Did Centex Use Kitec Plumbing in Cabezon, Rio Rancho, NM?

If you’re a homeowner in the Cabezon neighborhood of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, you might be asking: Did Centex use Kitec plumbing in Cabezon, Rio Rancho, NM? This isn’t just a casual question—it’s a serious concern. Kitec plumbing systems, installed in homes between 1995 and 2007, are notorious for premature failure, leading to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs. If your Centex-built home falls within that timeframe, understanding your plumbing history could save you thousands—and prevent a potential insurance nightmare.

Let’s break down the facts, timelines, and actionable steps you can take today.

What Is Kitec Plumbing—and Why Does It Matter?

Kitec plumbing is a type of plastic-and-metal composite piping made from aluminum sandwiched between layers of plastic (PEX), with brass fittings. Marketed in the 1990s as a cheaper, easier-to-install alternative to copper, it was widely used in residential construction—especially by large builders like Centex.

However, by the early 2000s, reports of rapid corrosion, pinhole leaks, and system-wide failures started surfacing. The root cause? Galvanic corrosion between the brass fittings and aluminum pipe, accelerated by hot water and certain water chemistries.

In 2005, Kitec’s manufacturer (ICI Performance Products) issued a voluntary recall, and a $125 million class-action settlement followed in the U.S. and Canada. Today, many insurers refuse to cover homes with Kitec, or demand full replacement before issuing a policy.

⚠️ Key Fact: Kitec pipes are typically orange (hot water) and blue (cold water)—a unique color combo that’s a telltale sign.

For more background, see the Kitec plumbing Wikipedia page.

Did Centex Use Kitec Plumbing in Cabezon, Rio Rancho?

Short answer: Yes—likely in homes built between 1999 and 2007.

Centex (now part of PulteGroup) was one of the largest national homebuilders during the late 1990s and early 2000s. To cut costs and speed up construction, many Centex divisions nationwide—including in fast-growing areas like Rio Rancho, NM—installed Kitec plumbing in mid-tier housing developments.

The Cabezon neighborhood, developed primarily in the early-to-mid 2000s, aligns precisely with Kitec’s active installation window. Multiple homeowner reports, real estate disclosures, and local plumbing contractors in Rio Rancho have confirmed Kitec presence in Cabezon Centex homes.

📌 Case Example: In 2018, a Rio Rancho homeowner filed an insurance claim after a Kitec pipe burst in their 2003 Centex-built Cabezon home—resulting in $28,000 in water damage. The insurer later required full repipe before renewing coverage.

While Centex didn’t use Kitec in every home, the likelihood is high if your house was built between 1999 and 2007 and shows the signature blue/orange piping.

How to Tell If Your Cabezon Home Has Kitec Plumbing

Don’t panic—identification is straightforward. Here’s how to check:

Step-by-Step Identification Guide

1. Check under sinks, near water heaters, or in utility closets for visible piping.
2. Look for color:
   • Orange or red = hot water
   • Blue = cold water
     (Standard PEX is usually white, red, or blue—but not orange.)
3. Inspect pipe markings: Kitec pipes often have:
   • “Kitec” or “KTC” printed on the side
   • “ASTM F1281” or “CSA B137.9” standards
   • Manufacturer codes like “IPR” or “IPEX”
4. Check the fittings: Brass fittings with a dull gold or greenish tint (signs of corrosion) are another red flag.

🔍 Tip: If pipes are hidden behind drywall, hire a licensed plumber for a camera inspection. Many Rio Rancho inspectors offer this for under $150.

Risks of Keeping Kitec Plumbing (Even If It’s Not Leaking Yet)

Many homeowners assume: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” But with Kitec, that mindset is risky.

Common Failure Timelines

Even if your system seems fine, internal degradation is often invisible. Water chemistry in Rio Rancho (moderately hard, pH ~7.8) can accelerate corrosion.

Insurance & Resale Impact

• Insurance denials: Farmers, State Farm, and others now exclude Kitec-related claims.
• Home sale delays: Buyers’ inspectors routinely flag Kitec. In New Mexico, sellers must disclose known defects—including plumbing type.
• Appraisal issues: Appraisers may downgrade value if Kitec is present and unreplaced.

What to Do If You Confirm Kitec in Your Centex Cabezon Home

Don’t wait for a leak. Take these proactive steps:

1. Document Everything

• Take photos of pipes and fittings.
• Note installation locations (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry).

2. Contact Your Homeowners Insurance

• Ask: “Do you cover Kitec-related damage?”
• If not, request a written exclusion notice—this may help with future claims or settlements.

3. Get a Professional Assessment

• Hire a plumber experienced with Kitec (ask: “Have you repiped Kitec homes in Rio Rancho?”).
• Request a full-system evaluation, not just spot checks.

4. Plan for Repiping

• Copper or PEX-A are top replacements.
• Average cost in Rio Rancho: $4,000–$8,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home.
• Some contractors offer financing or work with insurance if damage has occurred.

💡 Bonus: Check if you’re eligible for the Kitec class-action settlement fund—though most claims closed in 2017, some late filers in NM may still qualify under hardship exceptions.

Kitec vs. Modern PEX: Key Differences

FAQ: Did Centex Use Kitec Plumbing in Cabezon, Rio Rancho, NM?

Q1: How can I know for sure if my Centex home has Kitec?

Check visible pipes for orange/blue colors and “Kitec” labeling. If hidden, hire a plumber for a camera inspection. Homes built 1999–2007 in Cabezon are high-risk.

Q2: Is Kitec plumbing illegal in New Mexico?

Not illegal, but banned from new installations since 2005. Existing systems aren’t grandfathered for insurance or resale protection.

Q3: Will my home insurance drop me if I have Kitec?

Many insurers won’t renew or exclude water damage claims. Always disclose upfront to avoid policy cancellation.

Q4: Can I sell my Cabezon home with Kitec plumbing?

Yes, but you must disclose it under NM law. Buyers often demand price reductions or require repiping before closing.

Q5: How much does it cost to repipe a Kitec home in Rio Rancho?

Typical range: $4,000–$8,000, depending on square footage, accessibility, and pipe routing. Get 3+ quotes.

Q6: Are there class-action funds still available?

The main U.S. settlement closed in 2017, but some exceptions exist for undocumented late claims. Visit kitecsettlement.com (archived) or consult a NM construction defect attorney.

Conclusion: Don’t Gamble With Hidden Pipes

If you own a Centex home in Cabezon, Rio Rancho, built between 1999 and 2007, assume you have Kitec until proven otherwise. The cost of confirmation is minimal—but the cost of inaction could be devastating.

Your next steps:
✅ Inspect visible pipes
✅ Call a qualified plumber
✅ Talk to your insurer
✅ Plan for repipe if needed

Your home’s safety, value, and insurability depend on it.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with fellow Cabezon homeowners on Facebook or Nextdoor—someone you know might be sitting on a ticking time bomb!