Home Inspections Kitec Plumbing

By Robin Murray Homespect Home & Property Inspections

(905) 449-2786 www.homespect.ca

Have you heard about Kitec? Your insurance company certainly has, and this type of material may cause problems. It was created with good intentions and was commonly installed in homes between 1995 and 2007 but proved to cause problems.

When applying for home insurance your insurer will want to know what type of plumbing is in the home. If you have Kitec, it could result in higher premiums or even worse a denial of coverage unless the problem is resolved or replaced.

Kitec plumbing is made up of a plastic pipe that is reinforced with aluminum. The system was initially thought to be resistant to corrosion and buildup, and was marketed as cheaper and more flexible than copper piping.

However, over time Kitec pipes can deteriorate, leak and fittings can break down and crack. These issues have led to a significant number of lawsuits and recalls and some homeowners have been forced to replace their plumbing systems at a significant cost. In 2005, the manufacturer issued a recall. In 2011, courts in Quebec, Ontario, and the US approved a settlement in a class action lawsuit. As a result, homeowners experiencing issues could receive compensation.

Additionally, the presence of Kitec plumbing in a home can create issues when selling your property.

Here are some tips to identify Kitec plumbing: Look for the Kitec logo: Typically the word Kitec or the Kitec logo can be seen, the logo consists of the letters “KTC” inside a hexagon and may be on the pipes or the brass fittings.

Check the colour of the pipes: Kitec usually consists of blue and orange flexible piping with brass fittings.

Consult a Professional: Hire a Home Inspector or Plumber to inspect to identify your plumbing.