What Is Poly B Piping? | Trav's Plumbing & HVAC
Poly B piping (polybutylene) is a flexible grey plastic water supply pipe used in many Canadian homes from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. It’s known today for a high failure rate, insurance issues, and an increased risk of leaks as it ages.
If you own a home built between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the term Poly B piping—or maybe even found grey plastic pipes in your basement and wondered what they are.
And if you’ve been told they’re a problem, you’re probably asking the same thing most homeowners ask: What is Poly B, and should I be worried?
Here’s a clear, straightforward breakdown of what Poly B plumbing is, why it became such a big issue, and what to do if your home has it.
What Is Poly B Piping?
Poly B (short for polybutylene) is a type of plastic water supply pipe used widely from the late ’70s through the mid-’90s.
Builders loved it because it was affordable, flexible, and quick to install compared to copper.
At the time, it looked like the future of home plumbing.
The problem?
It didn’t hold up as well as expected.
Over time, Poly B piping can weaken, crack, or fail—especially when exposed to chlorine in municipal water systems.
Hundreds of thousands of homes across Canada have had leaks because of it, which is why homeowners, insurers, and home inspectors treat Poly B as a major red flag today.
When Was Poly B Used in Homes?
Poly B plumbing started appearing in Canadian homes in the late 1970s.
It hit peak popularity throughout the 1980s and early ’90s, when many builders used it as a cost-effective alternative to copper.
But once the material began failing earlier than expected—and insurers started seeing costly water damage claims—it quickly fell out of favour.
By the late 1990s, Poly B was essentially phased out.
Homes built between 1978 and 1995—including many older properties in Southern Manitoba—are the most likely to contain it.
How To Tell If Your Home Has Poly B Plumbing
Most homeowners don’t realize they even have Poly B until a plumber points it out.
Here’s how you can identify it yourself:
Colour: Usually grey, but sometimes blue or black
Markings: Often printed with “PB2110”
Where it shows up:
Basements
Utility rooms
Around water heaters
Under sinks
Behind finished walls in older homes
Home age: Homes built from 1978 to 1995 are the most likely to have it
If you see flexible grey piping with plastic fittings, there’s a strong chance it’s Poly B.
Why Poly B Piping Is a Problem
Poly B isn’t unsafe to drink from, but it is known for a high risk of plumbing failures.
And since many leaks happen behind walls or hidden areas, Poly B can cause serious, expensive water damage before you even notice.
Here’s why it’s such a concern:
1. It Breaks Down Over Time
Chlorine in treated municipal water slowly weakens Poly B from the inside out.
2. Fittings Are Prone to Failure
Early fittings used with Poly B weren’t durable, and many fail long before the pipe itself.
3. Cold Climate Stress
Southern Manitoba’s freeze–thaw cycles put extra pressure on older plumbing systems.
And because Trav’s Plumbing & HVAC LTD works on homes across Southern Manitoba, we see firsthand how older Poly B systems struggle in our climate.
4. Insurance Issues
Many insurance companies increase premiums—or require full replacement—if a home still contains Poly B plumbing.
5. Reduced Home Value
Home inspectors flag Poly B immediately, and buyers often negotiate a lower price or request replacement as part of the sale.
Is Poly B Banned in Canada?
Poly B isn’t officially “banned,” but it’s no longer accepted by modern Canadian plumbing codes.
You can’t install it in a new system, and insurers generally prefer it to be removed from older homes.
So while it’s still legal to have Poly B in your home, it’s widely considered high risk.
How Long Does Poly B Piping Last?
Most Poly B systems last 20 to 30 years.
Since virtually all Poly B installations happened before 1996, almost every remaining system is now at or beyond its expected lifespan.
Even if it hasn’t leaked yet, age alone makes it vulnerable.
Poly B vs PEX: Why Most Homeowners Replace It
When homeowners replace Poly B, they almost always choose PEX.
And for good reason:
PEX is flexible
It handles cold weather well
It resists corrosion
It lasts decades
Insurance companies prefer it over Poly B
Copper is still an option, but PEX is generally the most practical replacement in modern homes.
Poly B vs PEX vs Copper: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a simple comparison that shows why Poly B is no longer used—and why most homeowners choose PEX today:
What To Do If You Think Your Home Has Poly B Piping
You don’t need to panic, but you should get the system checked.
Here’s what most homeowners do:
1. Get a Professional Inspection
A licensed plumber—like our team at Trav’s Plumbing & HVAC LTD—can confirm whether your system has Poly B, evaluate its condition, and help you plan a simple, affordable replacement timeline that fits your home.
2. Prioritize High-Risk Areas
Sections near hot water tanks, fittings, or manifolds often fail first.
3. Consider Full System Replacement
Most homeowners eventually replace Poly B plumbing to avoid surprise leaks and insurance issues.
4. Talk to Your Insurance Provider
They may have requirements or recommendations for Poly B replacement.
How Trav’s Plumbing & HVAC LTD Can Help
Trav’s Plumbing & HVAC LTD helps homeowners throughout Southern Manitoba deal with aging Poly B systems.
We can inspect your piping, confirm whether Poly B is present, evaluate its condition, and install modern, reliable PEX systems designed to last for decades.
If you want peace of mind—and fewer plumbing surprises—updating Poly B is one of the best upgrades you can make in an older home.
Final Thoughts
Poly B piping was once seen as an innovative solution, but time has shown that it simply doesn’t hold up.
If your home still has Poly B—especially if it was built before the mid-1990s—it’s worth having it checked and creating a replacement plan before leaks become a problem.
A quick inspection today can save you from costly water damage tomorrow.
FAQ
When was poly-B piping banned in Canada?
Poly-B was never formally “banned,” but it was removed from plumbing codes in the late 1990s and is no longer approved for new installations anywhere in Canada.
Is poly-B the same as PEX?
No. Poly-B is an older plastic pipe known for a high failure rate, while PEX is a modern, flexible, durable material commonly used to replace polybutylene systems.
How do I know if I have poly-B piping?
Most Poly-B pipes are light grey and often marked with “PB2110.” They’re usually found in homes built between 1978 and 1995, especially in basements, utility rooms, and under sinks.
What was the main problem with poly-B pipe?
Poly-B breaks down over time, especially from chlorine in treated water. This leads to brittleness, cracks, fitting failures, and unpredictable leaks—often behind walls.
Do I have to replace my polybutylene pipes?
You’re not legally required to replace them, but replacement is strongly recommended because most systems are now past their lifespan and carry a higher risk of leaking.
Can you get homeowners insurance with polybutylene pipes in Canada?
It depends on the insurer. Some companies still provide coverage, but many increase premiums, limit coverage, or require Poly-B replacement before offering a full policy.
