ASAP ALL PRO PLUMBING

1. How long does the replumbing take?
Answer: An average home will be replumbed in 2 working days.

2. Will we have to move out during the work?
Answer: No. We respect your privacy and do our best to work around your needs. It isn’t much different than painting your home.

3. Does someone need to be home during the work?
Answer: No. Just meet our crew the first day to show us around. We’ll do our work and clean up every night. In fact, we will leave you a progress note each evening.

5. If I have questions during the work, will you explain things to me?
Answer: Of course.

7. Does this work need a permit?
Answer: Yes, in fact it is critical that a permit be obtained to ensure the work meets your specific code requirements and upon completion, the work is properly inspected. In fact, some jurisdictions allow self inspection when the contractor meets the high standards of the jurisdiction. In jurisdictions that allow self inspection, we have met or exceeded their requirements.

8. What about all of the dust and construction debris?
Answer: No problem. This is one of our trade secrets. But here’s what our clients say…

10. Will you be able to see where the walls and ceilings were patched?
Answer: Our expert craftsmen have mastered this technique. Many homeowners tell us…

12. Do you offer a warranty?
Answer: Yes. In fact, we are so proud of our work that we offer 5-year warranties covering our interior repipe craftsmanship. That’s probably more than you’re used to receiving from other companies you’ve dealt with.

13. Do you offer financing?
Answer: Yes. We offer financing options to suit your particular needs.

14. Can we pay you at the time of closing out of escrow?
Answer: Certainly. For homeowners in the process of buying or selling a home, we can accommodate you and make arrangements for payment out of escrow.

15. Will you guarantee a completion date?
Answer: Absolutely. We know our job better than anyone in the business. There are no surprises we cannot handle within the guaranteed completion date.

FREE ESTIMATES

Jacksonville       Duval County                 904-346-1266
St Augustine      St Johns County             904-824-7144
Orange Park       Clay County                   904-264-6444
Jacksonville Beaches    Duval County      904-246-3969
Fernandina          Nassau County               904-277-3040
Macclenny          Baker County                 904-259-5091
Palm Coast         Flagler County                386-439-5290
Daytona              Volusia County               386-253-4911

GAINESVILLE    ALACHUA COUNTY       352-335-8555
Serving all of Florida  and Georgia    at     904-346-1266

EMAIL LARRY@1STPROP.COM (feel free to email your bidding packages here)

Myth: Only systems with plastic fittings have problems:
Not true! Systems with metal fittings fail as well. However, it is true that systems with plastic fittings have more components that fail, and our experience tells us that they do indeed fail at a greater rate than systems with metal fittings or manifold-type systems. That said, both metal fitting systems and manifold systems contain polybutylene piping as well as plastic valves, and both of these components are subject to failure. Basically, the distinction is one of “bad versus worse,” not “good versus bad.”

Myth: Replacing poly pipes costs an arm and a leg:
Actually, replacing poly is about the same cost as recarpeting your home or putting on new roof shingles–providing you use a repipe specialist. A repipe specialist will provide you with the best price combined with the most professional workmanship. To put the cost of a repipe into context (including drywall and paint), it’s usually much less than installing vinyl windows or basement waterproofing. It is unfortunate that you need to replace the pipes, but it really is similar to other maintenance items–just one you didn’t expect so soon!

Myth: The class action settlement fund will take care of everything if you have a problem:
All things considered, the class action settlements are very generous; the Cox v. Shell settlement was one of the largest consumer settlements in United States history. But, the settlements were a compromise, so neither side got everything they wanted. For example, significant limitations exist on eligibility for free pipe replacement, such as installation date and location of leak(s). (Note: You are strongly encouraged to contact the class facilities directly if you think you have a claim.)

Myth: Poly problems occur because of poor installation:
Installation quality may be a factor in poly leaks, but in most cases installation does not appear to be the primary cause. Factors contributing to system leaks include degeneration of piping and/or fittings, water quality, chlorine levels, poor installation and age. Over time, some or all of these factors may contribute to system failure. So even with perfect installation, polybuylene systems may likely fail at some point as a result of other factors.

Myth: Any good plumber can replace my pipes:
True, any reputable plumbing company can install water supply piping professionally, but the real questions are, “Can they do the whole job for a fair price and at the least inconvenience to me?” A few general plumbing companies will do the whole job by subcontracting the drywall and paint, but a company that specializes in repipes is your best bet. They have the personnel to give you a quality job, and they will do it more efficiently, with less damage and inconvenience, and most importantly, for less cost.

Myth: I inspected my own pipes and they are fine:
It doesn’t take a pro to do the “Squeeze Test” (squeeze a pipe or fitting with your fingers: If it falls apart you have a BIG problem). But the “Squeeze Test” doesn’t help much because it is very rare that a system becomes so decayed that it gets to this state of advanced degeneration before it leaks (maybe 1 in 1,000). The problem is this: Most failures occur in systems that look fine even to the trained eye, so a visual inspection is almost pointless. Yes, you should test your water pressure, but that is about all you can do.

Myth: The poly in my house has lasted for ten years, so it must be o.k.:
Not true. In most cases it takes years for polybutylene systems to fail. While it may leak within a few years of installation, the majority of leaks start to occur in the 10-15 year time frame.

Myth: You will not have a problem selling your home with poly:
This depends on the awareness of the buyer or prospective buyer. In general, real estate agents tell us that homes with poly sell for less and take longer to sell. Frequently, a home inspector flags the problem, and the pipes are replaced before closing. Unfortunately, we do not know how many prospective buyers simply ignore homes with poly because they recognize it as a potential problem from the start.

Myth: If the pipes do leak, it’s usually minor:
How about $138,000 worth of damage from a leak that did not qualify the home for a free repipe. Of the homes we work in that have had a leak, about 80% had some form of structural damage. Frequently, the damage repair entails a sheet of drywall and some paint, or maybe carpet pad replacement, but many leaks have been catastrophic causing thousands of dollars of damage to both the structure and the contents.

Myth: My insurance will cover the resulting damages if the pipes leak:
Absolutely–this is not a myth. Water damage of all sorts is typically covered by most policies, and in certain circumstances the class actions may even assist you. But the problem is that your insurer may decide to increase your premium after a claim (or multiple claims), or worse yet, they may not renew your policy. This can happen with any casualty (such as fire or wind damage), but there is no reason to set yourself up for this type of problem when you can avoid it in the first place.

Myth: My home inspector said the poly “looked” fine:
It may “look” fine, but that doesn’t mean much because most of the problems with poly systems are not visible. Basically, a home inspector can look for water leaking RIGHT NOW, he can look for evidence of repairs, and he can look for certain installation no-no’s (only where pipes are exposed) such as kinks in the piping. That helps a little, but many things contribute to a poly leak, most all of which an inspector cannot see. What matters most is the useful life of the poly in a home, and an inspector cannot predict this for any poly system.

Myth: The pipe replacement work will practically destroy my home:
That depends. Pipe replacement is serious work, and if you choose the wrong company to do it, they could make quite a mess. However, a reputable pipe replacement expert knows how to minimize damage to walls and ceilings, so the disruption and the time it takes to complete the job is minimized. The average home should take about five days start to finish, and after that you should see no signs of the work ever being done–that is the real test!

Polybutylene is a thermoplastic polyolefin. It is created by polymerizing butylene. It is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, and is also known as polybutene-1. It should not be confused with polybutene, a low molecular weight oligomer with a different repeat unit.

Controversy

The suitability of polybutylene for use in plumbing is controversial. Polybutylene plumbing was used in 6 to 10 million homes built in the United States from 1970 to the mid-1990s.^[1] Problems with leaks led to a class action lawsuit, Cox vs. Shell Oil, that was settled for $1 billion.^[2] The Cox Settlement claims filing deadline was May 1st, 2009. Previous to this deadline, owners of homes and structures containing defective polybutylene piping and associated fittings could file a claim and receive a free turnkey pipe replacement if qualified. Those that missed the deadline will have to pay for these repairs on their own.^[3] Polybutylene plumbing is still widely used in Europe and Asia.^{[4] [5] [6]}

The material oxidized when used in hot water systems, developing longitudinal cracks which eventually punctured the walls leading to floods and damage to properties. Many acetal resin fittings also cracked, a problem caused by chlorine attack. Even the low concentration (ppm) of chlorine used in most potable water supplies for purification was enough to initiate cracking.

The Spencer Class Action Home Page is designed to provide news and information regarding the proceedings of the class Action. This page includes legal notices and periodic updates on court proceedings in the Garria Spencer et al.,  v  Shell Oil Company et al., Civil Action No. CV 94-074

About the Spencer Class Action:

The Spencer Class Action covers homes that were plumbed inside using polybutylene plumbing systems with polybutylene pipe connected with acetal plastic insert fittings. The polybutylene pipe is usually grey or black plastic. The acetal insert fittings are usually grey and occasionally white plastic. There are a variety of other fitting systems used with polybutylene pipe, but only the systems with grey or white plastic insert fittings shown below are eligible for reimbursement under the terms of the Spencer Class Action.

The homeowner must own or have owned a home with the above polybutylene system and must have had it replumbed in order to be considered for reimbursement under the Spencer program.

For further information write to:

Spencer Class Facility
P.O. Box 81448
Atlanta, GA 30366

or call (800) 490-6997

You may also E-Mail the Spencer Class Facility for more information.

Dear Homeowner:Thank you for your interest in the DuPont settlement of the nationwide class action of polybutylene (PB) plumbing systems in Alabama (Spencer et al v. Shell), which has received final court approval.

DuPont will make its settlement payment as follows:

You can apply to the Spencer Class Facility using the claim form available on this site.  This facility has been established to administer the settlement.  Under the terms of the Spencer settlement, DuPont will reimburse you for 10% of the cost of replacing a plumbing system of PB pipe connected with acetal plastic insert fittings and 10% of any unreimbursed past damages caused by leaks, if you have replaced the entire PB system.
DuPont will pay under this settlement if you replace your entire system within 15 years of its installation.  This 15-year limitation period does not apply if you acquired your property after August 1, 1999 and you replaced your system by December 31, 2003. For complete details on the Spencer settlement, please review the Notice of Class Action Settlement available on this site.
The systems that are eligible for this recovery are plumbing systems made with PB pipe (which is normally gray) and acetal plastic insert fittings (which are normally gray). Please refer to  Photos of Systems Covered that further describes the eligible PB plumbing system.

If you have questions, please contact us at:

Spencer Class Facility

(800) 490-6997

or E-Mail the Spencer Class Claims Facility

The Spencer Settlement has certain provisions that either exclude you or allows you the option to be excluded from the Settlement.  Please review paragraphs 5, 7 and 9 of the Notice for details regarding your rights.

If you wish to file a claim to the Spencer Class Facility, please follow the instructions enclosed under obtain claim form.  Call us at (800) 490-6997 if you have any questions.

The Spencer Class Facility
for the DuPont Settlement

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF GREENE COUNTY, ALABAMA

TO ALL PERSONS WHO HAVE OWNED OR CURRENTLY OWN

HOMES OR STRUCTURES IN THE UNITED STATES

THAT CONTAIN A PLUMBING SYSTEM MADE OF

POLYBUTYLENE PIPE AND ACETAL PLASTIC INSERT FITTINGS

THIS NOTICE MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS

PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY

THIS NOTICE ANSWERS THESE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. Why should I read this notice?
2. What is the lawsuit about?
3. Who is the Settlement with?
4. What are the plumbing systems covered by this Settlement?
5. Who is in the Class?
6. What are the Settlement recovery terms?
7. Do I need to do anything now to participate in the

Class and Settlement?

1. How do I make a claim?
2. How can I exclude myself from the Class?

10.   Where do I get additional information?

1. WHY SHOULD I READ THIS NOTICE?

Your rights may be affected by the lawsuit known as Spencer, et al. v. Shell Oil Co., et al., Civil Action No. CV 94-074 (the “Lawsuit”) in the Circuit Court of Greene County, Alabama (the “Court”).  This notice is given pursuant to Rule 23 of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure and the order of the Court.

The purpose of this Notice is to inform you that the Court certified a plaintiff class and approved a settlement (the “Settlement”) of the Lawsuit with DuPont on November 17, 1995.

The Class includes all former or current owners of homes or structures (including houses, commercial properties, and mobile homes) in the United States that contain a plumbing system made of polybutylene pipe and acetal plastic insert fittings.  While notice was previously provided to the Class in the Lawsuit, if you purchased a home or structure containing plumbing covered by the Settlement after August 1, 1999, this may be your first notice of the Lawsuit and Settlement and your rights to participate in it.

1. WHAT IS THE LAWSUIT ABOUT?

Plaintiff Garria Spencer and others (the “Plaintiffs”) brought the Lawsuit as a class action alleging that Defendants Shell Oil Company (“Shell”), Hoechst Celanese Corporation (“Celanese”), and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (“DuPont”) were negligent and committed fraud in connection with the manufacture, promotion, and sale of polybutylene plumbing systems.  The Defendants denied (and still deny) any legal liability and wrongdoing relating to polybutylene plumbing.  The Court has made no rulings on the merits of the Plaintiffs’ claims or of any of the Defendants’ defenses.

3.         WHO IS THE SETTLMENT WITH?

A settlement of the Lawsuit was reached with DuPont only.  The Court ruled that the Lawsuit could proceed as a class action for the purpose of completing a settlement with DuPont.  The Court gave its final approval to this Settlement on November 17, 1995.
4.         WHAT ARE THE PLUMBING SYSTEMS COVERED BY THIS SETTLEMENT?

The plumbing systems included in this class action are made of polybutylene pipe and acetal plastic insert fittings.  The polybutylene pipe is usually gray and sometimes black plastic.  The acetal fittings are usually gray and occasionally white plastic.  The pipe and fittings are secured together by crimp rings made of aluminum or copper.  They may be visible in the attic or basement or behind the walls or near the water heater of the homes or structures in which they were installed.

This plastic plumbing system has been sold under various names, including Qest, Bow, Safeguard, and Flex-temp.

The polybutylene pipe and plastic insert fitting system is the only type of system involved in this lawsuit.  Homes or structures with other types of plumbing systems are not included in this lawsuit.  The following types are specifically NOT included:

• Metal plumbing systems (for instance, with copper or iron pipes)
• CPVC plumbing systems (rigid white plastic pipes and fittings that are glued or solvent-welded)
• Systems of polybutylene pipe with metal (copper or brass) or black plastic  fittings
• Systems of polybutylene pipe with compression fittings (fittings in which a plastic or metal nut is tightened to make the connection secure)
• Blue polybutylene water supply pipe supplying water to the house
• Any kind of plastic or metal drain or wastewater piping

5.         WHO IS IN THE CLASS?

The Settlement Class is composed of all persons who own or previously owned homes or structures in the United States containing a plumbing system made of polybutylene pipe and acetal plastic insert fittings.

The Class excludes any persons who as of May 12, 1995: (a) have already filed their own individual lawsuits or been a member of a class certified against DuPont seeking damages for the same polybutylene plumbing system; (b) have already signed releases or covenants not to sue DuPont; (c) have previously had their polybutylene plumbing system replaced and such replacement and all related property damages were paid for by some other entity; (d) are individual claimants represented by the Houston, Texas law firm of Fleming, Hovenkamp & Grayson, P.C., provided, however, that the individual claimants represented by these attorneys may elect to accept settlement with DuPont; (e) are members of a certified class in San Diego County, California; or (f) are defendants in this lawsuit or manufacturers of polybutylene pipe, fittings, or components of a polybutylene plumbing system (including such defendants’ and manufacturers’ officers and directors).

The Class excludes governmental entities, municipalities, and privately owned water supply companies.

The Class excludes (1) persons who submitted a timely request for exclusion from the class before October 27, 1995 during the original notice period, (2) persons who submitted a timely request for exclusion from the class before November 1, 1999 following the first supplemental notice, or (3) persons who submit a timely request for exclusion from this class, in accordance with paragraph 9 below.

The Settlement does not settle or release any claims for personal injury or wrongful death arising from polybutylene plumbing systems.

6.         WHAT ARE THE SETTLEMENT RECOVERY TERMS?

The Settlement has been approved by the Court.  The basic recovery terms under the Settlement are as follows:

1. The Settlement Fund

DuPont has committed $120 million to a Settlement Fund.  The Settlement Fund provides for the following distribution:

• DuPont will pay 10 percent of the cost to replumb the plumbing systems of a Class Member’s property unit if such replumb is actually performed and completed within 15 years of the plumbing system’s installation.  The 15 year limitation period does not apply to Class Members who acquired their property after August 1, 1999, for the period from October 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003.  After December 31, 2003, this 15 year limitation period will apply to all Class Members.
• DuPont will pay 10 percent of the actual cash value of physical damage to property of a Class Member caused by a leak in the polybutylene plumbing system occurring within 15 years of its installation, if a replumb is actually performed and completed within 15 years of the plumbing system’s installation.  The 15 year limitation period does not apply to Class Members who acquired their property after August 1, 1999, for the period from October 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003.  After December 31, 2003, this 15 year limitation period will apply to all Class Members.

If the Settlement Fund is exhausted before all Class Members have received the relief to which they are entitled under the Settlement, DuPont may (a) provide additional funds for the continuation of the Settlement, or (b) provide no additional funds, in which case Class Members who would still be entitled to relief under the Settlement may pursue their unpaid claims against DuPont.

1. Fees and Costs and Attorneys

DuPont has paid the costs of providing notice to Class Members and the fees and expenses of Class Counsel approved by the Court.  These Class Counsel include: J.L. Chestnut, Jr., Chestnut, Sanders, Sanders & Pettaway, P.C., 1405 Jeff Davis Avenue, Selma, AL 36702; T. Roe Frazer, II, Langston Frazer Sweet & Freese, P.A., 201 North President Street, Jackson, MS 39201; Joseph R. Whatley, Jr., Cooper, Mitch, Crawford & Whatley, 505 20^th Street, North, 1100 Financial Center, Birmingham, AL 35203; George M. Fleming, Fleming, Hovenkamp & Grayson, P.C., 1330 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 3030, Houston, TX 77056; and R. Jackson Drake, Drake & Pierce, P.O. Box 86, Tuscaloosa, AL 35402.  These attorneys represent the interests of the Class, and you will not be charged for their services.  You also have the right to hire your own attorney.  If you hire your own attorney, you will be responsible for paying that attorney’s fees.  You also have the right to represent yourself before the Court.

7.         DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING NOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE

CLASS AND SETTLEMENT?

No.  If you wish to remain a member of the Class and participate in the Settlement, you need do nothing at this time.

If you meet the requirements for excluding yourself from the Class, and you do not want to participate in the Settlement of this Lawsuit, you must request exclusion from the Class as described below in Section 9, “How Can I Exclude Myself From The Class?”

If you remain a member of the Class, you do not thereby obtain any right to object to the terms of the Settlement or to appeal from any Court rulings previously entered.  Your decision to remain in the Class is an agreement by you to give up any rights you might have had to object or appeal from such previous rulings.  You will, however, retain full rights to pursue any eligible claim and to obtain review of your claim, if any, under the Settlement’s terms.

8.         HOW DO I MAKE A CLAIM?

You should call the Spencer Class Facility at (800) 490-6997, send an email through the Spencer Class Facility’s website at www.SpencerClass.com, or send a letter by first-class mail to:

Spencer Class Facility

P.O. Box 81448

Atlanta, GA  30366

9.         HOW CAN I EXCLUDE MYSELF FROM THE CLASS?

You may exclude yourself from being a Class Member only if you purchased your structure after August 1, 1999.  If you purchased your structure after August 1, 1999, YOU WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS UNLESS YOU REQUEST TO BE EXCLUDED IN THE MANNER SET FORTH BELOW.  If you continue as a Class Member, you will be bound by any judgment or other final disposition of this lawsuit against DuPont by the Court.

If you do NOT want to remain a Class Member and participate in the Settlement, and you do want to exclude yourself (“opt out” of the Lawsuit), then you must send a letter by first-class mail setting forth your name, present address, present telephone number, the address of the home(s) you own with polybutylene pipe and acetal insert fitting plumbing systems, the names of any co-owners, and a statement that you wish to be excluded from the class, postmarked no later than December 1, 2003.  Unsigned letters will not be accepted.  No one else can sign your opt-out request for you.  Please address the letter to:

Spencer Class Facility

P.O. Box 81448

Atlanta, GA  30366

If you send in an opt-out request, you may NOT also make a claim under the Settlement.  Also, (1) you will not share in any recovery under the Settlement; (2) you will not be bound by any orders or judgments entered in the Lawsuit; and (3) you may present any claims you may have against Defendants in your own separate lawsuit at your own expense.

10.       WHERE DO I GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

THIS NOTICE IS ONLY A SUMMARY. Information concerning the Settlement and your rights under it are available from the Spencer Claims Facility by calling 1-800-490-6997 or visiting its website at www.SpencerClass.com.  You may also write to the Spencer Claims Facility at P.O. Box 81448, Atlanta, Georgia 30366.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT.  You may review the pleadings, records, and other papers on file in the Lawsuit, which may be obtained during regular business hours at the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court of Greene County, Alabama.

Dated: September 22, 2003

other websites we recommend you look at

www.asap-plumbing.com