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The scoop on Poly B piping in homes
Dated: October 2 2024
Views: 23
Canadian plumbing code removed Poly-B as a viable material for use in 2005.
The Problem
According to the Government of Alberta, unconfirmed estimates have 148,000 homes in Alberta with Poly-B water pipe installations, however, Alberta installations were primarily done with brass or copper insert fittings and soft copper crimping rings.
Most of the installations that had fast failures, prompting class action lawsuits, used plastic fitting and crimps.
Several factors have been found to lead to the relatively fast failure of this piping, plastic fittings and crimps are one, but the more serious ones are high chlorine water supply, prolonged UV exposure, and prolonged exposure to the high heat of the water or the surrounding environment. The major cause of failure is simply that the core molecular structure of the material was not well suited to the requirements of a water supply pipe, so the pipe gets brittle over time, and is accelerated by the factors I mentioned. Once the pipe is sufficiently brittle, it only takes a small movement in the line through sudden pressure change, being bumped, or even through temperature changes, and the line can split or crack resulting in potentially major water damage.
Some insurance companies will give time to replace the piping if flood detection or automated valves to shutoff the supply in the case of a breach has been installed. A discussion with the insurance company should be addressed.
I would suggest a term in any offer that is written allowing a buyer to get professional advice, and a quote for replacement before being committed to the home.
As always it is up to the buyer to decide whether they choose to proceed with a purchase. Providing careful consideration and full transparency to the buyers experience will ensure a happy transaction.
Claudette Coutts
Highly competent, experienced and approachable, the Coutts Team puts a priority on building a rapport with clients. Their expert marketing ensures everyone has a truly great experience, with the least....
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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS® System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.
Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS® System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.
Last Update: September 12, 2026 11:23 AM U
Information should be deemed reliable but not guaranteed, all representations are approximate, and individual verification is recommended. Copyright ©2026 All rights reserved.
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of
Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS® System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.