Dezincification Lawyer Newport Beach, CA

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:

• The presence of mineral stains around the outer surface of the pipes or valves
• Water dripping or leaking from the seal or valve
• A loose white colored deposit of zinc on the exterior of the pipes, seal, or valve

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:

• High levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the water
• Slow moving, or even stagnant, water
• Water low in salt content when left at room temperature
• Slightly acidic water
• Low pH and low mineral content combined with high oxygen levels
• High levels of chloride ions
• High in salt content at or above room temperature

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.

PEX Lawsuits

At this time a large number of companies are facing lawsuits for their PEX products. These companies include, but are not limited to:

• Viega
• Zurn
• Uponor
• Nibco
• Mr. Pex
• Whirlpool
• Rifeng
• Sharkbite
• Roth
• Watts
• Everhot
• Vanguard Piping Systems Inc.
• Wirsbo Co.

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.