Dayhoff Soundtrack: Baltimore Sun: Class action settlements may aid in repairing leaky Qest, Big Blue, and Polybutylene pipes

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Baltimore Sun: Class action settlements may aid in repairing leaky Qest, Big Blue, and Polybutylene pipes

Keyword search: Qest, Big Blue, Polybutylene

Consuming INTERESTS

September 04, 2008|By DAN THANH DANG | DAN THANH DANG, dan.thanh.dang@baltsun.com

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2008-09-04/business/0809030111_1_leaky-pipes-polybutylene-pipe-pipe-and-fittings

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2008/09/baltimore-sun-class-action-settlements.html

Labels: Big Blue, Polybutylene, Water Sewer, Water Sewer Qest, Water Sewer Westminster

Plastic pipes settlement rejected February 26, 1995

Pipe problem getting fixed November 21, 1999

Problems with plastic pipes spark county suit to recover... September 3, 1995

Claims for pipe due by Aug. 21 Area homeowners might... July 13, 1997

[…]

Polybutylene piping is made from a plastic resin and was used extensively in residential construction from 1978 to 1995. The system, which was used for the main plumbing from the water meter to the house and the supply pipes inside the house, consists of the pipe and acetal or metal fittings.

For those who aren't sure, PB pipe for main plumbing lines can be blue, but the piping is usually gray and sometimes black plastic. Acetal fittings are usually gray and occasionally white plastic, while the pipe and fittings are secured by crimp rings made of aluminum or copper. PB pipes may be visible in the attic, basement, behind the walls or near the water heater of the home or structure in which they were installed.

It is believed that PB pipe was installed in 6 million to 10 million homes during those 17 years. By 1980, frequent failures of the piping were reported, and several lawsuits were filed as a result. Homeowners affected by PB pipe leaks may seek recourse through two class action suits: Cox v. Shell Oil et al. or Spencer v. Shell Oil et al.

Homeowners may qualify for a free plumbing replacement and possible compensation for damages if they file their claims by May 1, 2009, under the Cox suit, which is run by the Consumer Plumbing Recovery Center (CPRC), the authorized administrator of the settlement.

*****