Kitec plumbing is a type of plastic piping that was widely used in North America from the 1990s to the early 2000s. It was marketed as a cheaper and more efficient alternative to copper pipes, and was installed in many new homes and buildings during this time. However, it was later discovered that Kitec pipes were prone to failure, and that they could cause serious damage to homes and properties. In this blog post, we will be exploring Kitec plumbing and discussing the risks and issues associated with this type of piping.
What is Kitec Plumbing?
Kitec plumbing is a type of plastic piping that was manufactured by a company called IPEX. The piping consists of two layers: an inner layer of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and an outer layer of polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE). The piping was marketed as a more affordable and efficient alternative to copper pipes, which were traditionally used in home plumbing systems.
Kitec plumbing was widely used in North America from the mid-1990s until the mid-2000s. It was installed in many new homes and buildings during this time, particularly in areas where copper pipes were more expensive or difficult to obtain.
The Risks and Issues Associated with Kitec Plumbing
Unfortunately, Kitec plumbing has been found to be prone to failure, and can cause lots of damage to homes and properties. The piping is known to corrode and deteriorate quickly, particularly in areas with hard or acidic water. This can lead to leaks and bursts, which can cause water damage, mold growth, and other serious safety issues in your home. Kitec plumbing was also found to have a design flaw that can cause fittings to separate from the piping. This can cause significant water damage, as the fittings are often located in hard-to-reach areas, such as behind walls and drywall or under floors which would go unseen.
Kitec plumbing has also been found to contain high levels of lead, which can leach into the water supply and pose a serious health risk. Lead is a toxic substance that can cause a range of health problems, including developmental delays in children and neurological damage in adults.
What to Do if Your Home Has Kitec Plumbing
If you live in an older home and suspect that you may have Kitec plumbing, it is important to take action as soon as possible. The best course of action is to have a professional plumber come into your home to inspect your plumbing system and determine if Kitec piping is present. If Kitec piping is present, it is recommended that you have it replaced as soon as possible or follow direction given by the professional plumber.
Replacing Kitec piping can be a costly and time-consuming process, but it is necessary to prevent serious damage to your home and property. While it was marketed as a cheaper and more efficient alternative to copper pipes, it is prone to failure and can cause severe damage to homes and properties. If you suspect that your home may have Kitec plumbing, it is essential to have it inspected by a professional plumber and replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.