Last year during a home inspection in Port Dover, the inspector told our buyer clients that they would not be able to get insurance for the house of their dreams. The problem: the house had Kitec plumbing.
Kitec plumbing was a popular choice for new home plumbing between 1995 and 2007. The problem: a design flaw with the fittings. In addition to problems with fittings, there have also been some problems with the actual pipe disintegrating. Some believe this is caused by running the hot water system at too high of a temperature.
What should you do if you’re selling a home now with Kitec plumbing?
Disclose to your REALTOR® that your home has Kitec plumbing.
Sellers have a duty to disclose material defects, whether latent or patent, and the existence of Kitec in your home may be considered a defect. Failure to disclose the existence of Kitec could result in a legal proceeding against you should the buyer not be made aware of its existence when buying your home.
Additionally, a buyer’s home inspector will point out the presence of Kitec plumbing in your home to the buyers. Don’t risk overlooking to inform your REALTOR® and therefore potential buyers that your home has Kitec plumbing should the home not be inspected or the inspector fails to see it.
Be proactive and contact a plumber to get a quote on replacing the Kitec piping in case it comes up in offer negotiations.
There are insurance companies who will insure homes with Kitec plumbing. They may allow a buyer a grace period to have the Kitec removed or possibly insure the home at a higher premium.