Poly-B Pipe Replacement in Surrey
Serving Surrey with professional kitchen, bathroom, and whole-house renovations — from Fleetwood to South Surrey.
About Poly-B Pipe Replacement in Surrey
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.
Read more: BC renovation insurance guide
Poly-B in Strata Buildings
Strata corporations in Metro Vancouver are increasingly passing special levies for building-wide Poly-B replacement. If your building has not yet addressed this, individual unit replacement may provide temporary relief for your unit but will not satisfy insurer requirements if the common-area supply lines remain Poly-B. We work with strata councils on coordinated building-wide replacement projects — coordinating schedules across multiple units reduces per-unit cost by 15–25%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my home has Poly-B? Poly-B pipe is gray or dull white plastic, typically stamped "PB2110" or "Shell Oil" along its length. It runs from your main shutoff to every tap, toilet, shower, and appliance. If you bought a Metro Vancouver home built between 1985–1997, assume Poly-B is present until a licensed plumber confirms otherwise. We can identify it during a free walkthrough.
How long does Poly-B replacement take in a condo? A single-level, 1-bathroom condo takes 2–3 days: one day to re-pipe, one day to patch and test. You will need to be out of the unit for the plumbing day (access to all fixture locations required). We schedule around Strata move-in/out rules and elevator booking.
Will my insurance cost go down after Poly-B replacement? Most BC insurers reduce premiums or re-qualify previously declined renewals after certified Poly-B replacement. We provide a completion certificate and pressure-test results for insurer submission. Several clients have saved $800–$1,500/year in insurance premiums after replacement.
Poly-B Pipe Replacement Services in Surrey
Reno Stars serves all of Surrey — from the established neighbourhoods of Whalley, Guildford, and Newton to the fast-growing communities of Cloverdale, South Surrey, and Fleetwood. As Metro Vancouver's largest municipality by population, Surrey has an enormous variety of housing stock: 1970s split-levels, 1990s two-storey colonials, 2000s townhouse complexes, and brand-new detached homes in developments like Sullivan and Grandview Heights.
Kitchen renovations are our top service in Surrey. Many Surrey homes built between 1990 and 2010 are now reaching the point where their original kitchens need updating — dated oak cabinets, tile countertops, and fluorescent lighting get replaced with modern shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, and recessed LED lighting. Our real Surrey kitchen projects range from $25,000 (standard refresh with new cabinets and countertops) to $38,000 (full custom with island, premium appliances, and custom tile backsplash). We bring material samples to your home for comparison.
Basement suite conversions are hugely popular in Surrey, and for good reason — the city has some of the most permissive secondary suite bylaws in Metro Vancouver. A legal basement suite in Surrey can generate $1,500–$2,200/month in rental income, and the City of Surrey has streamlined the permit process to encourage this housing form. We handle everything: layout design that maximizes livable space, framing, plumbing and electrical rough-in, HVAC separation, insulation, drywall, flooring, and finishing. Typical costs range from $40,000 to $70,000 depending on size and existing conditions.
Bathroom renovations in Surrey range from basic tub-to-shower conversions ($12,000–$18,000) to full multi-bathroom renovations ($28,000–$35,000). We've completed projects across Surrey's diverse housing types, including the older homes in Bear Creek and Green Timbers, the townhouses of Morgan Creek and Rosemary Heights, and the newer builds in Campbell Heights.
For South Surrey and White Rock homeowners, we provide the same quality workmanship with an understanding of the area's specific character — from the ranchers and craftsman homes near Crescent Beach to the luxury estate properties of Elgin and Sunnyside. We also serve commercial clients in Surrey's growing business districts, including renovations for retail, restaurant, and office spaces.
All Surrey projects include a 3-year workmanship warranty, transparent written quotes, and free on-site estimates. We're fully licensed and insured to work throughout the City of Surrey.
Related cost guides: [Kitchen renovation costs](/en/guides/kitchen-renovation-cost-vancouver/) | [Bathroom renovation costs](/en/guides/bathroom-renovation-cost-vancouver/) | [Basement renovation costs](/en/guides/basement-renovation-cost-vancouver/) | [Whole-house renovation costs](/en/guides/whole-house-renovation-cost-vancouver/) | [Basement suite conversion costs](/en/guides/basement-suite-cost-vancouver/)
Featured projects: [Surrey whole-house renovation case study](/en/blog/surrey-whole-house-renovation-case-study/) | [Surrey kitchen renovation case study](/en/blog/surrey-kitchen-renovation-case-study/) | [Commercial Renovation Costs Vancouver 2026](/en/guides/commercial-renovation-cost-vancouver/) | [Cabinet Refinishing Costs Vancouver 2026](/en/guides/cabinet-refinishing-cost-vancouver/)
See our [70+ verified five-star client reviews](/en/reviews/).
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See our [portfolio of Surrey renovation projects](/en/projects/) or browse our [renovation design gallery](/en/design/).
## Surrey Building Permit Costs (2026)
Surrey Building Division calculates permit fees based on declared construction value. A kitchen renovation with $30,000 in construction value costs approximately $600–$900 in permit fees. Basement suite permits are a Surrey speciality — the City runs a dedicated Secondary Suite approval program, with combined permit fees (building + plumbing + electrical inspections) typically ranging from $800–$1,500 depending on scope. Current permit processing time for standard residential projects in Surrey is 3–6 weeks.
What We Do
Why Choose Our Surrey Service
Recent Surrey Poly-B Pipe Replacement Project
Real budget, real timeline, real scope from our portfolio.
Kitchen Renovation with Custom Cabinets and Quartz Countertops
This kitchen renovation in Surrey transformed a dated space into a modern culinary haven. The project included custom cabinets that matched the ceiling trim, plywood cabinet bodies, and sleek silver faucets paired with durable quartz countertops. The homeowner aimed for a cohesive and functional design that maximizes space while enhancing aesthetics. The result is a bright and inviting kitchen that serves as the heart of the home.
- •Customized Cabinet
- •Countertop Replacement
- •Light Optimization
- •Flooring
- •Painting
Surrey Projects
Explore our portfolio of exceptional renovation projects across the Lower Mainland.
Kitchen Renovation with Custom Cabinets and Quartz Countertops
Two Bathroom Renovation with Modern Style
Modern Kitchen Renovation with Custom Cabinets
Frequently Asked Questions About Poly-B Pipe Replacement in Surrey
Yes, we specialize in legal basement suite conversions in Surrey. We handle all aspects including separate entrance construction, fire separation, egress windows, independent HVAC systems, and all required permits. Our team ensures your suite meets City of Surrey bylaws for secondary suites, which can provide significant rental income to help offset your mortgage.
Basement renovations in Surrey typically cost $30,000 to $110,000. Surrey homes often have larger basements than Vancouver condos, which can increase overall cost but reduces cost per square foot. Basic finishing starts around $30,000-$45,000. A legal basement suite conversion with separate entrance, kitchen, and bathroom typically runs $70,000-$110,000. Surrey allows secondary suites in most residential zones, making basement suite conversions a popular investment for rental income.
Yes, the City of Surrey permits secondary suites in most single-family residential zones. Requirements include a separate entrance, minimum ceiling height of 6'5", proper fire separation, egress windows in bedrooms, independent HVAC, and smoke/CO detectors. We handle all permit applications, inspections, and code compliance. A legal basement suite in Surrey can generate $1,200-$2,000+ per month in rental income, providing excellent ROI on your renovation investment.
Yes. We serve all of Surrey including South Surrey, Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Guildford, Newton, and Whalley. Our Richmond-based team regularly works in Surrey — the proximity via Highway 99 and the Alex Fraser Bridge makes it very accessible.
Kitchen renovations offer the strongest ROI in Surrey, with homeowners typically recovering 65-80% of renovation costs at resale. Basement suites are an excellent long-term investment given Surrey's rental demand—a legal secondary suite can generate $1,600-$2,100/month. Curb appeal improvements (exterior paint, front door, landscaping) also deliver disproportionate value given how competitive the Surrey listing market is.
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 Surrey 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
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