pipes Replacement Cost
In replacing Poly B piping, most homeowners spend between $1,500 to $8,000+ for plastic pipes replacement such as Cross-linked polyethylene or PEX pipes. This type of pipe is flexible, durable, and easy to install, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.
Poly-B seems to have a predictable lifespan but commonly lasts 20-30 years with proper installation and not having any of the accelerating factors mentioned. Because of this uncertainty, the only solution is to replace the piping with a proven system like PEX.
As a result of the possible failure of Polybutylene, it is crucial that home sellers disclose if there are Polybutylene pipes in the home to allow the potential homebuyer to know the true state of the residence.
Polybutylene pipes are at the end of their useful life. According to studies by Fannie Mae and HUD, domestic water supply systems in multifamily buildings reach the end of their useful life after 30 – 50 years.
It is recommended that if a home has polybutylene pipes, the entire plumbing system should be replaced immediately, as a costly leak can happen at any time, without warning, and cause large-scale damage.