Understanding the Risks of Kitec Plumbing
What is Kitec Piping? Why is it a Problem?
Kitec piping is a polymer-blend piping that has an aluminum center ring. It tends to react poorly with high-acidity water. When the water has a high zinc content and increased acidity, it causes a chemical reaction with the fittings—leading to failures. This became a widespread issue for homes plumbed with Kitec between 1995 and 2007.
Due to these problems, a class action lawsuit was filed against the manufacturer. As a result, Kitec was banned and is no longer used in homes. That lawsuit has since been closed, and unfortunately, there’s no longer any compensation available for homeowners with Kitec systems.
One of the largest risks of leaving Kitec in your home is the potential for failure, which can lead to extensive water damage—not just to the piping but to your entire property. The damage can happen anywhere the system runs—from the connection at your city meter all the way to the highest plumbing fixture in your home. This includes pipes in your slab, attic, or within your walls.
How can I tell if I have Kitec plumbing in my home?
A good indicator that your home might have Kitec piping is visual inspection. Look for exposed piping in the attic or near your water heater. You might see markings like “Kitec” or “Plumbetter” printed on the pipe. Sometimes, the pipe has a distinctive color or pigment—often an orange, blue, or grey metallic finish.
If you do have Kitec piping, the best solution is to repipe your home. We don’t recommend patching or partial fixes. Instead of removing every pipe (which could be invasive), we find new paths to install modern PEX piping—from your meter to the furthest fixture.
What kind of piping would you replace my kitec piping with?
PEX has become the standard for residential plumbing. It’s built to withstand harsh chemicals, minerals, and even severe weather, making it a much safer and longer-lasting alternative.
While most insurance companies do not cover the cost of repiping due to Kitec, we’ve occasionally seen exceptions. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s something to explore.
If you think your home might have Kitec, call us. We’ll provide a free estimate and take a look. The sooner you replace it, the better your chances of avoiding a costly plumbing disaster.