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 of renovated between 1995 and 2007 it could have Kitec plumbing
Does KITEC plumbing leak?
The problem with Kitec plumbing is, as you suspect, the fittings will leak. Now, what’s interesting is that Kitec starts with PEX, which is cross-linked polyethylene which, by itself and as installed today, is actually an excellent plumbing pipe with fittings that don’t leak. But the Kitec system has definitely had a history of leaking.
Where can I find KITEC piping in my home?
Look near the hot water tank, or under your kitchen or bathroom sinks—wherever there are exposed water pipes. Kitec piping might literally say “Kitec” right on it, making your job easy.
How do I know if my water pipes are KITEC?
At the very least, you’ll want to take a closer look. Look near the hot water tank, or under your kitchen or bathroom sinks—wherever there are exposed water pipes. Kitec piping might literally say “Kitec” right on it, making your job easy. It could also be stamped with one of the following brand names:
What happened to KITEC brass fittings?
The brass fittings were produced from 1995 until 2005, when IPEX issued a recall on the fittings due to failures. In December of 2007, IPEX also discontinued the manufacturing of KITEC piping and sent notices to all of its distributors, notifying them that they should send any unused product back for a refund.
Can you repair kitec?
Because of the known problems of Kitec, selling a home with Kitec is near impossible. Frankly, homes with Kitec need a total piping renovation done to assure water damage will not occur.
Can you use SharkBite fittings on kitec?
No other fittings are compatible with KITEC piping. Push fit fittings (SharkBite) do not fit KITEC piping.
Do you need to replace Kitec plumbing?
Does Kitec Plumbing Need to Be Replaced? Yes. There are several reasons why it is a good idea to replace your Kitec plumbing.
What do you replace kitec with?
copper pipesThe only long-term solution for those with Kitec plumbing is to have it replaced with copper pipes. In most cases, this will require access to behind walls. Kitec plumbing was recalled in 2005 and today it is no longer manufactured.
How do I claim kitec?
You must complete and submit this Claim Form postmarked on or before January 9th, 2020 in order to be eligible for recovery under the Kitec Settlement (the “Settlement”). The Settlement became final in early 2012, so the Claim Filing Deadline has been set as January 9th, 2020. The settlement website has been updated.
How long does kitec plumbing last?
approximately 10 yearsThe first recalls of Kitec piping occurred in 2005, which suggests that the lifespan of Kitec can be approximately 10 years. However, industry professionals predict that failure rates of Kitec will only increase over time and most, if not all, homes with this plumbing will experience premature pipe failure.
Can you insure a house with kitec?
However, if your clients have used a product known as Kitec in the installation of the radiant heat, some insurance companies won't insure their homes. This issue turned up in a house inspection recently and caught everyone by surprise.
How long does it take to replace kitec?
The estimated time may take 3 full days for larger properties, or between 9 to 12 months for an entire building. For residential properties, furnishings may have to be placed away from the work areas during a Kitec plumbing replacement, but homeowners need not move out.
Is kitec the same as Poly B?
Poly-B was also subjected to a class action law suit against the manufacturer. We've re-piped dozens of homes in the lower mainland that were piped with Poly-B. The latest news out is a problem with pipe branded under the name “Kitec.” Kitec was a plastic piping system with an aluminium core.
How can you tell the difference between kitec and PEX?
Kitec vs PEX Plumbing: What's the Difference?Kitec plumbing is a type of plumbing system manufactured by IPEX. ... Kitec plumbing is made of two layers of plastic that sandwich a layer of aluminum. ... PEX plumbing is mainly made up of cross-linked polyethylene.
Is kitec still in business?
Kitec was the “go-to” pipe used in plumbing and heating installations between 1995 and 2007. It was manufactured by a company called IPEX Inc. which still exists to this day.
How much does it cost to replace Kitec plumbing in Toronto?
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN... One large midtown Toronto condominium was built with Kitec plumbing. The anticipated costs to retrofit each suite with copper pipes ranges from $5,000 to $6,500 for one-bedroom units to $8,000 to $10,500 for two-bedroom and larger suites.
What can you do to maintain your Kitec plumbing?
Some plumbing experts say the question is not IF your Kitec plumbing will leak, but WHEN it will leak. If you have Kitec plumbing in your home, you...
How much does it cost to replace kitec plumbing?
The cost to replace Kitec plumbing depends largely on the size of the home, and how much of its plumbing system is Kitec components. It will cost b...
Should you buy a house with kitec plumbing?
If you're in the market for a new home, Kitec plumbing shouldn't be a dealbreaker on an otherwise suitable option. Instead, the presence of a Kitec...
Is kitec plumbing the same as PEX?
PEX is an abbreviation of cross-linked polyethylene, a type of plastic often used to make pipes. Kitec plumbing is made from layers of aluminum and...
Do you have to disclose kitec plumbing when selling a condo or home?
When you're selling your home, you have a duty to disclose any material defects. Since Kitec plumbing is known to be defective (and the manufacture...
When was Kitec plumbing recalled?
In fact, Kitec plumbing was recalled by the manufacturer in 2005. In 2011, courts in Quebec, Ontario, and the US approved a settlement agreement in a class action lawsuit, and homeowners who suffered Kitec plumbing leaks could receive a share of the $125 million USD settlement.
When did Kitec pipes come out?
In the never-ending quest to improve home plumbing systems, Kitec plumbing was a bit of a misstep. Kitec pipes were introduced to Canada in 1995, and quickly started causing problems in people’s homes. Here’s everything you need to know about this problematic plumbing, including how to identify it.
Can water leak through grout?
Check the grout in your bathroom. Water can leak through any small cracks, resulting in dampness behind the wall. This can lead to rot or mould, which is never a good thing!
Everything You Need to Know About Kitec Plumbing
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where is kitec pipe used?
KITEC pipe and fittings were also widely used in California. In a Del Webb Community in Lincoln, CA, approximately 2500 of the 6800 homes there have KITEC installed.
When did IPEX stop making KITEC piping?
The brass fittings were produced from 1995 until 2005, when IPEX issued a recall on the fittings due to failures. In December of 2007, IPEX also discontinued the manufacturing of KITEC piping and sent notices to all of its distributors, notifying them that they should send any unused product back for a refund.
What is the KTC on a water pipe?
The fittings are labeled with 'Kitec' or 'KTC' stamped on them. While CREIA inspectors are required to inspect the water supply piping in visible areas, they are not required to identify the brand or determine if it has been subject to any recalls or class action lawsuits. You should ask your home inspector what type of water supply piping is ...
What happened to IPEX piping in Las Vegas?
IPEX settled a class action lawsuit in Clark County for $90 million in 2009. Las Vegas is notorious for its hard water and that probably played a major role in the deterioration of the fittings. Even small amounts of zinc can cause galvanic corrosion with the aluminum in the piping, resulting in failures.
Why isn't my water supply piping visible?
Sometimes, the water supply piping is not visible due to it being buried in insulation or contained in the walls and not even installed in the attic. CREIA inspectors should note on their report that the water supply piping was not visible if they couldn't see it.
Where is copper piping located?
It doesn't mean that the water supply piping is all copper. Often, the only place where the water supply piping can be identified is in the attic.
Is the Kitec sticker accurate?
However, this sticker is not always accurate, as it is only there to alert the electrician of plastic water supply piping being installed. Plumbers have different stickers from different PEX manufacturers on their trucks, and it doesn't necessarily mean that a KITEC system is installed if there is a KITEC sticker in the panel.
What is Kitec plumbing?
What Is Kitec Piping and Why Is It An Issue? Kitec plumbing is a polymer pipe, typically installed in homes between 1995 and 2007, that is prone to spontaneously burst. While you can take steps to prevent leaks from these this type of piping, Kitec pipes are more likely to crack at any minute and cause major damage to your home.
What causes a burst in Kitec piping?
The brass fittings that connect Kitec piping contain high amounts of zinc, which breaks down when exposed to moisture and oxygen in a process called dezincification. Zinc oxide then causes blockages in the piping, which results in bursts.
How long does a Kitec pipe last?
The first recalls of Kitec piping occurred in 2005, which suggests that the lifespan of Kitec can be approximately 10 years . However, industry professionals predict that failure rates of Kitec will only increase over time and most, if not all, homes with this plumbing will experience premature pipe failure.
Why is Kitec used?
It was commonly used between 1995 and 2007 because of its low cost and ease of installation.
What is the color of a brass fitting?
The distinctive orange and blue piping; though sometimes it is a gray color. Brass fittings that may have one of the following identifiers: Kitec, KTC, CSA B137.9/10, or ATSM F1974. Yellow sticker inside your home’s electrical panel door. Because these pipes can’t be used as an electrical.
What temperature can a hot water tank handle?
Aside from the makeup of the fittings, the pipes themselves only are able to handle a maximum temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. However, hot water tanks can go beyond this temperature, also causing the pipes to break down.
What happens if my TV is leaking?
A major leak of this sort can not only cause serious damage to homes, but can also result in mold, mildew, and extremely high repair costs. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.
