HINTS FOR HOMEOWNERS |
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(NAPSI)-Checking your home’s plumbing may help to prevent money from going down the drain. That’s because if you own a home or other structure with a plumbing system that was installed between January 1978 and July 1995, your plumbing system may have some surprising value. What you’re looking for is polybutylene (PB) plastic pipe. If you are one of the thousands of Americans whose residence has a PB pipe system that has leaked, is leaking now or may leak in the future, you may be eligible for a replacement plumbing system at absolutely no cost. However, you must submit your claim by May 1, 2009. How To Spot PB Pipe Installed in millions of homes in the late 1970s, PB pipe is used in water supply systems and is distinguished by nonrigid, sometimes curved and usually gray plastic pipes. The pipes are joined by plastic or metal fittings held in place by small aluminum or copper bands, about the size of a man’s wedding band. PB pipe is typically located in the attic, crawl space or water heater closet, and it is often buried beneath insulation materials. PB pipe is not used for drains, waste or vent piping, yard sprinkler systems, irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, sewer lines, faucets or fixtures. It should not be confused with PVC or CPVC products, which are rigid plastic and are usually white or off-white. What To Do Owners of properties with a PB plumbing system should call the Consumer Plumbing Recovery Center (CPRC) toll-free at (800) 392-7591 or visit www.pbpipe.com. The Web site contains all pertinent information needed to file a claim, including a Claims Eligibility Form. All claim forms are due by May 1, 2009. “The CPRC provides extensive support to qualifying claimants to ensure that eligibility is established quickly and that the plumbing replacement takes place with minimum disruption,” said Tim Taylor, General Manager of the CPRC. “We evaluate the claim and check the basic information. We then send an inspector for a site visit to qualify the home and determine the extent of the work. If you qualify, you can select your own plumber or use one of the plumbers recommended by the CPRC. Our goal is to make the process quick and painless.” Additional Information Established in 1995, the $1.1 billion PB pipe settlement fund has facilitated the free replacement of plumbing systems for more than 330,000 homeowners. However, thousands of additional homeowners who purchased their homes or other properties in the last several years still have yet to qualify for the same free replacement benefits that others have already received. If you purchased your home after September 12, 2005 and you do not wish to participate in the benefits of the replacement program, you may exclude yourself from obtaining relief under this settlement. Alternatively, homeowners with PB pipe living in certain counties in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita can exclude themselves if their home was purchased after August 12, 2002. In order to exclude yourself, you must sign and return an exclusion request form before September 1, 2008. A listing of counties included in the Gulf Coast area and complete details on how you can exclude yourself are available at www.pbpipe.com or by calling (800) 392-7591. If you are one of the thousands of Americans whose residence has a PB pipe system that has leaked, is leaking now or may leak in the future, you may be eligible for a replacement plumbing system at absolutely no cost. |
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