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Poly-B plumbing was once a popular choice in homes built across British Columbia between the 1970s and mid-1990s. However, today, many homeowners are facing a harsh reality: this flexible plastic piping is known for its tendency to fail prematurely, resulting in water damage, insurance issues, and costly repairs. If you’re considering a poly-b piping replacement, here’s exactly what you need to know.
Why Replace Poly-B Plumbing?
Polybutylene plumbing, often referred to as Poly-B plumbing, was installed in millions of homes due to its low cost and ease of use. However, it’s no longer accepted by most building codes due to:
- Cracking or splitting under normal water pressure
- Chemical reactions with chlorine in municipal water
- A high risk of sudden water leaks
- Limited life expectancy in real-world conditions
As a result, many insurance companies in British Columbia either deny coverage or increase premiums for homes with polybutylene pipes. That’s why many homeowners opt to replace them before disaster strikes.
What’s Involved in the Replacement Process?
Unlike fixing a leak, replacing poly b plumbing means removing and reinstalling the entire system of water supply lines in your home. This isn’t a minor project. Here’s what’s typically involved:
- Cutting drywall and ceilings to access old piping
- Disconnecting the existing poly from copper or brass fittings
- Replacing pipes with PEX piping. Today’s most popular and reliable replacement material
- Swapping out shower and tub valves, which are often directly connected to Poly-B
- Potentially opening tiled shower walls or fiberglass units for access
- Moving furniture and preparing for temporary water shutoffs
Expect some mess. Drywall will be cut, and you’ll likely need a contractor for post-project patching. We do not perform drywall repairs, but many clients hire their own contractors or cut holes themselves to save on costs.
What Type of Pipe Is Used Today?
Most licensed plumbers now use PEX pipes, short for cross-linked polyethylene. PEX is durable, resistant to scale buildup, and flexible enough to weave through tight spots. Compared to copper pipes, it’s easier to install and better suited to modern homes.
Other benefits of PEX piping:
- Resists corrosion and temperature swings
- Lower risk of bursting in cold weather
- Works well with brass fittings or plastic fittings
- Ideal for replacing plastic plumbing pipe and outdated plumbing systems
What Does It Cost to Replace Poly-B Piping?
The cost to replace Poly-B pipes in the North Okanagan depends on your home’s layout, size, and the level of interior finish. Based on local experience, here are common scenarios and their estimated poly b replacement cost:
| Home Description | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Small rancher with unfinished basement, 1.5 bathrooms, kitchen & laundry | $4,000 – $5,000 |
| Typical 2-storey home with 2 bathrooms, laundry, kitchen, and drywalled ceilings and walls | $7,000 – $9,000 |
| 3-floored home (more challenging due to layout and access) | $10,000+ |
🛠️ These figures include plumbing labour and materials like PEX piping but do not include drywall repairs, tile replacement, or fixture upgrades (e.g., a new hot water tank or water heater).
Every home is unique, and your final replacement cost may vary depending on access, fixtures, and any additional plumbing system upgrades.
Living Through the Project
Repiping typically takes a few days. There may be moments when you have little or no hot water, and your plumbing system will be disrupted. Planning a few nights away during the project can make life easier.
Some homeowners opt to:
- Be out of the home during water shutoffs
- Move personal items out of work zones
- Hire contractors for drywall repairs separately
Transparent Pricing & Assessment
We believe in transparent pricing and clear expectations. That’s why we start with a home assessment to map your home’s plumbing system, access points, and fixtures. Because of the planning involved, we charge a $199 assessment fee.
💡 If you choose our plumbing company to complete the job, we will credit that $199 back on your final invoice.
Still Interested? We Can Help.
If we haven’t scared you off by now and you still want to proceed with an assessment and detailed personalized quote, we can help. We understand that this kind of job involves trust, and our team has built a reputation for:
- Clean, respectful service
- Reliable workmanship
- High customer satisfaction
- Honest, professional plumbers who take pride in their work
We’ve completed many Poly-B plumbing replacement projects across the Okanagan and Vernon region, helping homeowners avoid costly repairs and long-term water damage. We are knowledgeable, clean, courteous, and respectful of our clients and their homes. Previous clients have been very pleased with the process, and we feel you will be too.
Ready to Replace Your Poly-B Pipes?
📞 Contact Vernon Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical Services today to schedule your in-home Poly-B plumbing assessment. Serving the North Okanagan, we’ll give you a fair quote, expert advice, and help you protect your home for the long haul.
