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

Tips to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

By Lee Welbanks • February 25, 2026

Owning a home feels great—carrying a large mortgage, not so much. The good news? With the right strategies, you can shorten your amortization, save thousands in interest, and become mortgage-free sooner than you think. Here are four proven ways to make it happen: 1. Switch to Accelerated Payments One of the simplest ways to reduce your mortgage faster is by moving from monthly payments to accelerated bi-weekly payments . Instead of 12 monthly payments a year, you’ll make 26 half-payments. That works out to the equivalent of one extra monthly payment each year, shaving years off your mortgage—often without you noticing much difference in your budget. 2. Increase Your Regular Payments Most mortgages allow you to boost your regular payment by 10–25%. Some even let you double up payments occasionally. Every extra dollar goes directly toward your principal, which means less interest and faster progress toward paying off your balance. 3. Make Lump-Sum Payments Depending on your lender, you may be able to make lump-sum payments of 10–25% of your original mortgage balance each year. This option is ideal if you receive a bonus, inheritance, or other windfall. Applying a lump sum directly to your principal immediately reduces the interest charged for the rest of your term. 4. Review Your Mortgage Annually It’s easy to put your mortgage on auto-pilot, but a yearly review keeps you in control. By sitting down with an independent mortgage professional, you can check if refinancing, restructuring, or adjusting terms could save you money. A quick annual review helps ensure your mortgage is always working for you—not against you. The Bottom Line Paying off your mortgage early doesn’t require a massive lifestyle change—it’s about making smart, consistent choices. Whether it’s accelerated payments, lump sums, or regular reviews, every step you take helps reduce your debt faster. If you’d like to explore strategies tailored to your situation—or want a free annual mortgage review—let’s connect. I’d be happy to help you find the fastest path to mortgage freedom.

Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Financing in Canada

By Lee Welbanks • February 18, 2026

For most Canadians, buying a home isn’t possible without a mortgage. And while getting a mortgage may seem straightforward—borrow money, buy a home, pay it back—it’s the details that make the difference. Understanding how mortgages work (and what to watch out for) is key to keeping your borrowing costs as low as possible. The Basics: How a Mortgage Works A mortgage is a loan secured against your property. You agree to pay it back over an amortization period (often 25 years), divided into shorter terms (ranging from 6 months to 10 years). Each term comes with its own interest rate and rules. While the interest rate is important, it’s not the only thing that determines the true cost of your mortgage. Features, penalties, and flexibility all play a role—and sometimes a slightly higher rate can save you thousands in the long run. Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Mortgage How long will you stay in the property? Your timeframe helps determine the right term length and product. Do you need flexibility to move? If a work transfer or lifestyle change is possible, portability may be important. What are the penalties for breaking the mortgage early? This is one of the biggest factors in the real cost of borrowing. A low rate won’t save you if breaking costs you tens of thousands. How are penalties calculated? Some lenders use more borrower-friendly formulas than others. It’s not easy to calculate yourself—get professional help. Can you make extra payments? Prepayment privileges allow you to pay off your mortgage faster, potentially saving years of interest. How is the mortgage registered on title? Some registrations (like collateral charges) can limit your ability to switch lenders at renewal without extra costs. Which type of mortgage fits best? Fixed, variable, HELOCs, or even reverse mortgages each have their place depending on your financial and life situation. What’s your down payment? A larger down payment could reduce or eliminate mortgage insurance premiums, saving thousands upfront. Why the Lowest Rate Isn’t Always the Best Choice It’s tempting to chase the lowest rate, but mortgages with rock-bottom pricing often come with restrictive terms. For example, saving 0.10% on your rate may put a few extra dollars in your pocket each month, but if the mortgage has harsh penalties, you could end up paying thousands more if you break it early. The goal isn’t just the lowest rate—it’s the lowest overall cost of borrowing . That’s why it’s so important to look beyond the headline number and consider the whole picture. The Bottom Line Mortgage financing in Canada is about more than rate shopping. It’s about aligning your mortgage with your financial goals, lifestyle, and future plans. The best way to do that is to work with an independent mortgage professional who can walk you through the fine print and help you secure the product that truly keeps your costs low. If you’d like to explore your options—or review your current mortgage to see if it’s really working in your favour—let’s connect. I’d be happy to help.