POLY B REPLACEMENT IN RICHMOND
Replacing aging Poly B with modern PEX or copper protects your Richmond home from sudden leaks and costly water damage. Flex Plumbing plans pipe routes carefully to minimize wall openings, work efficiently, and leave your site clean and ready for drywall repair.
Focused on clean, practical execution:
- Free inspections and fixed upfront written estimates ($5,000–$12,000 average)
- Minimal impact on daily household routine, no need to move out
- Strategic routing to keep wall openings small
- Official completion letter provided for your insurance company
The biggest risk is often the leak you cannot see.
Many Richmond homes built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s still rely on Poly B (polybutylene) water lines, which are now 30 to 45 years old. Chlorine in the city water supply slowly breaks down the plastic from the inside, making pipes brittle and causing hidden leaks behind walls and ceilings at fittings and crimp rings.
We replace failing Poly B with durable PEX or copper across Richmond neighborhoods, including Steveston, Terra Nova, Westwind, Broadmoor, Seafair, Thompson, Quilchena, Blundell, Granville, Riverdale, Ironwood, East Cambie, Bridgeport, Shellmont, Woodwards, Hamilton, and City Centre/Brighouse strata complexes. We handle all City of Richmond permits, coordinate drywall patching, and back our work with a 2-year labour warranty, double the industry standard.
Common reasons homeowners act now:
Poly B does not need to be actively leaking to justify an assessment.
Hidden failure
risk
30- to 45-year-old pipes brittle from chlorine cause unannounced leaks.
Insurance
concerns
Insurers charge higher rates, limit coverage, or refuse Poly B homes.
Aging crimp
rings
Metal and plastic fittings deteriorate and leak behind walls.
Home sales & inspection
Home inspectors flag Poly B, impacting property sales.
These project photos show how our team creates targeted access to reach existing supply lines while limiting disruption throughout the home.
HOW TO IDENTIFY POLY B
Homeowners can usually spot Poly B as flexible grey (sometimes blue or black) plastic piping near the hot water tank, under sinks, behind washing machines, or at the main water shut-off. It is typically joined with copper or plastic crimp rings at the fittings.
Coverage may be limited or cost more.
Insurance concerns
Crimped connections are common failure points.
Aging fittings
Future plans
Replacement can help before a sale or renovation.
Purposeful openings. Respect for your home is part of the job.
THE FLEX PLUMBING PROMISE
Replacing your Poly B piping shouldn't disrupt your life. Our repiping process is simple and transparent, allowing you to stay comfortably in your home throughout the project. We offer transparent pricing ($5,000–$12,000 depending on home size, fixtures, and access) with a 2-year labour warranty, double the 1-year industry standard.
Free Inspection & Estimate
Perform a free on-site inspection and provide a fixed, written estimate upfront before any work begins
Floors & Belongings Protection
Drop sheets and floor runners go down first, and nearby furniture is safely covered or moved.
Dust Containment & Site Setup
Work areas are isolated with protective barriers to contain dust at the source and keep living spaces tidy.
Smart Pipe Route Planning
Map out existing lines and plan strategic, low-impact pipe routes that keep wall openings small and clean.
Repipe & Material Installation
Replace fragile Poly B lines with modern, high-grade PEX or copper supply lines.
Pressure Testing & Permit Inspection
Conduct thorough high-pressure testing and handle all official municipal permit filings with the City.
Daily Cleanup & Drywall Coordination
Work areas are cleared of tools and debris daily, followed by coordinated drywall patching.
Final Review & Insurance Letter
Perform a final walkthrough, label key shut-off valves, and issue an official Poly B removal completion letter for your insurer.