Kitec plumbing is a type of piping system that was widely used in residential and commercial buildings in North America from the 1990s to the early 2000s. This type of plumbing was designed to be a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional copper piping systems. However, over time it was discovered that Kitec plumbing had a number of serious flaws that made it a dangerous and unreliable option for building owners and occupants.
The first major problem with Kitec plumbing was its tendency to crack and leak over time. This was due to the fact that Kitec pipes were made from a combination of plastic and aluminum, which are not as durable as traditional copper pipes. The plastic would become brittle and crack over time, leading to leaks that could cause extensive damage to the building and its occupants.
Another major issue with Kitec plumbing was its tendency to corrode and develop leaks at the fittings. The fittings used to connect Kitec pipes were made from brass, which is not as resistant to corrosion as other materials like stainless steel. Over time, these fittings would corrode and develop leaks, which could cause extensive damage to the building and its occupants.
In addition to these problems, Kitec plumbing was also found to be a potential fire hazard. In some cases, the plastic pipes used in Kitec plumbing systems would emit toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures. This could pose a serious risk to the health and safety of building occupants, especially in the event of a fire.
In response to these issues, many building codes and insurance companies began to prohibit the use of Kitec plumbing in new construction projects. Some local governments also passed laws requiring building owners to replace Kitec plumbing systems with more reliable alternatives.
If you own or occupy a building that was constructed with Kitec plumbing, it is important to take action to replace it as soon as possible. This will help to ensure the safety and reliability of your plumbing system and prevent the risk of leaks, corrosion, and other problems.
Replacing Kitec plumbing can be a complex and costly process, but it is important to find a reputable contractor who has experience with this type of work. They can assess the condition of your plumbing system and determine the best course of action to take. They can also provide you with an estimate of the cost of replacement and help you find the right materials and fittings to use.
Kitec plumbing was a popular and cost-effective alternative to traditional copper piping systems, but it was found to have serious flaws and safety issues over time. Building owners and occupants who have Kitec plumbing in their buildings are encouraged to take action to replace it as soon as possible in order to ensure the safety and reliability of their plumbing systems.
Posted by Frank Polsinello on
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