Inspecting & Testing Plastic Plumbing Piping & Connectors: ABS PB PEX PVC Piping
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ABS Plastic drain piping failures: detection, diagnosis, inspection, repair, & installation
ABS plastic drain piping warranty claims, class action lawsuits, claims
PB pipe failures & claims
PEX piping properties, installation specifications, photographs and PEX class action settlement
Polybutylene (Polybutylene) Plumbing Plastic Pipe Failures, Leaks, Claims, Settlements
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe properties, installation, leaks & failures
Links to related articles on plastic plumbing materials: tanks, pipes, vents
Questions & Answers about plastic supply and drain piping, gas piping, etc.

Plastic plumbing pipes: this article describes the properties of all types of plastic piping and tubing used in buildings for water supply, drainage, or gas or oil fuels. We include information about failures and problems with some generations of plastic pipes (ABS, polybutylene) and we describe good building practice installation details where plastic piping is being installed. Included is information about ABS, PB, Polybutylene, PEX, PVC polyvinyl chloride and other plastic piping materials. The articles at this website will answer most questions about plastic building water supply and building drain piping products, failures, and claims as well as many other building plumbing system inspection or defect topics.

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Plastic Water Supply & Drain Piping Types, Failures, Inspection, Diagnosis, Repair

Polybutylene water piping guidelines (C) Carson Dunlop Assoc

Also see PLASTIC PIPE LEAK CAUSES and see PLASTIC & FIBERGLASS TANKS, HDPE and see safety and health advice regarding cisterns and water storage tanks, including plastic water tanks, discussed at WATER TANK SAFETY. Other plastics used in construction that have been subject of failures and/or litigation: see PLASTIC CONTAINERS, TANKS, TYPES and PLASTIC HEATER VENT.

As Carson Dunlop Associates point out in the Home Reference Book, as currently used in buildings,

Plastic water service piping may be made of

polybutylene (PB) - Polybutylene Plumbing Plastic Pipes
polyethylene (PE)
cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) - Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) -
chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) - CPVC Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe

Plastic building drain piping may typically be made of

ABS - ABS Plastic Pipes
PVC

Most plastic piping used outdoors is buried at least 18 inches deep. Exposed piping may be subject to mechanical damage and deterioration from sunlight.

Plastic supply piping is popular because it is less expensive and easier to work with than copper.

There are many types available including cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polybutylene (PB), and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). - Home Reference Book, used with permission.

Contributions or comments are invited. CONTACT us to contribute.

As Carson Dunlop's sketch (left) shows, plastic piping entered widespread use in North American beginning around 1965 and continues to the present.

ABS Plastic Pipe Failures, Leaks, Claims, Settlements

This material is black ABS drain piping, or "All Black -hit," defective black ABS plastic waste pipe manufactured in the mid 1980's failed by cracking.

ABS Plastic Drain/Waste/Vent (DWV) pipe failures: reported for Centaur, Phoenix, Polaris, Gable, and Spartan pipe mfgs. for pipe made between 1985 and 1988.

CPSC Hot Line: 800-638-8270

ABS Drain Leaks/Failures-Class Action Settlement COX settlement through Shell Oil set up by a contractor involved in the settlement se

ABS Plastic Pipe: "All Black -hit," defective black ABS plastic waste pipe manufactured in the mid 1980's failed by cracking www.abspipes.com

As our black ABS drain piping photo shows (above), leaks having nothing to do with product defects can occur in this system if the piping is not properly installed. Field investigations of leak stains (as in our photo) as well as investigations of sewer gas odors (SEWER GAS ODORS) have traced these problems to failure to properly clean, prime, and glue the pipe joints during construction.

PEX TUBING: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)

PEX Water Piping installation (C) D Friedman Galow Homes

PEX and PB plastic pipe are used for water supply in buildings use mechanical fittings (crimp and compression type) and we have found some installers using PEX tubing in low temperature heating applications (see below). PEX piping is also referred to as "cross-linked polyethylene" piping or just "PEX".

Our photo (left) illustrates PEX water supply piping being installed in a New York home. Photo courtesy Galow Homes. Installing both building water supply piping and heating supply piping (and radiant heating) can be significantly faster using PEX tubing because of its ability to bend around turns, avoiding some elbows, 45's and other fittings.

PEX piping is used in both hot and cold water applications (see the blue and red colors below). By convention the builder uses blue PEX for cold water and red PEX for hot water supply piping lines.

Generally you will find PEX piping or tubing marked with the nominal pipe size, wall thickness, and pressure rating and other information (see the illustration just below).

Temperature and pressure ratings for PEX, according to Zurn Manufacturing's engineering specifications is 160 PSI at 73°F, 100 PSI at 180°F, and 80 PSI at 200°F.

PEX piping marking guide (C) Zurn Manufacturing

Illustration of PEX tubing markings - courtesy Zurn Manufacturing (permission requested 12/2010). [Click any image or table to see an enlarged, detailed version.]

When installing PEX piping, care must be taken that the pipe does not contact heating ducts. If the pipe freezes, it is less likely to burst than and copper piping. Also, most types of plastic water pipe tend to sag and should be well supported by hangers.

Watch out: PEX plastic water piping should not be installed outdoors or exposed to sunlight for long periods. The red and blue PEX piping shown below (right) were delivering hot and cold water in a newly-constructed home. The larger black ABS plastic pipe is probably a drain line.

Watch out: do not use plastic piping nor any other type of piping in applications for which it was not intended, or the result could be dangerous. For example, do not use PEX tubing for LP or natural gas piping.

PEX Tubing Connectors: Types, Tools, Requirements

Watch out: a variety of patented PEX tubing push-fit and clamp connecting fittings (at least six types) and connector crimping tools are on the market. You may not obtain a proper and secure PEX connection if you mix tubing connector fittings and crimping tools improperly. We recommend choosing a specific connector type and crimping tool and using it consistently at a given plumbing installation.

Examples & Photographs of the various types of PEX fittings and the special tools used include:

Clamp type PEX fittings (photo at left) using a brass connector and stainless steel clamp-rings (e.g. Hydro-Pex clamping tool). These connectors were in use in our PEX installation photograph above. Popular, easy to use.

Note in our PEX photo at left that on the cold water (blue) Tee fitting one of the clamp fittings remains to be completed. (Photo courtesy Galow Homes).

Crimp type PEX fittings (photo at left - Crimp type PEX fittings in a Haddonfield New Jersey home) (e.g. Watts Radiant PEX cramping tool) using Hydro-Pex fittings.

The copper crimp rings are used with most PEX connectors.

Compression type PEX fittings (photo at left) (radiant heating and other applications) uses three parts (connector, compression ring or ferrule, threaded nut) to connect PEX tubing to a radiant heating manifold.

Threaded nut and ferrule are used with an insert to prepare the tubing for connection to the manifold.

No special tools are needed and compression type PEX fittings work with standard and Pex tubing.

Expander type PEX fittings (photo at left, Expander type PEX fittings in a Tivoli NY home), e.g. ProPEX brass connecting fittings and the ProPEX expander tool from Uponor (formerly Wirsbo PEX fittings). The expander tool actually expands or "stretches" the PEX tubing to accept the connecting fitting. A ProPEX ring of larger diameter covers and completes the expanded fitting connection. Popular with professional plumbers.

Our PEX tubing photo (left) illustrates three PEX installation details: use of expander-type PEX fittings, and at the photo bottom (blue cold water piping) a protective sleeve or bushing at the floor joist penetration, and a steel nail plate to protect the tubing from puncture by ceiling drywall (to be installed).

Watch out: use only with PEX A-quality fittings. lower quality tubing will not make secure PEX connections with this method.

Press-fit type PEX fittings from Wirsbo, Mr. PEX, and Viega. (do not assume you can mix fittings and tools among these three manufacturers). Use the Viega PEX press tool requires using Viega fittings, for example.

The Viega press PEX fittings are sold separately from the required stainless steel press PEX rings OR you can buy Viega pex press fittings that include the crimp ring already combined with the fitting.

When using the Viega method with the integrated fitting and crimp ring you'll need to look closely to assure that you have inserted the fitting fully into the tubing before crimping the sleeve using the Viega tool. Works with standard and Pex tubing.

SharkBite PEX push-fit fittings (photo at left) - push-in fittings (also work with copper and CPVC). No tools or rings are required.

We used the SharkBite fitting shown at left to temporarily cut and discontinue active hot and cold water plumbing lines during a building renovation/addition project. The fittings avoided having to drain piping and solder end caps onto pipes that were later to be further cut back, excavated, and permanently capped below the slab.
PEX Tubing cutter - used to make a clean end-cut, e.g. Wirsbo (now Uponor) PEX cutter

Standards, Listings and Approvals for PEX Plumbing Systems

The following standards and building codes list at least some elements of PEX plumbing systems.

ANSI/NSF Standard 14 (NSF International)
ANSI/NSF Standard 61
ASTM F876 (American Society for Testing & Materials)
ASTM F877
ASTM F1807
CAN/CSA B137.5 (Canadian Standards Association)
IPC (International Plumbing Code)
IRC (International Residential Code)
UPC (Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Code)
U.S. State & Local Regulations or Canadian Provincial or Local Regulations

Plumb-PEX Plumbing System Class Action Settlement

In March 2012 the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota court-ordered homeowner notification program was scheduled to begin. People who own or previously owned a building where Plumb-PEX plumbing components were installed are notified of a proposed class action settlement involving Radiant Technology, Inc. and Uponor, Inc who sold Plumb-PEX insert fittings and stainless steeel PEX tubing clamps. Those components may have leaked, or may leak, causing building damage. The defendants denied all claims of the lawsuit but have agreed ot settle the case. [14][15]

Plumb-PEX Settlement Details

RTI Plumb-PEX Plumbing System fittings and components including

ASTM Standard F1807 brass insert fittings
Stainless steel clamps used with the installation of these components
Installed on or after 15 May 1999
Where a leak in the system [using those components] occurred or
Where water flow differential of 50% is found between hot and cold water supply lines feeding one or more fixtures

People or "entities" whose structure has already suffered a qualifying leak and have already paid for repairs

Plumb-PEX Settlement Provisions

The settlement reimburses for property damage caused by a qualifying leak in the Plumb-PEX installation, and it provides for possible repair or replacement of the RTI Plumb-PEX installation in structures suffering two or more "qualifying" leaks.

Watch out: If you are eligible for a claim under the Plumb-PEX settlement, you must file your claim within 18 months of the notification date of 22 March 2012

PB Pipe: Polybutylene Plumbing Plastic Pipe Use, Installation Specs, Failures, Leaks, Claims, Settlements

PB or Polybutylene pipe material (photo at left, center horizontal piping) is gray plastic water supply piping that racked, leaked, and its early use resulted in a class action and settlement. By 2010 it would be uncommon to find problematic plastic piping in buildings as we expect that where leaks were a problem, they have in many if not most installations, been discovered and repaired by now.

However home inspectors and home buyers as well as building maintenance staff need to be alert for discovery of older problematic or leaky plastic piping in buildings.

When we see several types (colors) of plastic piping mixed together, especially on older renovation or handyman plumbing jobs we worry that amateur work may have omitted use of the proper pipe glues and sealants.

But the majority of leak problems with polybutylene supply lines involve failure of plastic fittings. Fitting failure may lead to the need for system replacement. This type of fitting was commonly used from the late 1970s until the late 1980s. Copper fittings were used in most installations from the late 1980s until the late 1990s. Failure of copper fittings is rare. Failure of the actual polybutylene piping also seems relatively uncommon.

For at least some of the extensive plastic pipe failure claims, an important factor in the PBS pipe failure mechanism included water that contained significant levels of chlorine. See Chlorine - sources in drinking water for related information.

Connections for PB or polybutylene water piping can be made without soldering, and the pipe is easy to work with, as Carson Dunlop's illustration (left) shows.

Our photo (below right) shows hot and cold water piping using these materials and fittings in a new building.

Polybutylene Piping failures:

Polybutylene piping has been (PB) the source of considerable controversy due to failed fittings, especially first generation plastic fittings.- Home Reference Book, used with permission.

In this article (below) we include links to information about PB piping failures, claims, and litigation. -DF

PB Pipe: Polybutylene Pipe Failures, Claims, Litigation, Contact Information

Our photograph of a broken white Schedule 40 PVC sewer line in a crawl area (left) illustrates what can happen to this material if a sewer line is blocked and exposed to freezing.

PB (polybutylene with mechanical fittings) Piping leaks: especially in mobile homes and in the U.S. South, for example trailers and double-wides throughout Florida that were piped with this material - per M Cramer. See "Polybutylene Piping: Time Bomb?" Daniel Friedman, Journal of Light Construction, August 1996 [Technical Q&A].
Plastic Supply and Drain Piping Failures: leaks, lawsuits, settlements
If plastic water piping is installed, such as polybutylene water supply piping, it should be at least 18" from the water heater.
New mobile home and trailer units: 3/4" supply piping, must be installed a minimum of 6" off the ground; a shutoff valve is required. Also see WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE where to find and how to turn off the main water valve in buildings

Plumbing Failures: Spencer Class settlement. 10% of replacement cost/damages, only for acetal (plastic)fittings Polybutylene

plumbing info at U. Arizona Polybutylene piping lawsuit settlement website Polybutylene plumbing lawsuit proposed settlement-old site at http://www.hunt.com/polybutylene/pipe/propset.htm

Polybutylene Plumbing Failures, Lots of Info about, but slow-loading busy site at http://www.plumbing911.com/poly/index.html
Polybutylene (Polybutylene) Plumbing (plastic pipes): gray plastic water supply piping cracked, leaked, and resulted in a class action and settlement. www.pbpipe.com

Recommendations (Specifications) for PB Polybutylene Water Pipe Installation

Industry associations, including the Polybutylene Product Line Committee of the Plastic Pipe & Fittings Association have made recommendations for successful installation of polybutylene piping systems, including those listed below. Frankly by 2010 we were never seeing PB installations in buildings at which all of the recommendations below were followed and OPINION it may be that industry experts no longer consider all of the 1990 recommendations necessary. [Feedback invited - CONTACT us.]

Piping shall comply with ASTM D 3309 (gray piping) Hot and Cold;
Stored PB piping may be loosely coiled or bundled but should not be taped
Use annealed copper crimp rings (note this may have changed since 1990)
Use copper or brass insert fittings
Compression fittings are permitted if of a type recommended for PB
Manifold connections (such as for radiant heating) must be of a type recommended for PB
PB piping should be free of cuts, gouges, or deep scratches, tar, kinks, grease, soldering flux, and should not be faded or discolored
PB piping end cuts should be square and free of burs (use an approved PB pipe cutting tool)
PB pipe crimp rings should be 1/8" to 1/4" from the end of the tubing and do not use multiple crimp rings at an individual fitting connection
PB Crimp rings shall be perpendicular to the centerline of the pipe or tubing (not askew)
Each PB crimp connection should be checked with a GO-NOGO gauge and any fitting that does not pass should be cut out and replaced.
In making a run of PB piping allow 1/8" of slack per 12" of run
The radius of a PB pipe bend should be 12 x the tubing diameter (or more).
Protective sleeves or bushings should be installed at the beginning and end of straight runs of PB piping when penetrating studs
Supports for PB piping shall be used at significant changes in direction
Horizontal support for PB piping should be 32" o.c. for pipes from 3/8" to 3/4" diameter, and at 48" o.c. for pipes from 1" to 1 1/2" in diameter.
Vertical pipes should be supported at every floor and at the mid-point between floors for pipes smaller than 1" in diameter
Piping supports should not restrict the horizontal movement of piping
With PB pipe use only hangers or supports recommended specifically for PB pipes
Do not connect a hose bib directly to PB piping. Use anchored metal pipe for this transition to avoid strain on the PB pipe
Transitions should be made with fittings approved for that use
Keep PB piping at least 6" horizontally and 12" vertically from high heat sources such as heating flues or heating pipes
Do not use PB piping in recirculating hot water plumbing loops; keep PB piping branch lines at least 36" off of recirculating hot water pipe loops; Hot water heater connections should be at least 18" away from the water heater (and separated by metal piping); do not install PB piping downstream from a demand-type or instant or "tankless" hot water heater.
Test pressure for PB piping systems should be at least equal to normal system working pressure but also must be not less than 40psi nor more than 225 psi. NOTE that some plastic piping is marked with other maximum pressure ratings that must be respected when testing too.
Pressure test piping for at least 15 minutes. Note that a light pressure drop in two hours is normal (due to slight expansion of the piping, not due to leaks).

PVC Piping: CPVC Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Water Piping in buildings

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe is not as flexible as PB or PEX and the fittings are solvent welded (glued) rather than press-on. This pipe is likely to split if freezing occurs. CPVC pipe is suitable for use on both hot and cold water lines. - Home Reference Book, used with permission.

Our photo (left) illustrates Royal brand PVC sewer piping being installed at a New York Home. Photo courtesy Galow Homes.

Watch out: PVC polyvinyl chloride pipe produced by JM Eagle Corp. is reported to be defective, leaking or breaking as early as in the first year after installation. Details are at PLASTIC PIPE LEAK CAUSES.

Watch out: Using the wrong solvent adhesive, or not using it properly (including pre-cleaning the pipe joints) not only results in leaky plumbing, also the purple solvent cement makes permanent stains, as Oatey Plumbing points out:

The pigments or dyes in Oatey Purple Primer and Oatey Purple Primer/Cleaner are permanent. Depending on the type of material stained, its porosity and the length of time the stain has set, it may be possible to remove or lighten the stain. We recommend blotting a clean, dry towel with Oatey Clear Cleaner to attempt to remove the stain. It may not be possible to remove the colorant from particular fabrics or surfaces. The finish and/or color of certain fabrics or materials may be dulled or discolored when in contact with solvents in Oatey Clear Cleaner. You may want to try the cleaner on an inconspicuous spot before using on the stained area. Please use our purple primers and colored cements with caution.

PVC is Poly(Vinyl) Chloride, CPVC is Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl) Chloride and ABS is Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene.

PVC and ABS pipe are normally used for drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems.

CPVC is used for water distribution systems. It is important to choose the correct solvent cement or pipe glue based on the type of plastic pipe being used.

Our photo (left) shows a close-up of markings on PVC sewer piping. Note that we took this picture of pipes resting on a gravel driveway. You should not bury plastic sewer piping in sharp rocks but rather it should be bedded in sand and located 18" below the ground surface or deeper to reduce chances of damage from rocks or from vehicles passing overhead. Photo courtesy Galow Homes.

General Comments about Plastic vs Copper Piping in buildings

Many plumbers prefer to work with copper and, although plastic pipe is less expensive than copper, the fittings are expensive. Some areas do not allow plastic pipes based on environmental concerns. Some questions have been raised about the chemicals used in the adhesives used to join sections of piping, and the toxic gases given off from plastic piping during a fire.

Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are only suitable for waste, underground water service pipes or cold water piping systems.

Our photographs of plastic water supply piping connections show a new water main (below left) and building supply pipe being connected to copper piping entering a building (below right) in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico in 2010.

Plastic water supply piping (C) Daniel Friedman

- Adapted with permission from The Home Reference Book

Questions & Answers about plastic pipes used in buildings for water supply, drainage, gas, etc.

Question: Do Rodents Attack Plastic Tubing or Piping? Does the tubing color make a difference in rodent resistance?

This might seem a strange question but we have blue plastic used for the connection from our gas tanks to our cooker. We have just had it serviced and have been advised that it should be yellow plastic. We have had the blue plastic for a lot of years and have been told it must be changed because the yellow tubing is not susceptible to vermin. Since we have never had a problem with vermin and the blue tubing – I was wondering how true this is and why do the vermin not like the yellow tubing. It would be good to get some advice before we start doing unnecessary work. Thank you for your help - D.M.

Reply: Yes, No, and maybe

We have indeed had reports of rodents chewing on plastic piping of various types, colors, brands, and application (water piping and gas piping for example).

You didn't say exactly what kind of plastic piping you are using nor its brand - that information would let us check with the manufacturer for recommendations about rodent proofing the piping. Certainly we don't want a rodent-chewed hole in any piping but in gas piping it would be particularly dangerous.

I am doubtful that changing from one color piping to another would make much difference in rodent resistance if the piping brand and material is the same; but if the color change includes a change of material, the new material might be more rodent resistance. In a New York installation I have seen yellow plastic-covered flexible copper tubing used for both gas piping (not through walls and ceilings or hidden locations) and heating oil piping. A mouse that chewed the outer plastic cover would most likely not get through the copper, but you'd lose the protective coating at that spot. At that same installation, we used threaded black pipe for gas piping where it runs through hidden locations such as ceilings and walls.

If your pipe damage is occurring indoors you need the services of a pest control expert - an "exterminator" too.

If you can send along details about the pipe type and brand we'll research further. See the CONTACT link on our pages.

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    PLASTIC PIPING
      ABS Plastic Pipes
      Polybutylene Plumbing Plastic Pipes
      Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe
      Polybutylene (PB) Pipes
      CPVC Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe
      PB Polybutylene Pipe Failure Claims
    PLASTIC PIPE LEAK CAUSES
      PLASTIC PIPE INSTALLATION ERRORS

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission to use illustrations from their publication, The Illustrated Home which illustrates construction details and building components. Carson Dunlop provides home inspection education including the ASHI-adopted Home Inspection Training Program (home study course), publications such as the Home Reference Book, report writing materials including the Horizon report writer, and home inspection services. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Eric Galow, Galow Homes, Lagrangeville, NY. Mr. Galow can be reached by email: ericgalow@gmail.com or by telephone: 914-474-6613. Mr. Galow specializes in residential construction including both new homes and repairs, renovations, and additions.
[3] PB (polybutylene with mechanical fittings) Piping leaks: especially in mobile homes and in the U.S. South, for example trailers and double-wides throughout Florida that were piped with this material - per M Cramer. See "Polybutylene Piping: Time Bomb?" Daniel Friedman, Journal of Light Construction, August 1996 [Technical Q&A].
[4] ABS Plastic Pipe: "All Black -hit," defective black ABS plastic waste pipe manufactured in the mid 1980's failed by cracking. Additional information: www.abspipes.com
[5] Polybutylene Plumbing (plastic pipes): gray plastic water supply piping cracked, leaked, and resulted in a class action and settlement.
Additional information: www.pbpipe.com
ABS Plastic Drain/Waste/Vent (DWV) pipe failures: reported for Centaur, Phoenix, Polaris, Gable, and Spartan pipe mfgs. for pipe made between 1985 and 1988. CPSC Hot Line: 800-638-8270 or ABS Drain Leaks/Failures-Class Action Settlement COX settlement through Shell Oil set up by a contractor involved in the settlement Plumbing Failures: Spencer Class settlement. 10% of replacement cost/damages, only for acetal (plastic)fittings Polybutylene plumbing info at U. Arizona Polybutylene piping lawsuit settlement website Polybutylene plumbing lawsuit proposed settlement-old site
[6] COX settlement through Shell Oil set up by a contractor involved in the settlement
Eric Galow, Galow Homes, Lagrangeville, NY. Mr. Galow can be reached by email: ericgalow@gmail.com or by telephone: 914-474-6613. Mr. Galow specializes in residential construction including both new homes and repairs, renovations, and additions.
[7] PB Technology Center (information about PB Pipes) Tel: 800-338-7732, also see the 1990 PB Pipe recommendations published by the Polybutylene Product Line Committee of the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association.
Polybutylene Plumbing Failures: Spencer Class settlement. 10% of replacement cost/damages, only for acetal (plastic)fittings
[8] Polybutylene plumbing info at U. Arizona
[9] Polybutylene piping lawsuit settlement website
[10] Polybutylene plumbing lawsuit proposed settlement-old site
[11] Polybutylene Plumbing Failures, Lots of Info about, but slow-loading busy site
[12] Zurn Manufacturing, Zurn Pex, Inc., Highway 11 East, Commerce, TX 75428, Tel: (903) 886-2580 provides information about installing and using PEX piping including Type b PEX through their website. Quoting from the company's website
Zurn was founded in 1900 in Erie, PA. It originally manufactured a patented backwater valve, and it now manufactures and distributes one of the largest plumbing products packages in the world! Zurn includes: the Specification Drainage Operation, AquaFlush flush valves, AquaSense sensor-operated plumbing products, AquaSpec commercial faucets, Wilkins, Zurn Light Commercial, Flo-Thru, the Chemical Drainage Systems, Zurn PEX Plumbing Systems and Zurn Radiant Heat.
[13] Zurn PEX Plumbing Design and Application Guide (PDF) - web search 12/23/2010, original source http://www.zurn.com/operations/pexrh/pdfs/installation/PEXDesApplGuide.pdf
[14] Zurn Pex Plumbing Products Liability Litigation, United States Court of Appeals FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT, No. 10-2267, Filed 6 July 2011, Quoting:
Minnesota homeowners brought this action1 against Zurn Pex, Inc. and Zurn Industries, Inc (Zurn) alleging that brass fittings used in the company's cross linked polyethylene (PEX) plumbing systems are inherently defective. In pretrial motions the homeowners sought class certification for their consumer protection, warranty, and negligence claims, and Zurn moved to strike the testimony of two of the homeowners’ experts. After denying Zurn's motion to strike the expert testimony, the district court2 granted the homeowner requests for class certification for their warranty and negligence claims, but denied it for their consumer protection claims. Zurn appeals from the district court's certification order. We affirm.
Web search 4/12/12, original source: www.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/11/07/102267P.pdf
[15] Uponor, Inc., F1807 Plumbing Court File No. - United States District Court, District of Minnesota, In Re: Uponor, Inc., F1807 Plumbing Court File No. 11-MD-2247 ADM/JJK Fittings Products Liability Litigation, "
Order Granting Motion to Certify Class for Settlement Purposes and for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement and Form and Dissemination of Notice to the Class" Quoting:
The Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement was heard on January 12, 2012. After review of pleadings and briefing, and having heard the arguments of counsel for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that: (1) the Motion for Preliminary Approval of Nationwide Class Action Settlement Agreement; (2) preliminary and conditional certification of a settlement class; (3) approval of the form and content of Notice and Settlement; (4) an injunction and stay of all claims and actions against the RTI Defendants
Web search 4/12/12, original source: http://www.mnd.uscourts.gov/MDL-Uponor/

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HOT WATER HEATERS - a detailed guide to all types of hot water sources, problems, inspection, repair
Lead Contamination in Drinking Water: Testing & Correction - Advice (This Article)
Lead Testing & Correcting Contamination from Lead Water Supply Lines/Entry Mains - Lead Pipe Problems/Advice
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR The Septic Systems Information Website
Sewage Odors in Wet or Cold Weather - Septic Odors or Sewage Odor Diagnosis & Repair Guide for diagnosing and eliminating cold weather sewer gas odors
Sewage Levels in Septic Tanks - what are normal and abnormal sewage levels in septic tanks and what do they mean about tank condition, leaks, etc.
Sewer Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
Water Pressure Loss - Diagnosis how to determine why water pressure has been lost or why there is no water at all in a building
Water testing for Pesticides: comprehensive and pesticides-example parameters
Water Testing: background comments on classes of water contaminants, & links to home buyer advice about water testing, drinking water, water supply
When and How to Shock or Chlorinate a Well - Procedure for Shocking a Well to (temporarily or maybe longer) "Correct" Bacterial Contamination
Water Requirements, Home & Outdoor Living
Typical Water Tests & Fees this water test fee schedule applies when testing is combined with other onsite building inspection services
Water pump and pressure tank repair diagnosis & cost an specific case offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost
Water pressure tank failures & water pump short cycling diagnosis and repair
...

Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair

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Plastic Water Supply & Drain Piping Types, Failures, Inspection, Diagnosis, Repair

Plastic water service piping may be made of

Plastic building drain piping may typically be made of

ABS Plastic Pipe Failures, Leaks, Claims, Settlements

PEX TUBING: Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)

PEX Tubing Connectors: Types, Tools, Requirements

Examples & Photographs of the various types of PEX fittings and the special tools used include:

Standards, Listings and Approvals for PEX Plumbing Systems

Plumb-PEX Plumbing System Class Action Settlement

Plumb-PEX Settlement Details

Plumb-PEX Settlement Provisions

PB Pipe: Polybutylene Plumbing Plastic Pipe Use, Installation Specs, Failures, Leaks, Claims, Settlements

Polybutylene Piping failures:

PB Pipe: Polybutylene Pipe Failures, Claims, Litigation, Contact Information

Recommendations (Specifications) for PB Polybutylene Water Pipe Installation

PVC Piping: CPVC Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Water Piping in buildings

General Comments about Plastic vs Copper Piping in buildings

Questions & Answers about plastic pipes used in buildings for water supply, drainage, gas, etc.

Question: Do Rodents Attack Plastic Tubing or Piping? Does the tubing color make a difference in rodent resistance?

Reply: Yes, No, and maybe

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Technical Reviewers & References

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair