What is Kitec Plumbing?

Kitec Plumbing is a very contentious issue for condo buyers and owners. You might have heard about the issue of Kitec Plumbing, but aren't sure about the details. If you own a Toronto condo or are considering buying one, please take a moment to learn more about the problem.

Background: Originally an alternative to copper pipes, Kitec plumbing is made from polyethylene and aluminum. It was used in the construction of townhomes and condo apartments between 1995-2007. 

Problem: It is no longer used, as a result of how quickly it corrodes. Kitec Plumbing was actually promoted as being less corrosive, but unfortunately that turned out to be untrue.

It is, in reality, ultimately more likely to leak and lead to water damage. Many choose to hold off on replacing it if they haven’t experienced a leak yet. Others have paid out of pocket to replace it.    

What to know if you’re buying: 

• Sellers are NOT legally required to tell you if a property has Kitec Plumbing. 

• Ask about Kitec Plumbing: If you’re considering a condo built between 1995-2007, ask! Your Realtor can help you gain more information.

• Do a home inspection: If a property has/has had Kitec, factor that into your decision. 

What to know if you’re a condo owner: 

• To check for Kitec Plumbing: Look in the mechanical room, around the water tank, or under kitchen and bathroom sinks. Most Kitec pipes are orange and blue with Kitec or KTC marked on fittings.  

• The following brand names many be on the pipes: Kitec, PlumbBetter, IPEX AQUA, WarmRite, Kitec XPA, AmbioComfort, XPA, KERR Controls or Plomberie Améliorée.

• If you’re replacing it: The costs outlined in a star.com article project costs at $5000-6,500 for a 1 bedroom and $8,000-10,500 for a 2 bedroom.

• You can file a claim for payment in The Kitec Lawsuit. 

• NOTE: File a claim even if you haven’t had a problem yet. If you already filed and then a leak occurs, file a second claim.     

Kitec Lawsuit: You can join a class action suit for residents of Canada and the United States affected by Kitec Plumbing (See: kitecsettlement.com). There is a 125 Million US Dollar settlement fund.  

You have until January 9, 2020 to place a claim. Anyone who replaces the plumbing will have to pay for it themselves, since you can not receive any payment until that time.

If you do want to put an offer in on a property with Kitec Plumbing, you can consider factoring the replacement costs into your offer. Whether you do that or not, at least you can be informed from the beginning about Kitec Plumbing and what the potential costs could be. Don't rule out a condo you love because of its plumbing! Simply know about the issue and plan accordingly.