Is IPEX the same as kitec?

KITEC is a brand of water supply pipe and brass fitting which was manufactured by Canadian pipe manufacturer IPEX. The brass fittings were produced from 1995 until 2005, when IPEX issued a recall on the fittings due to failures. IPEX settled a class action lawsuit in Clark County for $90 million in 2009.

How do you identify kitec fittings?

Most Kitec plumbing can be identified by its bright orange (hot water) and bright blue (cold water), which were the most common colours; however, it was also sold in red, blue, gray and black.

Can you use PEX fittings on kitec?

Although it appears to fit just fine (1/2 Kitec is actually metric but just happens to only be 0.005″ bigger on the OD than PEX, Copper & CPVC), we recommend using proper PEX-AL-PEX crimp or compression connections.

What is the problem with Kitec plumbing?

One of the problems with Kitec plumbing is that the pipes won’t just leak, but are quite likely to burst causing water damage. 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.

When was kitec banned?

2005
Kitec was marketed as a corrosion-resistant alternative to copper pipes and fittings, but was recalled around 2005 due to a tendency to corrode at an accelerated rate. It is no longer manufactured.

Is all kitec bad?

Although kitec piping was marketed as having a high level of resistance to corrosion, it was later found to be prone to an increased rate of corrosion. Another reason why kitec piping is bad is what the industry professionals call premature pipe failure.

What Colour is kitec plumbing?

The Kitec pipe is typically blue in color for cold water applications and orange in color for hot water applications. The pipe is usually marked with one of the following brand names; Kitec, PlumbBetter, IPEX AQUA, WarmRite, Kitec XPA, AmbioComfort, XPA, KERR Controls or Plomberie Améliorée.

Does insurance cover kitec plumbing?

Depending on the terms of your home insurance policy, you may be covered in the event of a flood caused by burst or leaking Kitec piping in your home. Some home insurers have been willing to cover all or part of the cost to replace Kitec piping to avoid having to eventually pay out a claim for water damage.

What can I substitute for kitec?

It is suggested to replace the KITEC piping with type “L” copper piping which will require access to each in-suite bulkheads and through the floor slab conduits.

What does IPEX stand for in KITEC plumbing?

The side of the pipe is typically marked “IPEX” and the fittings, stamped “Kitec”, may be recognized by looking at the pipe and fittings. The Sun City Association’s 4/19 e-mail included a link: ” this listing ” which lists all of the homes in SCLH and states whether or not they have Kitec plumbing.

What kind of pipes are used in KITEC?

The pipes are made of polyethylene with a thin layer of aluminum. The Kitec plumbing system usually consists of blue and orange flexible piping and brass fittings. Kitec plumbing was used as piping for drinking water, as wells in for under-floor heating systems, and hot water baseboard heaters.

Where to look for KITEC plumbing fittings in your home?

Heating system piping is most often orange. – Piping named in the lawsuit includes the following brand names: Kitec, Plumbetter, IPEX AQUA, WarmRite, Kitec XPA, AmbioComfort, XPA, KERR Controls or Plomberie Améliorée. – Fittings may also say Kitec or KT. Where to Look – Near the hot water tank or near the boiler.

Why are the brass fittings on KITEC not working?

Kitec, with its color-coded piping (blue for cold, orange for hot) seemed like an idea whose time had come. However, the alleged failure of brass fittings is casting a pall over even that. Whether the fittings failure is a result of a bad batch, or a more systemic problem has yet to be determined.

The side of the pipe is typically marked “IPEX” and the fittings, stamped “Kitec”, may be recognized by looking at the pipe and fittings. The Sun City Association’s 4/19 e-mail included a link: ” this listing ” which lists all of the homes in SCLH and states whether or not they have Kitec plumbing.

Is there a problem with KITEC pipe fittings?

Whether the fittings failure is a result of a bad batch, or a more systemic problem has yet to be determined. The fact remains however, that there is the possibility of homes in the US, numbering into the thousands, which could have Kitec pipe and fittings, given that the product has been around for some 10 or 15 years.

What kind of pipe is KITEC XPA pipe?

Rather than a single layer of pex tubing, the Kitec XPA pipe is in actual fact two layers of pex pipe, with a layer of flexible aluminum sandwiched in between. This feature not only affords the pipe added strength, but plumbers report it is easier to work with, in that it will not readily uncoil like standard pex pipe.

Who is the manufacturer of KITEC water supply pipe?

If you have not heard about ‘KITEC’ yet, you probably will sooner than later. KITEC is a brand of water supply pipe and brass fitting which was manufactured by Canadian pipe manufacturer IPEX. The brass fittings were produced from 1995 until 2005, when IPEX issued a recall on the fittings due to failures.