Kitec Plumbing vs. PEX vs. Copper: What’s the Difference?

If you’re a homeowner in Las Vegas, Henderson, or nearby areas and facing a potential repipe, one big question naturally comes up:

What’s the best type of plumbing system to install—PEX or copper?

And how do these stack up against Kitec plumbing, which has caused so many problems for Vegas homeowners?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a side-by-side comparison of Kitec vs. PEX vs. Copper, so you can make the right choice for your home’s future—and avoid costly mistakes.

What’s Kitec Plumbing?

Kitec plumbing is a composite piping system made from layers of PEX and aluminum, joined with brass fittings. It was widely installed in homes across Las Vegas between 1995 and 2007 due to its flexibility and low material costs.

Unfortunately, Kitec systems have since earned a bad reputation for:

⚠️ Dezincification of brass fittings (leading to leaks and blockages)

⚠️ Delamination of the pipe layers

⚠️ Sudden pipe bursts, often under slabs or inside walls

⚠️ Reduced resale value and insurance complications

🔗 Still have Kitec in your home? Learn Is Kitec Plumbing Covered by Insurance in 2025?

Material Breakdown: Kitec vs. PEX vs. Copper

Let’s compare the three systems across the key categories that matter to Las Vegas homeowners.

Why Kitec Is No Longer a Viable Option

Even though Kitec may still be functioning in some older homes, it is considered obsolete and high risk.

• Many Las Vegas insurance companies now refuse to cover homes with Kitec
• Inspection reports for home sales often flag it as a defect
• Class-action settlements have already closed, leaving you financially exposed

In short, keeping Kitec in your home is like living with a ticking time bomb. 💣

Why PEX Is the Go-To Choice for Las Vegas Repipes

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is currently the most popular plumbing material for repipes across Las Vegas. And for good reason:

✅ Highly flexible — perfect for navigating through walls and tight spaces

✅ Corrosion-proof — doesn’t degrade like brass or metal

✅ Affordable — significantly cheaper than copper, with long-lasting performance

✅ Fast installation — which reduces labor costs

✅ Great for slab repipes — common in Vegas homes

It also handles Las Vegas’s temperature swings better than copper, and its color-coded system (red for hot, blue for cold) makes maintenance easier.

Leak Experts USA uses PEX-B or PEX-A options depending on the project scope and water conditions in your area.

What About Copper Plumbing?

Copper has been the gold standard in plumbing for decades—and it’s still a great option for some homes in Las Vegas.

✅ Pros:

• Incredible durability — often lasting 50+ years
• Natural antimicrobial properties
• No plastic components — preferred by some traditionalists
• Good resale perception — buyers often view copper as “premium”

⚠️ Cons:

• Expensive — material and labor costs are much higher
• Rigid — requires more wall/floor opening to install
• Vulnerable to acidic water or high-chlorine environments
• Lower freeze resistance than PEX

If your home needs exposed plumbing, or you simply prefer a metal system, copper may be worth the investment—but be ready to pay more. 💵

Read More: Kitec Plumbing in Las Vegas: What Homeowners Need to Know Now

Replacing Kitec: PEX or Copper?

At Leak Experts USA, we often get asked:

“Which is better—PEX or copper—for my Kitec repipe?”

Our answer depends on your home’s layout, budget, and long-term plans:

Most Las Vegas homeowners opt for PEX, especially in areas like Centennial Hills, Green Valley, and Blue Diamond—where slab leaks and temperature shifts are common.

What About Mixed Systems?

Some homeowners choose a hybrid approach: copper for visible areas and PEX for in-wall or slab plumbing. Leak Experts USA can design a custom solution based on your layout and needs.

Does My Insurance Prefer One Over the Other?

Yes. Insurance providers tend to favor PEX or copper as replacement materials for homes with outdated or recalled plumbing systems like Kitec.

Replacing Kitec with either of these modern options may:

• 📉 Lower your premiums
• ✅ Help secure a new policy
• 💰 Improve resale value
• 📝 Ensure claim eligibility in the future

Pro Tip: Always document your Kitec removal and repipe with photos and invoices—this proof helps during insurance renewals or home sales.

Why Las Vegas Homes Need Professional Repipe Planning

Not all homes are built the same—and Las Vegas presents unique plumbing challenges:

• Many homes sit on slabs, complicating underground pipe access
• Water chemistry in some areas can corrode copper over time
• Housing developments from the early 2000s often used Kitec by default
• Summers bring extreme heat that tests material durability ☀️

Leak Experts USA has repiped hundreds of homes across Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, and Boulder City, offering proven results and expert recommendations.

Book Your Free Repipe Estimate Today

Whether you’re saying goodbye to Kitec or planning a remodel, choosing the right plumbing system is critical.

At Leak Experts USA, we offer:

• ✅ Free, no-obligation estimates
• 🔧 PEX and copper options tailored to your needs
• 🛠️ Full Kitec removal, permitting, and cleanup
• 💳 Financing options via Wisetack
• 🏆 3-Year parts & labor warranty
• 📍 Local expertise trusted across Las Vegas

📅 Book a free Kitec repipe estimate with Leak Experts USA today—and take the guesswork out of your plumbing future.

Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Replace Safe

If your Las Vegas home still has Kitec plumbing PEX—or you’re simply weighing the pros and cons of Kitec vs PEX plumbing vs. copper—don’t wait until you’re forced to make a rushed decision after a leak.

✅ PEX offers the best value, durability, and flexibility for most homeowners

💎 Copper is premium, lasting, and respected—but comes at a cost

🚫 Kitec is outdated, risky, and often uninsurable

Let us help you make the transition smooth and stress-free. Your home deserves the upgrade—and so does your peace of mind. Follow us on Instagram for regular updates!