IPEX Kitec Plumbing Class Action Settlement

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IPEX Kitec Plumbing Class Action Settlement

By Matt O’Donnell

Thousands of homeowners across the United States and Canada may be able to share in a $125 million class action lawsuit settlement over leaky Kitec plumbing systems manufactured by IPEX. Details on how you can tell if your home is plumbed with the allegedly defective Kitec Systems is described below.

The proposed Kitec settlement will resolve several class action lawsuits filed in the U.S. and Canada (collectively called In Re: Kitec Plumbing System Products Liability Litigation) that allege IPEX manufactured defective Kitec plumbing systems that prematurely fail, resulting in leaks or damage to the structures they’re installed in. 

The Kitec class action settlement includes all persons that own, have owned, lease, or have leased a building, home, residence or any other structure in the United States and Canada that contains, or at any time contained, Kitec plumbing systems and/or components – excluding only the Clark County Class.

There are several ways to tell if you have a Kitec System installed:

* The Kitec pipe is typically blue in color for cold water applications and orange in color for hot water applications.

* The pipe is usually marked with one of the following brand names: Kitec, PlumbBetter, IPEX AQUA, WarmRite, Kitec XPA, AmbioComfort, XPA, KERR Controls or Plomberie Améliorée.

* Where the fittings are visible look for the words Kitec or KTC on them. The terms CSA B137.9/10 or ATSM F1974 could also indicate that you have a Kitec system.

* Often, the best places to look for the Kitec system is near the hot water tank or in the mechanical room where the pipe is connected to or exits the walls. Also look under kitchen sinks or bathroom vanities, where the pipe and/or fitting exits the wall.

You can see photos of the Kitec Systems here. 

If approved by the Courts, the IPEX class action lawsuit settlement will allow Class Members to share in the $125 million settlement to help pay for the repair of buildings, residences, homes or other structures plumbed with the defective Kitec Systems. 

To be eligible to receive any money from the class action settlement, you must complete and submit a valid Claim Form within 8 years after the Effective Date. If you wish to exclude yourself from the Kitec settlement and retain your right to sue individually, you must submit your request by September 30, 2011. 

You can find more information on your rights in the IPEX Kitec Plumbing System Class Action Lawsuit Settlement on the Settlement Administrator’s website: www.kitecsettlement.com.