Kitec Plumbing - Why You Should Replace It
If you are a homeowner and have never heard about Kitec plumbing, you will want to read on. Experts believe that homes with Kitec plumbing could have premature pipe failure, and you should act quickly if this is the case with your home.
2. Why Kitec plumbing needs to be replaced
3. How can you tell if your home has Kitec plumbing?
4. How to replace Kitec plumbing
5. Negative impact on your home’s resale value
6. Class action lawsuit details
If you have Kitec plumbing in your home, don't take any chances. Contact the professionals at WaterSmart Systems and Plumbing today.
1. 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.
If your house was built between 1995 and 2007, it may have Kitec plumbing.
2. Why Kitec plumbing needs to be replaced
Experts believe that homes with Kitec plumbing could have premature pipe failure. These pipes may not simply develop leaks but actually burst open, causing flooding.
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.
All kitec plumbing needs to be replaced.
3. How can you tell if your home has Kitec plumbing?
The majority of Kitec cold water pipes are bright blue in colour, while the hot water ones are bright orange. However, they were also sold in red, blue, gray, and black.
The pipes should also be marked with one of the following 9 brand names:
Kitec
Kitec XPA
PlumbBetter
WarmRite
IPEX AQUA
AmbioComfort
KERR Controls
XPA
Plomberie Amelioree.
Usually, the easiest places to see the exposed pipes are under the kitchen or bathroom sink, near the hot water tank or laundry room where the pipe or fitting exits the wall.
Look 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.
the easiest places to spot Kitec plumbing is under the kitchen or bathroom sink,
4. How to replace Kitec plumbing
Repairing and replacing Kitec plumbing can be very expensive.
It’s not merely a case of replacing the pipes. 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.
5. Negative impact on your home’s resale value
Not only could the bill to repair Kitec plumbing be substantial, but it could 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 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 that you cover the cost.
Kitec plumbing could have a negative impact on your home’s resale value.
6. Class action lawsuit details
A class-action lawsuit which covers the United States and Canada was settled in 2011.
The details include a $125,000,000 U.S. dollar settlement to cover about half of the cost to repair or replace the affected fitting or pipe.
After all of the claimants have been paid, any additional funds may be given as supplemental payments to cover up to the full cost of repairs to the claimants.
The deadline to fill out and submit a claim form was January 9, 2020.
Choose WaterSmart for Kitec Plumbing Replacement
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 they can provide the most reliable solution to your plumbing needs.
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
“We’ve had WaterSmart install a RO drinking system, water softener, electric hot water heater and plumbing for a new dishwasher. They do a great job and are efficient & thorough. Thanks guys!”
