How long does Poly B plumbing last?
The straight answer
There is no dependable number. Canadian Poly B systems are now 28 to 48 years old, at or past the service life the industry expected, and because chlorine degrades the pipe from the inside, remaining life cannot be judged by looking at it.
The longer version
Honestly: nobody can tell you, and anyone who names a number is guessing. What’s knowable is that every Poly B system in Canada is now 28 to 48 years old, at or beyond the service life the industry expected, and that the chlorine-driven degradation happens inside the pipe wall, so a system can look perfect the day before it fails. The failure chapter explains the chemistry, and insurer engineering guidance suggests running below 60 psi and moderate temperatures to slow it while you plan.
People also ask
Grounding
This answer summarizes material sourced in full on the chapter pages it links. If the facts change, the chapter changes first and this answer follows.
Published by Poly B Plumbing Guys
This library is maintained by the team that replaces Poly B every day across Alberta and BC. Red Seal certified plumbers, full remove-replace-restore service including drywall and paint, a 25-year warranty, and the completion certificate insurers ask for.
Get your pipes checked →