Following are (1) the claim eligibility checklist and (2) leak eligibility periods and filing deadlines.
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.
| Dwelling Type |
Leak Must Occur: |
and Must be Filed: |
All dwelling types as described in the
definition above |
Prior to August 21, 1995 |
By August 21, 1997 |
Leaks occuring 8/21/95 and after must meet the requirements listed in the table below.
| Dwelling Type |
Leak Must Occur: |
and Must be Filed: |
Mobile Homes (timed out - the leak
deadline for mobile home and yard
service claims expired 7/31/2005) |
From August 21, 1995
and within 10 years of
PB plumbing installation |
Within 11 years of PB
plumbing installation |
Yard Service Lines (timed out - the
lead deadline for mobile home and
yard service claims expired 7/31/2005) |
From August 21, 1995
and within 10 years of
PB yard service line
installation |
Within 11 years of PB
yard service line
installation |
Single Units (single family, modulars,
townhomes, condos, duplexes, triplexes,
and quads) with Acetal insert fittings |
From August 21, 1995
and within 13 years of
PB plumbing installation |
Within 14 years of PB
plumbing installation |
Single Units (single family, modulars,
townhomes, condos, duplexes, triplexes,
and quads) with Metal insert fittings |
From August 21, 1995
and within 16 years of
PB plumbing installation
or 1/31/2009, whichever
is earlier |
Within 17 years of PB
plumbing installation
or 5/1/2009, whichever
is earlier |
Apartment Buildings and Commercial
or public structures with Acetal or Metal
insert fittings |
From August 21, 1995
and with 13 years of
PB plumbing installation |
Within 14 years of PB
plumbing installation |
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