Poly B Pipe Replacement in Calgary, AB — Full Repiping by Licensed Plumbers

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At ProStar Plumbing & Heating, we are Calgary's licensed specialists in polybutylene (Poly B) pipe replacement. With over a decade of experience repiping homes across Calgary, AB — from Tuscany to Mahogany — our team replaces your outdated Poly B plumbing with durable PEX or copper piping, bringing your home up to modern safety and insurance standards.

What sets us apart? Unlike most Calgary plumbers, we handle the entire project under one roof: pipe removal, new PEX or copper installation, drywall patching, and painting. No subcontractors. No surprise bills. We provide a fixed, comprehensive quote upfront so you know exactly what to expect from the very first phone call.

If your home was built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, there is a strong chance you have grey plastic polybutylene pipes that are deteriorating — putting your home at risk for leaks, mold, and insurance cancellations. Call us today at 403-250-7232 for a free, no-obligation assessment.

Why Calgary Homeowners Choose ProStar for Poly B Replacement

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How to Identify Poly B Plumbing in Your Calgary Home

Illustration of oxygen in water molecule and poly-b piping causing a sprung leak Calgary, AB
A cluttered array of pipes labeled with types: black gas, polybutylene, PEX, and copper in Calgary, AB

Poly B Pipe Replacement Cost in Calgary, AB — What to Expect in 2025

The cost to replace Poly B pipes in Calgary typically ranges from $6,000 to $15,000 for a standard single-family home. Here's a realistic breakdown by home type: • Townhouse or Condo (under 1,200 sq ft): $5,000 – $7,500 • Bungalow (1,200–1,800 sq ft): $7,000 – $10,000 • Two-Storey (1,800–2,500 sq ft): $9,500 – $13,000 • Large Home / Finished Basement (2,500+ sq ft): $12,000 – $17,000+

What's Included in Our Poly B Replacement Quote:

Will Insurance Help Cover the Cost?

Several major Alberta home insurers — including Intact, Aviva, and Wawanesa — now require proof of Poly B pipe replacement to issue new policies or renew existing ones. Some homeowners may be eligible for partial reimbursement under their existing policy if a Poly B leak has already caused water damage. We recommend contacting your insurer before your replacement to understand your coverage. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote for your specific home.
A cluttered array of pipes labeled with types: black gas, polybutylene, PEX, and copper in Calgary, AB

Our Poly B Replacement Process in Calgary — Step by Step

Understanding the poly B replacement process in Calgary helps homeowners prepare for the project. A professional plumbing team follows these structured steps:

No Surprise Service
Free Home Assessment & Poly B Inspection

A licensed ProStar plumber visits your Calgary home, confirms the presence of polybutylene piping, maps all supply lines, identifies access points, and evaluates the scope of the repiping project.

Poly B Pipe Replacement
Installation of New PEX or Copper Piping

New supply lines are installed, properly insulated, pressure-tested at each connection, and secured to meet Alberta plumbing code standards.

Personalized Solutions
Written Quote & Project Plan

You receive a detailed, written flat-rate quote — covering labour, PEX or copper materials, drywall restoration, permit fees, and timeline. No surprises.

Sump pump services
Pressure Test & Leak Verification

The entire new system is pressure tested before any walls are closed. We verify zero leaks at every fitting and connection.

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Home Preparation & Water Shut-Off

Our crew protects your floors with drop cloths, moves furniture if needed, then shuts off the main water supply. We minimize disruption to your daily routine.

Sump Pump Replacement
Drywall Repair & Restoration

All access holes are patched, mudded, sanded, and primed. Walls are left ready for paint — matching your existing textures wherever possible.

Poly B Pipe Replacement
Removal of All Poly B Piping

Technicians carefully open walls and ceilings at planned access points, then remove all polybutylene piping throughout your home.

Long-Term Peace of Mind
Final Inspection, Walk-Through & Certification
A licensed inspector approves the completed work. We walk you through the finished system, hand over your permit, and provide a completion certificate for your insurance provider.
 

Risks Associated with Poly B Plumbing

Poly B pipes pose several risks, including:

No overtime charges
Frequent Leaks

Poly B deteriorates over time, leading to frequent leaks and water damage.

Flat-rate pricing
Lack of Insurance Coverage

Many insurance companies will not provide coverage for homes with Poly B plumbing due to its high failure rate.

Personalized attention
Potential Health Hazards

Leaks can lead to mold growth, which poses health risks to your family.

While one-off problems like random leaks or simple repairs every now and then can be considered a normal part of homeownership, experiencing more frequent issues is a good reason to start considering pipe replacement. If you're dealing with old and worn-out pipes, or if your water bills have inexplicably risen, or you're calling for repairs more often than you'd like, it's time to have our team come in and assess the situation.

What We Recommend as Alternatives to Poly B

There are two main materials we work with: PEX and copper. Both materials offer many benefits, but there are a few ways they are different. Here are some details to help you decide which one is best for your home:

PEX (Crosslinked polyethylene)

  • Made from a flexible material that is easy to install.
  • Less expensive than copper.
  • Resistant to acidic substances.
  • Less likely to freeze.
  • Cannot be directly connected to a water heater.
  • Cannot be used outside because it is sensitive to UV light.

Copper

  • Significantly more durable and longer-lasting than PEX.
  • Stronger joints will not sag over time.
  • The only downside is that the upfront cost to install copper piping is higher than PEX.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is polybutylene (Poly B) pipe and why is it a problem?

Polybutylene (Poly B) was a grey plastic plumbing material used in Calgary homes built between 1978 and 1995. It breaks down when exposed to chlorine and oxygen in municipal water, causing pinhole leaks, joint failures, and eventually burst pipes. Unlike a simple repair, Poly B deterioration happens throughout the entire system — which is why full poly B replacement is recommended.

How much does poly B pipe replacement cost in Calgary?

Most Calgary homeowners pay between $6,000 and $15,000 for a full poly B repipe, depending on home size, number of bathrooms, and whether finished drywall needs to be patched. We provide free, itemized quotes before starting any work.

Will my home insurance cover the cost of poly B replacement in Alberta?

Most Alberta insurers will not cover the cost of proactive replacement — but if a Poly B leak has already caused water damage, your policy may cover restoration costs. More importantly, several major insurers now require you to replace Poly B to maintain or renew coverage. Contact your insurer and ask them directly about their Poly B policy.

How long does a poly B repipe take in Calgary?

A standard Calgary single-family home typically takes 3–5 business days, including drywall patching. Larger homes with finished basements may take up to 7–9 days. We provide a project timeline in your written quote.

Do I need a permit for Poly B pipe replacement in Calgary?

Yes. Replacing supply-side plumbing in Calgary requires a City of Calgary plumbing permit. ProStar pulls all required permits on your behalf and arranges the city inspection — so your new system is fully code-compliant and insurable.

What is the best replacement for Poly B pipes — PEX or copper?

Both are excellent choices. PEX is flexible, freeze-resistant, and more affordable. Copper is exceptionally durable (50+ year lifespan) and compatible with all water heater types. We'll walk you through the pros and cons for your specific home and budget during your free quote.

Can I stay in my home during Poly B replacement?

Yes — most homeowners remain in their homes during the project. Water is shut off only during active installation periods (typically 4–8 hours per day). We schedule work around your routine as much as possible.

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