What Is Kitec Pipe, and Why Is It Problematic?
Kitec plumbing was a brand of plumbing system initially favored for its affordability and ease of installation compared to traditional copper pipes.
The pipes were made of a thin layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of plastic polymer, with fittings primarily composed of brass, known as yellow brass. These yellow brass fittings contain more than 15% zinc, which is at the heart of why these pipes are problematic.
The primary issue with Kitec plumbing stems from a process called dezincification. When exposed to oxygen and moisture, the zinc in the brass fittings leaches out, leaving behind a white, powdery residue inside the pipes.
This residue restricts water flow, reduces water pressure, and can eventually lead to pipe leaks. In many cases, Kitec plumbing systems have failed in less than a decade, causing significant disruptions for homeowners.
Kitec plumbing has been subject to previous class-action lawsuits, as well as recalls as early as 2005 due to its high failure rate.
Despite its initial appeal, Kitec's susceptibility to dezincification and other water chemistry-related issues makes it an unreliable and risky choice for modern homes.
How Can I Tell if My Home Has Kitec Plumbing?
Identifying Kitec plumbing in your home is crucial for addressing potential issues early. You can follow these simple steps to determine if you have Kitec pipes:
- Inspect Visible Pipes: Kitec pipes are often marked with brand names such as Kitec, Ambio Comfort, PlumbBetter, or IPEX and are color-coded: blue for cold water lines and orange for hot water lines.
- Check Around Plumbing Fixtures: Look under sinks, near the water heater, or in the basement for exposed plumbing. Pay attention to fittings and connectors made of yellow brass. Some Kitec brass fittings may be stamped with one of the following: Kitec, KTC, CSA B137.9/10, or ASTM F1974.
- Review Your Home's Records: If your home was built or renovated between 1995 and 2007, review building records or consult with the builder to confirm the type of plumbing installed.
Early identification of Kitec plumbing is essential for preventing costly water damage and plumbing failures.
What Are the Risks of Keeping Kitec Pipes?
There are several potential risks if you choose to keep Kitec plumbing in your home:
- Low Water Pressure: As zinc oxide builds up inside the pipes, water flow is significantly restricted, leading to low pressure throughout the home. For other systemic causes of low water pressure, read our Ultimate Guide for more details.
- Frequent Leaks and Water Damage: The leaching of zinc weakens the brass fittings, causing them to crack or fail entirely. Leaks from Kitec pipes can lead to extensive water damage, particularly in hidden areas like walls and floors.
- High Repair Costs: While individual repairs may seem cost-effective, they can quickly add up. The ongoing maintenance of Kitec systems often surpasses the cost of a whole-house repipe.
- Insurance Issues: Many insurance providers are reluctant to cover homes with Kitec plumbing due to its known failures, potentially leaving you without coverage for related damages. It is important to check with your insurance provider regarding coverage for your plumbing system.
Even if you haven't had a leak, you should still consider replacing your Kitec pipes. Given the many risks associated with them, replacing your outdated Kitec plumbing is often a more reliable and cost-effective solution in the long run.
What Are My Options for Replacing Kitec Pipes?
When it comes to replacing Kitec plumbing, homeowners typically choose between PEX tubing or copper piping. Both materials offer distinct advantages:
- PEX Tubing: Flexible, durable, and resistant to corrosion, PEX is a popular choice for modern plumbing systems. Its ease of installation often makes it a more affordable option, and it performs well across various water chemistry conditions, including hard water.
- Copper Pipes: Known for their longevity and reliability, copper pipes are another excellent option. They can withstand high water pressure systems, making them ideal for homeowners seeking a long-term solution.
The choice between copper and PEX for your home repipe depends on personal preference, installation requirements, and budget. While the majority of our repipes utilize Uponor PEX tubing, we also offer the option of American-made L-grade copper piping based on our clients' preferences.
For a more detailed breakdown, check out our article: Should I Repipe My House With Copper Piping Or PEX Tubing?
At Repipe Specialists, we offer a streamlined repiping process designed to minimize disruption. Most of our repipes are completed in a single day, with wall patching finalized on another day. Our team handles everything from permits to inspections, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Contact us to receive a free, fixed-price repipe quote from one of our local repipe consultants.
Get your free estimate today
With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
Receive a Free Quote for Your Kitec Replacement
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've permanently replaced Kitec plumbing in many homes across the USA using both copper piping and PEX tubing. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:
- Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
- Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
- Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
- Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
- Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
- Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.
Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote. Don't wait for a Kitec plumbing emergency—take the proactive step to secure your home with a reliable plumbing system today.