I’m am finding more and more of failing PEX connectors. Last one is Vanguard Vanex brand. In doing some research I’ve discovered some localized lawsuits but no national recall. One client recently said the plumber consulted told her the connections should not have been brass. I think that was a doubtful answer to the issue. Anyone else seeing this or know of more information regarding this issue?
Is corrosion a failure?
Dezincification
When brass pipe fittings are manufactured, zinc is added to the copper alloy to increase the strength of the brass. Because the corrosion of brass is dependent on increasing amounts of zinc, it is recommended to keep the zinc content low (15%-19% of the total alloy). To reduce cost, manufacturers have been turning to high zinc levels (35%+) in the alloy. (Snyder 2011)
When water flows through the fitting, the zinc, due to its weak bond strength at the molecular level, leaches from the brass and creates a powdery buildup. This process is known as dezincification. This buildup can cause a blockage within the fitting. The powdery buildup and blockage can be seen in the video to the right, used with permission from SageWater. (Zinc Oxide Buildup 2009) Also, when the zinc leaches from the copper, it leaves the copper very porous and thus mechanically weak. This weakness can cause the fitting to leak and possibly rupture. (Snyder 2011)
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Not a immediate failure per say however I don’t know what is normal corrosion and what may be dezincification leading to failure. Given that PEX is having some issues with connectors this is looking like the poly pipe connectors issue all over again.
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There has been a class action settlement for Kitek (may have spelled it wrong)
that deals with this very issue
Hope this Helps
Cheers
This is an example of the fittings I’ve been seeing. The brass fittings look a lot like the ones used for Polybutylene.
Cant say Ive laid eyes on them here in my area. So far all brass. The plastic looks like it could become an issue with getting brittle as it experiences heat from the attic all the time.
Couldn’t read the manufacturer on the block, so maybe this is related?.. http://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/vanguard-pipe-with-ipex-fittings.16182/
Another interesting blast from the past. “PEX the new Poly”.
A federal court has preliminarily approved a class action lawsuit settlement between defendants Vanguard Piping Systems Inc., VG Pipe LLC, Viega LLC and plaintiffs led by Don and Noreen Verdejo over alleged defective plumbing fittings manufactured by the defendants. The fittings include Viega Brass Fittings and Vanguard PEX plumbing system fittings, sometimes referred to as Vanguard F1807 fittings and Vanguard yellow brass fittings.
The Vanguard pipe fitting settlement will resolve a class action lawsuit (Verdejo v. Vanguard Piping Systems) that alleges the plaintiffs suffered injuries and damages arising out of defects in certain plumbing system fittings or other components and sub-components made from UNS C36000, UNS C37700, UNS C36500 brass, or similar copper alloys with a zinc content of 15+% manufactured and/or distributed by the defendants.
Plaintiffs allege the Viega Brass Fittings are inadequate, defective and are of poor or insufficient quality. Viega is denying all claims and allegations any maintaining that Viega Brass Fittings are not defective.
The parties previously reached a class action settlement agreement, but following a hearing on Dec. 2, 2013, the plaintiffs withdrew their request for final approval of the settlement to allow the parties to address some matters raised by the court. The parties have now reached a second class action settlement agreement and a final approval hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 17, 2014.
Class Members of the Vanguard/Viega class action settlement will include all persons that own or have owned buildings, homes, residences or any other structures located in the United States that contain or have contained Viega Brass Fittings.
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