What is Kitec?
Between 1995 and 2007, IPEX Inc. of Canada produced cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping sold under the trade name Kitec. Plumbers considered kitec to be a good plumbing system because it was cheaper than copper and being of flexible material, it was easy to install. The pipes are made of polyethylene with a thin layer of aluminum. As late as 2012, installations of Kitec were visible in residences, apartments, and high-rise structures. The brass fittings on this piping, which has orange piping for hot water and blue piping for cold water, are usually labeled Kitec, KT, or KTC.
Where Can I Find Kitec?
The Kitec system is frequently found in the mechanical room, close to the furnace and/or hot water tank, or where the pipe enters or exits the walls. Additionally, check underneath bathroom vanities and kitchen sinks, where the pipe and/or fitting exits the wall.
If you have Kitec plumbing, you may also find a yellow sticker on the inside of your electrical panel door. These stickers say “Caution: This building has non-metallic interior water piping.” Normally, metal piping is used as an electrical ground. These polyethylene pipes cannot be used as ground.
What Happens? Why?
Kitec is not heat-resistant. Hot water tanks can operate at temperatures higher than 180 degrees Fahrenheit which Kitec was only authorized to withstand. The pipes deteriorate as a result of the increased heat and are susceptible to breaking under high water pressure.
The zinc will dissolve. Brass, a copper and zinc alloy, is the material used to make Kitec plumbing fixtures. Zinc tends to corrode when it is exposed to air and moisture (dezincification). When this occurs, zinc oxide deposits in the pipes hinder the flow of water, eventually causing the pipes to burst and leak.
What is the Truth?
The southwest United States saw a sizable number of Kitec piping and fitting failures in the early 2000s. Canada experienced a far lower number of failures. Most of which were related to improper installation, unusual operating temperatures, or excessively high pressure.
The misunderstanding about the recall of Kitec pipework is important to note. There was never a consumer-level recall on Kitec pipe, despite various sites claiming otherwise. Instead, a manufacturer’s recall on some pipe fittings made by Kitec occurred in 2005. Yet, a North American class action lawsuit was accepted.
So, basically, this class action complaint indicates that there were issues and a settlement was reached with the manufacturer. It is not unusual to see Building product class action lawsuits.
What to Consider?
There are a few important things to keep in mind when inspecting a house that has Kitec pipes. As hot water piping is more likely to have a problem than cold water piping, look for darkening or blistering of the pipe, especially close to the water heater or boiler. A white, powdery substance near the fittings may also be an indication of brass corrosion and possible buildup inside the pipework.
If these things are not visible then the likelihood is lower risk. It would also be treated the same way as a hairline crack on the foundation on an inspection report: “Possible leaks and potentially the need for foundation repair (in our case; pipe replacement). The area was found to be dry at the time of inspection, and No leaks were visible. Recommend monitoring for future changes or contact a qualified ________ (profession).
Everyone has a different comfort level toward Kitec. Some say “If it is not broken don’t fix it” or ” When I notice changes, I will call a plumber” or even “I don’t want this house”
How Does It Get Fixed?
A plumber would normally physically remove any pipe that is visible, cut off, and drain any piping that is hidden inside walls or ceilings and cannot be removed. It will be necessary to run new piping to replace the Kitec.
At either end of a hot water baseboard, approximately 6-inch square holes must be cut, and virtually usually, some homes require cutting holes in the ceilings. After that, the holes will need to be fixed, and painting will be required. A small to medium-sized home will typically cost between $5,000 and $6,000. A huge executive home, however, could cost up to or even more than $10,000, depending on the circumstances.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
Numerous buyers, home inspectors, and most agents are familiar with Kitec. Now as a homeowner, you must disclose that you have Kitec plumbing on a Property Disclosure Statement (PDS). Many insurance companies will not insure properties with Kitec, which is one of the main reasons buyers are worried about Kitec. It now affects resale as well.
You essentially have three choices when selling your house. 1) Ignore the problem and address it if the buyer brings it up during the negotiation. Although it would be the simplest for you as the seller, this would not be the best way to sell your house. You need a plan because many purchasers will not deal with Kitec. 2) Obtain a removal quote for the Kitec and consent to grant the purchaser credit for the removal costs. Although this is preferable to doing nothing, it still requires the customer to put forth the effort, which many people will find objectionable. 3) Take out the Kitec. This choice will cost you the most money and require the most effort from you as the seller, but it is typically the best one for selling your house.
If you plan on selling your home and have Kitec Plumbing, we can help you.
Hello there! I’m Alisha Caillie-Fleet, a seasoned Real Estate Agent located in Halifax. With a sales history dating back to 2014 across Nova Scotia and Ontario, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. My specialization includes residential properties, investment opportunities, and military relocations. I’ve wholeheartedly committed myself to honing my skills to ensure that your experience of buying or selling a home is seamless and free of stress.
Being a military spouse, I also have personal insight into the challenges military families are confronted with. As a result, I’ve developed a tailored approach to cater to the unique demands of the DND moving process.
Let’s establish a connection and have a conversation about your real estate goals!
Alisha Caillie-Fleet – Realty in Nova Scotia | (902) 489-4911 | 1959 Upper Water St #1301, Halifax, NS B3J 3N2 | alishasellshfx@gmail.com | BGRS Approved