What it looks like
- Grey plastic pipe, sometimes blue outside
- Markings such as PB2110 on the pipe
- Copper or aluminum crimp rings at fittings
- Often seen at the water heater and under sinks
Where to look
- At the top of the water heater.
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Behind toilets.
- In the basement ceiling where pipes run.
What it means
Poly-B does not always fail, but its track record has made insurers cautious. Some charge more or limit coverage.
Next steps
If you find it, plan replacement on your schedule rather than after a leak.
Selling or insuring a Poly-B house
If your home has Poly-B, tell your insurer honestly and ask what they require. Some ask for partial replacement, others for full replacement, and some simply adjust the premium. When selling, buyers' inspectors will likely spot it, so having a replacement quote or receipts on hand helps negotiations. Knowing exactly how much Poly-B is in the house is better than guessing.
Do not confuse Poly-B with grey PEX. PEX is printed with the letters PEX and a standard such as CSA B137.5, while Poly-B usually shows PB2110 or a similar code.
Rather hand it over? Our plumbers handle outdoor faucet repair and sewer camera inspection along with everything else on our residential plumbing list.