If you own a home in Nanaimo, Parksville, or Qualicum Beach, you may have recently received a startling notice from your insurance provider: a demand to replace your plumbing or face the immediate cancellation of your policy.
Across Vancouver Island, the “Poly-B” crisis has become the single biggest anxiety for local homeowners. It is no longer just about the risk of a leak; it is a legal and financial hurdle that can threaten your mortgage and your home’s resale value.
Why the Sudden Change?
Insurance companies have grown increasingly risk-averse regarding Polybutylene (Poly-B) piping, a grey plastic plumbing used extensively in Mid-Island homes between the 1970s and 1990s.
Because this material is prone to sudden, catastrophic failure, insurers are taking drastic measures to mitigate their liability:
• Many providers are now flatly refusing to renew policies for homes with Poly-B until the system is fully replaced.
• For those who can find coverage, many are being hit with “water damage deductibles” ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
• Since home insurance is a requirement for most Canadian mortgages, a cancelled policy can put your entire financing at risk.
Identifying the Risk: “Good” vs. “Bad” Poly-B
One of the most common knowledge gaps among Nanaimo residents is whether their specific system is high-risk. When insurance companies ask “Poly B and home strata insurance questions,” they are primarily looking for one thing: the fittings.
• “Bad” Poly-B: Systems using plastic fittings are considered high-risk and are the primary target for insurance cancellations.
• “Good” Poly-B: Systems with copper fittings are generally considered lower risk, though many insurers are moving toward a “replace-all” mandate regardless of the fitting type.
The Path to Insurance Compliance
For many, the only way to satisfy an insurance provider and maintain a manageable deductible is through Insurance-Approved Poly-B Replacement. While the cost of full-house remediation is a major financial pain point—often quoted at $10,000 or more*—it is a critical investment in your property’s “due diligence” profile for future sales.
The repiping process typically involves:
1. Specialized Assessment: Determining the scope of the remediation.
2. Removal and Replacement: Swapping out the grey plastic for modern, durable alternatives.
3. Certification: Providing the necessary documentation to your insurer to prove the risk has been eliminated.
*Worried about the financial cost? John G. Plumbing has a solution. We offer third-party financing, meaning instead of a huge bill needing to be paid at once, you can pay over time in smaller, monthly payments.
Why Choose a Local Specialist?
When dealing with insurance compliance, the quality of parts matters. At John G Plumbing, we understand the local market’s preference for professional-grade parts sourced from wholesalers rather than “Big Box” stores. This ensures your new system carries the best possible warranties and meets the highest local building code standards.
Whether you are preparing a property for sale or trying to lower your premiums, don’t wait for a leak to happen.
Are you facing insurance pressure due to your plumbing? Contact our team today for a professional evaluation and a transparent, flat-rate quote for Poly-B remediation cost.
