What’s the Deal with Kitec Plumbing?

What is Kitec Plumbing?

Friends! Have you ever heard of Kitec plumbing? Today, we’re going on an adventure into the world of pipes and solutions, and bad solutions at that. Kitec plumbing was one of those “good” from the beginning turning bad really fast solutions. So let’s dive in!

Ripped out Kitec Plumbing from a complete home repipe

The KITEC – GIGANTEC problem

So It’s the ’90s. Backstreet Boys are on the radio, and someone invents a cool (at the time) pipe for homes, called Kitec. These pipes are like sandwiches, with layers of plastic and aluminum, and they come with brass fittings to connect everything together. They were used for delivering cold and hot water around the house. It was a popular plumbing solution used in homes primarily between 1995 and 2007. Do you own a house that was built between ’95 and 07 It’s important for you as a homeowner to know about Kitec plumbing because it has been associated with various problems that will lead to failure and potential damage to a home. Unfortunately, the brass fittings started to act like that one cookie in your lunchbox that turns all soft and crumbly. They began to weaken, and sometimes break or leak. And the sandwich-like pipes, well, they didn’t stay fresh forever either. Over time, especially with hot water or certain chemicals, they could fall apart too. Unfortunately, you can not repair Kitec plumbing. The only option is to replace all pipes. Because of these issues, Kitec plumbing was recalled, and there were lawsuits about it.

failed kitec fitting

How to Spot Kitec Plumbing?

Spotting these pipes is not that hard. Look for pipes that are often blue or orange. They might also have “Kitec” or “KTC” written on them. You’re likely to find Kitec plumbing if you live in Canada or the United States. If you realize that there is indeed kitec plumbing in your home is it time for a change? Yes, It’s probably time to change it. If it hasn’t leaked yet, its a matter of time. Have a plumbing professional do an inspection. It might cost a little, but its better for longer appreciation of the property!

process of cutting into walls to repair active water leaks

Selling or buying a home with Kitec Plumbing

Selling a house with Kitec plumbing – is selling something that is already broken. A good idea is to disclose that so repairs can be factored in. Tell the person buying it what’s wrong with it. Some might still want to buy it, but they might negotiate for a lower price or for the plumbing to be changed first. On the other hand buying a home with kitec plumbing is completely up to the buyer, remember its going to fail – its just a matter of time. We recommend hiring an actual plumber for pre purchase inspection, getting repipe estimates to know what you are getting your self into.

What about a Refund?

There was a fund established as a result of a class action lawsuit but unfortunately “to qualify for a payout, you needed to complete and submit a claim form by January 9, 2020. This is obviously long time ago. Always check legal experts in your jurisdiction to understand your rights with buying or selling a property with Kitec plumbing

Recap

Kitec plumbing, once the new and top of the tier solution, ended up causing a lot of issues. If you suspect you have Kitec plumbing in your home, it’s essential to consult with a plumbing professional to assess the situation and recommend appropriate actions, we recommend a complete repipe from the start.

super brothers resolves kitec plumbing problems