As professional plumbers continue to learn more about their field, advancements are made to enhance the safety and security of your home. This can be great news for those purchasing new builds, but for those living in homes thirty years old or older, you may not be seeing the benefits of these discoveries just yet.
Polybutylene piping, also known as Poly B, was the industry standard in the 80s and 90s, often hailed as the solution for all future plumbing. However, since installation, home and business owners have been experiencing water leakages and burst pipes.
Fortunately, a new player is in town: PEX piping. So let’s explore the differences between the two styles of piping and why you should turn to a plumbing company in Calgary today and make the switch!
The Downfall of Poly B and the Rise of PEX
Despite its promising start, poly B has been found to be unreliable, primarily due to two main factors.
The first is that there is a potential for a compromise in the structure before the piping is even installed. UV rays can actually break down the molecular bonds of poly B, meaning that any contact with sunlight prior to installation can be detrimental. The more sun it’s exposed to, the more likely it is that a leak will occur.
The second is that poly B does not react well to chlorine. The piping tends to deteriorate more quickly when dealing with water with higher chlorine concentrations, such as public pools.
The Advantages of PEX Piping
Flexibility
PEX is able to bend into a wide-radius turn if space permits, or utilize elbow joints in tighter spaces. Its flexibility is also a benefit when it comes to impact. Since the piping is able to expand and contract with more ease, it can handle extra pressure and hold up to freezing temperatures.
Resistant To Chemicals
As mentioned above, Poly B is negatively affected by chemicals such as chlorine. PEX, however, does not respond to chemicals, thus ensuring that the liquids it’s carrying do not impact its ability to perform and last.
Reliability
Naturally, the main goal with your plumbing is to have it work properly. Leaking pipes can lead to water damage and create a financial burden that no one wants to deal with. PEX has been used for over 40 years, proving that plumbers trust this piping to do the job well.
Aversion To Corrosion
Water or soil will not corrode PEX piping, regardless of its age.
Environmentally Friendly
PEX is actually the only piping out there that is considered to be environmentally friendly. During production, the mining of ore is not required to complete the fabrication of this product, nor is chlorine added. Additionally, once installed, heat loss and condensation are reduced, with hot water being efficiently delivered through the pipes. With PEX lasting for decades, you decrease the number of replacement parts that end up in the landfill.
If you’re looking for piping you can count on, consider replacing your poly B with PEX. If you are unsure of what kind of piping you have, always feel free to reach out to a plumbing company in Calgary for help and guidance!
Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.