Do you want to determine if you have Kitec plumbing in your home? Identifying whether you have Kitec pipes is critical because of the many issues surrounding the product. This plumbing system deteriorates fast and can cause severe water damage in your home. It’s also worth noting that home insurers may also be hesitant to cover your home because of the Kitec plumbing. Kitec plumbing can also adversely affect your property’s resale value. So, if you are buying a new home, it’s good to inspect its plumbing to identify if there are Kitec pipes and take the necessary actions.
What to Look for in a Kitec Pipe?
To successfully identify Kitec plumbing, you should know the appearance of the piping. Most of the cold water Kitec pipes are bright blue, while the hot water tank ones are bright orange. Kitec pipes are also available in gray, blight blue, red, black, or orange pipes. You can also identify them through the most common brand names or manufacturers, including Kitec, Kitec XPA, PlumberBetter, WarmRite, IPEX AQUA, XPA, AmbioComfort, KERR Controls, and Plomberie Amelioree.
Where to Check for Kitec Plumbing
Some areas you can find Kitec plumbing in your home include a bathroom sink, kitchen sink, near the hot water tank, or laundry space where the fitting and pipe exists on your wall. Check for the words KTC or Kitec on all the visible fittings. You can also get a sticker on your electrical panel informing you that Kitec was used and your electrical system can’t be grounded on it.
Are the Kitec Pipes Close to Deterioration?
If you identify Kitec pipes plumbing in your home, you need to check if they are close to deterioration. This is necessary to ensure the water supply hoses or those carrying hot water won’t cause flooding and water damage to your property. Below are some of the things to check out.
Consider the Usage and Age of the Kitec Pipes
Consider the years your home has the Kitec plumbing. Besides, consider if the cold water pipes have been heavily used. Note that Kitec pipes have a lifespan of ten years or less. Heavy usage means water has gone through them, and moisture has also affected the fittings. These factors can lead to the quick deterioration of the Kitec pipes.
Check for Physical Signs
Though you may not see the entire kitec piping installed because they are hidden in floors and walls, you can also determine its state by looking at the exposed pipes. Check the exposed pipes under the kitchen or bathroom sink, water heater, washing machine, and mechanical room. If you find white and green formations on the fittings, this is a sign the Kitec plumbing system or copper pipes are deteriorating.
Reduction in Water Pressure
If you experience unexplained changes in water pressure or improper pipe draining, these may be signs that your Kitec pipes are about to burst or have premature pipe failure.
What to do When you Identify Kitec Plumbing
When you find Kitec Plumbings in your home, the best option is to perform a full replacement. The replacement can be costly because most Kitec pipes are under the flooring and behind the walls. The kitec piping must be accessed, meaning you must tear down and replace the walls and flooring. The overall cost is based on the size of your home and the work involved.
Why Replace Kitec Plumbing
To replace the kitec plumbing, you should hire a licensed plumber. It’s necessary to replace Kitec plumbing because of the following reasons:
High Corrosion Rate
Kitec system is highly susceptible to corrosion. The corrosion puts the hot water pipes at high risk of water leakage.
Adverse Health Effects
Corrosion of the Kitec pipes increases the risks of bacteria growth. When the bacteria move into the water supply you use, it can cause health problems in your family. This can lead to adverse health effects for your family.
High Risks of Pipe Burst
Kitec pipes are inefficient in handling high water pressure and can burst at temperatures above 1800F. Exposure to extreme temperatures and pressure puts the plastic piping and other pipes at an increased risk of bursting, leading to flooding in your home.
Insurance and Mortgage Issues
Kitec Plumbing fittings negatively impact the resale value of your home. It’s considered low quality, meaning the insurance coverage will also be high if the home insurance company accepts to insure your home. Prospective buyers may also be adamant about buying your property if they find out there is Kitec plumbing.