Poly B to PEX Conversion — Coquitlam's Trusted Repipe Crew

Why PEX-A Is the Right Replacement Material

Not all PEX is equal. There are three types — PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C — differentiated by the method used to create the cross-links in the polyethylene molecular chain. PEX-A uses the Engel method (peroxide cross-linking during the extrusion process), which creates the most uniform molecular structure and the most flexibility of the three types.

In practice, PEX-A's higher flexibility means it handles tight bends without kinking, survives freeze events better (it can expand and contract without cracking), and is easier to route through existing framing cavities. The expansion fitting system used with PEX-A creates a joint where the pipe expands over the fitting and then contracts back — the resulting compression bond gets tighter as the pipe ages, not looser.

Every major insurer operating in BC accepts PEX-A as the standard replacement for Poly B. The material is rated by its manufacturer for 25+ years and has a real-world service life expectation of 50 years or more in residential applications.

• PEX-A: most flexible, most freeze-resistant, strongest joint method
• Expansion fittings — joints tighten under pressure over time
• 25-year manufacturer rating, 50+ year expected service life
• Accepted by all major BC insurers as Poly B replacement standard
• No chlorine sensitivity — immune to the failure mode that kills Poly B

The Conversion Scope — What Gets Replaced

A Poly B to PEX conversion replaces the full supply system — every domestic hot and cold water line from the meter or pressure-reducing valve to every fixture in the home. This includes main trunk lines, branch runs to bathrooms and kitchens, in-wall supply lines, exterior hose bibs, and any Poly B connecting to appliances.

What is not replaced: drain, waste, and vent (DWV) lines. These are typically ABS plastic in BC homes of this era and are not part of the Poly B problem. We don't upcharge you to replace what doesn't need replacing.

Every conversion includes a full system pressure test at the end — we pressurize the system and hold it before restoring to normal operation. Completion documentation is included.

Colour-Coded and Labelled

PEX-A comes in red (hot), blue (cold), and white (either). We run red for hot and blue for cold throughout the job so any future plumber can immediately read the system. All new lines are labelled at each connection point. This is standard practice on our jobs — it costs us nothing extra and saves you money every time a plumber ever works in your home in the future.