This information is what to look for when performing your plumbing evaluation during a home inspection or as a home owner involving a specific PEX plumbing using brass fittings manufactured by IPEX under the name of Kitec.

The specific issues with these fittings and tubing are that it may corrode in by the process of dezincification where zinc will leach out of the brass. These specific fittings where produced with a high level of zinc. This high level of zinc which maybe exaggerated by certain aggressive waters will causes the leaching process that will leave the fitting weakened and more prone to leakage. In addition it also can cause a restriction in water flow from powdery build up from dezincification.

Remediation of this issue may be total re-plumbing of the home. This product was recalled by its manufacturer in 2005.

Below are a few articles you should read in regards to this material, its identification and if you think you may have this product in your home where to file a claim.

To be eligible for settlement benefits, you must file a Claim Form prior to the claim filing deadline. The claim filing deadline is January 9, 2020.

Photos of the fittings-http://www.kitecsettlement.com/kitecphotos.cfm

Articles on Kitec in Washington State-  
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/features/kitec-xpa-pipe/kitec-fail-leak.html
http://www.washingtonenergy.com/content/kitec-potential-plumbing-disaster

A list of articles related to the issue-

http://plumbtruth.net/defective-aquapex-plumbing/ 

http://kitecplumbing.com/

“I do the very best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.”

Abraham Lincoln

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  
    

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service  

509-670-9572 or on the web atwww.ncwhomeinspections.com