StormTech Mechanical
SHUSWAP POLY-B
REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
A practical approach to replacing aging Poly-B plumbing — before a leak makes the decision for you.
Complimentary assessment. Clear recommendations. No pressure.
QUALIFIED. LOCAL. ACCOUNTABLE.
Licensed Technicians
Red Seal Certified
Fully Insured
WorkSafeBC Registered
What We Are Seeing
Many Shuswap homes were built around the same time.
Their plumbing is aging at the same time, too.
Across the Shuswap, we're seeing the same issue in more of the homes we work in: aging Poly-B plumbing.
Many of these homes were built around the same time, using similar materials and construction methods. As their plumbing systems age, we're seeing homeowners encounter leaks, concerns about future failures and questions about whether — and when — their Poly-B should be replaced.
We created the StormTech Shuswap Poly-B Replacement Program to give homeowners a straightforward way to find out what is in their home, understand their options and, when the time is right, replace aging Poly-B plumbing in a planned and practical way.
A local solution to a problem we're increasingly seeing — locally.
30+ YEARS
IN SERVICE
Many of those plumbing systems have now been in service for 30 years or more.
WHY POLY-B IS BECOMING A CONCERN
Polybutylene, commonly known as Poly-B, was widely used in Canadian residential plumbing from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s.
As Poly-B systems age, the risk of leaks and failures becomes an increasing concern. Poly-B may also be a consideration when obtaining or renewing home insurance or when selling a property.
The advantage of proactive replacement is having a choice: understand the problem, plan the work and choose the timing rather than dealing with it unexpectedly.
HIDDEN
BEHIND WALLS
Because much of a home's plumbing is concealed, a problem may not always be apparent before a leak occurs.
MORE THAN
THE PIPE
The resulting damage can extend beyond the plumbing itself — into drywall, flooring, cabinetry and personal belongings.
START WITH AN ASSESSMENT
Not Sure If You Have Poly-B?
That's what we're here to determine.
We'll inspect the accessible plumbing in your home, identify whether Poly-B is present and assess the configuration and accessibility of the system.
If replacement is appropriate, we'll explain what the work would involve, where access is likely to be required and what we recommend for your particular home.
Then you decide whether and when you want to proceed.
The assessment is complimentary, with no obligation.
THE PROCESS
Complimentary
Home Assessment
Clear Written Proposal
Professional Repipe
Testing & Completion
We inspect the accessible plumbing, assess the home's configuration and determine the anticipated scope of the repipe.
We provide a written proposal explaining the recommended work, anticipated access requirements, what's included and the cost.
You'll know what we're proposing before any work begins.
Our technicians replace the Poly-B with a modern piping system appropriate for your home's particular configuration and requirements.
The work is planned to minimize unnecessary disruption while providing the access necessary to install the new system properly.
Once the repipe is complete, we test the new plumbing as required and provide documentation of the work performed.
You'll have a record of what was replaced in your home.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
A whole-home repipe can sound like an extensive project. In many of the homes we work in, it is more manageable than homeowners initially expect.
A Planned Approach to Repiping Your Home
WITHIN A WEEK
A typical repipe can often be completed within a week.
Depending on the size, layout and accessibility of the home.
STAY AT HOME
In most cases, homeowners can remain in their home while the work is underway.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What About the Walls?
This is understandably one of the first questions homeowners ask.
Most residential plumbing runs behind finished walls and ceilings, so completing a repipe generally requires access openings.
We plan those access points carefully and limit openings to those reasonably necessary to complete the plumbing work.
We'll discuss anticipated access with you before the work begins so you know what to expect.
The extent of any required restoration will be clearly identified as part of your proposal.
THE RIGHT SOLUTION
THE RIGHT PIPING FOR THE HOME
Every house is different.
Rather than prescribing the same replacement system for every property, we consider the home's existing plumbing, layout and requirements and recommend an appropriate modern piping system for that particular application.
The objective is straightforward: remove the aging Poly-B and leave the home with a properly installed plumbing system built for reliable service going forward.
A LOCAL ADVANTAGE
StormTech Mechanical COMMUNITY PRICING
When we can work more efficiently, we can pass those efficiencies along.
Many established Shuswap neighbourhoods were developed in phases, meaning homes in the same community can share similar construction, layouts and plumbing systems.
Once we've worked in a particular development, we often have a better understanding of how those homes were built and what their plumbing systems involve.
When several qualifying homeowners in the same area choose to repipe within the same scheduling period, we may also be able to reduce travel, coordinate materials and schedule our technicians more efficiently.
Ask us whether your home or neighbourhood currently qualifies for StormTech Community Pricing.
Why Replace Proactively?
Why StormTech Mechanical?
We live and work in the Shuswap.
Our technicians are already in these communities — repairing plumbing, installing heating and cooling systems, maintaining equipment and getting to know the homes and properties that make up this part of British Columbia.
The Poly-B Replacement Program grew out of that work.
We began seeing the same issue appearing in homes of a similar age and recognized an opportunity to help homeowners address it in a better planned and more economical way.
StormTech Mechanical is fully insured and WorkSafeBC registered, with licensed and Red Seal certified technicians. We approach repiping the same way we approach every project: understand the problem, recommend what makes sense, do the work properly and stand behind it.
Common Questions
What Homeowners Want to Know
START WITH KNOWING
A practical first
step toward protecting your home.
We'll assess the plumbing in your home, explain what we find and give you a clear proposal if replacement makes sense.