Poly-B Pipe Replacement Service

There are several reasons why household plumbing in the Lower Mainland fails. In many cases, it could be due to the age of the hardware, as older systems wear down after decades of continuous use. But if you have chronic issues with leaky or burst pipes, the culprit could be the Polybutylene (Poly-B) pipe: a piece of grey, plastic piping that was commonly installed in older homes throughout British Columbia.

PEX piping, short for cross-linked polyethylene, is faster to install and a fraction of the price of copper fittings. It also far more durable and can withstand high heat conditions compared to Poly-B pipe. There are three different classes of PEX pipes to choose from:

• Class A PEX Piping is the toughest, most expensive, and highest quality of the three. Manufactured using a special process that cross-links the molecules in the polymer material, this type of piping is flexible, strong, resistant, and can withstand high pressure and temperature variations.
• Class B PEX Piping is slightly less durable than Class A but is perfectly suitable for residential home construction projects. Despite the slight differences in the manufacturing process, this type of piping is also cross-linked to provide a high-quality result that can withstand moderate pressure and temperature fluctuations.
• Class C PEX Piping is the least expensive of the three and is best suited for low-pressure, low-temperature applications. This type of piping is not cross-linked, making it the least durable class. It is commonly used in radiant floor heating systems.

In comparison, Poly-B pipe, also known as polybutylene piping, is far less durable than PEX pipes. A flexible plastic plumbing material, Poly-B pipes are prone to cracking and splitting, which leads to leaks and water damage. PEX pipes on the other hand, are far more reliable and are resistant to corrosion, freezing, and bursting. Their longer lifespan makes it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial plumbing applications.

To prevent piping issues and flooding, it’s crucial that homes equipped with Poly-B in the Lower Mainland, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Anmore have their plumbing updated to meet modern standards.

To check if your home has Poly-B pipes, take the following steps:

• Check to see when your house was built. Poly-B was used in homes built between 1978 and 1995, so homes built outside of those dates typically do not have this type of pipe.
• If they are accessible, take a quick look at your existing water pipes. Poly-B piping is grey or black and made from a flexible material. The best places to check would be underneath the kitchen sink, near the hot water tank or meter, underneath the bathroom sink, or at the main water shut off.
• Consult an expert. If you are not able to determine whether or not your plumbing system was built using Poly-B pipes, our contractors can give you an answer.

Our team of professional plumbers are here to ensure the safety and efficiency of your plumbing. If you have polybutylene plumbing in your home or commercial space, it’s important to have these replaced by experienced plumbers. If not handled correctly, you could be spending more time, money, and resources to undo an improper installation.

At GSP, our expert plumbers offer reliable and affordable services. The cost of a Poly-B replacement depends on the material designation (plastic fittings vs. copper fittings vs. brass fittings). For example, when investing in a polybutylene pipe replacement, homeowners typically spend between $1,500 to $8,000 for plastic. However, the cost increases to fall between $2,500 to $15,000 for copper.

While this is a general estimation of the cost to replace Poly-B plumbing, every case is different. To receive a customized quote on your Poly-B re-piping, contact our team today.

Call GSP for quick and efficient solutions. Our team can provide expert replacement of Poly-B piping to minimize your risk of future plumbing issues. Since Poly-B systems can create several issues and compromise the safety, value, and reliability of your home, it is important to update it as soon as you can.

Still unconvinced? We will give you an honest and upfront assessment based on the current workings of your plumbing system. Based on that, we can determine what the best solution is for you. Whether that is a complete replacement of all the Poly-B pipes in your home or a gradual replacement over time, our team will be there every step of the way.

Our ticketed journeymen plumbers are experts and fully qualified to perform evaluations and replacements of this material. To avoid future issues and ensure the proper handling of your Poly-B replacements in your BC home, you can trust us to provide the solutions best suited to your case.

When you need prompt and reliable plumbing services, GSP is the team to choose. As a family-run business, we understand the importance of keeping your home safe. That’s why we offer quick, affordable, and efficient repairs and replacements throughout Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and the Lower Mainland. Whether you need full-service plumbing, drainage, heating, or mold removal services, our team is here to help.