Repiping, plumbing, and project FAQs
If you are trying to figure out whether your home needs repiping, whether Poly B is a concern, or what to expect when replacing a fixture, this page covers the questions homeowners ask most often.
If you do not see your question here, get in touch and talk through your project.
Poly B and aging pipes
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Poly B, or polybutylene, is a grey plastic water pipe that was used in many homes built between the 1980s and 1990s. It became popular because it was less expensive and easier to install than some other materials at the time.
The problem is that Poly B does not age well. Over time, it can become brittle, develop pinhole leaks, and fail without much warning. That is why many homeowners in Vernon and across the Okanagan start looking into repiping once they find out their home has Poly B.
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One of the most common signs is grey plastic piping near the hot water tank or in unfinished areas such as a basement, crawl space, or utility room.
In some cases, you may also see markings such as PB2110 on the pipe. If you are not sure what you are looking at, it is worth having the plumbing checked to determine which material is in the home and whether it needs attention.
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Not always immediately, but it is something to take seriously.
Some homeowners replace Poly B after the first leak. Others decide to address it before it becomes a repeated repair, water damage, or an insurance issue. The right timing depends on the system's condition and whether there are already signs of failure.
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It can.
Some insurers may place restrictions on homes with Poly B piping, and some homeowners start looking into replacement after learning it may affect coverage or future resale. If insurance is a concern, it makes sense to check the plumbing before it becomes a bigger issue.
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Repiping costs in the Okanagan vary based on your home's size and layout. We offer free estimates to provide an accurate quote. While it is an investment, many homeowners find that it pays for itself through lower insurance premiums and increased home resale value.
Signs you may need repiping
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There are a few signs that can point to a larger issue rather than a one-time repair:
recurring leaks
low or inconsistent water pressure
discoloured water
visible age and wear in the piping
aging Poly B plumbing
repeated plumbing repairs in different areas of the home
If those issues are starting to add up, repiping may be the more practical next step.
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That depends on what is causing the problem.
If the issue is isolated, a focused repair may make sense. But if the same water line system is failing in multiple areas, repeated repairs often stop being the practical option. In homes with aging pipes or Poly B, a full repipe can be the more reliable long-term solution.
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In many cases, yes.
Repiping can reduce the risk of future leaks, address aging or failure-prone materials, and make the plumbing system more reliable over time. It can also make the home more appealing to future buyers, especially if the existing piping is already a known concern.
PEX, copper, and replacement options
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Yes. PEX is commonly used to replace Poly B in repiping projects.
It is a modern material that works well for residential water lines and is often chosen because it is practical, reliable, and well suited to full-home repiping. There are also different PEX options available, which can affect the cost and warranty coverage for the project.
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That depends on the home, the scope of the project, and the goals of the homeowner.
PEX is commonly used because it is practical, flexible, and cost-effective for repiping. Copper is still used in some applications, but for many full-home repipes, PEX is the more common choice. The best option depends on what makes sense for the property, system, and budget.
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Yes. Two common options are PEX A and PEX B.
The major difference is how the piping is joined and what fittings are used. PEX A, including Uponor PEX A, is typically more expensive, but Uponor offers a 25-year manufacturer warranty on its PEX A product. PEX B can be a more cost-conscious option depending on the project.
The type of PEX chosen can be a significant part of the overall repiping cost, so it is something that should be discussed during the estimate. Each option has pros and cons, and the right choice depends on the property, the budget, and the long-term expectations for the system.
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PEX is commonly used for repiping because it is flexible, dependable, and well-suited to full-home water line replacement. It can be routed through a home more easily than rigid piping, which helps when access is limited, and the work needs to move through existing walls and ceilings.
It is also a practical option when layout, installation complexity, material choice, warranty coverage, and overall project cost all need to be weighed together.
What to expect during a repipe
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Every home is different, but most repiping projects are completed over a few days, rather than a few weeks.
The exact timeline depends on the size of the home, the layout, how easy the plumbing is to access, and how much wall opening is required.
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In most repiping projects, yes. Access is usually needed to replace the water lines properly.
The goal is to keep those openings as controlled as possible. Neat cuts help reduce unnecessary damage and make the project easier to manage afterward.
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There are points in a repiping project where the water needs to be shut off, but the work is planned to keep that disruption as limited as possible.
As much work as possible is done before the water is turned off, and we ensure that the water is on at the end of each day so that your household is never left dry.
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At Michael Mechanical, we make every effort to carefully remove and preserve drywall during our work so it can be reused wherever possible. If this is included in the original scope of work, we can reinstall any salvaged drywall patches that remain in good condition.
We understand that every project and budget is different, so we offer flexible options based on your needs. We’re happy to recommend trusted drywall repair professionals, or we can provide a convenient all-in price that includes demolition, plumbing, drywall repair, mudding, and painting
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Our work is planned to minimize disruption and to be respectful of your home and the people who live there. Floors, furniture, and work areas are covered and protected, and the goal is to keep the home functional throughout the project.
During repiping projects, that includes restoring water at the end of each day for basic household use.
Hot water tanks and plumbing updates
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That depends on the home, the existing setup, and what you want the system to do.
Standard hot water tanks are often the more practical choice when a home needs a straightforward replacement, lower upfront cost matters, and the existing setup already suits a tank system.
Tankless systems are more often considered when space is limited, a larger renovation is already changing the plumbing layout, or the long-term plan for the home supports a different type of hot water system.
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A hot water tank may be worth replacing when it is leaking, no longer heating reliably, showing visible age and wear, or no longer providing enough hot water for normal household use.
Age can also matter. Some insurers may ask about the age and type of hot water tank when reviewing coverage, and older tanks can raise concerns due to the risk of leaks and water damage. In general, water heaters are often recommended for replacement around the 10- to 12-year mark, but the right timing depends on the tank, the property, and any insurance requirements that apply.
In some homes, replacement is also tied to a renovation or larger plumbing update rather than a complete failure.
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Yes. Michael Mechanical can install homeowner-supplied fixtures, including kitchen faucets, toilets, shower valves, and other plumbing fixtures.
However, not every fixture is suitable for installation. Some products may not meet Canadian standards, CSA requirements, or plumbing code. Lower-quality fixtures may also have limited or no warranty coverage through Michael Mechanical if the issue is related to the product itself rather than the installation.
If you already have a fixture, it can be reviewed before installation to understand any concerns about fit, quality, code compliance, or warranty coverage.
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Yes.
That can include kitchen plumbing updates, bathroom plumbing updates, basement plumbing, fixture relocation, and any plumbing changes needed to support a new layout.
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We focus on repiping and planned plumbing services such as:
Poly B replacement
hot water tank replacement
tankless water heater installation
fixture installs
renovation plumbing
selected commercial plumbing projects where the scope is a good fit
If you are not sure whether your project fits, you are always welcome to get in touch and ask!
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Yes! While we specialize in large repiping projects, we also handle fixture updates and smaller plumbing projects such as fridge water line installations.
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Yes, where the scope is a good fit.
Michael Mechanical takes on selected commercial tenant improvement plumbing projects, especially when the work involves renovations, layout changes, fixture relocation, or adapting a space for a new use.
That can include plumbing updates for restaurants, salons, offices, retail units, and similar commercial spaces. If you are planning a tenant improvement and want to know whether the project is a fit, the best next step is to get in touch and talk through the scope.
Gas fitting and safety
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Yes. Mike Garrod is a licensed B Gas Fitter, so Michael Mechanical can provide gas fitting services for approved projects, including gas lines and connections related to hot water systems, renovations, and other applicable gas-supplied equipment.
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Yes. If the project requires a new or adjusted gas line, Michael Mechanical can review the scope and complete approved gas fitting work safely and to current BC requirements.
Water pressure and backflow prevention
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This is often a phenomenon called "water hammer," which is frequently caused by a failing Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV). When a PRV fails, the high pressure from the municipal water main enters your home’s plumbing, causing stress on your pipes and appliances.
Replacing the PRV is a straightforward way to protect your home from leaks and loud noises.
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A Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) is a device that reduces the high-pressure water from the city main to a safe level for your home.
Without a functional PRV, high pressure can prematurely wear out your dishwasher, laundry machine, and water heater, and it is often the hidden cause of sudden pinhole leaks.
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Backflow occurs when contaminated water flows backward into your clean water supply. Many municipalities in the Okanagan require annual testing of backflow prevention devices, especially for homes with irrigation systems or commercial properties.
We provide certified testing, installation, and repairs to ensure your water remains safe and you stay in compliance with local bylaws.
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Backflow testing must be performed by a certified tester who holds a valid cross-connection control certificate. At Michael Mechanical, we are certified to test your device, submit the necessary reports to the city, and perform any repairs if the device fails the inspection.
Working with Michael Mechanical
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Mike Garrod is a Vernon-based, Red Seal Certified plumber with experience in repiping, new construction, supervision, and a range of plumbing projects.
What tends to matter most to homeowners, though, is how the work is handled. Michael Mechanical is built around careful workmanship, clear communication, respect for the home, and follow-through.
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Repiping is a major structural update. Hiring a Red Seal Certified plumber ensures the work meets the highest BC plumbing codes.
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No. Michael Mechanical provides free estimates so you can get a clear sense of the project before deciding how to move forward.
Whenever possible, options are provided so you can choose what works best for your home and budget.
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Michael Mechanical is based in Vernon and serves surrounding Okanagan communities, including Coldstream, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Armstrong, Lumby, Penticton, and Spallumcheen.
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Michael Mechanical focuses mainly on repiping and planned plumbing services. Some urgent plumbing issues may be a fit depending on the situation, but drain cleaning and severe backups are not currently offered.
If you are unsure whether your issue is something Michael Mechanical can help with, get in touch and explain what is going on.
Warranty and workmanship
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Yes. Michael Mechanical stands behind the work it completes and aims to provide plumbing solutions that are built to last.
If something fails because of the installation, it will be addressed properly.
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Michael Mechanical provides the following workmanship warranty on completed work:
Service and repairs: 1-year workmanship warranty
Fixture installations: 2-year workmanship warranty
Repipes and major renovations: 3-year workmanship warranty
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The workmanship warranty covers defects related directly to the installation, including:
leaks at joints or connections
improperly installed fixtures or piping
installation-related performance issues
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Materials and fixtures are covered by their manufacturer's warranties, which vary by product.
If a manufacturer warranty issue comes up, Michael Mechanical can help guide you through the claim process.
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To keep expectations clear, the workmanship warranty does not cover:
customer-supplied materials
damage caused by misuse, neglect, or freezing
normal wear and tear
work altered or completed by others after installation
external factors outside of Michael Mechanical’s control
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If an issue is tied to the completed installation work, Michael Mechanical will respond and stand behind it.
The goal is simple: no runaround, no finger-pointing, and no leaving people to deal with an installation issue on their own.
Payment and financing
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Payment details can be confirmed during the estimate process.
If you have questions about payment methods before booking, get in touch and ask.
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If financing is an important part of the project, mention it when you reach out so we can review the available options with you.
Looking for more detail on a specific service?
If you want more information on the work itself, visit our service pages below.
Still have questions?
If you are trying to decide between repair and replacement, want to know whether your home has Poly B, or are not sure whether your project is a fit, get in touch.
