ST. PAUL, Minn., May 12, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A federal court judge has certified a class action against Zurn Pex, Inc. ("Zurn") for claims related to "pex" plumbing systems that fail and leak prematurely. The class certification allows all owners of Zurn pex plumbing systems in Minnesota to bring their claims in a single class action lawsuit. It is estimated that as many as 50,000 properties in Minnesota have Zurn pex systems.
Pex systems are plastic pipe plumbing systems made from cross-linked polyethylene. The pipe is joined together by fittings that are clamped in place. Zurn's pex fittings can be identified by a "Q PEX" stamp on their side.
The class action alleges that Zurn used brass fittings that were susceptible to failure from processes called stress corrosion cracking and dezincification. The suit claims that Zurn used foreign manufacturers to supply fittings made from brass that was destined to crack and leak when used in this type of plumbing system.
According to one of the plaintiff's attorneys, Shawn Raiter, problems with Zurn's brass fittings can cause significant damage. "Water damage from a total failure, or even a slow leak, can cause serious damage. Many of the brass fittings in a typical residential pex system are behind drywall or between floors. If undetected, water damage caused by a leaking fitting can be substantial."
This was the first class certification sought in the coordinated litigation of lawsuits brought against Zurn in Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina and Virginia. More lawsuits in other states are expected and class certification will be sought for property owners in states other than Minnesota.
Zurn sold its pex systems across the country. Through information obtained in the lawsuits, Raiter estimates that Zurn has received thousands of warranty claims for leaking or cracked fittings. Because of these failures, Zurn stopped selling the brass fittings in certain areas.
While Zurn initially honored its warranty and covered the damage caused by the leaks, the company stopped paying claims, leaving homeowners and plumbers to pay for the damage themselves. The lawsuits ask that Zurn pay for the replacement of all brass fittings or pex systems -- regardless of whether fittings have already failed -- as a way to prevent damage caused by future leaks and failures. They also seek reimbursement for plumbers and others who have paid for repairs or damage.
The lawyers recommend that plumbers who have had problems with Zurn systems and owners of properties with Zurn pex systems contact them to discuss their rights. "It is important that consumers are aware of these lawsuits. If consumers provide their contact information, we can keep them informed about the status of the litigation. Also, if the lawsuits are successful, contact information can help us notify consumers how to obtain their share," Raiter said.
More information about the lawsuits may be obtained at www.zurnclassaction.com
Identifying Zurn fittings: Look for Q PEX stamp in the side of the brass fitting.