What is Kitec Plumbing

Kitec plumbing is a flexible plastic-and-aluminum pipe system commonly installed in North American homes between the mid-1990s and about 2007. The orange or blue pipes (and corresponding brass fittings) were once a cost-effective alternative to copper. However, over time they developed serious reliability and safety issues. Learn more

Key facts:

• Installed in homes 1995–2007.
• Components include aluminum composite pipe (PEX/Al) and brass fittings prone to corrosion.
• Subject of class-action lawsuits and manufacturer recalls.

Why It Matters to Homeowners & Real Estate

Owning or buying a home with Kitec piping can impact:

• Repair & replacement cost: Full repiping can run into thousands of dollars.
• Insurance coverage: Some insurers impose higher deductibles, limit coverage or decline policies due to Kitec risk.
• Resale value: Buyers and lenders may view Kitec homes as higher risk, which can lead to weaker offers and longer marketing times.

How to Identify Kitec Plumbing

Look for the following signs in your property:

• Orange, blue or gray piping, especially near hot-water tanks or mechanical rooms.
• Pipe markings such as “Kitec,” “KTC,” “XPA”, “IPEX” or “ATS M F1974”.
• Brass fittings showing white residue or corrosion.
• A homeowner’s checklist or inspection report noting “non-metallic interior water piping” warning sticker. 

Buyer & Seller Strategy — DMV Market Focus

For Sellers:

• If your home has Kitec, consider disclosing it upfront, budgeting for repiping, or adjusting your pricing accordingly.
• Goodhart Tip: Pre-listing, conduct a plumbing inspection, obtain quotes, and present your plan to buyers (to reduce buyer hesitation).

For Buyers:

• Ask specifically about Kitec in homes built circa 1995–2007; include language in your contract for a plumbing review.
  
• Goodhart Tip: Factor in repiping and remediation costs, especially in older properties in the District, Maryland, and Virginia.

Replacement Options & Costs

While removing and replacing Kitec piping is not trivial, many homeowners choose this route to eliminate long-term risk. Typical solutions include PEX repiping or full copper repipe.

Estimated costs: $4,000-$15,000+ depending on size, accessibility, and materials.
Insurance angle: Completing the repipe can restore full coverage eligibility and improve buyer confidence.

Why This Is Important in the D.C.-Area

Our local market is diverse and resilient, but older homes and high-turnover neighborhoods still face material risk. For listings in the DMV built or renovated during the 1990s-2000s, we recommend evaluating Kitec presence as part of the marketing strategy to avoid last-minute surprises or appraiser red flags.

How We Can Help

If you’re buying, selling, or holding a home that may have Kitec plumbing, we’re ready to guide you with clarity:

• Free review of inspection reports and disclosures
• Local contractor contacts and cost benchmarking
• Integrated strategy for your sale or purchase in the DMV market

Thinking about selling or buying a home? Get in touch by filling out the form below or reaching out by phone or email.

Sue Goodhart | sue@thegoodhartgroup.com | 703-362-3221

Allison Goodhart DuShuttle | allison@thegoodhartgroup.com | 703-266-7277

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