Zurn Lawsuit Investigation for Plumbing Problems, Early Failure of PEX System
Last Updated on February 5, 2021
Important Information
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating this matter. The information here is for reference only. A list of open investigations and lawsuits can be viewed here.
Case Update
- February 5, 2021 – Investigation Closed
- Thank you to everyone who reached out to us regarding their Zurn PEX system. Unfortunately, attorneys working with ClassAction.org have decided to close their investigation into this matter and have not filed any lawsuit in court. If you have questions about your rights in regard to the Zurn PEX system, please reach out to an attorney in your area; most offer free consultations.
Our open list of investigations can be found here.
At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who had problems with a Zurn PEX plumbing system that utilized plastic fittings.
- What’s Going On?
- Attorneys working with ClassAction.org believe a defect is causing these plumbing systems to fail long before they should. They’re now investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed over the issue.
- What Problems Have People Reported?
- Leaks, failure of the plumbing system, property damage and mold growth
- How a Class Action Can Help
- A lawsuit could help homeowners get money back for property damage and repairs. It could also order Zurn to fix the problem.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed over a certain type of PEX plumbing system manufactured by Zurn PEX Inc.
Allegations have surfaced that a manufacturing and design defect within the system is causing early failure of the pipes, as well as water leaks, mold growth and property damage. Read on for more.
Which PEX System Is Under Investigation?
The attorneys are looking into the Zurn plumbing system that’s made up of cross-linked polyethylene (also known as PEX) tubing, polyphenylsulfone plastic fittings, and metal crimp clamps that secure the tubing and the fittings together. The parts look like this:
The plastic fittings are inserted into the PEX tubing and then secured with a metal ring that’s “crimped” around the outside of the tubing. This creates a seal between the tubing and the fittings.
What’s the Problem?
It is believed that the design, material and manufacturing process Zurn chose for its plumbing system is placing a great deal of stress on the plastic fittings. This is reportedly causing the PEX piping to fail long before it should – and well before the manufacturer’s 25-year warranty.
One lawsuit filed in 2018 by the owners of a New Jersey apartment complex, which claimed extensive damage from the systems, implies that Zurn could have chosen materials that were much more resistant to leaks and other problems. For instance, the case claims, several of Zurn’s competitors utilize copper and bronze fittings, rather than plastic ones, because these materials are less susceptible to premature failure. The suit further alleges that Zurn did not adequately test the plastic crimp fittings before their release into the marketplace in an effort to save both time and money.
Zurn has reportedly received multiple warranty claims over failure of the fittings, yet has taken no steps to recall the fittings or alert the public to the issue.
How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?
A class action lawsuit could help homeowners recover money for damage done to their homes, as well as repair costs. A successful case could also order Zurn to provide a repair for the alleged defect.
Wasn’t There Already a Settlement for Zurn PEX Fittings?
Yes; however, this settlement resolved claims involving certain brass crimp fittings used by Zurn. This investigation pertains to PEX systems that use plastic fittings.
Before commenting, please review our comment policy.