Buying a Home with Poly B Plumbing

If you are considering buying a home in the Lower Mainland, one thing to pay attention to is the plumbing system. Many homes built from the late 1970s through to the mid-1990s used a product called Poly B, short for polybutylene piping. Knowing what it is, when it was used, and how it affects insurance can save you money and stress.

What is Poly B and when was it used?
Poly B is a grey plastic piping material that was popular in residential construction between about 1978 and 1995. It was inexpensive and easy to install, which made it common in single-family homes, townhomes, and condos built during that time. Across British Columbia, it is estimated that more than 200,000 homes were built using Poly B, with roughly 700,000 across Canada.

Why it matters
Poly B was later found to be prone to deterioration. Over time, heat, water pressure, and chlorine can cause the material to weaken, crack, or fail. Many leaks occur behind walls or ceilings where the piping is hidden, which means damage can happen before anyone notices. Replacing Poly B is not a small project and can be costly, depending on the size and layout of the home.

Insurance considerations
Most insurers in British Columbia treat Poly B as higher risk, but that does not mean a home cannot be insured. Some insurance companies raise premiums or require inspection reports before offering coverage. Westland Insurance, for example, does not charge an upfront increase to insure a home with Poly B plumbing. Instead, they apply a higher deductible in the event of a water-related claim. This allows homeowners to stay covered while still recognizing the added risk.

What buyers should do

1. Ask your home inspector to check for Poly B. Look for grey or blue plastic pipes marked “PB2110” or “CSA-B 137.8”.
2. Get a quote from a licensed plumber if Poly B is found. Knowing the replacement cost helps you negotiate or plan ahead. Averages costs are about $6,100.
3. Talk to your insurance broker before removing subjects. Confirm coverage options and ask about deductible amounts.
4. If you buy the home, plan for replacement down the road. Many homeowners replace Poly B in sections over time to manage costs.

Bottom line
A home with Poly B plumbing is not automatically a bad purchase, but it is something to approach with open eyes. In a competitive market like the Lower Mainland, awareness gives you leverage. Understanding what you are buying, what the long-term costs might be, and how insurance will handle it can make the difference between a smooth purchase and a surprise repair bill later on.