Polybutylene plumbing piping was probably the most common type of plumbing supply and distribution piping installed in homes in the greater Charlotte area from the early 1980's through roughly 1996.  It is a flexible plastic type pipe that was less expensive than copper and easier to install.  A class action law suit was filed against the manufacturer of Polybutylene piping and later settled in late 1995.  Claimants believed the piping had a higher than normal failure rate and was defective the defendants still deny any legal liability.

ELIGIBILITY

Claim eligibility 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.

• 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.  Please visit the terms page to see the full definition of a "leak" and other terms used on this page.

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.

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Leak eligibility periods and filing deadlines:

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

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

ELIGIBLE SYSTEMS

ELIGIBLE PIPES and INSERT FITTINGS USED in POLYBUTYLENE SYSTEMS