How do you identify kitec pipe?
Most Kitec plumbing can be identified by its bright orange (hot water) and bright blue (cold water), which were the most common colours; however, it was also sold in red, blue, gray and black.
Does all Kitec plumbing fail?
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.
What is the difference between kitec and PEX?
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 PEX sandwiched together, but there are other forms of PEX plumbing that are perfectly acceptable for modern homes.
Is all IPEX kitec?
KITEC is a brand of water supply pipe and brass fitting which was manufactured by Canadian pipe manufacturer IPEX. The brass fittings were produced from 1995 until 2005, when IPEX issued a recall on the fittings due to failures.
What color is kitec piping?
Most Kitec plumbing can be identified by its bright orange (hot water) and bright blue (cold water), which were the most common colors; however, it was also sold in red, blue, gray and black.
What color is 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.
What years was kitec?
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. Kitec is a composite plumbing material made from five layers of metal, plastics and resin adhesives, with brass fittings.
When was kitec plumbing recall?
2005Kitec® is a brand of brass plumbing fitting that was recalled in 2005 by its manufacturer, IPEX, due to its tendency to quickly corrode. The fitting was widely installed throughout the western United States since the early 1990s.
When was kitec plumbing discontinued?
2007KITEC ceased being sold in 2007. The last buildings in which it was installed are nearing a decade in age.
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 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...
How do I know if I have Kitec Plumbing in my home?
There are several methods you can use to figure out if your home holds any Kitec plumbing.
What is Kitec plumbing?
Kitec was the most common brand it was sold under, but the plumbing system was also available under these brands:
What is PEX pipe?
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 PEX sandwiched together, but there are other forms of PEX plumbing that are perfectly acceptable for modern homes.
How much does it cost to replace a Kitec plumbing system?
It will cost between $5,000 and $15,000 to replace a Kitec plumbing system, plus more if you need to tear up floorboards or break open walls to access the pipes.
What color is a Kitec pipe?
Kitec pipes come in distinctive orange and blue colours. While Kitec isn’t the only type of pipe to use these colours, if your plumbing system is purely orange and blue, it could very well be Kitec. At the very least, you’ll want to take a closer look.
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.
Where to find Kitec plumbing?
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.
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:
What is Kitec Plumbing?
If you have ever seen bright orange and blue pipes running from your water heater, that is Kitec plumbing! This product became extremely popular for plumbing and heat piping in the US and Canada from 1995 to 2007.
How much does it cost to replace a Kitec plumbing system?
Kitec plumbing replacement costs vary depending on the size of the home, but you can generally expect to spend upwards of $2,000 in repairs.
How Does Kitec Plumbing Impact Home Insurance?
Since many insurance companies will gauge risks based on their claims experience, some larger companies may be willing to insure you even if you have Kitec plumbing. Companies may deny your insurance request altogether if they are trying to avoid taking on any additional risks.
What color is Kitec hot water line?
The color of the piping is the easiest giveaway. Do you see a bright blue cold-water line or a bright orange hot water line? If so, you likely have Kitec plumbing in your home. Another way to confirm this is to check the label printed on the outer layer of every pipe. The label will read ASTM 1281 if you have them.
When did Kitec plumbing stop being recalled?
The official recall did not occur until 2005, and some contractors continued to use Kitec through 2007. If you are not sure whether your home has Kitec plumbing, you should have it inspected to confirm that you are not at risk for expensive flood damage.
When did Kitec pipes fail?
However, in 2005 the pipes and fittings began to fail. Hundreds of thousands of homes across Canada experienced catastrophic water damage and flooding as a result of defects in the Kitec heat piping and plumbing.
When was Kitec installed?
Kitec plumbing is a problematic system that was installed in Canadian homes beginning in 1995. This ultimate guide will help you learn everything you need to know about Kitec plumbing, including what to do if your home has Kitec plumbing and why you should beware of buying a home with this type of piping.
Why replace Kitec plumbing?
On top of the fear of the pipe’s inevitable failure, homeowners also opt to replace Kitec plumbing because this type of plumbing limits options for mortgage lenders and also negatively affects their insurance coverage.
What makes Kitec pipes weak?
Eventually, the heat makes these pipes crack or burst. Another component that contributes to the weakness of Kitec plumbing is the brass fittings. These alloy components react with moisture and oxygen so that the fittings undergo dezincification, a form of corrosion, that ends up blocking the pipe’s flow.
What kind of fittings are used in PEX?
PEX plumbing has two main kinds of fittings available: brass fittings and polyphenylsulfone fittings. Brass fittings are prone to dezincification but polyphenylsulfone fittings show greater resistance to corrosion.
How long does a Kitec pipe last?
The average lifespan of Kitec plumbing is around 10 years. Meanwhile, the average lifespan of PEX plumbing is 40 to 50 years. However, for both plumbing types, the amount of water usage, the quality of the water carried, exposure to the elements, and so on, all affect the lifespan of the pipes.
What is a Kitec water heater made of?
Kitec plumbing is made of two layers of plastic that sandwich a layer of aluminum. The fittings for Kitec pipes are made of brass. Even the orange/red Kitec pipes cannot truly withstand the full heat that home water heaters can bring; they can only take up to 82 degrees Celsius.
What is PEX plumbing made of?
PEX plumbing is mainly made up of cross-linked polyethylene. This is a material that’s been developed to have properties like enhanced heat resistance, durability to corrosion, and flexibility to withstand varying water pressures.
What are the markings on PEX pipes?
PEX pipes would have a number of markings on them, such as: The manufacturer name (you can check if this is a PEX manufacturer) The part number and manufacture date. A number containing its chlorine resistance, UV resistance, and hydrostatic design stress.
What Is Kitec Plumbing?
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. However, in 2005, it was recalled because of its accelerated corrosion rate. They no longer manufacture it.
Why is my Kitec water heater deteriorating?
The deterioration of Kitec pipes may be caused by using water which is hotter than the manufacturer's rating of 77 degrees celsius or by excessive water pressure. The only solution is to completely replace this type of plumbing with copper pipes and fittings.
Does Kitec plumbing affect resale value?
The existence of this type of plumbing could have a negative impact on your home's resale value. Because of the cost to repair, potential buyers may not be willing to go ahead with the purchase or they may wish you to cover the cost.
