How does it work?
The blue pipes carry cold water, and the orange pipes carry hot water through a home. The orange pipes are also used in radiant heating systems. The pipes were made from polyethylene and a thin inner layer of aluminum. Brass fittings are used to join the pipes together.
What should you do when something goes wrong?
The two most common issues with Kitec plumbing are:
- It can’t take the heat. The orange pipes were only certified to run at a maximum temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit, but hot water tanks can run hotter than this. The higher heat causes the pipes to deteriorate.
- Deteriorates under pressure: High water pressure can cause these pipes to fail.
- It will dezincify. Kitec plumbing fittings are made of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. When zinc is exposed to oxygen and moisture, it tends to corrode (dezincification). When this happens, zinc oxide forms blockages in the pipes that result in restricted water flow, and ultimately breakage and leaks.
One of the problems with Kitec plumbing is that the pipes won’t just leak, but are quite likely to burst causing a flood. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear as though there are any actions a homeowner can take to prevent the pipes from rupturing. The only solution is to replace the entire system.
Class action lawsuits were filed in Canada and the US and recalls began in 2005. IPEX, the manufacturer, and its insurer deny that the system is defective but agreed to a $125 million settlement. This settlement fund is intended to pay for repairs in homes where the Kitec plumbing systems failed. Claims can be made until the year 2020. Any funds remaining after 2020 will be distributed to those who own homes with Kitec plumbing systems that have not failed. In both cases, the homeowners must file a claim through the Kitec Settlement claim form.
What can you do to maintain your Kitec plumbing?
Some plumbing experts say the question is not IF your Kitec plumbing will leak, but WHEN it will leak. If you have Kitec plumbing in your home, you may want to call in a licensed plumber or certified home inspector to take a look. In the end, you may have to replace all your piping and fittings. Kitec plumbing replacement costs for a one-bedroom suite can exceed $6,500.
What is the life expectancy?
Kitec pipes were used in homes starting in 1995. The first fitting recalls occurred in 2005, which suggests that the average life expectancy is somewhere short of 10 years.
What will your home insurance company want to know?
Home insurers definitely want to know what kind of plumbing you have in your home, especially if you plan on buying a home with Kitec plumbing. If that particular type of pipe is prone to leaking, they may refuse to insure you. Or they may insure your home, but increase your deductible or decline to cover losses caused by a malfunction in your plumbing system. Determine what type of plumbing you have in your home, and be honest with your insurance agent. You don’t want to have coverage denied in the event of a loss because incorrect information was supplied at the time of application.
The right insurer will work with you to provide the best coverage possible. If you do need to have your plumbing replaced, you can consider it an investment in your home, and your peace of mind.
Will my home insurance cover Water Damage from burst plumbing?
Typically, home insurance policies include coverage for any sudden or accidental escape of water in your home, including ruptured water lines, or overflowing appliances. This is why insurance companies ask what type of plumbing you have in your home. They need to be able to accurately assess the risk in order to charge the right rates and provide you with the right coverage. Sometimes, depending on your plumbing situation, a company may not be able to insure you at all, and you’ll need to shop around, and likely pay a higher rate, if you can find coverage at all.
Don’t let this tempt you to tell a little white lie to your insurance broker. This can be construed as “misrepresentation” and can void your policy when it is discovered. Your best course is to always tell the truth. If you discover that the only solution is to replace your plumbing, the expense will be a lot less than finding out, after a loss, that you have no insurance coverage!
When you have a policy in place, remember that there are always exclusions and limitations. Always read your policy wording, with an emphasis on any water exclusions. You can contact your insurance agent or broker if you have any questions. In most cases, there is a requirement that you either shut off your main water supply, or arrange to have your home checked daily, if you are going to be away more than a few days during the winter. If you fail to do this, damage caused by frozen or burst plumbing may not be covered. The requirements differ from one company to the next, so before you go away on vacation, you would be wise to give your broker a call to make sure you’re complying, and that coverage will be in place.
Other tips to prevent water damage inside your home:
- Know exactly what type of plumbing you have, especially if your home is older. Life expectancies vary, and as mentioned above, your insurance company will want an accurate picture of the risk they’re taking on. If your plumbing is past its “best before” date, you could be at risk of leaks, or even worse, bursting pipes.
- Check the grout in your bathroom. Water can leak through any small cracks, resulting in dampness behind the wall. This can lead to rot or mould, which is never a good thing!
- Think about installing a leak protection device on your plumbing system. Some of these can actually shut off the water, when it senses an inappropriate flow.
- Scout out any water in the basement after a big rain. If you see water anywhere, it could be because your foundation has some small cracks. You may need to make some repairs, or it could be time to install a sump pump. Maybe your window wells aren’t draining properly, and water has come in through the basement windows. This can be a fairly simple fix, so add this to your maintenance checklist.
- Check any water supply hoses on your appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashers. They usually come with rubber hoses that get brittle and crack as they get older. These can be replaced with stainless steel braided hoses, even if you haven’t yet spotted any cracks or other signs of wear. Keep in mind that all hoses have a life expectancy, so check with the manufacturer.
- Store valuable possessions high up on shelves, not in boxes on the floor.
