FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 18, 2000
Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, Jr. is alerting Maryland consumers to a major class-action settlement that provides free replacement of a water heater component. The component, called a dip tube, may deteriorate, causing a loss of hot water pressure and temperature and the appearance of small white or gray particles in the hot water supply. The particles may also damage other appliances that use hot water.
Dip tubes are plastic parts that bring cold water from the intake at the top of the water heater down to the bottom, where water is heated. Some tubes manufactured by the Ohio-based Perfection Company and installed in major water heater brands have deteriorated prematurely. Six water heater manufacturers have entered into a class action settlement in federal court that provides for free replacement of the tubes for consumers.
"I encourage all eligible consumers to take advantage of this settlement," said Attorney General Curran. "The repair is free and may save you trouble and money down the road."
Any consumer who owns a water heater covered by the settlement is entitled to have the dip tube replaced for free, regardless of condition. Consumers whose dip tubes have deteriorated and who are having problems with their hot water are entitled to have their plumbing systems flushed in addition to having the dip tubes replaced. Consumers who have already paid for related repairs are entitled to reimbursement.
Water heaters covered by the settlement were manufactured by American Water Heater Company, A. O. Smith Corporation, Bradford White Corporation, Lochinvar Corporation, Rheem Manufacturing Company, and State Industries, Inc.
How consumers can find out if their water heater is covered under the settlement:
All consumers who had a water heater installed between August 1993 and September 1999 should find out if their water heater is eligible for a dip tube replacement. Find the manufacturer name and the serial number on the water heater. Call 1-800-329-0561 (toll-free) to get a listing of the eligible serial numbers or visit www.diptubesettlement.com (LINK NO LONGER LIVE) on the Internet.
How consumers can file a claim under the settlement:
Consumers can request a "proof of claim" form by calling the settlement's toll-free number, visiting the website, or by writing to the following address:
Dip Tube Litigation
Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 9338
Garden City, NY 11530-9338
Consumers seeking a dip tube replacement or repairs for a current related hot water problem must submit a claim by December 31, 2000. After submitting a "proof of claim" form, the consumer will receive a dip tube replacement certificate and a list of approved plumbing professionals in his or her area. Those seeking reimbursement for prior replacement and associated repairs must submit a claim by June 30, 2000.
LINK TO ORIGINAL WEBPAGE
