If you’re a homeowner or buyer in Sun City Las Vegas, you may have heard whispers—or warnings—about Kitec plumbing. It’s a topic that sparks concern, confusion, and a lot of “what-ifs.” So, does all of Sun City Las Vegas have Kitec plumbing? The short answer: No, not every home—but many built between 1995 and 2007 could be at risk. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify Kitec, which neighborhoods might be affected, and what steps to take if you find it in your walls.
What Is Kitec Plumbing—and Why Is It a Problem?
Kitec plumbing is a type of composite piping system made from layers of aluminum and plastic (specifically, cross-linked polyethylene or PEX), bonded with adhesive. It was marketed in the 1990s and early 2000s as a corrosion-resistant, cost-effective alternative to copper. The system often features bright orange or blue plastic pipes with brass fittings.
However, Kitec was discontinued in 2005 after widespread reports of premature failures—pipes cracking, leaking, or even bursting due to accelerated oxidation (especially in hot water lines) and incompatibility with certain water chemistries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and multiple class-action lawsuits, Kitec plumbing has an average lifespan of just 8–10 years, far below the 25–50 years expected from standard plumbing systems.
💡 Did You Know? Kitec was manufactured by IPEX (a Canadian company) and installed in an estimated 100,000+ U.S. homes, particularly in warm-climate retirement communities like Sun City.
Yes—but not universally. Sun City Las Vegas, developed by Del Webb starting in the late 1980s, saw rapid construction between 1995 and 2007, precisely when Kitec was widely used by builders seeking affordable materials.
Homes built during this window—especially in phases like Shadow Hills, Paseo Del Sol, or The Reserve—are more likely to contain Kitec plumbing. However, not every builder or subcontractor used it. Some opted for copper, CPVC, or standard PEX.
Key Fact: Del Webb, the developer of Sun City, did not mandate Kitec across all models. Usage varied by contractor, lot, and even individual home.
🏡 Real-World Example: In 2022, a homeowner in the Paseo Del Sol neighborhood discovered Kitec after a minor leak under their kitchen sink. The orange pipe was clearly marked “Kitec” and “ASTM F1281.” A neighbor in the same phase had copper plumbing—proof of inconsistency even on the same street.
How to Identify Kitec Plumbing in Your Home
You don’t need to tear down walls to check. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Check under sinks (kitchen and bathrooms) and near your water heater.
Look for orange (hot water) or blue (cold water) flexible pipes.
Inspect the pipe surface for printed text:
“Kitec”
“IPEX”
“ASTM F1281”
“CSA B137.9”
Examine fittings—they’re often shiny brass with a distinctive shape.
If accessible, check your main water supply line in the garage or utility closet.
✅ Pro Tip: Use your smartphone flashlight and take a close-up photo. Zoom in to confirm markings.
⚠️ Warning: Even if you see only one orange pipe, the entire system may be Kitec. Hot and cold lines are often installed together.
Risks of Keeping Kitec Plumbing
Ignoring Kitec can lead to serious—and expensive—consequences:
Water damage from sudden leaks (average repair cost: $5,000–$15,000 per incident)
Mold growth behind walls due to hidden moisture
Insurance denial: Many insurers now exclude Kitec-related claims or require full replacement before coverage
Reduced home value: Buyers often back out or demand steep price reductions
According to a 2023 Nevada Home Inspectors Association report, 68% of plumbing-related insurance claims in Sun City involved Kitec or similar composite systems.
Kitec vs. Other Plumbing Materials: Quick Comparison
Feature
Kitec Plumbing
Copper
Standard PEX
Lifespan
8–10 years
50+ years
25–40 years
Failure Risk
High
Low
Very Low
Cost to Replace
$ (Full repipe)
$$
$$
Insurance Friendly?
❌ Often denied
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Common in Sun City?
Yes (1995–2007)
Yes (older homes)
Yes (post-2010)
What to Do If You Have Kitec Plumbing
Step 1: Confirm It Use the identification method above or hire a licensed plumber with Kitec experience.
Step 2: Get a Professional Inspection Ask for a full plumbing assessment—not just a visual check. Thermal imaging can detect hidden moisture.
Step 3: Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Ask if they cover Kitec-related damage—and whether replacement affects your policy.
Step 4: Repipe ASAP Full repiping with PEX-A or copper is the only reliable fix.
Average cost in Las Vegas: $4,500–$12,000 (depending on home size)
Timeline: 2–5 days with minimal disruption
🛠️ Local Insight: Many Sun City residents have used city-approved contractors like Las Vegas Repipe Specialists or First Class Plumbing, who offer free Kitec inspections.
Ask the seller: “Has the plumbing been updated since 2010?”
Look for repipe permits on the Clark County Building Department portal.
Avoid homes built between 1997–2006 unless plumbing records confirm replacement.
🔍 Smart Move: Include a clause in your purchase agreement: “Seller must disclose all known plumbing materials, including Kitec or similar composites.”
FAQ Section
Q1: Does every home in Sun City Las Vegas have Kitec plumbing? No. Only homes built roughly between 1995 and 2007 may contain Kitec, and even then, usage varied by builder. Newer or fully renovated homes likely have safer alternatives.
Q2: Can I just replace the fittings instead of the whole system? No. The issue lies in the pipe material itself, which degrades over time. Partial fixes won’t prevent future leaks.
Q3: Is Kitec plumbing covered by insurance? Most insurers exclude Kitec damage or require full replacement for continued coverage. Always review your policy or speak to your agent.
Q4: How long does Kitec last before failing? While designed for 30+ years, real-world data shows failures as early as 5–7 years—especially in hot climates like Las Vegas with hard water.
Q5: Can I sell a home with Kitec plumbing? Yes, but you must disclose it under Nevada law. Many buyers will demand a price reduction or insist on repiping before closing.
Q6: Are there class-action settlements I can claim? The main Kitec class-action settlement closed in 2018. Compensation is no longer available, so replacement is your best option.
Conclusion
So—does all of Sun City Las Vegas have Kitec plumbing? The answer is no, but enough homes do to warrant caution. If your house was built in the late 1990s or early 2000s, checking for Kitec should be a top priority. Early detection can save you thousands in water damage, insurance headaches, and resale complications.
Don’t wait for a leak to act. Inspect, confirm, and repipe if needed—it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your Sun City home.
👉 Found this helpful? Share it with a neighbor or on Facebook! Many Sun City residents still don’t know the risks of Kitec—your share could help someone avoid a plumbing disaster.
Leave a Reply