Stop Worrying About Your Pipes Bursting

If your home was built between 1995 and 2007, you might have Kitec plumbing waiting to fail. We replace defective Kitec systems with durable materials that protect your home, your insurance coverage, and your peace of mind.

Call: 530-499-2223
Licensed California Plumbing Professionals

Licensed California Plumbing Professionals

Every technician is fully licensed and insured, meeting all state requirements for safe, code-compliant Kitec replacement throughout California.

24/7 Emergency Kitec Response

24/7 Emergency Kitec Response

When Kitec pipes burst, we answer day or night. Fast response means less water damage and lower repair costs.

Upfront Pricing You Can Trust

Upfront Pricing You Can Trust

You'll know exactly what you're paying before we start. No hidden fees, no surprise charges, no games with your budget.

24 Years Serving Local Homeowners

24 Years Serving Local Homeowners

We've built our reputation on transparent service and permanent solutions throughout El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramento Counties since day one.

Professional Kitec Replacement Contractors

Kitec Isn't Just Bad Plumbing—It's a Liability

Kitec was sold as an affordable alternative to copper from 1995 to 2007. What homeowners got instead was a plumbing system with brass fittings that corrode from the inside out and pipes that can’t handle normal water heater temperatures. The result isn’t a slow drip you can catch early. Kitec pipes burst without warning, flooding homes and causing tens of thousands in damage. Insurance companies know this. Many won’t cover homes with Kitec, or they’ll hit you with higher premiums and deductibles. Real estate agents know this too—buyers walk away when inspections reveal Kitec, or they demand major price cuts to cover replacement costs. The only real solution is complete replacement. Patching leaks buys you weeks or months at best. We remove every section of Kitec piping and replace it with materials built to last 50-plus years—PEX or copper systems that won’t corrode, burst, or disqualify you from insurance coverage.

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Replace Kitec Pipes Before They Fail

What You Get When Kitec Is Gone

Replacing Kitec isn’t just about fixing a plumbing problem. It’s about eliminating a threat to your home, your finances, and your ability to sell your property when you’re ready.

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You'll sleep better knowing your pipes won't burst and flood your home while you're at work or on vacation.

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Your insurance company will stop treating your home like a high-risk liability with inflated premiums and deductibles.

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You can sell your home without losing buyers during inspection or accepting lowball offers to cover replacement costs.

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You'll stop wasting money on temporary leak repairs that don't address the real problem lurking in your walls.

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Your water pressure improves once corroded fittings and mineral-clogged pipes are replaced with clean, modern materials.

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You'll have a plumbing system designed to last 50 to 75 years instead of one that's already past its expiration date.

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Kitec Replacement Expert El Dorado County

Why Kitec Fails and Why It Matters

Kitec’s problems aren’t just bad luck or poor installation. The materials themselves are defective. The brass fittings contain high levels of zinc, which reacts with oxygen and minerals in your water through a process called dezincification. As the zinc corrodes, it forms blockages that restrict water flow and weaken the fittings until they crack or burst entirely. The pipes aren’t much better. Orange Kitec pipes were certified to handle water up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, but most water heaters run hotter than that. Constant exposure to high temperatures causes the pipes to deteriorate faster, especially on hot water lines. When they fail, they don’t develop slow leaks you can spot and fix. They rupture suddenly and completely, releasing gallons of water into your walls, ceilings, and floors. This isn’t speculation. Kitec was recalled in 2005 after widespread failures, and a $125 million class action settlement was reached in 2012. The deadline to file claims has passed, which means if your Kitec fails now, you’re covering the damage and replacement costs yourself. Industry experts predict that all Kitec systems will eventually fail because the defects are universal across every installation.

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Why Kitec Fails and Why It Matters
Replacing Kitec Plumbing El Dorado County

What's Included in a Complete Kitec Replacement

A proper Kitec replacement means removing every inch of defective piping and every corroded fitting from your home. We don’t leave sections behind or patch problem areas—we replace the entire system with materials that meet current California plumbing codes and will last for decades. We start with a thorough assessment to map out where your Kitec runs and identify the best access points. This minimizes the number of holes we need to cut in your walls and ceilings. Once we’ve planned the job, we remove all Kitec pipes and fittings, then install new PEX or copper lines throughout your home. Every connection is tested for leaks and proper flow before we move to the next section. After the new plumbing is installed and tested, we restore any drywall or surfaces we accessed during the work. That includes patching, taping, texturing, and painting so the finished result blends seamlessly with your existing walls. We also handle all permits and coordinate required city inspections, so you don’t have to deal with paperwork or scheduling conflicts. When we’re done, your water is back on, your plumbing is code-compliant, and your home is protected.

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What's Included in a Complete Kitec Replacement
Kitec Replacement FAQs

Common questions about our Kitec Replacement services

Kitec pipes are usually easy to identify by their distinctive colors—bright orange for hot water lines and bright blue for cold water lines, though some installations used gray, black, or red pipes. Check exposed plumbing near your water heater, under sinks, or in your basement or crawl space. The pipes and brass fittings are often stamped with “Kitec,” “KTC,” or “IPEX.” If your home was built or renovated between 1995 and 2007, there’s a higher chance Kitec was installed, as those were the years it was commonly used. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at or can’t access areas where pipes might be hidden, we can inspect your system and confirm whether you have Kitec. It’s worth knowing for certain, especially if you’re planning to sell your home or renew your insurance policy.

The cost to replace Kitec plumbing typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the size of your home, how much Kitec is installed, and how accessible your pipes are. A smaller home with straightforward access will cost less than a larger property with pipes running through multiple floors or hard-to-reach areas. The price includes removing all Kitec components, installing new PEX or copper piping, testing the system, and restoring any drywall or surfaces we need to access. Some jobs also require permits and inspections, which we handle as part of the process. We provide upfront estimates before we start any work, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying with no surprise charges later. While Kitec replacement is an investment, it’s far less expensive than dealing with a burst pipe that floods your home, causes structural damage, and leaves you fighting with insurance companies over coverage.

Most Kitec replacement projects take between two and five days depending on the size of your home and the complexity of your plumbing layout. Smaller homes with straightforward access can often be completed in two to three days, while larger properties or homes with pipes in difficult locations may take closer to five days. The work itself is done in stages—removal of old Kitec, installation of new piping, system testing, and then drywall restoration and finishing. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily routine, and in most cases, we can restore basic water service each evening so you’re not left without running water overnight. If you’re dealing with an emergency situation where Kitec has already failed and caused flooding, we prioritize getting your water back on and containing the damage, then schedule the full replacement as quickly as possible.

Insurance coverage for Kitec is complicated. Most homeowners insurance policies will cover sudden, accidental water damage from a burst pipe, including Kitec pipes that rupture without warning. However, they typically won’t cover the cost of replacing the Kitec system itself, as that’s considered a maintenance issue or pre-existing condition. Some insurance companies refuse to cover homes with Kitec at all, while others will insure you but charge higher premiums or apply larger deductibles to any claims related to the plumbing system. If you haven’t disclosed that your home has Kitec to your insurance company, you could face claim denials or policy cancellations if they find out later. The best approach is to replace the Kitec before it fails, which eliminates the insurance complications entirely. Once the defective plumbing is gone and replaced with modern materials, your insurance situation returns to normal with standard rates and coverage.

You can temporarily patch Kitec leaks, but it’s not a real solution. The problem with Kitec isn’t isolated to one section of pipe or one bad fitting—the entire system is defective by design. When you repair one leak, you’re just buying time until the next failure happens somewhere else in your plumbing. Kitec’s brass fittings corrode from the inside out due to a process called dezincification, and the pipes themselves can’t handle normal water heater temperatures without degrading. Industry experts predict that all Kitec systems will eventually fail because the defects are universal. Spending money on repeated repairs adds up quickly, and you’re still left with the underlying problem. You’re also still facing the same insurance complications and real estate issues that come with having Kitec in your home. Complete replacement is the only way to actually solve the problem and protect your home from catastrophic failure down the road.

We replace Kitec with either PEX or copper piping, depending on your home’s specific needs and your preferences. PEX is a flexible, durable plastic material that’s resistant to corrosion and performs well in areas with hard water or high pH levels. It’s easier to install, which can reduce labor costs, and it expands and contracts with temperature changes without cracking. PEX systems can last 50 to 75 years with proper installation. Copper is a more traditional option that’s extremely durable, resistant to bacteria, and preferred by some homeowners and buyers. It typically costs more due to material prices and the more complex installation process, but it can last 70 years or longer. Both materials are approved for use in California and meet all current plumbing codes. During your consultation, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each option for your specific situation and help you choose the material that makes the most sense for your home and budget.
01

Inspection and Planning

We assess your home's layout, locate all Kitec components, and create a replacement plan that minimizes wall access and disruption.

02

Complete Removal and Installation

We remove every section of Kitec piping and fittings, then install new PEX or copper lines with code-compliant connections throughout your home.

03

Testing and Restoration

We test the entire system for leaks and proper pressure, then restore walls and surfaces so your home looks like we were never there.

Get Fixed

Ready to Fix That Plumbing Problem?

Contact Murray Plumbing now for straight answers and honest pricing. No pressure tactics, just real help from experienced El Dorado County, CA plumbers who actually care about getting it right.

530-499-2223 Get a Free Quote
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