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Poly B Removal Calgary | How to Identify Poly B Plumbing in Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Poly B Removal Calgary | If you’re a homeowner in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, or Vancouver, you’ve likely heard about the risks associated with Poly B plumbing and with good reason. Poly B piping was used in most homes built in Alberta between 1985 and 1998, and it’s now known for its tendency to deteriorate over time, leading to leaks, water damage, and even insurance complications. Fortunately, proactive homeowners are turning to trusted local experts like Poly B Plumbing Guys for reliable Poly B removal in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Vancouver.

But how do you know if your home still has Poly B plumbing? This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to identify Poly B pipes, what warning signs to look for, and when it’s time to call in the pros.

Step 1: Understand What Poly B Pipes Look Like

Before you go hunting behind walls, it helps to know what you’re looking for.

Poly B piping is typically:

  • Gray or light blue in colour
  • ½” to 1” in diameter
  • Marked with “PB2110” (often printed directly on the pipe)
  • Made of flexible plastic, not rigid like copper or PVC

Pro Tip from Poly B Plumbing Guys: Don’t confuse Poly B with PEX piping, which is often red, blue, or white and is more durable. Poly B tends to have a dull, matte appearance, whereas PEX is glossier and labelled differently.

Step 2: Check Exposed Areas of Your Home

Start your inspection in places where plumbing is visible and easily accessible.

Search these areas first:

  • Under bathroom and kitchen sinks
  • In unfinished basements
  • Around your hot water tank
  • Inside your utility or mechanical room
  • Ceilings or joist spaces in basements

Look for the telltale grey tubing, and if possible, inspect it for signs of wear like cracking, flaking, or discoloration.

Consider snapping a few photos to compare with verified images of Poly B piping online or send them to the team at Poly B Plumbing Guys for a quick identification.

Step 3: Inspect Pipe Connections and Fittings

One of the most common failure points in Poly B plumbing systems is at the fittings where one pipe joins another or connects to a fixture.

Poly B fittings are often:

  • Plastic or brass
  • Held in place with metal crimp rings
  • Located at elbows, tees, and valves

Check for signs of corrosion, mineral buildup, or water staining around these areas. Even if the pipes themselves look intact, deteriorating fittings can lead to sudden leaks.

Step 4: Look for Clues in Home Inspection Reports or Renovation Records

If you purchased your home within the last 10–15 years, there may already be clues in your documentation.

Check for:

  • Past home inspection reports
  • Renovation permits or plumbing upgrades
  • Insurance documentation noting Poly B presence or exclusions

In many cases, sellers are required to disclose Poly B plumbing but it doesn’t always happen. If you’re unsure, the safest approach is to request a professional plumbing inspection.

Step 5: Know the Signs of Poly B Failure

Even if you can’t physically see every section of pipe in your home, the plumbing system may be trying to tell you something.

Watch for these red flags:

  • Unexplained drops in water pressure
  • Water stains on ceilings or walls
  • Mold or mildew smells in closed-off areas
  • Increased water bills with no known cause
  • Recurring leaks or patch jobs on older pipes

These are often symptoms of behind-the-wall pipe degradation or slow leaks both common in aging Poly B systems.

Why Poly B Removal Services Are in High Demand

Homeowners are recognizing that waiting for a leak is a costly gamble. Not only can Poly B plumbing cause extensive damage, but many insurance providers are now flagging or denying coverage for homes that haven’t addressed it.

At Poly B Plumbing Guys, we’ve built our reputation on making the Poly B removal process stress-free. Our full-service approach includes:
✅ Accurate identification and inspection
✅ Safe and efficient Poly B removal
✅ High-quality PEX replacement
✅ Drywall repair and painting so your home looks like new

Whether you’re preparing to sell, starting a renovation, or just want peace of mind, we make the process easy from start to finish.

Gerry’s Story: A Real-World Example of Why It Pays to Be Proactive

Gerry, a Calgary homeowner, recently shared his experience after choosing Poly B Plumbing Guys for his replacement. He’d heard too many stories from friends about floods and insurance nightmares. Rather than wait for a pipe to fail, Gerry decided to act.

“The whole job took just over two weeks. The drywall repairs were spotless, and the painters were in and out in a couple of hours. I’d highly recommend Poly B Plumbing Guys to anyone thinking about replacing their Poly B.”

His only regret? Not doing it sooner. Read Gerry’s story here.

Next Steps: Book a Professional Inspection

If you’ve found evidence of Poly B piping or even suspect it might be in your home now is the time to act. A quick, non-invasive inspection can confirm what’s behind your walls and help you plan the next steps with confidence.

Contact Poly B Plumbing Guys for your Poly B Removal Calgary needs and get expert help from Alberta and Vancouver’s trusted specialists.

Final Thought

Identifying Poly B in your home doesn’t require tearing open walls or guessing. With the right knowledge and the right team you can take action that protects your home, your finances, and your future.

Don’t wait until a leak forces your hand. Be proactive, be informed, and let Poly B Plumbing Guys guide you every step of the way.

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