Kaidan Kaidan
3 months ago

Kitec is a plastic and aluminium water piping system that was installed in thousands of Toronto condos, townhomes and houses between about 1995 and 2007. It was promoted as a cheaper, faster alternative to copper, but its brass fittings and aluminium core can corrode from the inside, and fittings often fail without warning. A single failed fitting can flood a suite and the units below. POM Plumbing replaces Kitec and Poly-B plumbing across Toronto and the GTA, in single suites, whole houses and full condo buildings.
We replace Kitec with PEX-A or copper, open only small access points in walls and ceilings, pressure-test every new line and provide a letter confirming the Kitec has been removed for your insurer, buyer or condo corporation.
Kitec is a PEX-AL-PEX pipe: a layer of aluminium sandwiched between two layers of cross-linked polyethylene, joined with brass compression fittings. It was sold under several brand names, so the word Kitec is not always printed on the pipe.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Years installed | About 1995 to 2007 |
| Colours | Orange (hot) and blue (cold), sometimes grey or black |
| Fittings | Brass, often marked KTC or Kitec |
| Brand names | Kitec, KTC, XPA, PlumbBetter, IPEX AQUA, WarmRite, AmbioComfort |
| Main failure | Dezincification of brass fittings, corrosion of the aluminium layer |
| Class action | Settlement claims closed in January 2020 |
Kitec does not fail slowly like old copper. The brass fittings lose zinc over time (dezincification), become brittle and can crack, while high water temperatures and pressure speed up the corrosion of the aluminium core. The result is a sudden leak, often at night or while the home is empty.
Fittings can separate or crack without warning, especially on hot water lines and near water heaters.
Many insurers charge higher premiums or deductibles, limit water-damage coverage or ask for a replacement plan.
Buyers, lenders and condo corporations increasingly ask whether Kitec has been replaced.
Corroded fittings narrow inside, reducing pressure at taps and showers.
A leak in one suite can damage several units below, creating claims and disputes.
Replacing one fitting leaves the rest of the system aging at the same rate.
| Material | Pros | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| PEX-A (expansion fittings) | Flexible, freeze-resistant, fewer joints, fast install | Houses and most condo suites |
| Copper (type L) | Long proven life, rigid, specified by many engineers | Condo risers and building-wide programs |
| CPVC | Lower material cost | Limited uses, less common in Toronto |
A Kitec replacement is planned so you can keep living in the home. Most suites are finished in 1 to 3 days and most houses in 2 to 5 days.
In condos, Kitec often runs from the suite shut-offs to fixtures inside the unit, and sometimes in the building risers. We work with property managers and boards on single suites and building-wide programs: suite-type scoping, pilot units, resident notices, elevator bookings, short scheduled water shut-offs and suite-by-suite completion records. Residents normally stay in their homes and only the suites scheduled that day are opened. See condo and commercial plumbing.

Poly-B (polybutylene) was installed in many Ontario homes from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. It is usually grey, marked PB2110, and fails when chlorine in the water breaks the plastic down from the inside. Like Kitec, it is a common insurance concern. We replace Poly-B with PEX-A or copper using the same low-impact process.

Costs depend on the size of the home, number of fixtures, access and wall finishes. Typical Toronto ranges before tax:
| Project | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Kitec fitting or section repair | $350 – $900 |
| Condo suite, 1 bedroom | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| Condo suite, 2 bedroom | $6,500 – $11,000 |
| Townhouse | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Detached house | $10,000 – $22,000+ |
| Poly-B whole-house replacement | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Building-wide condo program | quoted per building |
Here are the steps we recommend when you find Kitec or Poly-B in your home.
Combine your re-pipe with other upgrades while walls are open, such as water service replacement, lead pipe replacement, a mixing valve or a new water heater.
With our company, you can be assured that we are fully licensed and insured to work on your plumbing and sanitation systems, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve.
We stand behind our work and offer the best warranty in the market. This means that you can be confident in our repairs, and if anything goes wrong, we'll be there to make it right.
We have over 20 years of experience in the plumbing industry, which means that we have seen it all. Our knowledge and expertise allow us to provide top-notch service to our clients every time.
We understand that plumbing repairs can be costly, which is why we offer affordable pricing without sacrificing the quality of our work. When you choose us, you can get the repairs you need at a price you can afford.
Kitec is a PEX-AL-PEX water pipe with an aluminium layer between two plastic layers and brass fittings. It was installed in Canada from about 1995 to 2007 and is known for fitting failures and corrosion.
Look for orange (hot) and blue (cold) flexible pipe with brass fittings under sinks, at the water heater and near shut-off valves. Markings may read Kitec, KTC, XPA, PlumbBetter, IPEX AQUA, WarmRite or AmbioComfort. A plumber can confirm it.
Kitec is not guaranteed to fail on a schedule, but failures are sudden and often cause significant water damage. Most insurers, buyers and condo corporations now prefer a planned replacement.
A one-bedroom condo suite typically costs $4,500 to $8,000, a two-bedroom $6,500 to $11,000, and a detached house $10,000 to $22,000 or more, depending on size and access.
Most condo suites take 1 to 3 days and most houses 2 to 5 days. Water is usually restored at the end of each work day.
No. The Kitec class action settlement claims period closed in January 2020.
Often, yes. Many insurers charge higher premiums or deductibles or restrict water-damage coverage for homes with Kitec. Replacement and a written confirmation letter usually help.
Kitec is approved for drinking water. The main concern is leaks and failures, not water quality.
PEX-A is the most common choice for houses and suites. Copper is often specified for condo risers and building programs.
No. Most homeowners and condo residents stay in their homes. Only the areas being worked on are opened each day.
Some small openings are needed. We plan routes through ceilings, closets and unfinished areas to avoid tile wherever possible and patch openings afterwards.
No. PEX is a single plastic pipe. Kitec is a multi-layer PEX-AL-PEX pipe with brass fittings, and the fittings and aluminium layer are the main problem.
Poly-B is grey polybutylene pipe installed from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. It degrades from chlorine and is a common insurance concern, so replacement is recommended.
A building-wide program is usually more cost-effective and consistent, but some buildings start with suites that have already failed. We help boards plan the approach.