Dip Tube, Water Tank Manufacturers May Face Class Action Suit
A lawsuit filed against two dip tube manufacturers and six water tank manufacturers could potentially be certified as a class action suit. The suit, Wheeler et al. vs. Perfection Corp., et al., was filed in March in Michigan. The two dip tube manufacturers are Apcom Inc. and Perfection Corp. The six water tank manufacturers are Smith Corp., American Water Heater Inc., Lochnivar Corp., Rheem Mfg. Co. Inc., State Industries Inc. and Bradford White Corp.
The lawsuit charges that polypropylene dip tubes are subject to breakdown, deterioration and dissolution. The dip tubes, which deteriorate into a gel-like substance or plastic particles, may mix with hot water supplied throughout the household, potentially damaging appliances and infiltrating household plumbing systems. The polypropylene dip tubes were installed in hot water heaters sold and distributed throughout the country since approximately 1993.