PB Pipe Suit

[keeshy2]

My boyfriend's townhouse in VA has polybutylene piping since it was built in 1986. We had the hot water pipe burst this weekend and cause a bunch of damage to the downstairs - basically the ceiling & carpet have to be replaced. Luckily we were home and able to shut off the water before the downstairs flooded.
We've heard that there was a class action suit where he could have the house replumbed since he's had 2 leaks since he bought it in April 1999. We're just trying to find out if anyone knows the date the class action was to run out! His insurance will cover the damage if necessary but we're worried another break could occur at any time.

 

[HomeGuru]

Talk to the plumber and verify if the pipe is the actual type that is affected by the class action settlement. Keep a couple 12" samples for future reference. If the pipe is indeed the defective type, check out the claims website www.pbpipe.com and talk to an attorney to get the details on filing a claim. This may be a bit more complicated due to the Association being involved especially if part of the pipes are considered common elements and owned by the Association. The Association would be required to also file a claim with you and should just file a claim on behalf of the entire project together with the indivdual owners.

See if you can get a history of the pipes by talking with the resident manager, Association property manager, Board members and some of the old time residents. Ask if anyone else have had leaking problems and pipe failures etc. Also talk to some other plumbers in the area.

For further details on class action settlement claims for PB and other defective building materials go to: www.kinsella.com

[This message has been edited by HomeGuru (edited July 03, 2000).]