The drain service of Pure Mechanical GroupMetro Vancouver + Fraser Valley
No. 31 · Done by Pure Mechanical Group

Poly-B repiping: what it involves and what it costs

Polybutylene (Poly-B) is the grey plastic water pipe installed in many BC homes from the late 1970s to the mid 1990s. It becomes brittle and fails at the fittings. Repiping replaces all of it with PEX.

Typical cost$11,989–$19,989
How it starts$269 on-site estimate
If you go aheadThe $269 comes off the price
Who does itPure Mechanical Group, the company behind Unclog.it
WhereMetro Vancouver + Fraser Valley
Grey Poly-B pipe behind a bathroom wall being replaced with new piping
Fig. 31: poly-b repiping

What poly-B repiping typically costs

Most houses$11,989–$19,989Depends on size, bathrooms, storeys and how much pipe is behind finished walls.
Small or simpleFrom $7,989Few fixtures and open access.
Large or complicated$29,989 or moreMany bathrooms, three storeys or finished ceilings throughout.

Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.

When you need it

  • Grey flexible pipe at the water heater or under sinks, often stamped PB2110
  • Your insurer has raised your premium or refused cover because of Poly-B
  • You have already had one Poly-B leak

What changes the price

Size of the homePriced largely by the number of fixtures and floors.
AccessFinished ceilings and tiled walls add openings and patching.
Drywall repairPatching and painting can be included or left to your own contractor.

What the job involves

  1. Walk the home, count fixtures and plan the route so as few walls are opened as possible.
  2. Protect floors and furniture, then open access points.
  3. Remove the Poly-B and run new PEX to every fixture, with new shut-offs.
  4. Pressure test, have it inspected and give you documentation of the work.
  5. Patch the drywall if that is part of your estimate.
Time on site
Usually 2 to 5 days for a house
Permits
A plumbing permit is usually required. Keep the paperwork for your insurer.

How pricing works for this job

There is no one price for Poly-B repiping, because the factors above change it from one home to the next. It starts with an on-site estimate for $269. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber looks at the job and gives you a price in writing, good for 30 days. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit. Anything found once work has started is priced and approved before it is done.

Call 1-800-604-0631.

Questions people ask

How much does Poly-B repiping cost in Metro Vancouver?

Most houses: $11,989–$19,989. Small or simple: from $7,989. Large or complicated: $29,989 or more. Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.

How do I know if I have Poly-B?

Look at the water heater and under the sinks. Poly-B is grey, flexible plastic pipe, usually stamped PB2110, with copper or plastic crimp fittings. It was installed from the late 1970s to the mid 1990s.

Why are insurers concerned about it?

It becomes brittle with age and fails at the fittings without warning. Many insurers charge more, limit water damage cover or decline homes that still have it.

Does all of it have to be replaced?

For insurance purposes, usually yes. A partial job leaves the same risk in the walls and rarely satisfies an insurer.

Is the estimate free?

No. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber comes out, looks at the job and gives you a written estimate. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit.

What if you find something unexpected once work starts?

The estimate is based on what can be seen. Anything found once a wall, floor or the ground is open is shown to you, priced and approved before it is done.