Kitec is a particular brand of PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) plumbing manufactured in Canada from 1995 to 2007.
The main problem with Kitec pipes involves the fittings, which tend to be vulnerable to corrosion and damage. The damage in the fittings causes failure in the pipe itself and not just the connections. This is due to too much lead in the brass used in the connections that causes a process called dezincification.
Dezincification is the process by which zinc leaches from the brass in the fittings causing a powdery buildup. Over time, this buildup puts pressure on the system, which usually causes the pipes to burst at some point.
Residences that have this brand plumbing will usually require a complete Kitec plumbing replacement. This repipe process will often involve cutting into walls to get to the pipe to be replaced.
To you know if you have Kitec plumbing in your residence, look for the word “Kitec” or the letters “KTC” stamped on the brass fittings that connect the pipes. The Kitec pipes themselves normally run in pairs of orange and blue pipes. If you suspect that your property may have Kitec piping, you should call an experienced plumber or pipe replacement expert for an assessment.
There is a nationwide class-action lawsuit against the manufacture of Kitec. For more information about that, visit www.kitecsettlement.com. The lawsuit has resulted in a settlement of $125 million to be paid out to class members for the repair of homes and buildings that used Kitec plumbing.
SageWater has the experience and the unified teams to provide complete turnkey pipe replacement for any residence that has Kitec plumbing. All of our team members are direct employees, rather than sub-contractors, so you can have confidence that we will get the Kitec plumbing replacement job done right, on time and on budget.