Today, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about Kitec plumbing.
We have over 25 years of experience in the plumbing and home water services industry, and we'd love to share our expertise with you!
We will let you know what Kitec plumbing is, why it is a problem, how you can tell if you have it in your home and what you need to do about it. So let's jump in!
Image Source: HMP Home Inspections
What Is Kitec Plumbing?
Kitec plumbing was a type of economical alternative to copper pipes and fitting that was commonly installed in new or extensively renovated homes between 1995 and 2007 in both Canada and the United States.
The manufacturers of Kitec plumbing claimed that it was resistant to corrosion; however, in 2005, it was recalled because of its accelerated corrosion rate. They no longer manufacture it.
Does Kitec Plumbing Need to Be Replaced?
Yes. There are several reasons why it is a good idea to replace your Kitec plumbing. These include:
Premature Pipe Failure: Homes with Kitec plumbing could have premature pipe failure.
Pipes Burst Open: Kitec pipes may not simply develop leaks but actually burst open, which could be dangerous, especially since the damage is usually caused in the hot water pipes.
Water Damage: If your pipes burst open you could experience flooding and expensive water damage.
The deterioration of Kitec pipes may be caused by using water which is hotter than the manufacturer's rating of 82 degrees Celsius or by excessive water pressure.
The only solution is to completely replace this type of plumbing with copper pipes and fittings. If you have a problem with your Kitec plumbing then you should contact a licensed plumber to take a look at it and replace the defective pipes and fittings.
If your home was built or renovated between 1995-2007, it could have Kitec plumbing.
How Can You Tell if You Have Kitec Plumbing?
Kitec plumbing is quite distinctive looking so it is easy to tell it apart from other types of piping. The cold water pipes are bright blue in colour and the hot water pipes are orange.
Most Kitec plumbing has a distinctive blue or orange colour. | Image Source: Brian Imeson
They will also have a label on them that reads ASTM 1281. The pipes should also be marked with one of the following 9 brand names: Kitec, Kitec XPA, PlumbBetter, WarmRite, IPEX AQUA, AmbioComfort, KERR Controls, XPA, or Plomberie Amelioree.
Even though most Kitec plumbing is orange and black in colour, it was also sold in red, grey, and black.
The following video follows through a home inspection of a residence that has Kitec plumbing installed.
The best spot to look for Kitec plumbing in your home is near your water heater or in your mechanical room where the pipes are connected to or exiting your walls. These pipes are usually unexposed so they are easy to spot.
Other places to see exposed pipes is under the kitchen or bathroom sink where the pipe or fitting exits the wall.
How Can You Tell if Your Kitec Plumbing Is Failing?
There are a couple of warning signs that you can watch for to determine if your Kitec plumbing is starting to fail.
1. You will notice a buildup of white residue around the outside of your fittings
2. You will notice your pipes starting to blacken and/or bulge.
Usually these issues occur first near your hot water tank so that is a good spot to closely monitor.
What Can I Do if I Have Kitec Plumbing in My Home?
There was a class action lawsuit with a US$125 million settlement that homeowners were able to join in order to recoup some of the cost of replacing the Kitec plumbing in their homes, however, the deadline to join that lawsuit has passed. It was January 9, 2020.
Even though the deadline has passed, claims are still being received, but those that they receive now may or may not be accepted for approval. If you want to make a claim, click here. The settlement is available to people who live in both the United States and Canada who had Kitec plumbing products installed in their homes or other buildings.
A class action lawsuit was filed against the manufacturers of Kitec.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair/Replace Kitec Plumbing?
The cost to repair or replace your Kitec plumbing with copper pipes and fittings will depend on the size of your home and how much plumbing you have. Repairing and replacing Kitec plumbing can be very expensive.
It is not merely a case of replacing the pipes. Most pipes are hidden behind walls or beneath existing flooring. You have to be able to access these pipes, which means tearing down and replacing the walls or tearing up and replacing the flooring. The cost can run anywhere from a few thousand dollars to a up to tens of thousands of dollars.
It can be quite expensive to repair or replace Kitec plumbing | Image Source: HMP Home Inspections
What if I Want to Sell My Home with Kitec Plumbing?
According to the Real Estate Coucil of Ontario, salespeople "are required to take reasonable steps to discover and disclose material facts about a property." This would include the existence of Kitec plumbing. Your realtor will need to know if you have Kitec plumbing so that they can disclose that to potential buyers.
Conversely, if you are looking to purchase another home that was built of renovated between 1995 and 2007, then you definitely want to find out whether that home has Kitec plumbing.
To protect buyers, the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) has added questions about Kitec to both their Seller Property Information Statement and their Residential Information Checklist asking whether there is Kitec at the property.
How WaterSmart Can Help with Your Kitec Plumbing
If you need your Kitec plumbing repaired or replaced in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, contact the experienced plumbers at WaterSmart. We have a long, established reputation for providing outstanding service in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph region.
With over 20 years in business, our team of plumbing experts are confident they can provide the most reliable solution to your plumbing needs. Contact us today with any problems you are experiencing and we will help solve them.
We provide a full range of plumbing services that include but are not limited to:
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Toilets and Taps, leaks and repairs
Clogged or Slow Drains
Countertop Pre and Post Installation
Water Softener and Dishwasher Installations
Sump Pumps
Tankless Hot Water Heaters
New Plumbing and Renovations
Master Plumber and Gas Fitter
