Key Takeaways
- Kitec is an orange-and-blue plastic pipe installed between 1995 and 2007 — it fails prematurely because its brass fittings corrode in certain water conditions.
- When Kitec fails, it fails hard — pinhole leaks or full joint failures with serious water damage.
- It’s not a question of if, but when — factor replacement costs ($8,000–$15,000) into any offer on a home that has it.
- There was a class action settlement; check kiteclawsuit.com to see if the property may qualify.
Kitec is a type of plastic plumbing pipe made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) with an aluminum layer sandwiched inside. It was manufactured between 1995 and 2007 and marketed as a cheaper, easier-to-install alternative to copper — corrosion-resistant, flexible, and suitable for both hot and cold water supply as well as in-floor radiant heating.
It was installed in a significant number of homes across Canada. If your home was built or replumbed between 1995 and 2007, there's a reasonable chance it has Kitec.
What's the problem?
In 2011, a class action lawsuit was filed against IPEX Inc., the manufacturer of Kitec, alleging that the pipes and — critically — their brass fittings were prone to premature failure. Two specific problems have been identified:
- Dezincification of the fittings: The brass fittings used with Kitec have a high zinc content. Under certain water chemistry conditions (which are common), zinc leaches out of the brass, leaving a porous, weakened structure that can crack or fail suddenly.
- Pipe degradation: The pipes themselves are rated to a maximum of 180°F. There have been documented cases of pipes deteriorating when this temperature is approached or exceeded — particularly in radiant heating applications.
When Kitec fails, it doesn't just drip. It can burst — releasing high-pressure hot water and causing catastrophic water damage. Imagine you're away for a weekend when a Kitec fitting in your second-floor bathroom lets go. Two days of water flowing through every level of your home.
How to identify Kitec
Kitec pipe is typically orange (for hot water lines) and blue (for cold water lines), though it also came in other colours including grey, red, and black. The brand name "Kitec" or "IPEX" is often stamped on the pipe itself. The fittings are brass, often with a greenish oxidation, and typically marked with the Kitec logo.
Check the exposed pipes in your utility room, under sinks, and at the manifold (if you have a radiant system). A licensed plumber can give you a definitive identification.
The settlement
The class action lawsuit resulted in a settlement fund to compensate Canadian homeowners for replacement costs. As of July 2025, the settlement has been fully completed and no further payments are being issued. You can review the history and details at kitecsettlement.com.
What to do
The honest advice is: replace it. The question is when and how urgently. If your Kitec appears to be in good condition (no discolouration, no mineral deposits on fittings, no history of leaks), you may have time to plan a proper replacement rather than an emergency one. Have a licensed plumber inspect and assess the condition. Get it on your radar and budget for it.
Full replacement involves opening walls and ceilings to access the pipes — it's not a small job. But a burst Kitec fitting causing two days of water damage is a very much larger job.
If you're buying a home: Ask directly whether there is Kitec plumbing. It should be disclosed. If it's present, factor replacement costs into your offer and negotiation — and verify the condition with a plumber before closing.