What is Kitec?
Kitec
is a type of pipe that is made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a
type of plastic. The pipes use a metric standard of sizing making it
hard to find to find fittings outside of it's own manufacturer.
The problem is that the Kitec fittings were inferior, made with a
high zinc content which caused dezincifying. The zinc oxide
builds up and restricts water pressure causing very low pressure, or,
the fittings failed completely and caused flooding and water damage to
homes and property.
How to I tell if I have Kitec Piping?
Look for piping with different colors. Most Kitec Pex pipe was
color-coded. Blue for cold water, orange for hot water. Look for the
presence of a neon sticker on, or inside the electrical box
indicating the presence of Kitec Pex pipe, which has been used
extensively over the last ten to 15 years.
Additional Kitec News and Information
