Poly-B (polybutylene) piping was installed in thousands of BC homes between the late 1970s and mid-1990s as a cheaper alternative to copper. Decades later, it’s now linked to hidden pinhole leaks, sudden pipe failures, mould growth behind walls, and insurance complications. In most cases, it’s not a question of if Poly-B will fail, but when—and how much damage it causes when it does.
Alpine Plumbing & Heating provides professional Poly-B replacement and whole-home repiping across across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and surrounding Lower Mainland areas. We replace aging Poly-B systems with modern, code-compliant piping (typically PEX), designed for long-term reliability, better water quality, and improved home value.
Protect your home before the next leak.
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At Alpine Plumbing & Heating, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
Poly-B (polybutylene) is a flexible grey plastic water supply pipe used heavily in residential construction from roughly 1978–1998. It was popular because it was inexpensive and quick to install. Over time, however, several issues have become clear:
In the Lower Mainland, additional risk factors include:
Because Poly-B can look “fine” from the outside even when it’s failing internally, spot repairs are rarely a long-term solution. Full replacement is the only way to remove the risk completely.
You may have Poly-B piping if:
If you’re unsure, we can confirm during a professional Plumbing Inspections visit. We’ll trace visible lines, inspect mechanical spaces, and advise how much Poly-B is present and where.
Leaving Poly-B in service carries several serious risks:
If you’ve already experienced one Poly-B leak, there’s a high chance more failures are forming elsewhere in the system.
Consider full Poly-B replacement if you notice:
For isolated issues on copper or PEX, targeted Pipe Repair or Water Line Repair may be enough. Once Poly-B is involved, however, spot repairs are usually just buying time.
Many BC insurers now:
By completing a professional Poly-B replacement:
We regularly provide written confirmation of materials used, photos, and invoices that homeowners can forward to their insurance company or realtor.
Every home is different. We design each repipe to minimize disruption while delivering a clean, modern, long-lasting water system.
If other issues are discovered—such as failing shut-off valves or undersized lines—we can include upgrades through Repiping and Water Line Installation.
We typically replace Poly-B with high-quality PEX piping, chosen for:
In some locations (mechanical rooms, exposed areas), we may recommend copper or brass fittings for extra durability. We schedule the project to limit how long you’re without water and coordinate around your family or business needs.
During installation we:
Most single-family repipe projects are completed in 1–3 days, depending on home size and access. Larger or more complex homes, strata units, and commercial spaces may take longer.
Once new lines are installed, we:
If your project is part of a broader renovation, we can coordinate with your contractor or support additional work through New Construction & Remodels and Plumbing Installations.
Spot repairs can buy time, but they don’t address the root problem: the entire Poly-B network is aging and prone to failure. Once one section leaks, others are usually close behind. For long-term reliability, full Poly-B Replacement is almost always the most cost-effective option compared with repeated Emergency Plumbing calls and repairs.
Most single-family homes can be repiped in 1–3 days, depending on size, access, and the number of bathrooms and fixtures. Townhomes, condos, or large custom homes may take longer. Before work begins, we provide a clear schedule and explain how water shut-offs will be managed so you can plan around them.
No. In most cases, we stage the work so water is shut off only during specific phases of the day while lines are being changed over. We aim to restore basic water service (toilet, one sink) as soon as possible each day. For complex projects, we discuss temporary arrangements in advance so there are no surprises.
Yes. Modern PEX piping from reputable manufacturers is CSA-approved and widely used in new construction across BC. When installed correctly and protected from UV exposure, it provides excellent long-term performance. Our installations comply with the BC Plumbing Code and are supported by manufacturer warranties.
Absolutely. Many homeowners choose to update fixtures, add shut-off valves, or complete Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel projects while walls are already open. We can also coordinate with New Construction & Remodels work, Water Pressure Repair, or Hydronic Infloor Heating upgrades to make the most of your investment.
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