Time to Replace Your Poly-B Plumbing
Is It Time to Replace Your Poly-B Plumbing? Here’s What Vancouver Island Homeowners Need to Know About Replacing Poly-B
If you’ve noticed gray plastic pipes behind your drywall, in your basement, or near your water heater, it might be time for a closer look. Those pipes could be Polybutylene, also known as Poly-B—and if your home was built between 1978 and 1995, there’s a strong chance it was used in your plumbing system. Understanding the risks is crucial when considering Replacing Poly-B.
Poly-B piping was once a popular choice for residential plumbing across Nanaimo, Parksville, Ladysmith, and many other Vancouver Island communities. It was inexpensive and easy to install, which made it a go-to for builders during that era.
But here’s the catch:
Poly-B is no longer considered safe—or up to code—in British Columbia. If you are facing issues, Replacing Poly-B might be necessary.
Why Poly-B is a Problem
Over time, Poly-B has shown significant weaknesses, especially under normal household conditions. Here’s why so many homeowners are choosing to replace it:
- It cracks under pressure, particularly when used with hot water
- It reacts poorly to chlorine, which is common in municipal water, causing the plastic to degrade
- It’s banned in many jurisdictions, and insurance companies are taking notice
- Home insurance policies may increase premiums—or deny coverage altogether—if Poly-B is found in your home
The Risks of Leaving Poly-B in Place
Poly-B piping doesn’t always fail overnight—but when it does, it often leads to hidden leaks that can be expensive and destructive:
- Mold growth and drywall damage
- Major flooding and water damage
- Costly structural repairs
- Potential increases in insurance rates
These risks are especially high in older homes where piping may already be brittle or deteriorating from decades of wear.
The Solution: Upgrade to PEX
The safest and most cost-effective long-term solution is to replace Poly-B with PEX piping—today’s gold standard in residential plumbing. At Norm’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we specialize in clean, professional repipes that are done right the first time.
Here’s what you can expect with a Poly-B replacement from Norm’s:
- Durable, flexible, chlorine-safe PEX piping
- Most homes repiped in just one day
- Clean and professional installation
- Drywall patching and cleanup included
- Licensed technicians who show up on time
Serving Nanaimo, Parksville, Ladysmith & Surrounding Areas
Our Poly-B repipe experts have helped hundreds of Vancouver Island homeowners protect their homes and upgrade their plumbing systems. Whether you’re dealing with a leak or just want peace of mind, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from inspection to final cleanup.
Book Your FREE In-Home Poly-B Inspection
Not sure if you have Poly-B in your home? We’ll help you find out.
Schedule your free inspection at normsmobile.ca
Serving homeowners in Nanaimo, Parksville, Ladysmith, and nearby communities.