Poly-B Replacement & Re-Piping Lower Mainland BC
Protect your home with a full Poly-B repipe. Licensed, insured, and done right — before it becomes a flood.
What Is Poly-B and Why Is It a Problem?
Polybutylene (Poly-B) is a grey or black plastic pipe that was widely installed in homes across BC from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s. It was popular because it was cheap and easy to install. The problem? Poly-B degrades over time when exposed to chlorine in municipal water supplies. The pipes become brittle, crack from the inside out, and fail — often without warning.
Tens of thousands of homes in Surrey, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, and other Lower Mainland communities still have Poly-B plumbing. If your home was built between 1978 and 1995, there’s a good chance you have it. The consequences of ignoring it range from pinhole leaks to catastrophic pipe failures that flood your home.
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Signs You May Have Poly-B Pipes
Home built between 1978 and 1995
Grey, blue, or black flexible plastic pipes in utility room or crawl space
Pipes stamped with 'PB2110' or similar code
Unexplained damp spots on walls or ceilings
Reduced water pressure in multiple fixtures
• Previous pinhole leaks or water damage
What We Replace Poly-B With
We replace Poly-B with modern PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) or copper piping — both proven, long-lasting materials that are standard across BC. PEX is our most common choice for whole-home re-pipes because it’s flexible, freeze-resistant, and far more durable than Poly-B ever was. It’s also accepted by BC insurance companies as a proper replacement material..
Our Poly-B Replacement Process
- Free assessment — we identify whether you have Poly-B and how extensive it is
- Detailed quote covering all replacement pipe, fittings, and labour
- We pull the required permits for the work
- Replacement performed room by room with minimal disruption
- Inspection and pressure test of all new piping
- Written documentation you can provide to your insurer
Call 778-980-8107
Info@williamsonmech.com
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Quick Answers
Find quick answers to the most common questions about our plumbing services, pricing, and availability.
How much does Poly-B replacement cost in BC?
Cost depends on the size of your home, accessibility, and how much pipe needs replacing. A typical 3-bedroom home ranges from $5,000 to $12,000. We provide detailed quotes before any work begins.
Does my home insurance require Poly-B removal?
Many BC insurers now require proof of Poly-B removal for full water damage coverage. Some have excluded Poly-B-related claims entirely. We recommend contacting your insurer for your specific policy details.
How long does a whole-home Poly-B replacement take?
Most whole-home re-pipes take 2–4 days depending on home size and accessibility. We work efficiently to limit the time your water is shut off.
Will my walls need to be opened up?
Some wall access is usually needed. We work carefully to minimize drywall cuts and can recommend a drywaller to restore any openings after plumbing work is complete.
Is PEX pipe better than copper?
PEX is flexible, freeze-resistant, and more affordable than copper while offering comparable longevity. Both are excellent replacements for Poly-B. We’ll recommend the best option for your specific home layout.
Do I need a permit for Poly-B replacement?
Yes, a plumbing permit is required in BC for re-piping work. We handle all permits on your behalf as part of our service.
Ready to book your Re-Piping & Poly-B Replacement?
Call now or fill out the form. We’ll get back to you same day.
Get a Free Quote Today We Respond Same Day
No obligation. Fast response. Licensed & insured.