Yard Service FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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