Poly B (Poly Butylene) water piping has gone back and forth between being accepted by insurance companies, to being uninsurable for many years. So where does it stand now? Here is everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Why does Poly B fail?
Poly B piping is susceptible to degradation when exposed to certain chemicals commonly found in water, such as chlorine, as well as oxidants and ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. This degradation can weaken the piping material, leading to brittleness, cracks, and eventual failure. Of course, these failures can result in massive water damages in a home.
I have personally seen Poly B fail several times in the last couple years, and am a firm believer that it should be replaced immediately to avoid future damages.
How do I know if a home has Poly B installed?
Luckily, Poly B is extremely easy to spot! It is a grey plastic pipe that was installed in homes during the 90’s. If you are having a hard time telling by color look at the writing on the side of the pipe, if you see Poly B written on it then you can be sure you’ve identified it correctly.
Can it be insured?
Yes, but mostly no. I have heard that some insurance companies will still provide home insurance (though at an increased rate), but most companies are now enforcing replacement.
What are the repair costs?
The quotes I have seen for this are never as bad as I think they are going to be and typically range in price from 3k to 8k depending on the size and complexity of the home. Quotes for this are easy to obtain, I advise reaching out to a plumber immediately so you have a solid number in mind.
Hopefully you found this useful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need some clarification.