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Sometimes these topics can be a bit confusing! Let us help answer your questions and leave you feeling confident and comfortable in the choices you're making to best take care of you and your home.
Why does my Poly-B need to be replaced?
Why does my Poly-B need to be replaced?
Polybutylene resin is a type of plastic that was used to make the Poly-B piping- the popular piping choice in Calgary for homes built and renovated in the mid 1970s and late 1990s.
During this time, Poly-B was seen as a cost effective and durable alternative to copper. By 1998, the production of Poly-B pipes halted as many homeowners began to see the pipes failing. The Canadian plumbing code removing Poly-B as a viable material altogether in 2005.
Reasons why Poly-B pipes are bursting and leaking:
The chlorine in municipal waters degrade these types of pipes leading to embrittlement and cracking
Higher water pressures stress pipes and fittings, accelerating the breakdown process
Extreme temperatures contribute to the degradation of these pipes
Plastic or aluminum crimp fittings were commonly used back then, and these are prone to cracking or loosening
Why it matters to you today
There are many Calgary homes that still have Poly-B pipes making up a significant part of their homes plumbing system. These pipes can decrease the resale value of your home and even affect your eligibility for home insurance! Many insurance companies now require Poly-B replacements before providing home coverage with its increased risk of water damage associated with this piping material.
Put your knowledge to use!
Poly-B pipes can burst with little warning and can cause extensive damage.
Look at the pipes in the exposed areas of your home (usually in the utility room or basement). Poly-B pipes are grey or blue plastic pipes with plastic fittings instead of copper. The pipes also sometimes have markings like "PB".
Look around your house. Are there signs of water damage? Are there discoloured walls or musty odours?
Whether you're thinking of buying, selling, or settling into your forever home, truly consider it's Poly-B status. Thinking ahead could save you in the long run!
It's too expensive to replace!
We hear you! The initial cost to replace your Poly-B is expensive. But the cost of water damage from burst pipes can range widely from $5,000-$15,000 or more! Deciding whether or not to replace your Poly-B is a big decision both for your home and wallet. It's important to weigh in all associated costs like repairs, insurance, your homes resale value, etc. if you risk not replacing your Poly-B. Consider how making a more stable investment now could help you avoid potential unplanned expenses in the future.
Still unsure?
Great White Mechanical prides itself on providing some of the lowest Poly-B replacement quotes in the city. Contact us for a free quote today!
How long will it take to replace my Poly-B? Will my walls and ceilings be ruined from the work?
How long will it take to replace my Poly-B? Will my walls and ceilings be ruined from the work?
Usually Poly-B can be replaced in 2-5 days depending on the size and complexity of the work involved.
The amount and size of wall and ceiling openings depend on the location and layout of the Poly-B within your home. Reputable plumbers will minimize the amount of drywall opened, opting for strategic access points.
Experienced drywallers (which Great White Mechanical can subcontract out for you) patches up these openings with utmost precision and care, resulting in finished jobs that look good as new!
What is my Poly-B being replaced with?
What is my Poly-B being replaced with?
At Great White Mechanical, we replace your Poly-B with a pipe called PEX-b. PEX-b tubing is a type of cross linked polyethlene (plastic) PEX pipe which has become a very common option in North America for plumbing and heating applications.
PEX-B is known for being:
Cost efficient
Easy to install due to it's sturdy, yet flexible structure and compatibility to many fittings (better installs = less problems)
Durable with a higher resistance to corrosion and oxidation. It's long lifespan has contributed to some manufactures offering warranties for 25 years or more.
Safe for drinking water
Able to withstand high temperature and pressure fluctuations
PEX-b's reliable long lifespan, simplistic install capability, and affordable material makes it a cost-effective option now and in the future!
Isn't copper better than PEX-b?
Copper is known for it's longevity as it's highly resistent to temperature changes, pressure, corrosion, and degradation over time, but there are many reasons why PEX-b is the better option.
Cost
PEX-b piping typically costs $1.50 to $3/foot for material and labour where copper can cost anywhere from $3 to $10/foot.
Ease of Installation
PEX-b is easy to bend and cut requiring fewer fittings and a quicker and easier installation.
Durability
Both PEX-b and copper are highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand high pressures and temperatures. Copper does have a longer lifespan of 50-70 years compared to PEX-b which can last anywhere from 25-50 years.
In freezing temperatures though, PEX-b's flexibility allows it to expand when water freezers, preventing bursts. Copper pipes can crack and burst in cold climates.
Noise
PEX-b is less prone to noise and water hammer compared to copper pipes.
Efficiency
PEX-b has a lower thermal conductivity than copper, meaning it can maintain water temperature more efficiently.
Water Quality
Copper pipes are less likely to leach contaminants into the water, but PEX-b pipes are water safe.
Sustainability
Copper is easily recyclable, but PEX-b's lower material and energy requirements make it a more sustainable choice.
How does an Air Conditioner work?
How does an Air Conditioner work?
To make it simple and straightforward an Air Conditioner removes warm air from your home! AC's have refrigerant inside which is a chemical compound that transforms back and forth between liquid and gas states. Refrigerant is very efficient at absorbing heat, which is what it does when running in your vehicle or home.
There are 3 main stages the refrigerant goes through in an AC unit that helps keep temperatures cool.
Evaporation: As a liquid, refrigerant is evaporated in coils inside the home. As it evaporates (turns into a gas) it absorbs heat from the indoor air. This process cools the air and a blower fan then pushes the chilled air out into the house through ducts.
Compression: The "heart" of the AC unit, compresses the hot gaseous refrigerant, increasing its pressure and temperature so it's hotter than the outdoor temperature. These actions make the refrigerant then flow to the cooled condenser coils (on the outside of the home) as heat naturally flows from hot to cold objects.
Condensation: As the refrigerant passes through the coils in the condenser, which are cooled by an outdoor fan, the refigerant also cools, releasing its heat to the outside air. The refrigerant changes back to a liquid state, starting the cycle all over again.
What are the benefits of having AC in your home?
What are the benefits of having AC in your home?
It seems like Calgary summers are getting hotter and hotter! Here's how getting an AC or replacing your old Air Conditioner for a new one can benefit you and your home!
Comfortable temperatures mean a healthier you! Heat exhaution can take a heavy toll on your sleep and your body's overall ability to perform both physically and mentally! Keeping cool means better sleeps and higher energy levels to do what you need to do and enjoy being at home!
AC units have filtration systems which means better air quality. As cold air is removed, dust, allergens, and pollutants are also filtered out.
Hot temperatures can overheat and damage many electronic devices like laptops, phones, TV's, and appliances. With a cooler environment, you're extending the lifespans of these devices and also reducing your fridge and freezer's work to keep things cold, saving on your energy bill!
Newer AC models are quieter and more energy efficient than older models.
How can I save money on my energy bill?
How can I save money on my energy bill?
Life is expensive! Here are some quick tips to keep both your wallet and home happy!
To save money in the summer with your AC...
Get a programmable thermostat and adjust it to run at higher temperatures when you're not home. Smart thermostats learn your habits and will automatically adjust to ensure you're not spending money to keep an empty home cool.
Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air throughout the home
Maintain your AC by regularly changing it's filter and cleaning vents
Get an Energy Star certified AC installed. Newer models are generally more cost efficient than older AC units and could save you as much as two times the amount you're paying in energy consumed by an old model!
Close blinds and curtains during the day.
Switch to LED bulbs, which are significantly more efficient at converting electricity to light rather than to heat. And no matter the bulb, turn lights off when you don't need them!
Unless your nights are super warm, open windows at night and close them during the day to lock in cooler air for free.
Cook as much as you can outside!
Wear less clothes...
To save money in the winter with your furnace...
Again, programmable thermostats can save you money! Set temperatures lower at night and when you're not home to save some cash! The minimum temperature you want to set your home to while away is around 17 degrees C to prevent pipes from freezing.
Consider how well insulated your home is. New windows and weatherstripping around doors can go a long way in keeping the heat inside.
Use your fireplace whenever you can, but then be sure to close the damper after!
Keep airflow flowing easy in your home by keeping air vents clear and changing the furnace filter regularly. Regular maintenance on the furnace will also ensure it's working as efficiently as possible.
Bundle up with blankets and hoodies!
Close doors and vents to any rooms that's not being used.
Do I need a water softener in Calgary?
Do I need a water softener in Calgary?
Calgary has what's known as "hard water" compared to other city water around the world. The area around Calgary is rich in limestone rock, this rock forming a majority of the Bow and Elbow river beds. As the river flows over these rocks, calcium and magnesium minerals dissolve into the water, and therefore into our water supply as the Bow and Elbow river are primary sources of Calgary water.
Water Softener Benefits:
Keeps your skin and hair healthier! Hard water causes dry skin and brittle hair.
Gives you cleaner clothes and dishes! Cleaning detergents and soaps are more effective with softened water.
Saves your pipes, appliances, and wallet! The minerals in hard water will buildup in pipes and appliances leading to reduced water flow, increased energy use, and shorter lifespans.
Saves you time and energy from cleaning this mineral buildup! Hard water will leave faucets and shower heads with a white scale buildup (limescale) that needs to be cleaned to look better and help keep your water moving efficiently.
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