Poly-B Replacement in Coquitlam, BC

If your home was built between approximately 1978 and the mid-to-late 1990s, it may have Poly B plumbing, also known as polybutylene piping. Poly B is commonly grey and flexible and can often be found under sinks, near the hot water tank, in basements, crawl spaces and mechanical rooms.

Look for markings such as “PB2110” printed on the pipe. However, much of a home's plumbing can be hidden inside walls and ceilings.

If you are unsure whether your home has Poly B, a Poly B inspection in Surrey can identify the type and condition of your existing water-supply piping. Stefano’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning provides Poly B plumbing inspections in Surrey and throughout the Lower Mainland.

Poly B pipes were commonly installed in Canadian homes from approximately 1978 through the 1990s. If your Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock or Lower Mainland home was built during this period, it is worth checking whether the original water-supply plumbing is Poly B.

The age of the home alone does not confirm that Poly B is present. A professional Poly B plumbing inspection can determine what type of piping is installed and whether replacement should be considered.

Poly B plumbing is an older water-supply piping material that can deteriorate as it ages. Factors such as chlorinated water, heat, water pressure and environmental conditions can contribute to deterioration. One of the concerns with Poly B is that deterioration may occur inside the pipe even when the outside of the pipe looks normal. A failed pipe or fitting can result in a water leak and potentially cause damage to drywall, flooring, cabinets and other areas of the home.

If you have Poly B in your Surrey home, a professional Poly B inspection can help determine the condition of the accessible plumbing and whether a Poly B replacement or repipe should be considered.

Having Poly B does not mean that your plumbing will immediately fail. However, Poly B is an older plumbing material, and its condition can change as the system continues to age.

If a Poly B pipe or fitting fails, the resulting water leak can cause significant property damage. Depending on your insurance policy, having Poly B may also affect your insurance requirements or coverage. A Poly B repipe in Surrey replaces the existing Poly B water-supply lines with a modern plumbing system. Depending on the property and installation requirements, PEX-A may be one of the replacement options.

Insurance coverage for Poly B leaks depends on your individual policy and insurance company.

Some insurance policies may cover certain sudden and accidental resulting water damage, while the cost of repairing or replacing deteriorated plumbing may be treated differently.
Insurance companies can also have specific requirements for homes with Poly B plumbing in BC, including deductibles, exclusions or replacement requirements.
If you have Poly B plumbing, we recommend speaking with your insurance broker to understand your coverage. A professional Poly B inspection in Surrey can also provide documentation about the plumbing system and its condition.

Homeowners should not assume that insurance will pay for a planned Poly B replacement

Insurance policies generally distinguish between replacing an aging plumbing system and repairing damage caused by a covered plumbing failure. Coverage and requirements vary between insurers and individual policies.

Some insurance companies may have specific requirements for properties with Poly B plumbing.
If you are considering Poly B replacement in Surrey, contact your insurance broker before starting the project so you understand your policy requirements. We can provide information about the existing plumbing and the proposed Poly B repiping work.

PEX-A is a modern plumbing material commonly used for residential water-supply systems, while Poly B is an older plumbing material.


PEX-A is flexible and can be useful when completing a Poly B repipe, particularly where the new water lines need to be routed through existing walls, ceilings or other areas of the home.

When replacing Poly B plumbing in Surrey, the appropriate piping material depends on the home's layout, existing plumbing, access and applicable plumbing requirements.

During a Poly B replacement, we can explain the available options and determine what system is appropriate for your home.

The time required for a Poly B repipe in Surrey depends on the size of the home, the number of plumbing fixtures, accessibility of the existing Poly B pipes and the amount of access required. Many residential Poly B replacement projects can be completed within a few days, but every home is different. Larger homes or projects requiring extensive access and restoration may take longer. Before starting your Poly B repipe, we can review the plumbing layout and explain the expected schedule, water shutoffs and access requirements.

In many cases, you may be able to remain in your home during a Poly B repipe. There will be periods when the water needs to be shut off while the new plumbing is installed and connected. Plumbers will also need access to areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and mechanical spaces. The amount of disruption depends on the size and layout of the property. Before beginning a Poly B replacement in Surrey, we will explain the expected water shutoffs and work schedule so you know what to expect.

Yes. Poly B replacement can be performed in houses, townhomes and condos, depending on access and property requirements.

For a condo or townhouse, some plumbing may be the responsibility of the individual homeowner while other plumbing may be the responsibility of the strata corporation.
Before beginning a Poly B replacement in a condo or townhouse, it is important to confirm the strata requirements and determine which plumbing is included in the project.

Stefano’s Plumbing & Drain Cleaning can inspect accessible Poly B plumbing, identify the affected water lines and help develop a Poly B repiping plan for your Surrey or Lower Mainland property.