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Poly-B Replacement in New Westminster, BC
Find trusted poly-B replacement guidance and community-specific information for New Westminster area homeowners.
New Westminster · Poly-B
Poly-B in New Westminster homes
Polybutylene plumbing was commonly installed in New Westminster 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 British Columbia now have specific policies regarding polybutylene plumbing, including potential surcharges or requirements for replacement. Learn more about poly-B →
New Westminster mixes some of the region’s oldest housing with a solid block from the poly-B years. Nearly one dwelling in five (18.6%) predates 1961, while the 2021 Census counts 4,395 from 1981–1990 and 5,325 from 1991–2000, which is 9,720 homes or 26.9% of 36,095.
For apartment and townhouse owners, the key law is BC’s Strata Property Act: a pipe in a wall shared with another unit, or one that serves other units, belongs to the common property (BC Laws). The standard bylaws add that altering common property needs the strata corporation’s written approval, which may come with a condition that the owner pays (standard bylaws). BC Housing also advises owners to get that permission in writing before any professional alters the plumbing (BC Housing). The Vancouver guide covers costs and insurance across the region.
When New Westminster's homes were built
The share of homes built during the poly-B years is the best single predictor of how common it is in a city.
Occupied private dwellings by period of construction · New Westminster · 2021 Census
Census periods overlapping 1978–1998 (1981–1990, 1991–2000)
City-wide
The census groups construction years into periods, so 1981–2000 is the closest match to the 1978–1998 poly-B window.
New Westminster Communities with Poly-B Information
6 community guides.
Next steps
Identify
Use the photo guide and the interactive identifier to check if you have poly-B.
Identification guide
Estimate
Calculate replacement costs for your home size.
Cost calculatorGet help
Request a quote; the HAUSE desk connects New Westminster homeowners with a local replacement contractor where available.
Request a quoteHAUSE desk · Request
Ready to Address Your Poly-B?
Get started with a cost estimate and, with your consent, an introduction to a local replacement contractor in New Westminster.
- 01A person reads itThe HAUSE desk reviews the age of the home, what you found and how urgent it is.
- 02You get a replyBy email from info@hause.ca or by phone from 403-679-3100, with practical next steps.
- 03Matched where availableWith your consent, your request goes to a local replacement contractor so they can quote.
- 04You decideNo obligation. Use the guides and the cost calculator to compare what you are quoted.
Updated 2026-09-30