KITEC REPLACEMENT

Mainly the deterioration of the fittings, as well as the disintegration of the pipes themselves in some cases. In the resale market it appears that – as with homes containing UFFI in years past – there is now a stigma associated with homes containing Kitec piping. To amplify the problem, some insurance companies are now refusing to provide insurance, based on their own liability risk assessments, which makes these properties even less attractive.
The best place to look for a Kitec system is near the hot water tank or in the mechanical room where the pipe connects to, or exits from, the walls. Pipes are also visible beneath kitchen sinks or bathroom vanities.

Kitec plumbing systems have been shown to fail in two ways: the pipes can rupture and the brass fittings can deteriorate (due to dezincification). Both issues get worse with time, leading some experts to assert that failure is not a matter of “if” but of “when”. Remediation is the recommended course of action in order to prevent damage, by removal and disconnection of Kitec fittings and pipe, and replacing them with new plumbing (Uponor ProPEX® – a systems).

Kitec fittings are made of brass. Brass is a metal alloy made of copper and zinc. An alloy is a mixture of metals or a mixture of a metal and another element. Varying the proportions of copper and zinc can create a range of brasses with varying properties. Alloys are used in a wide variety of applications. In some cases, a combination of metals may reduce the overall cost of the material as it did with Kitec fittings. In other cases, the combination of metals imparts synergistic properties to the constituent metal elements, such as corrosion resistance or mechanical strength. In the case of Kitec fittings, the high composition of zinc, while enabling the product to be cheaper to cast due to increased malleability, unfortunately makes the product weaker as the zinc component leaches out over time with exposure to potable water. This results in a fragile, porous fitting that is expected to handle water under pressure, continually weakening over time.

♦ Mould growth

♦ Damage to property

♦ Injury from scalding

♦ Damage to neighbouring units due to water escape

♦ May result in leaks and water damage to the home

♦ May result in clogging and poor water pressure and flow

♦ The other issue is dark spots and/or blisters forming on the pipe

Kitec plumbing has been the subject of many lawsuits across North America, including a large cross-border class action which was concluded in 2011. A settlement fund of $125 million (all figures U.S.) was established, with $25 million going to the lawyers in Canada and the U.S., and $100 million being set aside for claimants who have until January, 2020 to file.
With an estimated 87,600 claims, the payout to each claimant will be nominal and the final amounts will not be settled until the expiry of the claims period in 2020.
If you have a property with Kitec piping, you should register in case you have a failure in the future. You have until 2020 to register. If you have a failure, document it and send the bill for repairs. You will get some relief, although you will not likely receive full reimbursement for the costs.

If it is just in the condo unit, the cost to replace it is between $5,000-$10,000. Averagely, estimated cost to replace the piping is $5.5k to $6.1k.

Experience the Difference when you work with ABM.  Call us today to obtain a free quote on time and cost required to have your Kitec plumbing replaced. We look forward in helping you solve this issue and render exceptional value and service.