If you are buying a house with Kitec plumbing or have Kitec plumbing in your home, do not take any chances.
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 it was resistant to corrosion, and an economical alternative to copper pipes and fittings. But, in 2005, it was recalled because of its accelerated corrosion rate.
If you are buying a house with Kitec plumbing, here is what you need to know:
1. How you can tell if you are buying a house with Kitec plumbing
2. Why Kitec plumbing needs to be replaced
3. How to replace Kitec plumbing
Contact the professionals at WaterSmart Systems and Plumbing today.
1. How you can tell if you are buying a house with Kitec plumbing
When you are looking around for a potential house purchase, keep an eye out for pipes with 1 of the following 9 brand names:
Kitec
Kitec XPA
PlumbBetter
WarmRite
IPEX AQUA
AmbioComfort
KERR Controls
XPA
Plomberie Amelioree
The majority of Kitec cold water pipes are bright blue in colour, while the hot water ones are bright orange.
They were also sold in red, blue, gray, and black.
Typically, the easiest place to spot exposed pipes is under the kitchen or bathroom sink.
Check near the hot water tank or in the laundry room where the pipe is connected or exits the walls.
Again, keep an eye out for the words Kitec or KTC on the visible fittings.
You may also find a sticker on your electrical panel stating that Kitec was used and that your electrical system cannot be grounded to it.
An inspector or a professional plumber will easily be able to let you know if you are buying a house with Kitec plumbing.
Rely on professionals to confirm if you’re buying a house with Kitec plumbing.
2. Why Kitec plumbing needs to be replaced
Houses with Kitec plumbing could have premature pipe failure.
These pipes may not simply develop leaks, but could actually burst open and cause flooding.
This is not what you need after buying a new home.
The deterioration of Kitec pipes is 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.
If you do not make this investment, you risk major damage sooner than later and even higher costs to fix it.
Kitec plumbing might also lead to insurance or mortgage issues.
In 2016, the Ontario Real Estate Association added the question of whether there is Kitec on the property to their Seller Property Information Statement and the Residential Information Checklist.
The existence of this type of plumbing could therefore have a negative impact on your home's resale value. Due to the cost of the repair, potential buyers may not be willing to go ahead with the purchase or they may wish that you cover the cost.
Homeowners with Kitec plumbing can expect premature pipe failure.
3. How to replace Kitec plumbing
Repairing and replacing Kitec plumbing can be quite costly.
For starters, most pipes are hidden behind walls or beneath existing flooring. You have to be able to access these pipes, which means tearing down and replacing the walls or tearing up and replacing the flooring.
The cost could range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per house depending on the extent of the work.
The time to finish the replacement will also be considered depending on the situation.
There is no job too big or too small for the experts at WaterSmart. If you need your plumbing replaced speak to one of our fully licensed master plumbers today.
Buying a House with Kitec Plumbing? Call WaterSmart!
We have a long, established reputation for providing outstanding service in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph region.
With over 20 years in business, our team of plumbing experts is confident that they can provide the most reliable solution to your plumbing needs.
You never have to worry about being overcharged for your plumbing services at WaterSmart. We offer affordable and competitive rates on all of our services. We are also upfront with our pricing.
Contact us today with any problems you are experiencing and we will help solve them.
LOCATION:
14-105 Lexington Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4R7
Phone: 519-886-7331
“My wife and I recently purchased a home that did not have a water softener since the house was built. One company advised us to use the plumbing stack for drainage because of the location of the main water pipe, this was understandable. However, Watersmart advised us of a better alternative. Since they were licensed plumbers, they were able to find a location to cut some water pipes and install the water softener near our laundry drain. They are very skilled professionals and have great customer service. We also bought reverse osmosis from them. They gave us detailed instructions on how to operate the softener and reverse osmosis. I would recommend these guys. Thank you Watersmart.”
