Is it correct that water leakage protection is mandatory by law only for new homes?

Key words: regulations, TEK10, TEK17, leakage, protection

According to norwegian construction regulations (TEK10 and TEK17), automatic leakage protection is a requirement for homes and buildings (in rooms/areas that has a water installation without any floor drain). This applies on all buildings and homes constructed after July 2010.

These regulations also applies for older homes (built before 2010) when there's a reconstruction or upgrade, concerning the waterinstallation. 

Example: A home from 1985 does not have any automatic leakage protection. The water installation is original (no changes since construction date). This home is not covered by the TEK10/TEK17 regulation and is not obliged to install leakage protection as there wasn't any requirements in 1985.

In 2018, the owner decides to renovate the kitchen. The renovation includes changing water pipes in the kitchen. Since the kitchen doesn't have a floor drain, the owner is now obliged to implement the automatic leakage protection system according to TEK17.

PS! Regardless of any construction regulations, a water leakage protection system is highly recommended. It secures your home and protects against damages that might be expensive and time consuming to fix. Besides, most insurance companies offers discount if installed.