If you have Kitec plumbing in your home or condominium, the time to remove it and replace it with copper is now.
What is Kitec plumbing?
Kitec plumbing was widely used as an alternative to copper piping for drinking water pipes between 1995 and 2007. When it was introduced it was marketed as being more corrosion-resistant than copper, however, it was soon discovered that the opposite was true. Not only did Kitec corrode much more quickly than copper, but industry experts now believe that all Kitec plumbing and fittings will fail prematurely. When Kitec pipes fail, there is potential that they will not simply leak, but there is a good chance they will burst, leading to potential flooding.
The 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.
How do I know if I have Kitec plumbing?
Most of the Kitec plumbing used was bright orange or bright blue, indicating which pipes were for hot and cold water, however, the piping also came in other colours including black, grey, red and blue. There were also approximately ten different brand names of Kitec, with Kitec being the most common followed by PlumbBetter. Visible fittings may be stamped with the word Kitec or KTC.
The best place to get a good look at your pipes is near the hot water tank, where pipes are leading to and from the walls. You can also try looking beneath the kitchen or bathroom sinks.
What should I do if I have Kitec plumbing?
If you discover that you do have Kitec plumbing, it is best to deal with it sooner rather than later in order to avoid the potential for flooding which can lead to even greater damage. Unfortunately, removing Kitec plumbing and replacing it with copper is not a quick, nor is it an inexpensive job.
This repair may take a full day or several depending on the size of your home or condo. In order to replace Kitec, it will be necessary to remove and replace some of the drywall and possibly some of the flooring as well.
Because of the extent of repairs necessary, Kitec plumbing has been the result of numerous lawsuits across North America, including a class action suit in 2011. As a result of this suit, a $125 million (US) settlement fund was established. Claimants who wish to file have until January 2020 to file. [i]
Let Wentworth Plumbing help!
Discovering that you have Kitec plumbing issues is not good news for homeowners, but it is still better to discover – and fix – it early than to wait for the plumbing to fail. At Wentworth Plumbing, we treat each and every customer with the care and respect that they deserve, offering full-service plumbing at reasonable rates. If you’ve discovered that you have Kitec plumbing in your home or condo, call us today to discuss your options with our Hamilton Plumbers.