Kitec Plumbing
in Toronto
If you're buying a condo or townhouse built between 1995 and 2007, this is the one issue you can't afford to overlook.
What Is Kitec Plumbing?
Kitec is a type of flexible plastic piping that was widely installed in Ontario condos, townhouses, and houses from roughly 1995 to 2007. Marketed as a cheaper and faster alternative to copper, it was embraced by developers across the GTA — and it ended up in tens of thousands of homes.
The system uses cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing — typically blue for cold water and orange for hot water — with a thin aluminum layer sandwiched between the inner and outer walls, connected by brass compression fittings.
It was sold under several brand names. If you see any of the following stamped on fittings or pipes, you're looking at Kitec:
Why Is It a Problem?
The core issue is the brass fittings. They contain high levels of zinc, which corrodes over time through a process called dezincification. As the fittings break down, two serious problems can develop:
How to Spot It
Since plumbing mostly runs behind walls, the best places to look are areas where pipes are exposed. Here's where to check during any showing or inspection:
Replacement Costs
Replacing Kitec with copper piping is the standard fix — and the cost isn't trivial. Here's what you can expect to pay in Toronto:
The frustrating reality: the cost almost always falls on the individual unit owner — whether you arrange and pay for the work yourself, or the condo corporation coordinates a building-wide replacement and sends you the bill. Either way, it's your expense.
What to Do
Whether you're buying or already own a unit with Kitec, here's how to protect yourself:
If You're Buying
If You Already Own
Common Questions About Kitec Plumbing
Not necessarily. The presence of Kitec should be factored into your offer price and negotiation strategy. Many Toronto condo buyers have purchased units with Kitec and handled replacement as part of the transaction — negotiating a price credit, requesting replacement before closing, or budgeting for it post-purchase. The key is knowing it's there before you commit, not discovering it after.
Yes. If the condo corporation is aware that Kitec is present in the building, it is considered a material fact and must be disclosed in the status certificate. Your lawyer will review this document during the conditional period. That said, disclosure practices vary — always check the pipes yourself during your showing as well.
The cost almost always falls on the individual unit owner, not the condo corporation. Whether the building organizes a coordinated replacement program or you arrange it independently, the expense for your unit is yours. Some corporations have negotiated building-wide contracts to reduce per-unit costs, which is worth asking about before you buy.
Some insurers will cover Kitec units but charge significantly higher premiums. Others will decline coverage entirely or require replacement as a condition of renewal. Always confirm your insurance situation before closing — discovering a coverage issue after you've taken possession is a serious problem.
Check under the kitchen sink and bathroom vanities for orange (hot) and blue (cold) flexible pipes, and look inside the electrical panel door for a yellow sticker warning about non-metallic interior piping. The status certificate should also disclose it if the corporation is aware. A licensed home inspector or plumber can confirm definitively.
Standard Kitec replacement is plumbing work and is not covered by energy efficiency rebate programs. However, low-income homeowners may qualify for financial assistance through the City of Toronto Renovates program, which covers essential health and safety repairs. See our guide to home improvement incentives and rebates in Toronto for a full overview of what's available.
Have Questions About a Specific Building?
We know which buildings have Kitec, which have replaced it, and how to protect you when making an offer. Let's talk.
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