What is KITEC plumbing and should you be worried?
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. What is Kitec Plumbing?
What questions should I ask when buying a KITEC home?
Ask that the seller represent and warrant that all Kitec-related plumbing pipe and equipment has been professionally removed from the property and replaced with current safe plumbing that’s up to code; or.
When was KITEC plumbing recalled?
In 2005, Kitec plumbing was recalled across North America. Unfortunately, some plumbing and heating contractors continued to install Kitec plumbing for years afterward, so there are homes built as recently as 2007 which contain Kitec. Many contractors and homeowners have been proactive in removing Kitec plumbing before it inevitably fails.
Does homeowners insurance cover KITEC pipes?
Depending on the terms of your home insurance policy, you may be covered in the event of a flood caused by burst or leaking Kitec piping in your home. Some home insurers have been willing to cover all or part of the cost to replace Kitec piping to avoid having to eventually pay out a claim for water damage.
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.
When did they stop using kitec?
through 2007When was it used? Kitec plumbing was in use from 1995 through 2007, so any home built in or around this period could have Kitec pipes or fittings. It's estimated that nearly 300,000 homes in North America had Kitec piping installed.
Is PEX better than kitec?
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 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.
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.
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.
Do shark bites work on kitec?
Push fit fittings (SharkBite) do not fit KITEC piping.
What type of pipe is best for plumbing?
CopperCopper. Copper pipes are probably the most traditional plumbing pipe used due to their extensive duration and reliability. They provide superior corrosion resistance, great material to be used for hot and cold water, and it can be managed easily.
Are all orange pipes kitec?
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.
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.
Can you repair kitec?
Unfortunately, your solutions only include, really, replacing the leaking Kitec plumbing pipes. And what I would advise you to do is to only replace it where it's accessible.
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.
Is PEX available in Mexico?
In Mexico, PEX-AL-PEX is currently installed in residences, hotels, apartment buildings, industrial buildings, commercial buildings, refrigeration systems and hydronic heating. The advantages of PEX-AL-PEX over traditional systems have resulted in a 15% worldwide sales growth in the past years.
What is IPEX plumbing?
IPEX offers a comprehensive range of integrated solutions to meet the needs of engineers and contractors in commercial, institutional, industrial and residential construction. Ask an Expert. Potable Water Distribution. AquaRise® Hot & Cold Potable Water Distribution Systems. Polyethylene “Pipe with the Stripe”®
What is Al PEX?
PEX-AL-PEX piping is a coextruded crosslinked polyethylene composite pressure pipe with a welded aluminum tube reinforcement between the inner and outer layers. The inner and outer crosslinked polyethylene layers are bonded to the aluminum tube by a melt adhesive.
What is kitec plumbing?
Kitec is a composite plumbing material made from five layers of metal, plastics and resin adhesives, with brass fittings. The outermost plastic layer is usually colour-coded to indicate hot water (bright orange) or cold water (bright blue).
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...
What to do if you find Kitec plumbing?
The first step would be to contact a plumber to determine if there are any immediate risks of flooding or water damage. They will also give you a timeline for any necessary repairs or replacement.
When did Kitec plumbing get sued?
Three class-action lawsuits were filed in 2011 to address the major defects and catastrophic damage caused by Kitec plumbing. One of these lawsuits was in the United States, another in Québec, and a third that covers the remainder of Canada.
Why would Kitec be denied insurance?
Companies may deny your insurance request altogether if they are trying to avoid taking on any additional risks. Depending on the insurer, the presence of Kitec piping may lead to increase deductibles, higher premiums, or denial of claims related to the plumbing system.
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 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.
Is Kitec plumbing a defect?
Kitec materials have a manufacturer recall and are known to be defective and having the system in your home is considered a material defect. The buyer’s inspection would likely have uncovered this type of plumbing regardless, and failure to disclose its existence could cause the sale to fall through.
Does Kitec plumbing have to be a deal breaker?
If everything in the home is perfect besides the Kitec plumbing, it does not necessarily have to be a deal-breaker. Knowing that it is expensive to replace and that a home insurer may require you to do so before purchasing the property, you can use this as a bargaining chip with the seller.
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!
How Does It Work?
Kitec plumbing is installed in the same way as other kinds of pipes are installed. Their functioning is similar as well in terms of transporting and supplying water to the fixtures inside your house.
How Long Does It Last?
Kitec plumbing does not last very long. In fact, these pipes were recalled within ten years after they were brought out and installed due to the fact that they led to corrosion and too many bursts and leaks.
How Can You Identify Kitec Plumbing?
You can identify Kitec plumbing through the following points or identifiers:
How Safe Is Kitec Plumbing?
Kitec plumbing is not a safe and reliable option when it comes to carrying the entire plumbing system of your house on its back. You can go through some of its potential dangers below.
What Should You Do with Kitec Plumbing?
You can try to replace your Kitec plumbing with more efficient options. You can also look into exploring the option of selling your house.
Final Remarks
Through this article, you now have all the relevant information about Kitec plumbing, including how it works, its lifespan, how you can identify it, how safe it is and what you can do if you have this kind of plumbing system in your house.
What is a Kitec?
Kitec: What is It? Kitec plumbing was a type of plastic and aluminum water pipe with brass fittings used from 1995 to 2007.
What is a red flag for Kitec?
If a building was built or renovated during the years Kitec was used, that can be a red flag. If it gets past that stage, the Status Certificate review by the buyers’ solicitor (a standard part of a condo sale) will sometimes be the point at which we find out.
Can you buy a condo with Kitec plumbing?
However, there are some condo buildings and freehold homes that still have Kitec plumbing. Now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t purchase or sell a property containing Kitec – just know what you are in for. As a matter of fact, some buyers will not want to enter into a purchase agreement with a seller if they know a unit or building has it.
How to tell if you have Kitec plumbing?
One easy way to tell if your home has Kitec plumbing is to look at the pipes leading from your water heater. You can also check under your kitchen and bathroom sinks.
What is Kitec pipe?
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.
What is the Kitec class action lawsuit?
1. Join the Kitec Class Action Lawsuit. In 2012, the manufacturer of Kitec plumbing, IPEX Inc., entered into a class action lawsuit settlement for $125 million. As part of this settlement, IPEX paid into a monetary fund will eventually be paid out to compensate homeowners and others who who had Kitec installations.
How much does it cost to replace a Kitec?
Cost to replace Kitec plumbing depends mainly on the size of the house but typically costs upward of $2,000. Homeowners with Kitec installations are entitled to get money from a $125 million settlement but time to claim that money is running out. You can join a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer IPEX.
When was Kitec recalled?
Reach Out to Your Plumbing Contractor. When Kitec was recalled back in 2005, contractors who had installed Kitec were required to inform people of the recall. If your contractor never bothered to inform you, they could be on the hook for the cost of replacing it.
What is the phone number for Kitec?
If you want to talk to our certified technician immediately you can call this number: (905) 829-1296. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Kitec Plumbing.
When is the deadline to file a claim for Kitec?
The deadline to file a claim is January 2020. Contact us to book your Kitec plumbing replacement today. 2. Make a Home Insurance Claim. Depending on the terms of your home insurance policy, you may be covered in the event of a flood caused by burst or leaking Kitec piping in your home.
What is a Kitec water system?
These systems monitor the flow of water and automatically shutoff your water when there is flow for an unusual length of time. This type of system can detect both small and large leaks and is effective in preventing catastrophic floods caused by Kitec plumbing.
What to do after identifying what type of plumbing you have?
After identifying what type of plumbing you have, taking steps to prevent catastrophic damage can save you and your possessions from serious damage. Repiping your home, or installing a leak detection system, will give you the peace of mind you need from the risks of plumbing failures caused by Kitec piping.
