What YOU need to know about Kitec Plumbing

aaron.jpg.size.xxlarge.letterboxWhat is it? Kitec plumbing consists of a flexible aluminum pipe sandwiched between an inner and outer layer of plastic pipe (PEX-pipe) with brass fittings. Marketed as a cheaper and easy to install alternative to copper piping, many homes involving extensive renovations or built new may have Kitec plumbing which was sold and installed between 1995-2007. It was used for potable water, in floor and hot water baseboard heating systems.

What’s wrong with it? Kitec was marketed as being “corrosion resistant” and was then recalled in 2005 due to the discovery that it does in fact corrode. Kitec will malfunction due to high water pressure and water temperatures above 77C (180F). Although it is no longer manufactured, Industry professionals believe that in time homes with Kitec will not only experience leaky pipes but will incur serious flooding from bursting pipes. The solution of course is a costly one and that is to replace Kitec plumbing with good old fashioned copper plumbing.

Do you have Kitec plumbing in you home? Kitec is easily identified by it’s bright orange (hot water) and bright blue (cold water) pipes. In some cases it was sold in different colours including red, grey and black and the best way to know is to look for the Kitec/KTC/PlumbBetter name on your fittings. You can check for all of this on the fittings near your hot water tank where the pipes connect/exit the walls. Pipes are also visible under bathroom and kitchen sinks.

The good news? Kitec is the subject of a $125 million class action suit in Canada and the United States. The overall settlement of $125m is to be used by claimants to pay for the repair of buildings, homes and other structures plumbed with Kitec systems. To be eligible to receive money from the settlement fund, claimants must complete and submit a claim form before January 9, 2020. Claims can be made regardless of loss and people are encouraged to submit a claim even if their system is working properly. If you know that you have Kitec plumbing please visit the Kitec Settlement website as soon as possible.

Ros Morton
Assistant to Kimmé Myles

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