Kitec piping - What YOU need to know

Kitec Piping - A Real Problem

A fairly recent development in Newfoundland is the discovery of Kitec piping by some home home inspectors.  This a real concern to buyers, Realtors and Home Inspectors.   Heres what you need to know.

The problem:

Kitec piping can potentially have a problem with its fittings and in some circumstance with the actual pipe itself disintegrating.  It has been suggested that the disintegration issue may be related to hot water in the pipes being set at too high of a temperature.  This has not been confirmed however.

Essentially, Kitec piping consists of a thin layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of PEX plastic.  For this reason it was commonly referred to as PEX-AL-PEX.  With Kitec piping, an antioxident added to the PEX can rapidly deteriorate causing the separation of the PEX and AL layers, leading to corrosion and ultimately failure of the pipe.

How can you detect Kitec piping:

• It is often found in homes built between 1995 and 2007
• Kitec piping is made of plastic (PEX or cross-lined polyethylene) with alluminum insode.
• The following terms are often (but not always) associated with Kitec piping - PEX-AL-PEX, PE-AL-PE, Kitec XPA, Kerr Controls, ASTN F1281, CSA N137.9, ASTM F1974, Made in Canada by IPEX.  If you see these markings on the pipe you should have it checked further by a plumber.
• The vast majority of Kitec piping is orange.

What to do if you detect Kitec piping?

There was a class action lawsuit over Kitec piping in Canada.  If you see Kitec piing installed in a home, you should consult this site www.kitecsettlement.com  There may be an opportunity to be compensated if there has been a failure of the Kitec Piping.

Other points to be noted:

1. Expect the home inspector to note the presence of Kitec piping and then refer to a plumber for additional evaluation and recommendation.
2. Anticipate that the buyer will red flag the issue if Kitec piping is discovered. They may proceed with the sale but choosing to back out of the deal is a high probability.
3. Home sellers should disclose the presence of Kitec Piping in their home.  Realtors should encourage them to do so.
4. Insurance are quite likely to have issues regarding the insurance of a home with Kitec piping.

If I can be of service to you, please feel free to contact me. inspector@guardianhomeinspections.ca or call (709) 689-6454.  For additional information or to stay in touch why not follow us on Facebook, Twitter or check out our website.



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