Poly-B Replacement in Edmonton, AB

Polybutylene plumbing was commonly installed in Edmonton homes built between 1978 and 1998. If your home was constructed during this period, there's a possibility it contains poly-B pipes. Many insurance companies in Alberta now have specific policies regarding polybutylene plumbing, including potential surcharges or requirements for replacement. Learn more about poly-B →

About a fifth of Edmonton’s housing comes from the poly-B era: the 2021 Census dates 82,875 of 396,400 occupied dwellings (20.9%) to 1981–2000. Edmonton’s bigger building waves came before and after, with 110,385 dwellings from 1961–1980 and a steady climb in every census period since 2000, so poly-B-era homes are scattered through neighbourhoods finished in the late 1970s, 1980s and 1990s rather than confined to one suburb.

EPCOR, which treats the city’s water, maintains a chloramine residual in the distribution system rather than free chlorine (EPCOR). The City requires a plumbing permit to install or alter water piping; for an existing home the fee is $120 per address or unit plus a safety code fee (City of Edmonton). The neighbourhood figures below come from the City’s assessment roll, and the Edmonton guide explains costs, insurance and the permit steps.