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Leaks in Kitec aluminum-PEX plastic water supply piping:
Kitex® tubing was sold in Canada and the United States (and possibly other countries) for a wide range of applications including pressurized potable water piping and heating water piping for radiant heat floor systems. Leaks in the piping system ultimately led to class action litigation and a settlement.
This series article describes the causes of damaged or leaky buried plastic water pipe & resulting poor water pressure, poor water flow, or water leaks in water piping between a well or municipal water service main & the building.
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Kitec PEX plastic piping was / is a composite tubing produced by IPEX and consisting of an aluminum tubing laminated between two layers of polyethylene or PEX of various compositions described by several U.S. Patents cited below.
To produce this tubing, an aluminium strip is formed, overlapped and then ultrasonically welded. Layers of polyethylene are then applied with an adhesive to form a bond with the aluminium tubing. The result is a tubing that does not rust, corrode or tuberculate. Fittings are commercially available for use with this composite tubing ... - MacDuff, James (2000)
[Kitec® tubing shown in cross-section as Fig. 8] which is flexible and coilable, showing it's thin walled core pipe ... - Meacham (2003)
Meacham's figure above, edited for clarity by InspectApedia, shows a cross-section of the three concentric sections of Kitec tubing. Flexible outer and inner layers 62 and 64 in the illustration are made of resilient and flexible non-metallic portions coating the exterior and interior of a thin-walled flexible metallic pipe-66.
The Kitec piping system included both the flexible tubing collection of brass plumbing fittings & connectors intended for use with PEX type plastic piping. Kitec, also in some sources spelled Kyetec is a brand of brass plumbing fitting that was recalled in 2005 by its manufacturer, IPEX, due to its tendency to quickly corrode. - includes adaptations from Wikipedia [30]
Why Kitec Used an Aluminum Core
While we could not find in research an explicit citation naming Kitec's use of aluminum, Bowman (1993) and Siegenthaler (1996) point out that polyolefin plastics used in PEX and similar products allow gases, such as oxygen, to diffuse through the material. Aluminum was described by Siegenthaler as a nearly-perfect oxygen barrier.
Kitec Leaks Led to Litigation
Leaks, corrosion, and blockages occurring at the metal fittings used with Kitex tubing ultimately led to litigation and a class action settlement. In addition to leaks at fittings, and Carson (2015) raised a question of the possibility that the aluminum core of Kitex tubing might have had a role in the corrosion of the tubing fittings. We did not find research describing that mechanism but there is extensive research on the role of dezincification in brass fitting leakage or blockage.
[Image at left courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates]
Because Kitec PEX fittings were used widely across the U.S. and under other names (below) in areas of Canada, the risk of plumbing leaks due to corrosion (dezincification) at these brass-to-PEX connectors & fittings continues in homes where they have not been replaced.
A settlement agreement resolving class action claims has been completed:
The Settlement involves a one hundred and twenty five million U.S. dollar (US$125,000,000) Settlement Fund (including attorneys' fees and costs) to be used for the benefit of Class Members to pay for the repair of buildings, homes, residences, or any other structures with a Kitec System. - Kitec settlement website cited below.
OPINION: from a literature review [DF - through March 2015] it appears that the Kitec® brass connector failure problem involves the same dezincification mechanism that continues to worry experts world wide - discussed
at PEX BRASS CONNECTOR LEAKS where we explain the meringue dezincification problem - an artifact of the interaction of brass piping connectors and the chemistry of a building's water supply including the water pH and the level of chlorine. In addition we would ask if there are nicks or cuts in the PEX coatings over the tubing's aluminum core additional corrosive reactions may occur leading to damage to the tubing itself.
How to Identify Kitec or IPEX Plastic PEX Piping Connectors & Fittings
Check for the presence of KITEC fittings or IPEX fittings in these locations:
At the electrical panel, look for a warning label.
Watch out: Identification of Kitec or IPEX fittings may be possible in some homes by noting a yellow or neon-colored sticker affixed in the electrical box [presumably to warn electricians that the building water piping system cannot be reliably bonded to the building electrical ground system.]
However electrical ground warning stickers are widely used in buildings where any plastic water distribution piping was installed, not just where PEX and KITEC fittings were used. And the absence of a KITEC or plastic piping warning sticker in the electrical panel is no assurance that the building does not include plastic supply piping and/or Kitec fittings. [30]
On the plastic tubing or piping itself: some, but certainly not all, installations where Kitec fittings were used include PEX type tubing that includes the KITEC brand and also IPEX markings or one of the synonyms given at Other Names & Synonyms for Kitec Plastic Pipe below in this article.
Kitec plastic tubing was sold in orange for hot water piping and also sold in red and blue colors. Typically you can find readily accessible plastic water piping at the hot water tank and in basements and crawl areas beneath plumbing fixtures. In some buildings it may be necessary to use a bore scope or to cut or drill inspection openings to access water supply piping and fittings. Methods for making inspection openings in buildings are detailed
at CEILING WALL TEST CUTS for MOLD
At brass plumbing fittings: at representative PEX plastic water supply piping fittings to recognize a KITEC fitting - stamped, branded, or by familiarity with the appearance of these brass connectors. Brass cast KITEC plumbing fittings are marked with a oKT logo on one side of the 90's.
The following illustrations of Kitec fittings can be viewed at the settlement website.
Watch out: other brass plastic pipe fittings may have been used by some installers.
Watch out: for dezincification leaks at brass fittings with Kitec or other plastic piping systems.
for details. Some researchers suggest that all brass fittings are at risk of dezincification leakage, occurring at rates varying with water chemistry, temperature, and usage.
The Kitec Class Action Settlement
Kitec plastic pipe [image at left] and fittings has agreed to settle class-action suits in the United States and Canada for $125 million. The piping system that is the subject of this action was used in roughly 292,000 U.S. and Canadian homes beginning in 1995. Quoting
The lawsuits arise from allegedly defective Kitec Systems manufactured or distributed by or on behalf of the IPEX Defendants, and installed within buildings, residences, homes, and other structures in various places in the United States and Canada.
Plaintiffs who brought the lawsuits and who seek to represent the Class are property owners in the United States and Canada with buildings, residences, homes, or other structures that contain or contained the Kitec System.
Plaintiffs who originally brought the lawsuits allege that the Kitec System is or may be defective because it could prematurely fail resulting in leaks or damage to the structure.
The Class Actions seek money damages together with attorneys' fees and costs of suit from the IPEX Defendants on behalf of all Class Members.
The Class Actions do not seek any damages for personal injury, and the Settlement does not affect claims for such damages. Proceeds from the Settlement, after attorneys' fees and costs have been paid, will be used for the benefit of Class Members under Court supervision.[3]
Other Names & Synonyms for Kitec Plastic Pipe
Kitec was also sold in Canada for a time under the trademarks "IPEX Aqua", "IPEX Homerite", and under the more generic name "PEX-Al-PEX" (for PEX - polyethylene crosslinked - Aluminum - PEX). - Wikipedia [30]
For settlement purposes only, the Settling Parties have agreed to the Courts’ certification of the following classes of Persons in regard to claims regarding the Kitec System (which may consist of components, individual parts, or as a system, PEX-AL-PEX, PE-AL-PE, PERT-AL-PERT, PEX pipe, valves, fittings, and/or components, manufactured by or on behalf of IPEX whether sold under the names Kitec, PlumbBetter, IPEX AQUA, WarmRite, Kitec XPA, AmbioComfort, XPA, KERR Controls, Plomberie Améliorée or otherwise). Photos of the Kitec System are available for your review at www.kitecsettlement.com. - retrieved 21 April 2015, original source: Kitec class action settlement notice at http://www.kitecsettlement.com/docs/Notice.pdf
Kitec Kytec IPEX Class Action settlement details
The settlement covers properties where Kitec plumbing (typically blue plastic for cold water lines and orange for hot water lines) was used in both the U.S. and Canada (excluding Clark County NV, the subject and area of a previous Kitec pipe plumbing failure case in the mid-1990s.).
The [Kitec Kytec Qitec IPEC Class Action] Settlement creates a one hundred and twenty five million U.S. dollar (US$125,000,000) Settlement Fund (less attorneys’ fees and costs set forth below) to be used for the benefit of the Class to pay for the repair of buildings, residences, homes or other structures plumbed with the Kitec System. Any money paid from the Settlement Fund to members of the Settlement Classes will be paid in the class member’s local currency.
The Plan Of Allocation describes the amounts and conditions of the benefits to the Class. NOTE: To be eligible to receive any money from the Settlement Fund, you must complete and submit the Claim Form accompanying the Notice available on the Case Documents page. The claim filing deadline is January 9, 2020.
After the Claims Deadline, any funds remaining in the Settlement Fund after all payments to those Class Members filing proper Claim Forms, will be returned to the IPEX Funding Entities. Claims made after the Claims Deadline will be rejected. - retrieved 9/11/14, original source http://www.kitecsettlement.com/faq.cfm
There are also distinctive brass connecting fittings (photos at the Kitec website). After attorneys fees, administrative costs and payments to the class representatives in the suit, more than $93 million is expected to be available for claims.
The distribution plan anticipates two payment steps, starting with an eight-year period for initial claims based simply on the cost of repairing or replacing the broken pipe or failed fitting. If there’s money left over after the first phase, a second, pro-rated, payment would be sent out to offset the costs of having the plumbing replaced or cover other uncompensated damages.
People must decide if they’re in or out of the settlement by Sept, 30, 2011 and if they opt out, must notify the judge and attorneys for both sides in writing.
Judges in Dallas, and in two Canadian provinces will hold fairness hearings on the proposed settlement between Nov. 17 and Dec. 1, 2011.
A website has been set up to administer the settlement, as we detail just below. Quoting:
ALL PERSONS THAT OWN, HAVE OWNED, LEASE, OR HAVE LEASED, AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE OR MAY PURSUE CLAIMS THROUGH OR IN THE NAME OR RIGHT OF THEM, buildings, HOMES, RESIDENCES, OR ANY OTHER STRUCTURES IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA THAT CONTAIN, OR AT ANY TIME CONTAINED, KITEC PLUMBING SYSTEMS AND/OR COMPONENTS. YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS ARE AFFECTED WHETHER YOU ACT OR CHOOSE NOT TO ACT. PLEASE READ THIS WEBSITE CAREFULLY. [3]
For deliveries via courier:
Kitec Claims Administrator
3301 Kerner Blvd
San Rafael, CA 94901
OR
Canadian Kitec Claims Administrator
633 Colbourne Street, Suite 300
London ON N6B 2V3
For deliveries via postal service:
Kitec Claims Administrator
PO Box 6001
Larkspur, CA 94977-6001
OR
Canadian Kitec Claims Administrator
PO Box 3355
London ON N6A 4K3
Notes to the table above
More information on Kitec plumbing: call 1-877-337-1293;
Kitec Settlement Website: http://www.kitecsettlement.com/contactus.cfm
Kitec class action settlement deadline for Canadian & U.S. Homeowners
As of the latest information we have found, Canadian & U.S. homeowners wishing to file a claim to participate in the Kitec® PEX settlement needed to file a claim by 9 January 2020.
To be eligible for settlement benefits, you must file a Claim Form prior to the claim filing deadline. The claim filing deadline is January 9, 2020. You will not receive a payment if you do not submit a timely and complete Claim Form.- Kitecsettlement cited below
Courier deliveries:
Kitec Claims Administrator
3301 Kerner Blvd
San Rafael, CA 94901
Mail deliveries:
Kitec Claims Administrator
PO Box 6001
Larkspur, CA 94977-6001 OR
Courier deliveries:
Canadian Kitec Claims Administrator
633 Colbourne Street, Suite 300
London ON N6B 2V3
Mail deliveries:
Canadian Kitec Claims Administrator
PO Box 3355
London ON N6A 4K3
The Kitec class action legal counsel can be contacted at:
KEMP, JONES & COULTHARD, LLP
Attn: J. Randall Jones, Esq.
William L. Coulthard, Esq.
3800 Howard Hughes Parkway
Seventeenth Floor
Las Vegas, Nevada 89169
LYNCH, HOPPER, SALZANO & SMITH, LLP
Attn: Francis Lynch, Esq.
Charles Dee Hopper, Esq.
Sergio Salzano, Esq.
1640 Alta Drive, Suite 11
Las Vegas, Nevada 89106
Research on Kitec® Pipe Patents, Uses, Performance, Failures
Bowman, J. "The long-term behaviour of an aluminium-reinforced polyethylene pressure pipe." Journal of materials science 28, no. 4 (1993): 1120-1128.
Abstract:
The long-term behaviour of an aluminium-reinforced polyethylene pressure pipe has been explored by undertaking stress rupture tests at 60 and 80 °C. The results of the tests showed these macrocomposite pipes have a time-dependent strength, such that with an increasing time under load the strength declined. In addition the pipes were weaker at 80 °C when compared to the 60 °C strength.
The analysis of the influence of time and temperature on strength showed these multilayer pipes can be considered to behave as do conventional homogeneously structured plastic pipes, and that to describe the influence of time on the pipe strength, the accepted procedures developed for conventional plastics pipes can be applied. In addition the mode of failure of the pipes was examined.
Pipe failure initiates by the strain-controlled failure of the reinforcing aluminium layer. The polyethylene layers then fail almost instantaneously in a ductile mode. This analysis of the mode of failure was supported by freeze-thaw cycling tests to − 25 °C and the 60 and 80 °C stress rupture tests.
Beccaria, A. M., and G. Poggi. "Analysis of Aluminum-Brass Corrosion Products in Sea Water and in Chloride Solutions." Analytical Letters 18, no. 18 (1985): 2259-2275.
Excerpt from abstract: A separation and chemical analysis method has been developed of corrosion products forming on aluminum brass surfaces immersed in sodium sulfate solutions at pH= 7.25 (simulating river water) and in sea water at pH= 8.2. This method is based upon a selective solubilization of various oxidation compounds with the aid of proper solvents (i.e. dissolving the metal matrix only to a negligible extent).
Burch, Jay, Morgan Heater, Mike Brandemuhl, and Moncef Krarti. "Northward Market Extension for Passive Solar Water Heaters by Using Pipe Freeze Protection With Freeze-Tolerant Piping." In 35th Annual Conference of American Solar Energy Society, Denver, CO, July, pp. 8-13. 2006.
Eckhouse, Brian. "Kitec maker agrees to pay $90 million over pipes." Las Vegas Sun (2008).
Excerpt:
The Canadian manufacturer and distributor of Kitec, a brass pipe fitting that can
leach zinc into connecting pipes, has reached a tentative$90 million settlement with
legal representatives of an estimated 34,000 homeowners across the Las Vegas
Valley.
That company, Ipex, had resisted a financial settlement, arguing that homebuilders
and plumbers should have known the valley’s hard water would corrode the inside
of the brass fittings, said its Las Vegas attorney, Jim Carraway.
The leached zinc
tends to build up in the connecting pipes, which could cause pipes to rupture or
explode, damaging walls and floors.
Furno, F. "A NEW CONCEPT IN PLASTIC PIPING." In F. Furno, 11 th Plastic Fuel Gas Pipe Symp. Proc., 226-32,(1989),(7. 1989.
Marshakov, I. K. "Corrosion resistance and dezincing of brasses." Protection of metals 41, no. 3 (2005): 205-210.
Ohki, Keiji, Kunio Nishimura, and Yoshiharu Wakao. "Method for preventing obstruction in aluminum brass pipes in a water flow path." U.S. Patent 6,106,770, issued August 22, 2000.
Siegenthaler, John. "Hydronic Radiant-Floor Heating." FINE HOMEBUILDING (1996): 58-60.
Torbin, Robert, and Paul Belkus. "INTERIOR GAS ENERGY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN THE 1990s." In Proceedings, vol. 1, p. 203. American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 1990.
Zhang, Yaofu. "Dezincification and brass lead leaching in premise plumbing systems: effects of alloy, physical conditions and water chemistry." (2009).
Abstract: Brass components are widely used in drinking water distribution systems as valves, faucets and other fixtures.
They can be corroded by â dezincification,â which is the selective leaching of zinc from the alloy.
Dezincification in potable water systems has important practical consequences that include clogged water lines, premature system failure and leaks, and release of contaminants such as lead. Brass failures attributed to dezincification are known to occur at least occasionally all over the world, and have emerged as a significant problem in the U.S. recently due to the use of inexpensive high zinc brass fittings in cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plumbing systems. As PEX systems gain popularity and leaded brass is recognized as an important source of lead in potable water systems, it is important to examine dezincification corrosion in more detail.
An in-depth literature review revealed that conventional wisdom about dezincification was no longer adequate in explaining failures observed in modern water systems. Little research has been conducted since the landmark work of Turner et al. nearly half a century ago. The potential role of chloramines, phosphate inhibitors, and modern understanding of water chemistry need evaluation. The role of physical factors including stirring, heating and galvanic connections are also potentially influential.
A mechanistic study of zinc solubility and corrosion of copper: zinc couples provided insight to factors that might mitigate and exacerbate zinc leaching from brass. Zinc solubility and corrosion was reduced by higher pH and bicarbonate, but was enhanced by higher chloride. Hardness ions including Mg+2 and Ca+2 had little effect.
Alloys with higher zinc content had a greater propensity for dezincification corrosion.
Stirring and galvanic connections caused brass to leach more metals and have higher weight loss. Heating may contribute to corrosion scale accumulation.
A comprehensive examination of dezincification as a function of water chemistry used numerous techniques that include measurement of galvanic currents, metal leaching, and weight loss.
In general, as would be predicted based on results of the study of solubility and corrosion of pure zinc, chloride emerged as an aggressive ion whereas bicarbonate was beneficial to brass corrosion. Hardness had little impact, and phosphates, silicates and Zn+2 inhibitors had a significant short-term benefit but little long-term benefit.
The relationship between dezincification corrosion, lead leaching from brass, and water chemistry was investigated in Chapter 5. Surprisingly, lead and zinc leaching from a range of brasses were found to be negatively correlated.
Hence, use of brasses that minimize dezincification problems might increase lead leaching.
This thesis represents a comprehensive analysis of factors that are influential for dezincification and lead leaching from brass in premise water distribution systems through literature reviews, mechanistic investigations, bench-scale experiments, and case studies.
Results can be used by water utilities, plumbing engineers, manufacturers and home owners to better prevent, recognize, and mitigate brass and dezincification corrosion problems.
Kitec-Related Patents
Botros, Maged G. "Adhesive compositions having improved performance." U.S. Patent 6,835,777, issued December 28, 2004.
Botros, Maged G. "Dual-functionalized adhesive compositions." U.S. Patent 6,894,115, issued May 17, 2005.
Heise, Lorne. "Fluid heater." U.S. Patent 7,182,126, issued February 27, 2007.
Hudak, Stephen J. "Ethylene copolymers having a network structure and exhibiting unique melt elasticity characteristics in combination with modified polyolefins containing acid or acid derivative functionality." U.S. Patent 6,177,516, issued January 23, 2001.
Jamison, Tommy L., H. Glenn Dennis, and Kevin Gay. "Fluid conduit system and fittings therefor." U.S. Patent 7,516,990, issued April 14, 2009.
Jamison, Tommy L., and Daniel W. Griffith. "Coupling, joint and method for fixedly and sealingly securing components to one another." U.S. Patent 8,083,268, issued December 27, 2011.
Kroll, Steven C., and John W. Andrews. "Structural wall panels and methods and systems for controlling interior climates." U.S. Patent Application 11/770,152, filed June 28, 2007.
MacDuff, James. "Tubing connector with integrated crimp ring and reaming tool for use therewith." U.S. Patent 6,523,862, issued February 25, 2003.
MacDuff, James. "Tubing connector." U.S. Patent 6,095,571, issued August 1, 2000.
Abstract: A tubing connector for sealingly engaging an end portion of a tubing to serve as a conduit for pressurized fluids is described. The tubing connector is particularly intended for use with a composite tubing having inner and outer plastic layers with an intermediate aluminium layer. An elastic seal ring is provided in each of two annular spaced apart grooves in an external periphery of a connector portion of the tubing connector. Each of the grooves has a depth that approximates a thickness of the seal ring and a width greater than a width of the seal ring. When the connector portion is inserted in the tubing and a radial pressure is exerted on the tubing by a crimp ring, the plastic inner periphery of the tubing intrudes into each annular groove and further compresses the seal ring inwardly in the groove. The remainder of the tubing overlapped by the crimp ring is compressed tightly around the external periphery of the connector portion. Therefore, a fluid tight seal is achieved. The advantage is a reliable connector for composite tubing that is quickly and easily installed and is adapted to provide a fluid-tight seal even when subjected to high temperature fluids under pressure.
Meacham, Jeremiah. "Providing a plumbing kit of parts and utilizing them to provide an outside hot water source of a dwelling, interconnected to a nearby existing outside cold water source, creating an outside controllable temperature and controllable flow of outside water." U.S. Patent Application 09/853,320, filed May 10, 2001.
Rowley, William W. "Plastic-lined metal-encased tubing segment connector system." U.S. Patent 6,783,160, issued August 31, 2004.
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In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop Associates, Toronto, Ontario, Email, personal communication to Daniel Friedman, 22 March 2015
"Has anyone postulated on the aluminum/brass chemical interaction? The galvanic scale shows a high potential for corrosion between aluminum and brass (copper and zinc, as well). Galvanic reactions like any other chemical reactions, are accelerated with higher temperatures. It makes sense that the hot water fittings would suffer most."
"New Electric Heat Tapes Help Prevent Fires," US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) #00936
Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. Mr. Cramer serves on the ASHI Home Inspection Standards. Contact Mark Cramer at: 727-595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
John Cranor [Website: /www.house-whisperer.com ] is an ASHI member and a home inspector (The House Whisperer) is located in Glen Allen, VA 23060. He is also a contributor to InspectApedia.com in several technical areas such as plumbing and appliances (dryer vents). Contact Mr. Cranor at 804-873-8534 or by Email: johncranor@verizon.net
"Freezeproof Your House," Mike McClintock, Rodale's New Shelter, p. 30, October 1985 (approximate date)
"How to Winterize Your Pipes," Mike McClintock, Homeowners How-To Magazine, p. 59-62, Nov-Dec 1979.
"PVC pipe extruder JM Eagle hit with whistleblower lawsuit", Plastics News, 11 Feb 2010, web search 11/19/2010, original source: http://plasticsnews.com/headlines2.html?id=17829
"A Trail of Broken Pipes, In Lawsuit, Fired Worker Cites Defective Plastic", Mary williams Walsh, The New York Times, 12 Feb 2010, pp. B1, B5
"Facing Suit, Pipe Maker Extends Guarantee", Mary Williams Walsh, The The New York Times, 5 April 2010.
"JM Eagle PVC Pipe Lawsuit Information", law suit and class action information sponsored by law firm of audet & Partners, LLP. - web search 11/19/2010, original source: http://jm-eagle-lawsuit.com/jm-eagle-pvc-pipe-lawsuit/tag/lawsuit/
JM Eagle Corporation, Global Headquarters, 5200 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90045, Phone: (800) 621-4404
Quoting JM Eagle is the complete manufacturer of PVC and PE plastic pipe. With greater strength, capacity and geographic reach than ever before, our resources provide an unmatched capability for new products, new materials, new applications and new processes. We consistently produce the highest quality plastic pipe in the industry and are committed to ensuring ongoing product excellence.
JM Eagle 50-Year warranty - web search 11/19/2010, original source: http://www.jmeagle.com/warranty/ Quoting from that source: April 5, 2010, Dear Valued Customer:
At JM Eagle, we have always stood behind the quality of our plastic pipe as our commitment to serving you. Now we are taking that commitment a step further with the introduction of our 50-year warranty on the design of our innovative engineered thermal plastic-pipe products.* This means you can trust JM Eagle pipe to maintain its performance for the next 50 years or we will replace it.** No other manufacturer makes this claim.
The warranty covers issues associated with new verifiable manufacturing defects on pipe. The warranty also covers plastic-pipe products sold and installed since JM Manufacturing’s inception, manufactured by JM Eagle or JMM. It does not cover products made by other manufacturers acquired by JM Eagle at later date or products manufactured by PW Eagle prior to the 2007 merger.
Plastic pipe is the safe, long-lasting and stable solution for a modern infrastructure. Millions of miles of plastic pipe have been installed throughout the country. It outlasts any other material. It complies to strict industry standards that confirm its strength, durability and longevity. And it keeps the water flowing without bursts, flooding or disruptions.
Plastic pipe from JM Eagle is of the highest quality. It has always met—and will continue to meet—the standards of the American Water Works Association, and it has always been—and will continue to be—certified by NSF International and Underwriters Laboratories.
We are excited to bring this warranty to you, for the betterment of your business and the industry as a whole. We hope that you will continue to choose plastic pipe, and choose it from the only plastic-pipe manufacturer that stands behind its quality with a 50-year warranty, JM Eagle.
Information on this Web site tells you more about our warranty, our products and our commitment to serving you with quality plastic pipe. We hope you find it helpful as we continue our long and fruitful partnership.
Sincerely,
Neal Gordon
Vice President of Marketing, JM Eagle
* Plastic pipe certified to AWWA for water distribution and transmission and force sewer mains.
** See warranty for full details
[3] Kitec Plumbing System Settlement Website, web search 08/05/2011, original source: www.kitecsettlement.com.
Thanks to reader Dan Babb for discussing well piping leaks, July 2010
In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.
Kitec® Piping & Connector Leak Causes & Lawsuit Settlement
Leaks, corrosion, and blockages occurring at the metal fittings used with Kitex tubing ultimately led to litigation and a class action settlement. In addition to leaks at fittings, and Carson (2015) raised a question of the possibility that the aluminum core of Kitex tubing might have had a role in the corrosion of the tubing fittings. We did not find research describing that mechanism but there is extensive research on the role of dezincification in brass fitting leakage or blockage.
Check for the presence of KITEC fittings or IPEX fittings in these locations:
