Safety Codes Bulletin: Use of non-certified plumbing fixtures

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Plumbing Code Regulation (A.R. 119/2007)
National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 (NPC)

Purpose

This bulletin has been issued to address the increasing installation of non-certified plumbing fixtures in buildings throughout the City of Medicine Hat.

Discussion

Plumbing products that do not bear proof of certification are not appropriate for sale or installation in Alberta. In some cases, they may pose health and safety risks as the product has not been tested, certified or approved for use by a certification body accredited by the Standards Council of Canada.

Interpretation

Plumbing fixtures that comply with Alberta’s requirements must display the Canada Standards Association (CSA) mark prominently on the product or its packaging. Alternatively, they must bear an identifying mark from a testing agency recognized by the Standards Council of Canada. Several certification organizations in Canada are authorized to certify plumbing fixtures, including:

Retail stores are aware of these requirements and should not be selling any plumbing fixture that has not been tested and approved by one of these organizations. Be wary of fixtures offered for sale over the internet. Although a fixture might meet legal requirements in other jurisdictions, it may not necessarily be legal for use in Alberta.

Make sure the fixture or device is CSA approved or has been tested and certified by a recognized testing agency prior to purchase and installation. If it is unclear whether a product is CSA approved, take down the name of the fixture, any markings stamped onto the fixture and check with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction.

What are the responsibilities of a person installing fixtures?

All plumbing fixtures must meet design and safety standards before they can be installed. Any changes to the plumbing system must comply with the Plumbing Code and applicable Regulations, which may require a permit and inspection by a plumbing inspector. A permit is required to install a new plumbing system or make design changes to an existing system. It is important that contractors and consumers maintain proof of product certification compliance on the product itself (in addition to the package, installation instructions, warranty and homeowner’s manual) until after inspection. If proof of certification is unavailable at the time of inspection, the inspector must assume the product is uncertified and request certification documentation or its removal.

What can I do if I have a fixture that is not certified?

There are two options available for non-certified fixtures:
  1. The fixture must be removed and replaced with a certified one.
  2. Contact one of the above listed organizations and determine if they are able to provide an on-site approval of the fixture.

Requirements

In Alberta, the Safety Codes Act and the Plumbing Code Regulation (A.R. 119/2007) regulate plumbing systems. The Regulation states that:

“no person may manufacture, install, sell or offer for sale any equipment related to plumbing systems for use in Alberta unless the equipment has been:
  • tested and certified by a certification body accredited by the Standards Council of Canada, or
  • inspected and approved by a certification body accredited by the Standards Council of Canada”.

Under the National Plumbing Code (NPC) adopted by Alberta, every fixture and faucet must conform to Canada Standards Association (CSA) Standard B45 - General Requirements for Plumbing Fixtures.

This means that all plumbing fixtures must meet Canadian design and safety standards before they can be installed into a plumbing system. Fixtures must be approved to CSA Standards before being offered for sale or installed in Alberta. Local authorities must enforce these requirements.

People selling or installing plumbing fixtures that are not approved may be subject to penalties under the Safety Codes Act and regulations.

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