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Poly-B Replacement in Ottawa, ON
Find trusted poly-B replacement guidance and community-specific information for Ottawa area homeowners.
Ottawa · Poly-B
Poly-B in Ottawa homes
Polybutylene plumbing was commonly installed in Ottawa 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 Ontario now have specific policies regarding polybutylene plumbing, including potential surcharges or requirements for replacement. Learn more about poly-B →
Ottawa’s poly-B exposure leans toward the 1980s. The 2021 Census counts 63,195 occupied dwellings built 1981–1990 and 46,095 from 1991–2000, together 109,290 or 26.8% of the city’s 407,250. That is a larger share than Toronto’s, and the 1980s alone produced more of today’s homes than any census period since.
Ottawa is also one of the few cities with published local poly-B pricing. One Ottawa firm, PatchBoyz, puts the plumbing for a typical home at $9,000–$15,000 over about two to three days, plus $2,000–$6,000 for drywall depending on the number of openings and whether ceilings are stippled (PatchBoyz). Plumbing is a compulsory trade in Ontario, so the person doing the work must be certified or a registered apprentice listed on the Skilled Trades Ontario register (Skilled Trades Ontario). Compare ranges from other provinces on the replacement page.
When Ottawa'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 · Ottawa · 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.
Ottawa Communities with Poly-B Information
15 community guides.
- Alta VistaCommunity guide
- BarrhavenCommunity guide
- Beacon HillCommunity guide
- ByWard MarketCommunity guide
- CentretownCommunity guide
- HintonburgCommunity guide
- KanataOttawa West
- NepeanCommunity guide
- Old Ottawa SouthCommunity guide
- Orleans - AvalonCommunity guide
- Sandy HillCommunity guide
- StittsvilleCommunity guide
- The GlebeCommunity guide
- VanierCommunity guide
- WestboroCommunity guide
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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa.
- 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