Poly-B Pipe Replacement in Richmond
Richmond's trusted renovation team for kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-house transformations in condos and homes.
About Poly-B Pipe Replacement in Richmond
Poly-B (polybutylene) plumbing was widely installed in Vancouver-area homes built between 1985 and 1997. Two decades later, the chlorine in BC water reacts with the pipe walls, causing brittleness, micro-cracks, and eventually catastrophic leaks. As of 2025, multiple BC insurers will not renew home insurance on Poly-B properties — replacement is now a transactional necessity, not just a maintenance choice.
We replace Poly-B with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) — the modern standard, code-approved, 50-year warranty from major manufacturers. Typical scope: re-pipe all hot/cold supply lines from the manifold to every fixture, replace shutoff valves, drywall patch behind access points, pressure-test the new system.
Real Vancouver Poly-B replacement costs:
| Property type | Replacement cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Condo (1-bath, single-floor) | $4,000 – $8,000 | 2–3 days |
| Condo (2-bath) | $6,000 – $12,000 | 3–4 days |
| Townhouse (2 floors) | $8,000 – $14,000 | 4–6 days |
| SFH (single-floor 1,500 sqft) | $10,000 – $16,000 | 5–7 days |
| SFH (2-floor 2,500 sqft) | $14,000 – $22,000 | 6–10 days |
| Luxury SFH (3-floor + ensuites) | $20,000 – $35,000+ | 10–14 days |
What's included: PEX-A or PEX-B re-pipe, all supply line connections, manifold installation, drywall patch (paint touch-up not included), pressure test, BC permit + inspection.
What's extra: Drain/waste re-piping (separate scope), hot water tank replacement, fixture replacements, full repaint of touched walls.
Why now: insurers are tightening coverage every year. Get ahead of a forced replacement at the worst possible time (after a leak, with damage repair costs piled on top). We coordinate with your insurer if needed for renewal documentation.
Poly-B Pipe Replacement Services in Richmond
Richmond is home base for Reno Stars — our showroom is at Unit 188, 21300 Gordon Way, Richmond BC V6W 1M2. We serve every Richmond neighbourhood: Steveston, Ironwood, Hamilton, Broadmoor, City Centre, Brighouse, and Garden City.
Real Richmond project pricing: bathroom renovations from $12,000-$45,000 (our most popular scope in Richmond), kitchen renovations from $25,000-$60,000, and whole-house refreshes from $50,000-$150,000+. Richmond's condo market (especially City Centre and Brighouse) drives strong demand for budget-friendly condo renovations — we've completed over a dozen in the $20,000-$35,000 range.
As a Richmond-based company, we offer same-day site visits for Richmond projects and our bilingual English-Mandarin team serves Richmond's diverse community. Contracts, change orders, and progress updates available in your preferred language.
Richmond strata approvals are familiar territory — we've worked with strata councils across Steveston, Garden City, and City Centre. Standard turnaround: 2-4 weeks for strata approval before construction starts.
Visit our Richmond showroom to see materials, touch finishes, and discuss your project face-to-face. Walk-ins welcome Mon-Sat 9:30 AM-9 PM. $5M CGL insurance, WCB coverage, 3-year warranty.
## Bathroom Renovations in Richmond
Bathroom renovations are our most popular service in Richmond, with over 6 completed projects across the city. Our Richmond bathroom portfolio ranges from budget-conscious refreshes starting at $12,000 to full master ensuite transformations up to $45,000.
### Richmond Bathroom Project Pricing (Real Projects)
- **[Minimalist Bathroom Renovation](/en/projects/minimalist-bathroom-renovation-in-richmond/):** $15,000–$18,000, 2-3 weeks - **[Daughter's Bath with Gray Tiles](/en/projects/daughters-bath-renovation-with-gray-tiles/):** $17,000–$20,000, 4-5 weeks - **[Two Bathroom Renovation with Modern Finishes](/en/projects/two-bathroom-renovation-with-modern-finishes/):** $22,000–$26,000, 3-4 weeks - **[Two Bathroom with Custom Features](/en/projects/two-bathroom-renovation-with-custom-features-in-richmond/):** $25,000–$28,000, 4-5 weeks - **[Dual Bathroom with Unique Powder Room](/en/projects/dual-bathroom-renovation-with-unique-powder-room/):** $33,000–$35,000, 6-8 weeks
Richmond condos in City Centre and Brighouse often have compact bathrooms — we specialize in space-maximizing layouts with wall-hung vanities and frameless glass showers. Single-family homes in Steveston and Broadmoor allow for more spacious designs with freestanding tubs and double vanities.
Visit our [Richmond showroom](/en/showroom/) to see bathroom tile samples, vanity options, and fixture displays. Our bilingual team can walk you through your project in English or Mandarin.
See our [average bathroom renovation cost guide](/en/guides/bathroom-renovation-cost-vancouver/) for detailed tier breakdowns.
What We Do
Why Choose Our Richmond Service
Richmond Projects
Explore our portfolio of exceptional renovation projects across the Lower Mainland.
Stunning Kitchen Renovation with White Shaker Cabinets
Bathroom Renovation with White Shaker Cabinets
Budget Friendly Condo Renovation in Richmond
Frequently Asked Questions About Poly-B Pipe Replacement in Richmond
Yes, our team is fully bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese. We provide all project documentation, quotes, and communication in both languages. This ensures clear understanding throughout every phase of your Richmond renovation, from initial consultation to final walkthrough and warranty support.
A typical kitchen renovation in Richmond takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on the scope. Simple cabinet refacing or countertop replacement may be completed in 1-2 weeks, while full gut renovations with custom cabinetry, new plumbing, and electrical work typically require 6-8 weeks. During your free in-home consultation, we provide a detailed project timeline specific to your kitchen layout and design choices.
Basement renovation costs in Richmond range from $30,000 to $100,000+. Many Richmond homes sit on low-lying land near sea level, so waterproofing and moisture management are critical considerations. Basic finishing starts around $30,000-$45,000. A full basement suite conversion with kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance typically costs $65,000-$100,000. Our bilingual team provides all documentation and communication in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
Richmond sits on low-lying terrain near the Fraser River, which means basement renovations require extra attention to moisture management. Common challenges include high water tables, flood zone considerations, and soil composition. We address these with comprehensive waterproofing systems, sump pumps where needed, moisture-resistant materials, and proper drainage solutions. Our team is experienced with Richmond building codes and inspection requirements.
Poly-B (polybutylene) was used in Vancouver-area homes built between 1985 and 1997. The pipes are usually grey or beige plastic, branded with markings like "PB-2110" or "QEST". If your home is from that era and has plastic supply lines, there is a good chance some or all of the plumbing is Poly-B.
Most BC insurers will not pay to replace functioning Poly-B, but they will deny renewal or hike premiums until you replace it. We provide insurer-ready documentation after the Richmond project completes — pressure test results, BC permit, PEX warranty — so you can return to your insurer for renewal at standard rates.
Yes. We re-pipe section by section so you have water restored at the end of each working day. Plan for short shut-offs (2-4 hours) when each fixture group is connected over to PEX. We coordinate timing with you in advance.
Poly-B Pipe Replacement in Other Areas
Ready to Start Your Poly-B Pipe Replacement Project in Richmond?
Let us transform your vision into reality with 20 years of experience.