Polyethylene Plumbing System Maker Can’t Shed Defect Class Suit

Uponor Inc. and associated entities’ attempts to shake a proposed class action alleging the companies sold polyethylene (PEX) tubing that prematurely degrades was denied by a federal judge.

The US District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee denied the companies’ motion to compel arbitration, dismiss the suit, and strike class allegations.

The plaintiffs alleged that Uponor’s manufacturing process involves subjecting the pipes to high temperatures that cause the tubing to prematurely degrade, crack, leak, and damage other structures in their homes. The homes were built by contractors who used the tubing, and the homeowners say Uponor failed to disclose ...