What You Need to Know About Kitec Plumbing While Home Shopping

Lee Welbanks • July 26, 2024

If you’re in the market to buy a resale house or condo, it’s important to know how to identify Kitec plumbing – a product that was most commonly used in hot water baseboard and in-floor heating systems between 1995 and 2007.

Marketed as a corrosion-resistant alternative to copper pipes and fittings, Kitec was used in the residential building industry, and was recalled in 2015. The issue is that Kitec plumbing systems – including fixtures and pipes – have been found to weaken over time due to corrosion of fittings or complete failure of the pipes, causing water damage from leaks and floods.

The piping is typically bright blue for cold water applications and bright orange for hot water applications, but Kitec piping also came in red, dark blue, gray and black.

Where to look for Kitec plumbing

If you’re viewing a home or condo built between 1995 and 2007, be sure to examine pipes around the hot water heater (or for a condo, in the mechanical room where the pipe connects to, or exits from, the walls). You should also check out pipes beneath kitchen sinks and bathroom vanities. All visible fittings should be stamped with Kitec or KTC.

Be sure to also check out the home’s electrical panel doors. Many plumbers added a sticker to the electrical panel stating that Kitec piping was used in the home and that the electrical system must not be grounded to this product.

What’s the solution?

The only option to avoid problems associated with Kitec plumbing is to call a plumber and have it replaced with copper pipes – a remedy that requires access behind walls and under floors, and is an expensive project. But if you skip this step, you run the risk of a messy and even more expensive water damage claim – assuming that your insurance provider will even cover the damage caused by these pipes leaking or bursting.

Kitec plumbing issues represent just one more reason why it pays to have a home inspection before you purchase a property. This would allow you to work the cost of replacing the plumbing into your offer if you decide to proceed with the purchase.

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Lee Welbanks

Getting a Mortgage Shouldn’t Be Stressful—We Can Help

By Lee Welbanks • April 15, 2026

Buying a Home? Follow These 6 Key Steps for a Smooth Experience Buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting—but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how mortgage financing works. To help make the process smoother (and far less stressful), here are six essential steps every homebuyer should follow: 1. Start With a Mortgage Professional—Not MLS It’s tempting to start your home search by scrolling through listings and booking showings—but the real first step should be speaking with an independent mortgage professional . Unlike a bank that offers only one set of products, an independent mortgage expert has access to multiple lenders and options . That means better advice, better rates, and a better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs. 2. Build a Personalized Mortgage Plan Unless you’re buying your home with cash, you’ll need a solid financing strategy. That means: Reviewing your credit score Running affordability calculations Exploring different mortgage types, terms, and features Understanding down payments and closing costs The sooner you start planning, the more confident you’ll feel. Don’t wait until you’ve found the “perfect” property— get ahead of the process now . 3. Figure Out What You Can Actually Afford What a lender says you can borrow doesn’t always match what you can comfortably pay each month. Take a close look at your budget, lifestyle, and spending habits. Think about how your mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and other costs will fit into your everyday cash flow. Avoid the stress of being house-poor by knowing your real-life affordability , not just your paper pre-approval. 4. Get Pre-Approved the Right Way A true mortgage pre-approval isn’t just entering numbers into an online calculator. It means: Completing a mortgage application Submitting all your required documentation Having a mortgage professional fully assess your file When you’re officially pre-approved, you’ll shop for homes with confidence , knowing what you qualify for and that you’re financially ready. 5. Submit Your Documents Promptly and Stay Flexible Once you find a property and your offer is accepted, time is of the essence. That’s when all the upfront work you’ve done really pays off. Be ready to: Provide additional documentation if requested Respond to your mortgage professional quickly Stay flexible and proactive throughout the approval process Your lender needs to verify everything before finalizing the loan, so staying organized is key. 6. Don’t Make Big Financial Changes Before Closing Once you’ve secured financing and waived your conditions, freeze your finances until after you get the keys. Seriously—don’t: Change jobs Apply for new credit Take out a loan Make a large withdrawal Even small changes can throw off your approval. Keep everything status quo until you officially take possession. Recap: 6 Steps to a Smooth Home Purchase Connect with an independent mortgage professional Create a mortgage plan early Know what you can afford (not just what you qualify for) Get fully pre-approved Stay on top of documentation Avoid major financial changes before possession Ready to Buy with Confidence? If you’re thinking about buying a home—or just want to know what’s possible—let’s talk. I’ll help you map out a personalized plan that makes your homebuying journey feel simple, strategic, and stress-free. Reach out anytime. I’d love to help you get started.

How Your Loans and Spending Habits Are Quietly Shaping Your Credit Score

By Lee Welbanks • April 10, 2026

Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life — especially when it comes to getting a mortgage. But for most Canadians, how that number actually gets calculated remains a bit of a mystery.