PEX Lawsuit Investigation for Tubing, Fitting Problems

Last Updated on July 25, 2024

Important Information

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer reviewing claims for this case. Class action lawsuits against two major manufacturers have settled. Scroll down for more. 

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Case Update

July 9, 2019 - New Zurn Investigation Opened 

A new investigation has been opened into Zurn PEX plumbing systems with plastic fittings. These systems were NOT covered by the previous settlement. To learn more about the new investigation, click here. 

Case Update

January 16, 2019 - Settlement Sites Live for NIBCO, Zurn

Class action litigation against both NIBCO and Zurn has settled. To find out if you’re covered by either settlement and to file your claim, please visit the NIBCO settlement website here and the Zurn settlement site here.

At A Glance

This Alert Affects:
Anyone who experienced leaking or other problems with their PEX piping.
What's Going On?
Attorneys are working to determine whether lawsuits can be filed but first need to hear from people like you to gather more information about the source of the PEX piping problems.
What Problems Are Being Reported?
Leaking, flooding, fractures, low water pressure, overall failure of the PEX piping

Attorneys have reason to believe a number of major manufacturers can be sued for selling defective products in light of a growing number of complaints that the tubing and fittings can crack, leak and flood the surrounding area. Before the attorneys can take action, however, they need to hear from homeowners who experienced problems with their PEX tubing and fittings.

What’s Causing the PEX Piping Problems?

It is believed that some of the issues being reported by consumers are caused by one of two problems, which can be described below. Early research has suggested that these issues are not related to improper installation or overtightening, but rather a manufacturing defect.

Dezincification

PEX pipes are made of plastic tubing that is connected by brass fittings. It has been alleged that these fittings contain a higher-than-normal level of zinc, which, when they come in contact with water, can fail earlier than expected due to a process known as “dezincification.” This can cause a range of problems, including leaks and flooding.

“Fatigue” Failures

It is believed that some PEX tubing may be failing due to the amount of stress placed on the brass fittings connecting the tubes. When repetitive stress is put on the fittings, a hole or notch can develop and can eventually progress to a crack or fracture.

PEX Pipe Class Action Lawsuits

A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products. While some of these cases have settled or are still moving forward, attorneys are turning their attention to other brands to determine whether failure of the PEX tubing is an industry-wide problem.

Manufacturers Now Under Investigation

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are trying to determine whether class action lawsuits can be filed against the following companies.

This list is NOT exhaustive.

  • Rehau
  • Mr. Pex
  • Whirlpool
  • Watts
  • Everhot
  • Roth
  • Cash-Acme
  • Rifeng
  • Sharkbite

What Issues Are Being Reported?

We have read through complaints that detailed the following:

  • Fractures in the pipes’ fittings
  • Small holes in the lines
  • Water that leaked into other rooms, including crawlspaces, living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and garages
  • Flooding and property damage
  • General failure of the tubing

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