If you are a homeowner in California and have experienced a dezincification of brass you should consult a dezincification lawyer Newport Beach, California residents can rely on.
Understanding Dezincification
Dezincification commonly occurs on brass products. It is a selective type of corrosion that results when zinc is leached, or drain away from soil, ash, or similar material, from the alloy metals. This all too often results in a weakened copper fitting that is more porous and more likely to erode faster. Water with high levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen or water that is chlorinated running through pipes can also cause them to incur dezincification.
Signs of Dezincification
The signs of dezincification may include:
Conditions that May Promote Dezincification
Each dezincification lawyer in Newport Beach, CA from our firm is confident in saying that most dezincification cases have similar elements. One of these includes that service conditions present during the corrosion of the pipes and valves. Examples of these conditions include:
There are specific metal requirements for valves. For instance, brass alloys cannot contain more than 15 percent zinc or they should anti-dezincification. When manufacturers, suppliers, or contractors opt for inexpensive yellow brasses, and ignore the standard requirements, the alloys may be susceptible to dezincification.
Dezincification and PEX
In California, many newer homes have been built with PEX, also known as polyethylene, XPE, or XLPE piping. This material is a popular alternative to PVC because it is easier to use and has fewer fittings than copper plumbing systems.
PEX was invented in the 1950s, but improved by design in the 60s, and marketed to all of Europe as an ideal substitute for copper pipes. In the 80s PEX was introduced to the United States and was first used in heating systems. Only recently has it been used for potable water, or plumbing.
PEX pipes are plastic and connected with brass. It is thought that the brass fittings have too much zinc, and when they come into contact with water, they can begin to corrode much faster. Leaks and flooding can result.
At this time a large number of companies are facing lawsuits for their PEX products. These companies include, but are not limited to:
Some cases have settled and others are moving forward. A dezincification lawyer Newport Beach, CA provides may also be reviewing other popular brands to determine whether or not their PEX piping is also causing dezincification.
When to Call a Newport Beach, CA Dezincification Lawyer
As a dezincification lawyer Newport Beach, CA offers, we know of thousands of cases that involve significant damage to a home or building because of dezincification. Right now, there are several pending class action lawsuits that involve various companies who manufactured or supplied poor quality pipes or those made with PEX that were prone to dezincification. If your home was fitted with PEX pipes and you have experienced related problems, you should call a dezincification lawyer Newport Beach, CA homeowners can rely on. Contact Terry Mudge, LLP today.