RSS

Does your home contain Kitec plumbing products?

Does your home contain Kitec plumbing products?

A class action was settled, and claims must be filed before January of 2020. A claims Notice can be obtained by visiting: www.kitecsettlement.com. Registration should be made with the settlement even if there are no problems.


Identifying Plumbing Involved in the Lawsuit

  • Its usually blue on cold water piping and red or orange on hot water piping. It may also be black, white or grey. Heating system piping is most often orange.
  • Piping named in the lawsuit includes the following brand names: Kitec, Plumbetter, IPEXAQUA, WarmRite, KitecXPA, AmbioComfort, XPA, KERR Controls or Plomberie Améliorée.
  • Fittings may also say Kitec or KT.
What is it?
  • Kitec® is a brand of plastic piping used in hot and cold water supplies to plumbing fixtures, and in heating systems with boilers. It was made from 1995 to 2007.
  • It is cross-linked polyethylene(PEX). It often has a thin layer of aluminum embedded between the inner and outer PEX walls. That type is called PEX-AL-PEX. The aluminum prevents oxygen moving through the pipewalls. Oxygen can lead to corrosion of boilers, for example.
  • PE-AL-PE or PERT-AL PERT are other piping labels that may be found.
  • PEX piping, including Kitec®, was popular because it was faster (less expensive) to install than copper. PEX continues to be popular for both plumbing and heating systems in homes.
The Issue
  • A class action lawsuit was issued in 2011against IPEX Inc., the manufacturer of Kitec®, alleging that the Kitec® System may be subject to premature failure and otherwise may not perform in accordance with the reasonable expectation of users.
  • The lawsuit includes other IPEX products in addition to Kitec®. Many of these are solid wall PEX pipes with no layer of embedded aluminum.
  • IPEX and their insurance company settled, and set up a $125 million fund to provide compensation for those with Kitec® failures.
  • One alleged issue is with fittings that contain high levels of zinc, resulting in corrosion and weakness overtime.
  • May result in leaks and water damage to the home.
  • May also result in clogging and poor water pressure and flow.
  • The other issue is dark spots and/or blisters forming on the pipe.
*Some insurance companies may flag this material as high risk. It is recommended to check with your insurer for any claims limitations or increase in premiums.

Comments:

No comments

Post Your Comment:

Your email will not be published
Copyright 2025 by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. All Rights Reserved.
Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA.