The Market’s Hot, Kitec’s Not.

Welcome to our August Real Estate Report!

Kitec plumbing was a plumbing system widely used for residential use in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Over the past several years it has been discovered that these fittings are failing and causing leaks and burst pipes.

Kitec plumbing consists of plastic-coated aluminum pipes and brass fittings. Kitec brass fittings are defective because they dezincify. Dezincification is a process whereby zinc leaches from brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc, thereby creating a white powdery buildup on the inside of the fitting and a weakening of the brass fitting. Dezincification can lead to, among other things, restricted water flow and an increased likelihood of the brass fitting leaking or breaking.

The Kitec pipe is typically blue in color for cold water and orange in color for hot water. The pipe is usually marked with one of the following brand names; Kitec, PlumbBetter, IPEX AQUA, WarmRite, Kitec XPA, AmbioComfort, XPA, KERR Controls or Plomberie Améliorée. Where the fittings are visible look for the words Kitec or KTC on them. The terms CSA B137.9/10 or ATSM F1974 could also indicate that you have a Kitec system. Often, the best places to look for the Kitec system is near the hot water tank or in the mechanical room where the pipe is connected to or exits the walls. Also look under kitchen sinks or bathroom vanities, where the pipe and/or fitting exits the wall.