A kitec pipe is prone to leakage and should be replaced as soon as possible.
But how do you know if your house has Kitec plumbing? We are here to help.
1. How to identify a Kitec pipe
2. Why Kitec plumbing must be replaced
3. How to deal with Kitec plumbing
If you discover Kitec plumbing in your home, don't take any chances.
Contact the professionals at WaterSmart Systems and Plumbing right away.
1. How to identify a Kitec pipe
Most Kitec cold water pipes are bright blue in colour, and hot water pipes are bright orange.
They were also sold in red, blue, gray, and black, so colour can not be relied upon as the only identifier.
A Kitec pipe will also be marked with one of the following 9 brand names:
Kitec
Kitec XPA
PlumbBetter
WarmRite
IPEX AQUA
AmbioComfort
KERR Controls
XPA
Plomberie Amelioree
Where to look for a Kitec pipe:
You’ll typically find exposed pipes under the kitchen or bathroom sink, near your hot water tank, or in your laundry room where the pipe or fitting exits the wall.
Look for the words Kitec or KTC on the visible fittings.
You may also find a sticker on your electrical panel stating Kitec was used and that your electrical system cannot be grounded to it.
A kitec pipe will be labeled and likely either blue or orange.
2. Why Kitec plumbing must be replaced
Homes outfitted with Kitec plumbing are likely to experience premature pipe failure.
Your pipes will develop leaks and might actually burst open, causing flooding and water damage.
Kitec plumbing was commonly installed in new or extensively renovated homes between 1995 and 2007 in both Canada and the United States.
The manufacturers of Kitec claimed that it was resistant to corrosion and an economical alternative to copper pipes and fittings.
In 2005, it was recalled because of its accelerated corrosion rate so they no longer manufacture it.
The deterioration of Kitec pipes is believed to be caused by using water which is hotter than the manufacturer's rating of 77 degrees celsius or by excessive water pressure.
Hot water speeds up the deterioration of a kitec pipe.
3. How to deal with Kitec plumbing
Unfortunately, a full replacement is necessary and replacing Kitec plumbing can be very expensive since most pipes are hidden behind walls and beneath your flooring.
You have to be able to access these pipes. That means tearing down and replacing the walls or tearing up and replacing the flooring.
The cost could range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per house depending on the extent of the work.
The time to finish the replacement will also be considered depending on the circumstances.
But, in the end, it is worth it. You do not want to deal with major water damage, and it will be more straightforward to sell later down the road.
The existence of Kitec plumbing could have a negative impact on your home's resale value. Potential buyers may not be willing to go ahead with the purchase.
Replace Kitec pipes as soon as possible to avoid damage to your home.
Choose WaterSmart for a Kitec Pipe Replacement
We have a long, established reputation for providing outstanding service in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph region.
With almost 30 years in the business, our team of plumbing experts is 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.
Location:
14-105 Lexington Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4R7
Phone:
519-886-7331
“Their plumbers are amazing! Persistent in finding the source of the problem, totally cheerful throughout, arrived right on time, eager to educate us on how to avoid the problem in the future... everything you’d want in a plumber.”
