Polybutylene Plumbing and Pipe Replacement-Polybutylene Lawsuit and Class Action Settlement Information

Guidelines

Following are (1) the claim eligibility checklist and (2) leak eligibility periods and filing deadlines.

Claim eligibility checklist

Please take a minute to review the following checklist.

To be eligible for recovery under the Cox vs. Shell Oil, et al., class action lawsuit:

You must own or have previously owned a dwelling or other unit plumbed with a Polybutylene (PB) Plumbing System (conducts water to your sinks, showers, etc.), or a PB Yard Service Line (conducts water to your dwelling unit from the water company), or both. Boats and RV's are not eligible. You can also see the definition of Class Member.

The PB Plumbing System or PB Yard Service Line must have been installed between 1/1/78 and 7/31/95.

The PB Plumbing System must have been installed using PB pipe and insert fittings. The PB Yard Service line must be PB pipe but may have any type of fittings. See the photographs page.

The PB Plumbing System or PB Yard Service Line must have had at least one "Leak" as defined in Cox vs. Shell Oil, et al.

A "Leak" does not include a leak covered by warranty in the first year after the system was installed, a leak resulting from abuse or unrelated to ordinary use, a leak in a valve or riser that can be repaired without opening the wall (such as under sinks) or leaks in ice-maker lines. Be certain to read the full definition of a "Leak" in the terms and definitions page.

When the source of the water leak is not easily found, a leak detection specialist may be needed.

Unless you meet all of the above requirements, you are not currently eligible for recovery under Cox vs. Shell Oil, et al. and should not file a Claim Eligibility Form. If at a later date you have a leak, or later purchase a dwelling or other unit with an eligible system (and have an eligible Leak) you should file a Claim Eligibility Form at that time. Be sure to review the Filing Deadlines below.

top of page

Leak eligibility periods and filing deadlines

Leaks occurring prior to 8/21/95 must meet the requirements listed in the table below.

Dwelling type Leak must occur: and must be filed:

All dwelling types as described in the definition above Prior to August 21, 1995 By August 21, 1997

Leaks occuring 8/21/95 and after must meet the requirements listed in the table below.

Dwelling type Leak must occur: and must be filed:

Mobile homes

From August 21, 1995 and within 10 years of PB plumbing installation
Within 11 years of PB plumbing installation

Yard service lines From August 21, 1995 and within 10 years of PB yard service line installation Within 11 years of PB yard service line installation

Single units (single family, modulars, townhomes, condos, duplexes, triplexes and quads) with Acetal insert fittings From August 21, 1995 and within 13 years of PB plumbing installation Within 14 years of PB plumbing installation

Single units (single family, modulars, townhomes, condos, duplexes, triplexes and quads) with Metal insert fittings From August 21, 1995 and within 16 years of PB plumbing installation or 1-31-09, whichever is earlier Within 17 years of PB plumbing installation or 5-1-09, whichever is earlier

Apartment buildings & commercial or public structures with Acetal or Metal insert fittings From August 21, 1995 and within 13 years of PB plumbing installation Within 14 years of PB plumbing installation

top of page