Are Polybutylene (Poly-B) Pipes and PEX Pipes the Same?

While they’re both made from plastic, Poly-B and PEX pipes are very different. PEX, which is the short form of “cross-linked polyethylene, is not the same plastic used in Poly-B. A different method is used to make PEX and that means PEX is a much stronger pipe that can hold up way better when it comes to heat, pressure and chemicals like chlorine. PEX is a very common plumbing material used in modern homes and is considered very reliable by industry experts. Poly-B is no longer made or used in plumbing projects.

Will poly pipe freeze and burst?

Just like any pipe whether it be copper or PEX — Poly-B pipes will freeze. That’s why professional plumbers always recommend that you take the proper precautions to winterize your pipes and properly insulate your system so there are no bursts of blockages.

Does Poly-B piping need to be replaced?

Most experts will tell you that Poly-B will start to experience failures within 10-15 years of initial installation — which begs homeowners to call a plumber immediately because you never know when that crack or degradation of the pipe is going to be too much for the system to handle. It might seem like a lot of money to spend on something that you never see, however, it will increase your home’s resale value, help you out on insurance and simply give you peace of mind.

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Poly-B Plumbing: Common Issues and Maintenance

Homeowners generally don’t give too much thought about the plumbing system installed behind the walls and underneath the floors of their houses. In most cases, that’s not a big deal, that is unless your home has Poly-B plumbing. This type of plumbing is rarely used anymore but can still be found in many homes across …

Follow These Steps to Fix a Burst Pipe

A burst pipe can happen anytime. Pipes burst from the cold, from the pressure building up from clogs, or old corroded or rusted pipes simply give out. It is not always easy to know when a pipe has burst. If you are unaware that your pipes may have burst, a lot of damage can occur. …

Why is My Water Pressure Low?

Having low water pressure in your home can be a very frustrating experience. Whether you are trying to take a shower or water the lawn, low water pressure is a common issue for many homeowners. There are several problems that can occur which may cause your water pressure to drop. You will likely need to …

Why is my Sewer Line Clogged?

Determine if Main Sewer Lines are Clogged Drain lines run throughout the home to transport wastewater from sinks, tubs, toilets and other plumbing fixtures. Each one of these lines connects to the home’s main sewer line. The main sewer line is a large pipe that transports waste from the home to the septic or sewer …

Watch Out for These Signs of a Plumbing Leak

There are some obvious signs of leaks, but there are also instances when plumbing leak detection isn’t so apparent. The following guide will walk you through both scenarios while offering advice on how to combat the situation. Check Your Water Bill If you receive a water bill that is abnormally high, and you can’t locate …

Interior vs Exterior Basement Waterproofing

The last thing you want to worry about is seeing water dripping from your basement ceiling or pooling on the ground. If that’s the case, how do you know if you need to waterproof basement from inside or outside? In this blog, we dive into the differences between interior vs exterior waterproofing, what the pros …

10 Items You Should Never Put Down the Drain

Responsible homeowners know that there are some golden rules you have to follow when it comes to keeping your plumbing in top shape. That includes ensuring that you aren’t unknowingly damaging your drains by pouring or flushing harmful products. So here are 10 things you should never put down the drain if you want optimal …

What are Enzyme Drain Cleaners and How Do You Use It?

Clogs are unavoidable sometimes. Food, debris, or old pipes can cause backups in your drain that can lead to costly flooding. Ordinary cleaners aren’t always strong enough to tackle stubborn clogs. That’s why many homeowners reach for an enzyme drain cleaner. These powerful cleaners unblock the toughest clogs and will have water flowing down your …

Best Maintenance Tips for Your Sump Pump

You have probably never given much thought to how your home stays protected from groundwater seeping in. But underneath your home, your sump pump continues to monitor and prevent groundwater from reaching your home’s interior. Depending on your proximity to groundwater, you may require your sump pump to regularly expel water away from your home. …

5 Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber

Never underestimate the benefits of hiring a professional plumber for all of your plumbing repairs or installation needs, whether it’s a leaky tap or flooded basement. Experienced plumbing technicians can help you with plenty of issues in your homes such as clogged drains, leaking pipes, and regular maintenance of your home’s plumbing system. Skilled technicians, …

FAQ

A main sewer line blockage can cause water to backup in random places. For instance, you run your washing machine and notice your sink overflowing – this can be a clear sign that you have a clogged drain line.

If you have ruled out a potential sewer drain clog, you can rinse your sewer drain by flushing it with water. When you flush your lines, try adding a bit of drain cleaner to the water. A great place to flush your sewer line is the toilet – a larger amount of water and drain cleaner can enter your system quickly and easily. Unfortunately, if you do this when you have a clog, it can cause backup and potential flooding – if this is the case, clear the clog first.

You should generally know if your sewer line is blocked with slow drainage. The purpose of the sewer line is to take all the water drainage away from your house via sinks, bathtubs or toilets – if you find that there is slower drainage in one drain then you can essentially clear that yourself using a drain snake or a plunger.

There is confusion regarding when you are responsible for sewer line repair. While some may believe that the homeowner is only responsible for repairing the part of the line that’s on their property, this is not the case. Sewer lines consist of multiple sections, the upper lateral, lower lateral and the main line. The city is only responsible for repairing the main sewer line.

If issues with the main sewer line cause damage to your lower lateral, which is most likely where the damage would generally first start – the city would repair this damage when they work on the main sewer line. Unfortunately, if there is backup and flooding on your property from the main sewer line, then the city would not be responsible. It is best to follow up with the city to see if they will repair any damage in these cases.

Unpleasant smells coming from your drains is indicative of sewer line issues and damage. You should always take these types of smells seriously as it could be toxic fumes slowly releasing from the sewer below into your home.

There are a number of ways to clear a slow drain using products found around the home:

Bent Wire – If you do not have a drain snake, you can try using a stiff wire – like one from a clothes hanger, leaving the hook to enter pipes and pull out any clogs. Try to make sure you don’t push debris further into the pipe.

Homemade Flush – Mixing baking soda and vinegar can dissolve any materials that are potentially clogging your drain pipes. This is a good and much safer alternative to store-bought chemical cleaners.

Toilet Plunger – Like plunging a toilet, you can try using this on your drains. Using a plunger on your drains can help get things moving by using suction. This should be enough to fix any mild blockages.

Aged drain pipes are at risk for corrosion which can lead to breaks. Summit Drain has both the technology and expertise to fix this if necessary.

Yes. Drain pipes are durable, but not meant to last forever. If you live in an older home in Ottawa, most likely the pipes are made from copper and can collapse in this day and age.

When it comes to a collapsed drain, call Summit Drain. We use trenchless technology to replace sewer pipes made from original materials without ruining your property.

Rock salt
Rock salt helps by removing moisture from the roots, which in turn kills them. Two lbs should do the trick, pour 1 down the toilet. Flush until gone. And repeat with the next. Then leave for 12 hours and don’t run any water.

Foaming root killers
Another effective way to treat roots in pipes is with foaming root killers. Pour powder into toilet and flush. It will foam upon contact with water. Not only does it help dissolve current roots, but also helps to protect against future ones.

Copper sulfate
Copper sulfate is another good option. Available at most hardware stores, pour roughly half a cup into toilet and flush until gone. Leave the home and take all pets and family members along. This is a toxic substance and banned in some places.

Should I replace old pipes?
There does come a time where it makes sense to replace your pipes. Over time they crack and corrode. It is recommended to begin routine inspections once your home reaches 50 years in age. For plumbing Services in and around the Ottawa area, nobody does it like Summit Drain.

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