Polybutylene, also known as Poly-B, was used in many Canadian homes from the late 1970s through the 1990s. It was widely used because of its lower cost compared to copper piping.
Having Poly-B plumbing may affect your ability to apply for and renew home insurance, your deductible for water-damage claims, or even replacement requirements.
Our team reviewed Alberta Municipal Affairs’ Poly-B safety bulletin, the National Research Council’s 2005 plumbing-code archive, Insurance Bureau of Canada’s water-damage guidance, and the IBC’s explanation of home-insurance coverage to learn a bit more about this topic and find out how it might affect homeowners in Canada.
Can You Get Home Insurance With Poly-B Plumbing?
The outcome can vary by insurer, province, home, loss history, Poly-B pipe installation, and changing insurer guidelines.
Having your house insured doesn’t necessarily mean everything is covered if there’s water damage. Being covered for resulting water damage and for Poly-B pipe replacement may not be the same thing. That’s why it’s important to read the details of your insurance policy.
Generally, standard home property insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water escapes from indoor plumbing, while predictable deterioration and maintenance are rarely covered, says the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
What Is Poly-B Plumbing And Why Does It Matter To Insurers?
Insurers worry about potential water losses associated with aging plumbing. Polybutylene, also known as Poly-B, is a flexible plastic tubing commonly used for pressurized water.
Alberta Municipal Affairs estimated that about 148,000 Alberta homes contain Poly-B. Poly-B plumbing was common in many Canadian properties from the mid-1970s through the 1990s.
Each instance of Poly-B is unique and can vary based on condition, installation, fittings, water quality, temperature, water pressure and prior leaks.
How To Identify Likely Poly-B
Poly-B pipes look like a flexible, light grey line. Look for markings on the pipe itself for manufacturer, date code, pressure rating, construction standard (CSA-B137.8), and other information. Many installations in Alberta also used brass/copper insert fittings and soft-copper crimp rings.
Have a look at supply lines in accessible locations. They may be visible under sinks, around the water heater, in the utility room, or on the ceiling if your basement is not finished.
A licensed plumber can help you confirm the type of pipe, its condition, and the extent of replacement. A home inspector can look for Poly-B where it’s accessible.
What Can Increase The Insurance Concern?
| Finding | Why it matters | Next check |
|---|---|---|
| Prior leak, staining, corrosion, or repaired joint | Regardless of what type of pipe it is labeled as, evidence of previous or active water-loss would be of greater insurance concern. | Plumber assessment; moisture check; documentation of repairs; questions from insurer |
| Continuous-circulation hot-water use | The 1995 code limitation cited by Alberta excluded this use. | Verify the system design; verify the impacted runs |
| Plastic insert fittings or questionable crimps | Certain details of fitting and installation can increase concern of failure. | Have a plumber determine the material and condition. |
| High pressure or sharp bends | Effects of operating conditions and installation stress on the plumbing system. | Measure system pressure. Inspect any accessible routing. |
| Hidden mixed materials after renovation | Conducting a partial replacement of your plumbing may leave Poly-B pipes behind. | Request photos, invoices, permits, a map of what runs were replaced. |
| No records and inaccessible pipe | Uncertainty over some underwriting information; unclear replacement scope. | It’s a good idea to have a professional inspection and an itemized estimate for repipe costs before buying. |
Poly-B has no reliable universal lifespan because its condition depends on installation, water pressure, water conditions, fitting types and leak history.
Read More: See How High-Risk Home Insurance Works in Ontario
If You Are Buying A Home With Poly-B
- Confirm that there is Poly-B in the home.
- Ask for all information regarding the seller’s Poly-B plumbing, including leaks, repairs, and insurance claims.
- Hire a licensed plumber to inspect the property and provide you with a quote for replacement. Ask for a breakdown of costs including plumbing, access, drywall, paint, temporary accommodations, and city permits.
- Get a quote on home insurance, disclosing Poly-B to the insurer.
- If buying a condo, make sure you understand what piping belongs to the unit and what is common property before assuming responsibility for repair.
Read More: See When a Home Inspection May Be Needed for Insurance
If You Already Own Or Insure The Home
- Review the application, declarations, endorsements, and any renewal questionnaires. Make sure you answered all questions about plumbing and loss history correctly.
- If you receive a replacement condition or non-renewal notice, calendar the deadline. Ask what documentation/proof will satisfy the requirement. Start looking for other insurance BEFORE your policy expires.
- Find your main shut-off. Check any accessible areas for leaks/stains. Service your valves/plumbing hardware. Follow your plumber’s suggestions when replacing your plumbing.
What To Do If A Poly-B Pipe Leaks
Shut off water at the nearest valve or main shut-off if it’s safe to do so; avoid electrical gear near water and call your utility or emergency services if there is an immediate hazard. Call a plumber.
If your insurance may cover the losses, report them right away. Gather evidence. Take pictures of the leak, its apparent source, and any visible damage. Preserve damaged property and materials, unless it isn’t safe to keep them, and save receipts for cleanup or mitigation costs.
Remember that your policy may not cover all resulting losses. Coverage depends on the policy terms, exclusions, deductible, cause, timing, and circumstances.
Read More: See How Home Insurance May Cover Water Leaks