4 Things To Know About Kitec Plumbing

Written by Mark Weisleder

Here are 4 things to know about Kitec plumbing and how to prepare when buying or selling a condominium:

Is Kitec really a problem?

Kitec is a brand of plastic piping used in hot and cold water supplies to plumbing fixtures. It was made from 1995 to 2007.  Usually it is blue on the cold water pipes and orange on the hot water pipes. Although it has been identified as perhaps weakening over time resulting in leaks and water damage, there have actually been few failures over the years. Still, the perception is that it is a problem and needs to be addressed.

Will Kitec affect the value of a condominium unit?

Carson & Dunlop suggests that a good guideline re repair cost is $5,000 for a one bedroom unit, $10,000 for a two bedroom unit and up to $15,000 for a three bedroom unit. The plumbing in the kitchen and bathrooms will need to be replaced. In addition, you need to find out if there is any Kitec in the common elements and whether that may also need replacing. In most cases, it may only be in bathrooms or kitchens in the party room or similar common areas of the building and should not cost that much to replace.

Should the existence of Kitec be disclosed?

Kitec should always be disclosed, as it is a material fact, especially if it is on the status certificate. In addition, every buyer should disclose this to their lender, as it could have an impact on a buyer’s ability to obtain a mortgage.

Is there any compensation available to people who have had to pay to repair Kitec plumbing?

If you have paid a plumber to remove Kitec plumbing, you have until January, 2020 to register a claim at www.kitecsettlement.com.  You will have to send them proof of the replaced pipe containing Kitec and copies of your plumbing invoices. However, there is not much left to be claimed from this fund, so be careful on relying on it for compensation.

Courtesy: Mark Weisleder @ RealEstateLawyers.ca