Poly B Replacement Cost in Edmonton: What to Expect in 2024

What is Poly B Piping?

If your Edmonton home was built between 1985 and 1997, there’s a strong chance it contains Poly B piping. This grey plastic plumbing material was once popular across Canada, including thousands of homes in Edmonton, but has since been discredited due to its susceptibility to failure. Understanding exactly what Poly B piping is—and why it’s problematic—is the first step toward safeguarding your property and planning a smart replacement.

Definition and common uses from 1985–1997

Polybutylene, or Poly B, is a type of grey plastic pipe that gained traction in residential plumbing between the mid-1980s and late 1990s. It was primarily used for interior water supply lines due to its low cost and easy installation. Lightweight and flexible, Poly B was especially favored by homebuilders during rapid development phases across Edmonton neighborhoods such as Mill Woods, Terwillegar, and Londonderry.

Why it was widely installed

Builders turned to Poly B for its cost-effectiveness, speed of installation, and minimal training requirements. When copper prices were high, Poly B was seen as a convenient alternative. Unfortunately, at the time, the long-term performance of this material had not been fully understood, leading to widespread use before inherent flaws became evident years later.

How to identify Poly B in your home

Homeowners can recognize Poly B piping by its distinctive grey coloring and flexible nature. You’ll typically find it:

• Running through basement ceilings or utility rooms
• Connected with metal or plastic fittings
• Stamped with codes like “PB2110” on the side of the pipe

For certainty, a licensed plumber from Urban Piping can inspect your system and confirm its material composition.

“Poly B piping was commonly installed in over 700,000 Canadian homes. Most homes with Poly B were built between 1985–1997.”

Knowing what type of plumbing your home contains is essential to avoiding future risks and costly repairs.

Why Poly B Piping Needs Replacement

Waiting for Poly B pipes to fail can lead to devastating damage—right beneath your walls and floors. Edmonton’s climate stress, aging materials, and outdated installation methods make replacement of Poly B piping not only a wise choice, but a necessary one. If your home still relies on this plumbing, here’s why you should act quickly. Ignoring the risks associated with Poly B piping can lead to costly repairs and extensive water damage. Investing in professional Poly B plumbing services in Edmonton ensures that your home is protected from leaks and failures, providing peace of mind for you and your family. Don’t wait until it’s too late; take proactive steps to safeguard your property today. Failing to replace Poly B piping can also lead to Poly B insurance issues in Edmonton, making it difficult to secure coverage for water damage claims. Many insurers are now hesitant to cover homes with outdated plumbing systems, leaving homeowners vulnerable. By addressing these concerns promptly, you not only enhance your property’s safety but also protect your investment in the long run.

Risks: leaks, degradation, and water damage

Poly B piping is prone to oxidation, cracking, and brittleness over time. Soil composition in Edmonton, combined with occasional hard water issues, can accelerate pipe degradation. Catastrophic failures often surface without warning—frequently due to subtle cracks that develop behind drywall. This can result in:

• Extensive water damage to walls and flooring
• Mould hazards due to hidden moisture
• Costly emergency repairs in areas like basements and bathrooms

“Poly B pipes often degrade from the inside, showing no warning signs until failure.”

Impact on home insurance policies

Homeowners in Edmonton report increasing difficulty renewing their insurance without replacing Poly B plumbing. Many insurers label Poly B as a high-risk material and will either:

• Refuse coverage for water damage related to plumbing
• Charge higher premiums to offset risk
• Require full replacement before approving new coverage

This makes Poly B removal crucial not just for property safety, but also for maintaining adequate and affordable insurance.

Poly B lifespan and aging material issues

Originally marketed to last 25 years, most Poly B systems in Edmonton homes have exceeded that lifespan. UV exposure, chlorine levels in municipal water, and pipe stress contribute to their degradation. Unlike copper or PEX, Poly B doesn’t hold up under temperature swings typical in Northern Alberta. As these systems approach three decades in service, replacement becomes urgent and inevitable to avoid water-related losses.

The longer Poly B stays in place, the higher the chance of a hazardous failure. Replacing it is proactive homeownership.

Poly B Replacement Cost in Edmonton

Curious how much it costs to replace Poly B in your Edmonton home? Whether you live in a bungalow in Strathcona or a two-storey home in Windermere, we’ll help you understand the price drivers and what to expect when budgeting for this crucial upgrade. Here’s a breakdown of Poly B replacement costs in Edmonton for 2024. Replacing Poly B is not only about the immediate costs but also about the long-term investment in your property. For those considering a sale, addressing this issue may enhance your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers. Here are some important tips for homeowners in Edmonton looking to sell: ensure you have a detailed assessment done and, if necessary, obtain quotes from reputable contractors. Additionally, it’s essential to explore condo poly b replacement solutions in Edmonton, particularly if you’re living in a multi-family dwelling. Many homeowners are unaware that older condo units may also suffer from the same plumbing issues associated with Poly B. By proactively addressing these concerns, you can prevent costly repairs down the line and ensure a safe living environment.

Average cost range depending on home size

The typical cost of Poly B replacement in Edmonton varies based on square footage, number of bathrooms, and floor levels. For 2024:

• Condo/townhome: $3,500–$5,000
• Bungalow (1,200–1,500 sq ft): $5,500–$8,500
• Two-storey (2,000–2,400 sq ft): $6,500–$12,000

Properties with finished basements or multiple plumbing fixtures lie toward the higher end of the spectrum.

“The average cost to replace Poly B in a standard two-storey home in Edmonton ranges from $6,500 to $12,000.”

Detailed cost breakdown: labour, materials, permits, wall repair

Professional Poly B replacement involves several steps—and each adds to the total cost:

• Labour: 50–60% of total cost; licensed plumbers perform the repipe
• Material: Cost varies for PEX vs Copper; Urban Piping explains the best fit for your home
• Permits & inspection: Required by City of Edmonton; approx. $300–$600
• Drywall repair & paint touch-ups: $500–$1,500 depending on surface area and wall finish

Variables: single vs 2-storey homes, accessibility, drywall type

Accessibility and layout massively affect final pricing. It’s generally more cost-efficient to work in:

• Unfinished basements with exposed ceilings
• Homes with minimal drywall obstruction
• Single-storey properties with attic access

In contrast, tight wall cavities, tiled shower walls, or luxury finishes (e.g. textured ceilings) extend labour time and increase restoration costs.

“Top cost drivers: concealed pipe access, home square footage, wall finishes, and plumbing fixtures.”

When planning your Poly B replacement project in Edmonton, invest in a transparent quote from experienced professionals like Urban Piping.

Understanding the Replacement Process

Planning to replace your Poly B plumbing in Edmonton? Knowing what to expect step-by-step helps you prepare your home and budget—especially when navigating Alberta Plumbing Code regulations, permit timelines, and the day-to-day realities of repiping. Urban Piping walks homeowners through this process for a stress-free experience. If you’re unsure about your piping, it’s important to take action quickly, as failing to address Poly B can lead to significant issues over time. For those in need of Poly B plumbing detection in Edmonton, it’s advisable to consult with professionals who can conduct thorough assessments and recommend the best course of action. Addressing any concerns early can save homeowners from costly repairs down the line.

Steps involved: Planning, Permits, Demolition, Rough-In, Finishing

A professional Poly B replacement involves several key phases:

• Planning: A site visit helps assess pipe accessibility, fixture locations, and leak history.
• Permits: Permit applications are submitted to the City of Edmonton or surrounding municipality.
• Demolition: Drywall is opened to access the outdated Poly B piping, usually in a clean and targeted manner.
• Rough-In: New PEX (or copper) piping is installed per layout, securely tied and pressurized.
• Finishing: Walls are patched, sanded, primed, and painted to restore your home.

All Poly B replacements in Edmonton must adhere to the Alberta Plumbing Code.

Edmonton residential code compliance & permit checklist

Urban Piping strictly follows the Alberta Building Code and City of Edmonton permit requirements, including:

• Attention to fixture grouping and pipe sizing
• Installation of proper shutoff valves and support brackets
• Backflow prevention compliance where required
• Post-install rough-in and final inspections

Permits typically take 1–2 days for approval within city limits.

Typical project timeline (3–7 days depending on size)

Most Edmonton home repiping projects are completed within a week:

• Small homes/condos: 3–4 days
• Medium-sized homes (1,500–2,200 sqft): 5–6 days
• Larger or multi-storey homes: up to 7 business days

Urban Piping remains onsite from start to finish, with careful planning to minimize daily disruption.

Need clarity on how Poly B replacement looks in your own home? Get a free quote today—Urban Piping is here to make it easy and code-compliant.

Comparing Edmonton Contractor Quotes

All plumbing quotes are not created equal—especially when it comes to Poly B replacement in Edmonton. Understanding what’s included, spotting red flags, and asking the right questions can save thousands and protect your home from future headaches. Urban Piping helps homeowners navigate quotes with confidence.

What’s included in a typical quote (and what’s not)

A comprehensive quote should detail:

• Full pipe replacement (Poly B to PEX/copper)
• Labour and materials
• Drywall repair, sanding, and repainting
• Permit handling and inspection scheduling
• Warranty details

Beware of quotes that exclude wall repair or drywall—it’s often where costs creep up later.

Signs of a reliable vs suspiciously cheap quote

Lowball quotes often skip important steps like permit fees or finishing work. A trustworthy contractor:

• Has a local track record with verifiable reviews
• Provides a written contract outlining scope
• Uses branded, high-quality materials (e.g., PEX Class A)
• Schedules and passes municipal plumbing inspections

A good contractor will walk you through their warranty and municipal inspection process.

Must-ask questions before signing

• “Does this include full drywall and paint restoration?”
• “Will my home be livable during the project?”
• “What is your warranty coverage?”
• “How many similar projects have you done in Edmonton?”

Urban Piping takes pride in transparent pricing with no hidden fees—only service that adds lasting value to your home.

Ready to compare your quotes side by side? Contact Urban Piping for a free, detailed breakdown of your repipe options.

Choosing the Right Replacement Material

Not all piping is created equal when replacing Poly B — especially in Alberta’s freeze-prone climate. Two common choices are PEX and copper. Each comes with its own price tag, warranty, and performance profile. At Urban Piping, we help you weigh the pros and cons based on your home and long-term goals.

Overview: PEX Class A vs copper piping

PEX Class A is highly flexible and can be installed with fewer fittings—ideal for tight spaces and rerouting. It is also more affordable upfront. Copper piping is rigid, sturdy, and legacy-tested but requires more labour and is usually costlier.

PEX Class A is the most commonly chosen replacement material due to flexibility and lower cost.

Material durability, performance, and freeze protection

• Copper: Resistant to UV but may corrode in poor water chemistry without dielectric unions.
• PEX: More resistant to freeze-thaw cycles. It expands slightly when frozen and resists bursting.

In Edmonton and surrounding areas with deep winter freezes, many homeowners opt for PEX because of its freeze resilience and flexible installation options.

Warranty options and long-term cost savings

PEX systems often carry warranties up to 25 years when installed by licensed professionals like Urban Piping. Copper can last over 70 years with proper installation—but replacing drywall and rigid routing adds to installation costs.

Copper piping can last up to 70+ years but is more expensive to install.

Tip: Ask your contractor if their warranty includes both material and workmanship—it makes a difference over time.

Want expert guidance on what’s best for your home? Schedule a free consultation with Urban Piping today.

Customer Stories: Edmonton Homeowners Who Made the Switch

Still wondering if Poly B replacement is really worth it? Hear directly from Edmonton homeowners who’ve made the switch—and never looked back. These customer stories reveal real costs, decisions, and peace of mind that comes with saying goodbye to grey plumbing for good.

Case Study: 1989 Split-Level Home – $9,200 Replacement

Homeowners in South Edmonton faced recurring ceiling stains from previous Poly B leaks. Urban Piping completed the full repipe in 6 days, including painted drywall restoration. The total investment: $9,200.

“We were nervous at first, but Urban Piping made the process simple and clean — our water pressure is better than ever.” – A. Roberts, Edmonton

Case Study: 3-Bedroom Bungalow – $7,600 with drywall repair

This West Edmonton couple timed their Poly B replacement with a bathroom renovation. With active leaks and reduced water quality, they moved quickly. Urban Piping replaced lines and completed wall finishes for $7,600.

“We didn’t just replace pipes—we protected our investment.” – The Nguyens, West Edmonton

Why homeowners say the peace of mind was worth it

• Improved water pressure and temperature control
• Property resale peace of mind
• No more insurance premium issues tied to aging Poly B

With Urban Piping’s clean finishes, families returned to their normal routines faster—without lingering renovation messes.

Want to join our growing list of satisfied Edmonton homeowners? Contact Urban Piping today for a no-pressure quote.