As with most other technology, plumbing and home water services and equipment have improved substantially over the years.
However, if your home or apartment building was built or renovated between 1995 and 2007, you may want to keep reading. You could have a ticking time bomb laying just behind your walls on the verge of bursting, potentially causing significant and costly damage.
This potential hazard is because, particularly with plumbing and home water services, one of the most common materials used during construction and renovations during these years was Kitec plumbing.
What's the issue with Kitec, you may ask? Don't worry. We'll explain.
What is Kitec plumbing?
In simple terms, Kitec plumbing is a polymer pipe frequently used in homes between 1995 and 2007. It comprises five layers of metal, plastics and resin adhesives, with brass fittings.
While it was considered a cheaper and more efficient alternative to copper piping at the time, industry workers and homeowners alike unfortunately discovered that this pipe type is prone to cracking and spontaneously bursting.
This fault in design can and has caused significant damage. Additionally, the resulting destruction isn't necessarily localized to just the leaks and flooding itself. It can also cause consequential damage by potentially promoting mould and mildew growth.
These issues became so prominent and common, in fact, that there was a Kitec recall in 2005 due to its accelerated corrosion rate. This initial recall suggested that the average lifespan of this piping would be roughly 10 years. However, many industry professionals assert that the unreliability of Kitec plumbing will likely lead homeowners with it installed to experience premature pipe failure.
This damage can be extensive and incredibly expensive to repair. We at Total Restoration Services recently experienced such an example of a faulty Kitec failure in a multi-unit apartment building we’re currently working on, resulting in over $1 million in damages due to the failure of the Kitec pipe pressurized sprinkler system.
Why is Kitec plumbing unreliable?
The fault of Kitec plumbing boils down to its design. The brass fittings that connect the piping contain high levels of zinc, a mineral prone to breaking down when exposed to moisture and oxygen, creating zinc oxide.
This zinc oxide causes blockages in the pipes, resulting in bursting.
Aside from this innate flaw, the pipes can only handle temperatures of a maximum of 180°F (82°C). However, many hot water tanks can exceed this maximum temperature, causing the pipes to break down further.
Legal issues
The issues with Kitec plumbing became so frequent that the manufacturer, IPEX, came under legal scrutiny as a result of multiple class action lawsuits both in the United States and Canada comprising several disgruntled customers who experienced extensive damage in their homes due to having it installed.
While IPEX denied any severe issues with its piping's composition, the pipes were recalled, and IPEX and its insurance company had to set up a $125 million fund to compensate those with Kitec failures.
What can I do if I have Kitec plumbing in my home?
There are easy ways to tell whether your home contains Kitec piping. It typically has distinctive orange, blue, and sometimes grey, colouring with brass fittings.
Additionally, look out for any of the following brand names on the pipes:
- AmbioComfort
- AQUA
- KERR Controls
- IPEX
- Plomberie Amelioree
- PlumbBetter
- WarmRite
- XPA
In terms of plausible solutions, if you find Kitec plumbing in your home, the only real reliable fix is completely replacing this type of plumbing with copper pipes and fittings. While it may sound costly and can be a big job, it is the only surefire way to prevent pipe failure, sudden bursts and extensive water damage that could end up costing you more in the long run.