Is Kitec Plumbing a Problem When Selling a House?

The idea of selling a house seems simple at first glance. You decide that it’s time to move on and then begin going through the steps of finding a real estate agent, cleaning and decluttering, and gathering information to determine your price and marketing strategy.

Then, because we are human and we can’t help it, we start to think about all of the possible things that could go wrong. Many of these fears are unfounded. Unfortunately, some real issues could inhibit your selling plans. One of these potential problems is Kitec plumbing.

However, before you begin going down the rabbit hole of panic and Googling all the Kitec plumbing lawsuits in Canada, it helps to arm yourself with information. In this post, we’ll answer questions like, What is Kitec plumbing, and how it could affect the sale of your home.

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What Does Kitec Plumbing Look Like, and How Do You Know if You Have it?

Kitec plumbing is a type of flexible, multi-layered piping that was used from 1995 to 2007. As an inexpensive alternative to copper, it seemed like a home builder’s (and buyer’s) dream.

Unfortunately, this dream soon turned into a nightmare for some people. By 2005, a few of the manufacturers issued recalls on the brass fittings due to problems caused by corrosion. Kitec plumbing was officially discontinued in 2007.

Kitec plumbing issues tend to be primarily focused on leaks, but in the worst-case scenario, there can be bursts or even significant water damage.

How to identify Kitec plumbing? Look for the telltale signs: colour-coded pipes — blue for cold water lines and orange (sometimes red) for hot water lines.

They may even have stamps on them labelled “Kitec,” or “KTC.” Alternatively, you may notice a sticker on the inside of the electrical panel door with a warning that says “Non-metallic interior water piping.” This means that the pipe cannot be used as a ground.

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Kitec vs. PEX

Kitec is a form of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), but not all PEX plumbing is Kitec. The key distinction is that Kitec also contains an aluminum layer and high-zinc brass fittings, a combination that makes it vulnerable to corrosion.

PEX piping, on the other hand, is one of the most popular plumbing materials used worldwide. It is considered safe and highly durable, with an expected lifespan of 40 to 50 years.

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How Bad Is Kitec Plumbing When Selling Your House?

There’s no getting around the fact that the presence of Kitec can result in fewer offers or buyers who are more hesitant than usual. No one wants expensive fixes shortly after moving in, and no one wants higher-than-average insurance costs, which can happen when Kitec plumbing is identified.

It can definitely be an obstacle, but it is not an insurmountable one. Before listing your house, you can call around for quotes on replacing the plumbing. Alternatively, you could factor in Kitec plumbing replacement costs when setting your initial listing price.

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The Importance of Disclosure

Kitec plumbing is generally considered a patent defect because it can be detected by a casual inspection by someone who knows what they are looking for. Nevertheless, if the seller has prior knowledge, it could be treated like a latent defect from a legal standpoint.

You may be tempted to hide the issue, but the real secret of a successful sale is full disclosure. By letting the buyer’s agent know ahead of time, you protect yourself from lawsuits or problems after the fact.

Of course, there is a little bit of a grey area here. If you know your house has Kitec plumbing and you don’t disclose it, you may not get in trouble if nothing bad has happened — yet. However, if your pipes have had leaks, there is no longer any question. You must disclose both the presence of Kitec plumbing and the leak it has caused. The only time you are off the hook is if you make all repairs ahead of time.

What are buyers really looking for? Read our blog: What Home Features Matter Most To Buyers to find out!

Should You Consider a Full Kitec Pipe Replacement?

The worst thing about Kitec plumbing isn’t just the possibility of leaks or even that you might have to take a lower offer on your home when selling. The biggest issue is the stigma — because you can’t fix that at any price.

That’s why, if you have the time, a full replacement is often the best solution. Though there is an investment involved, it can be worth it simply for the peace of mind. There will be no stigma because your buyer never needs to know that it ever existed. Completely fixing the issue is the best way to avoid all stigma, potential lawsuits, and ethical concerns.

The first step to a successful sale is to stay calm — and to stay calm, you need information. Although you can find a world of data online, the best source is likely your real estate agent and a qualified home inspector. If you have questions, pick up the phone and give us a call — we are happy to help.

Looking for the right Peterborough real estate agents to sell your home? Get in touch today by filling out the form on this page. You can also reach out directly by phone at 705-243-9797 or email us at team@jeffandkatie.ca.