What is Kitec Plumbing, and What is Wrong with It?
What is Kitec Plumbing, and What is Wrong with It?
Professional Kitec Plumbing Replacement Services in Ottawa
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Know the risks before purchasing a home with Kitec Plumbing in Ontario
We receive many inquiries from property owners looking to buy or sell homes with such plumbing fittings. Unfortunately, Kitec plumbing problems are widely known and can be extremely costly.
We’ll tell you how to identify Kitec plumbing and what replacement options are available in Ottawa. The great news is you have many affordable choices for replacing such plumbing systems!
Most Common Kitec Plumbing Problems
Kitec plumbing has a bad reputation for leaking and failing early on, leading to burst pipes and significant water damage. People joke that a Kitec system will either leak or be bound to leak, but a repair bill of thousands of dollars isn’t funny.
Widespread Kitec plumbing issues across Canada and the United States forced manufacturers to create a substantial settlement fund of $125 million to compensate property owners for their plumbing replacement costs.
Kitec Plumbing — A Bad Alternative to Copper Pipes
Properties built between 1995 and 2007 often had Kitec plumbing installed as an alternative to copper pipes.
Copper pipes are proven to be long-lasting and durable, but Kitec plumbing system manufacturers marketed their polymer pipes as being more affordable.
The major Kitec plumbing issues occur because of the PEX pipe design with soft aluminum and brass fittings.
Manufacturers claimed that the design was resistant to corrosion. However, it rusted out too quickly and even affected the quality of drinking water and the functioning of heating systems.
Investigations into Kitec plumbing problems discovered that this type of plumbing contains too much zinc in its brass connectors between flexible aluminum pipes and inner and outer layers of plastic PEX pipe.
The high zinc content in the brass fittings caused “de-zincification” in the plumbing system, and hot water or high-pressure conditions only increased the risks.
This Type of Plumbing Was Recalled Due to Many Kitec Plumbing Issues
After 2007, a recall of Kitec plumbing systems happened across North America.
Before the recall, unsuspecting property owners could find Kitec plumbing fittings for sale, and some properties had Kitec plumbing renovations done between the mid-1990s and the early 21st century.
How to Identify Kitec Plumbing In Your Home
It’s not challenging to identify Kitec plumbing in your home. The first thing to look for is the “Kitec” or “KTC” stamp, a company-specific fitting.
Generally, Kitec plumbing lines are blue for cold water lines and orange for hot water lines, but there were other colors, so a licensed plumber can help you confirm whether it is.
The location of this plumbing fittings is a basement mechanical room, often near the hot water tank or underneath a sink or vanity in your home or property.
While a Kitec plumbing replacement might have water pipes connected to an electrical box, such plumbing should never be connected to electrical systems because its plastic materials are a fire hazard. A large yellow sticker on your electrical panel box should show this.
The Risks of Buying Properties with Kitec Plumbing Systems
An experienced real estate agent should be able to identify any property with a Kitec plumbing system. They should also advise you of such plumbing issues before you buy the property because a plumbing replacement is costly.
Whenever you’re in doubt or have any questions regarding Kitec plumbing, contact a licensed plumber for more information. Your peace of mind is priceless!
Why Replacing Kitec Plumbing Is Your Best Option
Here are our top seven reasons why Kitec plumbing replacement in Ottawa is the best idea.
Always feel free to contact Dr. Pipe and Plumbing and speak to our licensed plumbers for more information!
#1. Kitec Pipes Can Fail Fast
The lifespan of this plumbing can be short. Some such plumbing systems began to fail in 2005, only ten years after their introduction, which demonstrates their poor lifespan and quality and why they weren’t a great investment.
#2. Orange Kitec Pipes Risk Significant Heat Damage
The orange-colored Kitec hot water pipes (or any hot-water Kitec plumbing) can only withstand temperatures up to 82 degrees Celsius. Most water heaters operate at higher temperatures, so Kitec hot water pipes can experience costly pipe leaks and breakage.
#3. Kitec Brass Fittings Often Fail Badly
The copper-zinc alloy in brass Kitec plumbing fittings is poorly designed, and dezincification causes erosion from oxygen and moisture. As zinc oxide builds up, it can obstruct water flow, increase pressure, and cause pipes to burst.
#4. A Kitec Pipe Rupture is Often Severe
While leaky pipes are common, many Kitec pipe failures are severe, causing significant flooding and much more expensive water damage.
#5. Kitec Plumbing Issues Include More Expensive Maintenance
Because this plumbing degrades so rapidly, property owners face more frequent plumbing issues with maintenance and repairs. Since there’s no effective method to make this plumbing last longer, a plumbing replacement is often the best solution.
#6. Properties with Kitec Plumbing can be Harder to Finance
While obtaining a mortgage on almost any property is possible, getting an affordable mortgage on a home or property with such plumbing is often challenging. The truth is that most reputable and affordable lenders don’t want to face the risks.
#7. Insurance Companies Don’t Like Kitec Plumbing Issues
This plumbing has been proven to fail so often that many reputable and affordable insurance companies limit coverage or deny insurance on a property with this plumbing system.
Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing is Your Kitec Plumbing Replacement Specialist in Ottawa
Any property owner with such plumbing in Ontario needs to know the serious risks of this plumbing and choose an affordable and easy-to-maintain plumbing replacement.
We can help you choose a type of plumbing that prevents future leaks or pipe bursts, gives you peace of mind, and increases your property’s value.
If you have any questions about this plumbing, our experts are always here to help!
Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing in Ottawa serves Barrhaven, Nepean, Kanata, Orleans, Carlington, Old Ottawa South, Vanier, Gloucester, and Embrun.
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Kitec Plumbing Systems—Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing of Ottawa specializes in Kitec plumbing replacement in Ottawa and throughout Ontario.
You can trust our licensed, experienced professionals and count on our transparent pricing. Our high-quality parts and service are guaranteed!
Is it necessary to replace Kitec’s plumbing lines?
It’s important to replace Kitec plumbing fittings because delaying this plumbing replacement is too risky.
The most common risks include flooding and significant water damage, which are costly plumbing problems to fix. These plumbing problems can also pose health risks, worsening a bad situation.
What’s the Average Kitec Plumbing Replacement Cost?
Although Kitec was promoted as an affordable alternative to copper pipes, it can be expensive to replace.
Because most plumbing systems are hidden behind walls and underneath floors, replacing this plumbing can cost thousands of dollars. Still, it’s more affordable and far less of a headache to address such plumbing issues now—here’s why.
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