Urban Piping Launches National Poly B Replacement Initiative Targeting Over 720,000 Canadian Homes

Core Insights - Urban Piping has launched a national initiative to replace polybutylene (Poly B) pipes in over 720,000 Canadian homes, starting in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver [1][3] - The initiative is a response to a growing infrastructure crisis, with insurance companies preparing to cancel coverage for Poly B damage due to rising claims costs [3][7] - Emergency service calls related to Poly B failures have surged dramatically, indicating a significant increase in pipe failures as they reach the end of their lifespan [4][6] Industry Context - The insurance industry is tightening restrictions on Poly B coverage, leading to higher premiums and reduced coverage limits for affected homes [8][7] - A Supreme Court of Canada ruling in 2005 deemed polybutylene inadmissible for indemnity insurance, prompting insurers to reassess their policies [7] Market Focus - Urban Piping's expansion strategy targets western Canadian markets with the highest concentrations of affected properties, with Calgary having the highest density of Poly B pipes [9][10] - Edmonton and Vancouver are also key markets, with approximately 28,000 and 240,000 affected homes, respectively [10] Service Model - Urban Piping employs a complete in-house replacement model, managing the entire process from plumbing installation to drywall repair, providing homeowners with a single point of contact [11][12] - The company is offering free estimates and home inspections as part of a national awareness campaign to educate homeowners about Poly B systems and their insurance implications [12]