Kitec Plumbing: What Homeowners in San Antonio and Austin Need to Know

What is KITEC plumbing?

Kitec plumbing was introduced between 1995 and 2007 as a cheaper and easier-to-install alternative to copper. This system uses flexible polyethylene and aluminum pipes, usually colored blue and orange, along with brass fittings. However, Kitec is no longer manufactured due to several significant issues. Recalls on Kitec plumbing started in 2005 and the claim deadline was January 2020.

Problems with Kitec Plumbing:

Kitec plumbing, both the piping and the connections, can randomly burst without warning and flood your home.  Many home owners have lost thousands of dollars due to many insurance plans not covering this type of flooding in houses.

Heat Sensitivity: The orange Kitec pipes were certified for hot water. Kitec plumbing often failed in commercial use due to its limit of 180 degrees and many commercian or industrial operations use water at much higher temperatures. 

Pressure Issues: High water pressure over 80 PSI can also cause Kitec pipes to fail and burst.

Fittings Have Dezincification and Blockages: The brass fittings used in Kitec systems contain zinc. When exposed to oxygen and moisture, the zinc corrodes, forming zinc oxide. This process, known as dezincification, creates blockages within the pipes, restricting water flow and increasing the risk of pipe breakage.  Chemicals commonly used by city municipalities also contributed to corrosion in Kitec Plumbing fittings causing sudden failure.

THE FITTINGS FOR KITEK PLUMBING ARE NO LONGER MADE making repairs near impossible since the size of this type of plumbing isn’t compatible with common plumbing fittings.

ALL of this is further complicated by San Antonio and Austin hard water. Hard water has sandy-like sediment that wears out the inside of your home’s plumbing over time. KITEC is very vulnerable in a hard water environment.

How can home owners see if they have Kitec Plumbing in their homes? How to Check for Kitec Plumbing:

Locate Plumbing Pipes: Start by checking areas where plumbing pipes are visible, such as under sinks, near the water heater, and in the basement, utility room or in some cases, in your home’s attic.

Look for Blue and Orange Pipes: Kitec pipes are often blue (for cold water) and orange (for hot water). However, they may also be black or grey. See the photos in ths blog for some examples of Kitec plumbing typical in San Antonio and Austin area.

Check for “Kitec” or “KT” Markings: Look for the word “Kitec” or the initials “KT” printed on the pipes. These markings may be faint, so look closely.

Inspect Fittings: Kitec systems often use brass fittings. Examine these fittings for the word “Kitec” or “KT.” Be aware that dezincification can cause these fittings to look corroded or have a white, powdery residue. (see photos)

There was a class-action lawsuit against Kitec however it ended in 2020.

There are still many houses that still have Kitec Plumbing because not all home owners were made aware of this lawsuit – especially in the following areas: San Antonio, Lakeway, Boerne, Spring Branch, Austin, Bulverde, Hollywood Park, Leon Valley, Fair Oaks Ranch, Castle Hills, Shavano Park, Alamo Heights, Cibolo, Schertz, Selma, Converse, Kirby, Garden Ridge, New Braunfels, Helotes, Castroville, Devine, La Vernia, China Grove, Timberwood Park, Seguin, Marion, St Hedwig, Live Oak, Windcrest, Elmendorf, Somerset, Balcones Heights, Terrell Hills, Von Ormy, Grey Forest TX.

If you have Kitec plumbing in your home in the San Antonio or Austin areas, it’s important to be aware of these potential problems. Consider consulting with one of our friendly licensed plumbers with Air & Plumbing Today to assess your plumbing system and discuss options for replacement.