How Do They Repipe A House With Kitec Plumbing?

If you own a home built between 1995 and 2007, there is a significant chance your plumbing system contains Kitec piping. While it was once marketed as a revolutionary, cost-effective alternative to copper, Kitec has since become notorious for premature failures, leaks, and even burst pipes. You are likely here because you’ve heard the warnings or perhaps experienced a leak yourself, and you need to know exactly how do they repipe a house with Kitec plumbing.

The process isn’t just about swapping pipes; it is a critical restoration of your home’s integrity. In this guide, we will walk you through the professional repiping process, explain why immediate action is often necessary, and help you understand what to expect during this major home improvement project. Let’s dive into the details to protect your investment and peace of mind.

Why Is Kitec Plumbing Being Recalled?

Before understanding the how, it is crucial to understand the why. Kitec plumbing systems were widely installed in North America from 1995 to 2007. The system used flexible plastic pipes (PEX) with brass fittings. However, the brass fittings contained a high percentage of zinc, making them susceptible to a process called dezincification.

Dezincification occurs when the zinc leaches out of the brass, leaving behind a porous, weak copper structure. This leads to:

• Restrictive Flow: Corrosion buildup restricts water flow.
• Burst Pipes: The weakened fittings can fail under normal water pressure.
• Water Damage: Leaks can cause extensive structural damage and mold growth.

In 2005, a massive class-action settlement was reached, acknowledging these defects. If you have Kitec, you are sitting on a ticking time bomb. For more technical details on the material composition and failure modes, you can refer to the general overview of PEX plumbing standards on Wikipedia.

Step-by-Step: How Do They Repipe A House With Kitec Plumbing?

Repiping a house is a invasive but necessary procedure. Professional plumbers follow a strict protocol to ensure minimal disruption and maximum longevity of the new system. Here is the standard industry workflow.

1. Initial Inspection and Mapping

The first step is not demolition, but investigation. A licensed plumber will inspect your home to locate all Kitec components. Kitec is easily identifiable by its bright colors:

• Orange for hot water lines.
• Blue for cold water lines.
• Purple for reclaimed water (less common in residential interiors).

They will also check for the distinctive blue and yellow tags attached to the pipes. The plumber maps out the entire plumbing hierarchy, from the main shut-off valve to every faucet, toilet, and appliance.

2. Obtaining Permits and Planning

In most US jurisdictions, repiping requires a building permit. This ensures the work meets local codes (such as the IPC or UPC). Your plumber will handle this paperwork. They will also decide on the replacement material. The two most common choices are:

• Copper: Durable, resistant to UV light, but expensive and prone to pinhole leaks in acidic water.
• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): Flexible, resistant to scale and chlorine, cheaper than copper, and easier to install. Note: Modern PEX (like Uponor or SharkBite) does not share the same defective brass fittings as Kitec.

3. Shutting Down and Draining the System

On the day of installation, the main water supply to the house is turned off. The plumber opens all faucets at the lowest point of the house to drain any remaining water. This prevents messes during the cutting phase.

4. Removal of Kitec Piping

This is the labor-intensive part. Plumbers do not always remove every inch of old pipe if it is buried in concrete slabs (common in basements or slab-on-grade homes). However, all accessible Kitec piping is removed.

• Cutting: Using specialized tubing cutters, the plumber slices through the orange and blue pipes.
• Extraction: Where possible, the old pipes are pulled out from walls and ceilings. If a pipe is stapled tightly behind drywall, it may be capped and abandoned in place, provided it is completely isolated from the new system.

5. Installation of New Piping

The new piping system is installed using a “home-run” or “manifold” system, which is superior to the old trunk-and-branch method often used with Kitec.

• Manifold Setup: A central manifold box is installed. Each fixture (sink, shower, toilet) gets its own dedicated line running directly from the manifold.
• Benefits: This reduces pressure drops when multiple fixtures are used simultaneously and eliminates joints behind walls, reducing leak risks.
• Connection: If using PEX, expansion rings or crimp rings are used to secure connections. If using Copper, soldering (sweating) or press-fit fittings are utilized.

6. Pressure Testing

Before closing up any walls, the system must be tested. The plumber pressurizes the new lines with air or water to check for leaks.

• Standard Test: Typically, the system is held at 100 PSI for at least 15–30 minutes.
• Verification: Any drop in pressure indicates a leak that must be fixed immediately.

7. Restoration and Cleanup

Once the pipes pass inspection, the plumber (or a contracted drywall specialist) will patch the holes cut into walls and ceilings. This stage varies depending on your contract—some plumbers only patch small access holes, while full-service companies restore the drywall to a paint-ready state.

Kitec vs. Modern PEX: A Quick Comparison

To help you understand why the upgrade is worth it, here is a comparison between the old Kitec system and modern repiping materials.

How Much Does It Cost to Repipe a House?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is about the financial impact. While prices vary based on location, home size, and material choice, here are the current averages for the US market in 2026.

• Average Total Cost: $4,000 – $15,000
• Small Home (1–2 Bathrooms): $3,500 – $6,000
• Medium Home (2–3 Bathrooms): $6,000 – $10,000
• Large Home (4+ Bathrooms): $10,000 – $15,000+

Factors Influencing Cost:

1. Material Choice: Copper is typically 30–50% more expensive than PEX.
2. Accessibility: Homes with crawl spaces or unfinished basements are cheaper to repipe than those with finished ceilings and slab foundations.
3. Number of Fixtures: More bathrooms and kitchens mean more lines and labor hours.
4. Restoration: Drywall repair and painting are often billed separately.

Pro Tip: Always get at least three quotes from licensed, insured plumbers. Ask specifically if they include drywall patching in their quote.

FAQ Section

1. Can I just replace the Kitec fittings and keep the pipes?

No. While the fittings are the primary point of failure due to dezincification, the Kitec piping itself can also degrade over time. Furthermore, modern PEX fittings are not compatible with Kitec piping dimensions and standards. A full replacement is the only way to ensure long-term reliability and maintain home insurance coverage.

2. Will my home insurance cover Kitec repiping?

Generally, no. Most insurance companies view Kitec as a known defect and may exclude water damage caused by it from your policy. Some insurers may even refuse to insure a home with Kitec until it is replaced. However, if a Kitec pipe bursts and causes sudden accidental damage, your policy might cover the resulting damage (like ruined floors), but not the cost of the repiping itself. Check with your provider immediately.

3. How long does it take to repipe a house?

For an average-sized single-family home, the physical repiping process usually takes 2 to 5 days. However, if extensive drywall restoration is required, the total project timeline could extend to 1–2 weeks.

4. Do I need to leave my house during repiping?

You do not necessarily need to move out, but you should expect significant inconvenience. Water will be shut off for extended periods. There will be noise, dust, and workers moving through your living spaces. If you have small children, pets, or work from home, you might consider staying elsewhere for the 2–3 days of active construction.

5. What happens to the old Kitec pipes?

Accessible Kitec pipes are removed and recycled or disposed of according to local regulations. Pipes embedded in concrete slabs are often capped and abandoned in place. It is critical that these abandoned lines are clearly marked and documented so future contractors know they are inactive.

6. Is PEX safe for drinking water?

Yes. Modern PEX tubing used in repiping meets strict NSF/ANSI Standard 61 for drinking water system components. It is widely accepted by building codes across the US and is considered safe for potable water. Unlike Kitec, modern PEX systems use lead-free fittings.

Conclusion

Learning how do they repipe a house with Kitec plumbing reveals that while the process is intensive, it is a vital investment in your home’s future. The risks associated with Kitec—ranging from catastrophic water damage to lowered property value—far outweigh the cost of replacement. By switching to modern PEX or Copper, you gain a reliable, warrantied plumbing system that will serve your family for decades.

Don’t wait for a burst pipe to force your hand. Proactive repiping protects your asset and ensures your home remains safe and dry.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with your neighbors or on social media to help others identify potential plumbing risks in their homes. If you suspect you have Kitec, contact a licensed plumber today for an inspection.