HomeLibraryIs Kitec Plumbing a Dealbreaker When Buying a House or Condo?
Is it a dealbreaker?

Is Kitec Plumbing a Dealbreaker When Buying a House or Condo?

Short answer: not automatically — but go in with eyes open. Kitec is the orange-and-blue flexible pipe with brass fittings installed in many Canadian homes and condos from about 1995 to 2007. It was recalled and can fail, and the one thing many buyers get wrong is assuming the old class-action settlement will pay for it. It won't anymore.

The short answer

Kitec is a negotiating point that leans serious, especially in a condo. A repipe is a known cost and insurers increasingly flag it, so you price it in — but you can no longer count on compensation from the class action. Read the full guide to Kitec plumbing.

The class-action money is gone

The Kitec class-action settlement's claim-filing deadline passed on January 9, 2020. After that date, you can no longer get compensation for replacing defective Kitec. So if a listing or seller waves off Kitec by pointing at 'the settlement,' treat that as outdated — the cost is now the buyer's to plan for and negotiate.

Why it matters for insurance

Like poly-B, Kitec can fail and cause major water damage, and many Canadian insurers add water-damage exclusions, raise deductibles, or require full replacement to keep coverage. In a condo, one unit's leak can flood the units below — so ask the board whether the building has Kitec and any plan to replace it, and check the reserve fund.

What it costs to fix

Repiping a condo commonly runs $5,000–15,000+, and a large house can exceed $25,000, depending on size, access, and the finishes that must be opened and repaired. That's your negotiating number — get it from a licensed plumber.

How to handle it in your offer

Common questions

Is Kitec plumbing a dealbreaker?

Not automatically, but treat it seriously. A repipe is a known cost you negotiate, and insurers increasingly flag it — but the class-action compensation deadline passed in 2020, so you can't rely on that money anymore.

Can I still claim on the Kitec class action?

No. The claim-filing deadline was January 9, 2020; after that date compensation for replacing Kitec is no longer available. Budget the repipe as a buyer cost.

How much does it cost to replace Kitec plumbing?

About $5,000–15,000+ for a condo and $25,000+ for a large house, depending on size, access, and finishes. Get a licensed plumber's quote to negotiate with.

Does Kitec affect condo insurance?

It can. Many insurers add water-damage exclusions or require replacement, and a building with Kitec may face a special assessment. Check the reserve fund and any replacement plan before buying.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-07-02. This guide is general education, not a home inspection and not advice for your specific property — always consult the appropriate licensed professional, and get a licensed home inspection before you remove conditions or buy. Cost ranges are 2026 estimates that vary by region, size, and access.

Score a listing before you tour it

Casaroo analyzes any listing — scoring the bones and the appearance separately — free, in seconds.

Analyze a listing free →