Water mitigation required on properties with Poly B piping

The concerns with Poly B piping include the common failure around the sensitivity to both water temperature and chlorine both common in hot water systems. Over time the piping is chemically degraded (weakened) and fails under system pressure. This degradation occurs on the inside wall of the pipe which means piping can be dangerously degraded but look perfectly normal on the outside. Another common failure relates to fittings or crimp connectors and tightening which creates micro-cracking leading to failure at these connections. In 2005 the Government of Canada officially banned Poly B due to a substantial volume of lawsuits filed and it was removed from the National Plumbing Code of Canada.

In light of the concerns with Ply B the follow rules apply:

• Any dwelling with Poly B plumbing must be referred to underwriting
• New business may acceptable if an Approved Water Mitigation System is already present in the dwelling or one is added within 60 days
• Professionally installed
• ULC, CSA or Prevcan approved
• Minimum of 4 water sensors and a water flow device that automatically shuts off the water
• Centrally monitored 24/7 third party with cell phone notification

Several insurance companies in Canada have stated that they will decline coverage “if there is no intent to install an Approved Water Mitigation System.”