Short answer
Shea Plumbing replaces Poly-B supply pipe with PEX in Kingston and the surrounding area, starting at the water meter or the pressure tank on well homes. We can replace the accessible lines first or do the whole home, with each section quoted before any work starts. Once the lines are run, we reconnect the fixtures, turn the water on and check every connection for leaks.
How to tell if you have Poly-B
Look at the supply pipes near your water heater, under sinks or at the water meter. Poly-B is flexible plastic pipe, usually grey and sometimes blue, often stamped "PB2110". If you're not sure what you're looking at, we can check it when we come out.
Why replace it?
Poly-B, the grey plastic pipe used in many Canadian homes built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, is known for failing at the fittings, and some insurers ask for it to be replaced. Replacing it is the only permanent fix.
Many home insurers ask whether a house has Poly-B. Some charge more, set a deadline to replace it, limit water-damage coverage, or decline the policy. Ask your broker what yours requires, and get it in writing. Westland Insurance explains how Poly-B can affect coverage.
What we do, step by step
- Look at the lines and agree on the work. We check which sections are accessible and which run behind walls. We quote each section before any work starts.
- Run new PEX supply lines. We replace Poly-B and old copper, starting at the water meter, or the pressure tank on well homes. We run the lines to the kitchen sink, laundry, laundry tub and every accessible line, then up to the bathrooms on whole-home jobs.
- Add separate shut-offs. We add ball valves so parts of the house can be shut off separately, keeping the water off for as little time as possible.
- Reach the upstairs supplies. On whole-home jobs, we cut small sections of drywall where needed to reach the upstairs bathroom, shower valve and vanity and toilet supplies. We'll show you where before we cut.
- Reconnect and check. When all lines are run, we install new supply stops at the fixtures and reconnect them. Then we turn the water on and check every connection for leaks.
Accessible lines first, or the whole home
We can start with the accessible lines in the basement, furnace room, kitchen and laundry, or replace the supply lines throughout the home, including the bathrooms. We quote each section before any work starts, so you can choose the work you want done.
If your insurer has asked for replacement, check with your broker before choosing stages. Replacing the accessible lines leaves Poly-B in the sections we haven't reached yet.
Rural homes on wells
On a well, we start the replacement at the pressure tank instead of a water meter. From there, we run PEX to the kitchen, laundry and bathroom supplies included in your quote.
Conor Ryan, a Master Plumber, is on every job. There's no fee to come out, and every visit includes a free plumbing check. Our work is guaranteed for 12 months on parts and labour.
