Zurn PEX Fitting Litigation



Over the last six years, Zurn has reportedly sold 139 million brass PEX plumbing fittings. "PEX" is a generic term for cross linked polyethylene -- the material used to make the plastic piping. Compared to copper piping, PEX is both easier to install and less expensive. The PEX tubing is fastened together using brass fittings and a copper crimping ring. Zurn guaranteed that the brass fittings would last 25 years. However, homeowners in North Carolina and throughout the United States, have suffered property damage because of leaks, cracks and even total failure of the brass fittings. Because of these premature failures, Zurn processed a number of warranty claims. We believe that Zurn now has a policy of rejecting any warranty claims based on what it calls "aggressive water." Additionally, Zurn has switched from brass fittings to a plastic fitting.

Upon review of Zurn’s own internal documents, Zurn knew that its brass fixtures were a "ticking time bomb." We believe that instead of accepting responsibility, Zurn rejected warranty claims, failed to warn its customers, and encouraged homeowners and plumbing contractors to report the failures to the homeowner’s insurance carrier rather than to pay for their own mistakes.

Our attorneys represent clients who have failed Zurn PEX systems in their house. On behalf of those clients and similarly situated North Carolina residents, we have filed a state-wide class action in federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina. We do not believe that the failures are caused by "aggressive water" but, instead, lies in design defects which manifest themselves when the brass fittings are applied in a real world setting.

Homeowners may have a difficult time discerning if they have Zurn fittings installed in their homes. The plastic tubing (which is not the subject of this litigation) is typically white, red or blue. The brass fittings themselves may be stamped with "QPEX." The PEX piping is fastened to the brass fittings using a band of copper. Failures may be as notable as shearing or breaking but may also be limited to small leaks. Often, the failed fitting will have oxide deposits coating the brass. Click on the photographs below for enlarged views.

Any owner or association who contemplates litigation to recover damages related to the Zurn PEX brass fittings should be aware of strict time limitations imposed by North Carolina laws as well as those in other states. You should consult with an attorney to determine how the time limitations may affect your claim. Our lawyers can answer these questions for you.

In addition to representing homeowners in North Carolina, our firm has participated in construction defect cases in Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, California, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

If you are interested in an evaluation of your potential claim against Zurn, please contact us or call for an immediate reply. A lawyer will be in contact with you as soon as possible.