New home warranty claim for plumbing noise denied because homeowner's unauthorized alterations voided coverage.
The appellant appealed a decision by Tarion Warranty Corporation denying a warranty claim for a 'howling' noise in a shower.
Prior to the conciliation inspection, the appellant hired a plumber to install pressure reducing valves to mitigate the noise without authorization from the builder or Tarion.
The Licence Appeal Tribunal dismissed the appeal, finding that the appellant's unilateral alteration of the plumbing system deprived Tarion of the ability to accurately assess the original condition, thereby voiding the warranty under s. 13(2)(g) of the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act.
OLATOntario Licence Appeal TribunalMay 7, 2026
