A short-lived alternative to copper
Kitec is a flexible plumbing pipe built from an aluminum core sandwiched between inner and outer layers of PEX, joined with brass fittings. It was sold roughly between 1995 and 2007 as a lower-cost alternative to copper. Over time, the brass fittings can break down through a process called dezincification, and the pipe itself can become brittle, which leads to leaks and, in some cases, sudden failure.
Mostly in hydronic heating
In Halifax-area homes, we most often see Kitec in hot-water baseboard systems and in in-floor radiant heating loops, rather than in the potable water supply. That does not make it any less of a problem. A failure in a heating loop can flood a finished basement or damage flooring just as quickly as a domestic water leak.
What to look for
- Bright orange tubing for hot lines and bright blue for cold lines. Some runs are red, gray or black.
- "Kitec" or "KTC" stamped on the brass fittings or printed along the pipe.
- A yellow caution sticker on the electrical panel noting nonmetallic interior water piping.
- Most visible near the hot water tank, in the mechanical room, and under kitchen sinks or bathroom vanities.
Why it matters
Beyond the risk of leaks or flooding, Kitec has real implications when you go to insure or sell your home. Insurers and buyers in Nova Scotia often ask about it directly, and replacement may be requested as a condition of coverage or sale.
Free estimates, careful replacement
Bremner's offers free in-home consultations to confirm whether you have Kitec, assess the scope of work, and quote a replacement. Our goal is straightforward: bring your system back into a condition your insurer and a future buyer will accept, with as little disruption to your home as possible.
Book a Free EstimateFor more background, the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission has published a guide on Kitec for buyers and sellers.