Answers (8)
Best Answer
- Darin Redding, "sdhomeinspector"
- Contributions:71
Kitec is a brand of composite pipe made from flexible aluminum encased in polyethylene plastic used in many homes for potable water delivery. Funny thing though, it is not the plastic that is known to fail but the brass fittings used to connect the pipe which fail due to a process called "dezincification" (google it to learn more). This in turn causes premature failure of the piping, reduced water flow, etc. Now the bad news: It is NOT repairable, will ALWAYS fail in due time and the entire system must be re-piped with an alternative material (but you already knew that bit). The good news is there are many reputable contractors around awaiting to do just that!
Two questions: First: How do you know it has Kitec? Second: The question is whether or not the inspector could have known that the property was piped with Kitec. Is the water delivery via the slab or are the pipes visible in the attic? If not visible sometimes your electrical panel will contain a small yellow sticker mentioning it's use.
Two questions: First: How do you know it has Kitec? Second: The question is whether or not the inspector could have known that the property was piped with Kitec. Is the water delivery via the slab or are the pipes visible in the attic? If not visible sometimes your electrical panel will contain a small yellow sticker mentioning it's use.
- A Top Notch Inspector, "topnotchinspect"
- Contributions:4
It is often difficult to indentify Kitec piping, however if it is exposed in the attic, the inspector should have noted it.
- Darin Redding, "sdhomeinspector"
- Contributions:71
aaacck,
Have you spoken with the inspector that performed the inspection on your house? I would start there.
Good luck!
Have you spoken with the inspector that performed the inspection on your house? I would start there.
Good luck!
- aaacck
- Contributions:8
no home warranty and my insurance company has denied my claim
- aaacck
- Contributions:8
I am positive this is Kitec for several reasons. In the attic I can see the red and blue kitec lines , they are very close to air handler and are out in the open. Although I didnt see a yellow sticker in my breaker panel, there is a sticker in my neighbors panel. But what really gets me, is that there has been a class-action suit against the mfg of Kitec and the builders who used this type of plumbing that was filed on February 15, 2006. There is an estimated thirty-five and fifty thousand that may contain Kitec® fittings. I purchased this property in Sept. 2007, Why would the inspector not know to look for Kitec. Especially since it was plainly visible in the attic. In the inspection report, the report states the plumbing supply and the plumbing distribution were inspected and are copper, which they arent. If it was marked "Not Inspected", it would be different, but it states copper.
Im not positive, but I think the main supply goes into the attic and hits a manifold to distribute to all the fixtures.
I had a detection done twice, both times it was pinpointed to the main bath in the house. I timed the water meter and there is water leaking at 4 gal./ min. I opened the wall and do not see any visible water after the main shutoff was on for about 20 min leaking at this rate. The wasnt any pooling of water at all. So, I am assuming the leak is under the slab. And it wouldnt be cost effective to break up the slab and say "Yep, theres the leak" and have to replumb anyway.
OK, now let me ask you, since you are in this industry
-What liabilities does the inspection company have since they clearly misrepresented the plumbing as being copper
-shouldnt they have been aware of the industry problems that were out there, since there was a class-action filed more that 1 1/2 prior to this inspection. They must have seen it before, if not seen leak damage related to the kitec problems.
I wouldnt have purchased this property had I known. The builder is out of business and I have no way of being reimbursed for the replumb.
All info would be greatly appreciated, thanks
Im not positive, but I think the main supply goes into the attic and hits a manifold to distribute to all the fixtures.
I had a detection done twice, both times it was pinpointed to the main bath in the house. I timed the water meter and there is water leaking at 4 gal./ min. I opened the wall and do not see any visible water after the main shutoff was on for about 20 min leaking at this rate. The wasnt any pooling of water at all. So, I am assuming the leak is under the slab. And it wouldnt be cost effective to break up the slab and say "Yep, theres the leak" and have to replumb anyway.
OK, now let me ask you, since you are in this industry
-What liabilities does the inspection company have since they clearly misrepresented the plumbing as being copper
-shouldnt they have been aware of the industry problems that were out there, since there was a class-action filed more that 1 1/2 prior to this inspection. They must have seen it before, if not seen leak damage related to the kitec problems.
I wouldnt have purchased this property had I known. The builder is out of business and I have no way of being reimbursed for the replumb.
All info would be greatly appreciated, thanks
- real estate mike
- Contributions:2001
I've never heard of a plumbing inspection.
- ZZipperhead
- Contributions:69
The homebuilders who used Kitec have been re-piping the homes at no cost to the homebuyer. Check with the builder to see whether they've got a program for this.
The inspector is licensed and bonded (or at least, I hope you used a licensed and bonded inspector). However, I'm willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that the inspection report disclaims liability for pipe fittings and other plumbing that is within the foundation or cannot be visibly inspected. If it can't be visibly inspected, then the inspector wouldn't know it's there. In areas and on homes where Kitec was known to have been used, it's always a good idea to get a plumbing inspection as well.
The inspector is licensed and bonded (or at least, I hope you used a licensed and bonded inspector). However, I'm willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that the inspection report disclaims liability for pipe fittings and other plumbing that is within the foundation or cannot be visibly inspected. If it can't be visibly inspected, then the inspector wouldn't know it's there. In areas and on homes where Kitec was known to have been used, it's always a good idea to get a plumbing inspection as well.
- real estate mike
- Contributions:2001
I would say speak with a certified real estate attorney. Is Kitec a p.v.c. product? Do you have a home warranty? summerlin? best of luck
Home Inspections
Stating a discriminatory preference in an advertisement for housing is illegal. If you think this content is discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate and feel it should be removed from Zillow, please let us know by completing the information above.
We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.