PEX piping has become more and more common in commercial and residential plumbing in Asheville and elsewhere. PEX pipes are made of a flexible material called crosslinked polyethylene that’s better than metal pipes or rigid plastic pipes, such as PVC pipes. PEX pipes, for example, are less likely to burst or corrode. PEX pipes have been used in the United States since the 1980s.
But these pipes still need to connect to existing pipes, and that’s where PEX fittings play an important role. Pipe fittings connect a length of PEX piping to plumbing made of other materials. The fittings themselves are typically made out of yellow brass, and they may include:
- Corner sections
- Valves
- Connectors
- Clamps
- Crimp rings
When Fittings Are Defective
All the pieces of a PEX fitting have to work, or the whole thing may fall apart. When they corrode, you may experience a minor leak or a major flood, neither of which is welcome, and both of which could result in a service call at best. So it’s no surprise that a recent spate of defective PEX fittings have caused havoc for homeowners and business owners.
Defective PEX fittings are those that leak, prematurely degrade or cause any damage as a result of premature corrosion. A class action lawsuit against Zurn, a fitting manufacturer, concluded with a win for the plaintiffs. If you have fittings that are labeled “Zurn F1807 Fittings,” contact Zurn to see if you qualify to be included in the class action settlement.
Bad Brass
The defective fittings included in the class action lawsuit were made using a poor quality of yellow brass — UNS C3600 and C37700 brass alloy. As a result of the lawsuit, Zurn has admitted fault for using the inferior brass. These defective PEX fittings were made with yellow brass that contains a lot of zinc.
When water flows through your PEX pipes, the zinc in the fittings can seep out of the fittings, causing a white residue to build up inside the pipe, constricting water flow. It works the same way as plaque that constricts blood flow in your arteries. The leaching of zinc also makes the fittings weaker, resulting in dezincification.
In PEX pipes, the zinc build-up can cause your kitchen and bathroom fixtures to clog. It also causes fittings to crack or break, leaking water within your walls or underneath your house. The specialists at Blue Planet Plumbing can identify defective fittings, remove and replace the fittings with ones that don’t contain zinc.
Your Ally Against Defective Fittings
Defective PEX fittings can be a major hassle — and they can cause damage without you even realizing it. Typically made of yellow brass, these defective fittings were first introduced in the 1990s. They were installed in homes, offices, apartment buildings… everywhere. The full scope of the issues they’ve created hasn’t been fully determined.
You don’t have to look far for help, though. Georg Efird of Blue Planet Plumbing has never installed a Zurn pipe fitting in any of his customers’ homes. He and his staff only use proven, high-quality parts. But he can remove your defective fittings and install new ones that are durable and long-lasting. That’s peace of mind you need.
Replacing Defective Fittings
Defective PEX fittings can cause extensive damage to your plumbing and require expensive repairs if the issues aren’t identified and replaced before the pipes completely fail. If your home or business has PEX pipes, watch for signs that your pipes may need to be replaced or repaired, such as:
- Any leaking
- Unusual clogs
- Dripping faucets
- Running toilets
- Low water pressure
- Corrosion around fittings, especially if they’re exposed and visible
Call Blue Planet Plumbing at 828-423-6289 if you’re experiencing leaky pipes or severe symptoms above. A plumbing technician takes the following steps to ensure your pipes are working properly:
- Identify the plumbing issue
- Turn off the water to the affected area
- Locate and identify the defective PEX fittings, often identified by markings on the pipes
- Replace the defective fittings and pipes
- Test the water flow to ensure the new pipes and fittings are working properly
- Clean up all work areas thoroughly after the work has been done because your house is our house
The Asheville plumbers from Blue Planet Plumbing offer knowledgeable advice so you can make an informed decision. They recommend the most up-to-date, cost-effective and environmentally conscious plumbing available. Call Blue Planet Plumbing at 828-423-6289 for all your plumbing needs.
