Yard
Service FAQs
top
of page
What
is a PB yard service line as defined by the Class?
That portion of any potable water distribution system with an Installation
Date between January 1, 1978 and July 31, 1995, which extends from
the water company cutoff valve or a water source to the transition
to the inside plumbing system in or at the structure (excluding
the meter) and which is composed of Polybutylene Pipe. This line
is typically blue, sometimes gray in color.
back
How
do I know if there is a leak in my yard line?
There is a simple test that can be done to check for leaks. Locate
the interior shut off valve and turn the water off to the interior
of the home. Then locate the meter box and see if the meter is still
moving. If the meter is still moving, this would indicate a leak
in the main line. Please be sure to turn off valves for sprinkler
systems for other equipment when doing this test.
For homes where the meter is located at the foundation of the home,
the water company can usually be called upon to test for a leak
in the line.
back
Is
there a time frame for leaks?
For yard lines, the leak must occur within ten years from the date
of installation of this product. All claims must be filed for by
the eleventh year of installation. (i.e. for a home built August
1992, there must be a documented leak by August 2002 and that leak
must be filed for by August 2003)
back
What
do I do if I have a current leak in my yard line?
Call the CPRC at 1-800-876-4698 to file a claim. The claim will
then be reviewed for qualification. In most cases the CPRC has a
contracted plumber in your area that can be sent out to replace
the yard service line. This service is typically done at no cost
to the homeowner.
If
it is an extreme emergency and our office is closed, please call
a plumber and have a temporary repair made to the line until CPRC
can be reached. Save any receipts for possible reimbursement.
back
Do
I have the option of using my own plumber to replace my yard line?
Yes, you can use your own contractor for line replacement but your
reimbursement may be limited. As the owner of property, you have
the absolute right to use any plumber you wish. However; The Terms
of Settlement, in keeping with established legal practice, provide
that reimbursement shall be based on Reasonable and Necessary
expenses incurred because of work done in the Usual and Customary
manner. As a Homeowner, you should check with the CPRC to see what
the Prevailing Costs are for yard service line replacements
in your area prior to starting the project. Otherwise, you may not
receive 100% reimbursement of your expenses. Finally, Homeowners
who use their own plumbers will be responsible for making all arrangements.
The property may be inspected prior to payment being made.
back
If
the yard service line replacement is performed by an approved CPRC
contractor, will there be a warranty on the work performed?
As required by the Scope of Work, the contractor shall provide the
homeowner a written one-year warranty commencing upon completion
of the work.
back
What
is the PB yard service line going to be replaced with?
The yard service line will be replaced with the product required
per the local plumbing codes. The plumbing system will be replaced
with a code approved material.
back
What
if I have already replaced my yard line and want to file for reimbursement?
If the yard line has been replaced, you can call the CPRC for a
claim package and file for reimbursement. Please note that reimbursements
are based on reasonable and necessary charges for this same work
in your area.
back
If
I purchase a property am I able to claim previous leaks that have
occurred at the property prior to my ownership?
For a Class Member to receive relief as an Eligible Claimant, the
Qualifying Leak(s) or Qualifying Yard Service Leak(s) must occur
in the yard service line during the Claimant's ownership of that
Unit.
back
How
long does the claim process take for a Yard Service claim?
The claims package takes approximately 21 days to reach you when
filing for reimbursement on a yard line replacement. Once returned
to CPRC with all the requested documentation, process of reimbursement
generally takes 30 to 45 days.
If requesting a CPRC plumber for line replacement of a current leak,
the plumber usually contacts the homeowner within 24 to 48 hours.
Line replacement is to be preformed within 14 days of contractor's
receipt of the assignment.
back
What
documents are needed for proof of installation?
Documents that may be considered as verification of the installation date of the PB yard service line include: Final Plumbing Inspection; Final Building Inspection; Original Meter Installation Date; Receipt for PB installation; Initial Certificate of Occupancy; Initial Warranty Deed; or the Original owner settlement statement.
back
What
is eligible under the suit for recovery?
All claims are reviewed on an individual basis. Normal recovery
would be based on document receipts for replacements, repairs, temporary
lines, damage to personal property caused by the water and insurance
deductibles if property damages were filed with your homeowners
insurance.
back
What
about my landscaping and the water bills?
All claims are reviewed on an individual basis. Water bills, landscaping,
copper upgrades (unless code required), hotel stays, lost wages
and medical bills are not considered for reimbursement under the
Settlement.
back
What
if I have not had any leaks in my line? Can I still get it replaced?
No. There are no preventative measures covered under the Settlement
which states that the yard service line must have a documented leak
in the product in order to receive recovery.
back
The
main line has not experienced any leaks. Should I file a claim with
the CPRC in case a leak(s) occur in the future?
No, it is not necessary to contact the CPRC unless the main yard
service line has experienced a polybutylene leak(s).
back top
of page
|