Why this matters
With age and chlorinated hot water, the plastic loses its toughness, most of all at crimped connections. Failures often happen without warning. Some insurers have adjusted coverage or premiums for homes with poly-B, so knowing what you have matters.
How to identify it
- Grey, sometimes blue or black, flexible plastic pipe.
- Stamped markings such as "PB2110" along the side.
- Connections made with grey plastic or copper bands squeezed around the pipe.
- Commonly visible near the water heater, under sinks or at the main.
| Pipe | How it looks |
|---|---|
| Poly-B | Grey, matte, "PB" marking |
| PEX | Red, blue, white or clear; "PEX" marking |
| Copper | Reddish metal, soldered joints |
| CPVC | Rigid cream-coloured plastic |
Gear past the DIY stage
- Pipe cutter, deburring tool and propane torch.
- PEX crimp and expansion tools.
- Push-fit couplings for temporary repairs.
- Moisture meter and thermal camera.
Step by step: what to do
- Check visible pipes near the water heater and the main.
- Look for "PB" markings.
- Photograph what you find for your insurer.
- Get a plan and quote for replacement.
- Schedule the work, ideally before a failure forces it.
Replacing poly-B usually means replacing all supply lines, since partial replacement leaves fittings at risk. In Markham houses with open basement ceilings, trunk lines are straightforward; risers to upper floors are the main effort.
Handing it over to us
Call to confirm the pipe type and plan replacement. See whole-home repiping and plumbing checks before buying an older home.
Markham note: village-core houses tend to hide cast iron and galvanized behind plaster, while Cornell and Box Grove builds run PEX to a manifold. We ask the year your house was built so the right fittings ride along on the truck.
Straight from the phone log
Do I have to replace poly-B?
There is no general legal requirement, but insurers may ask. Many owners replace it to avoid sudden failures.
Can poly-B be partly replaced?
It can be, but full replacement is usually more reliable.
Ready to get it fixed?
One call, a clear explanation, and work finished tidily before we leave.