The Sun City Anthem Webmaster has distributed the following letter to homeowners issued by Pulte on the subject of Rehau plumbing remediation.
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Dear Homeowner,
We communicated with you last week regarding the Rehau plumbing system that is installed in your home. To keep you informed on this issue and the repair process, we have established some points of contact for you;
If you have computer access, please go to www.vegasplumbingfix.com
Type in this information: Your first name, last name, phone number and e-mail address. Your password is "vegas" (all lower-case letters). This site will allow you to keep updated as new information is developed for this repair process.
If you do not have computer access, you may call 702-914-4861. We have established this dedicated line to deal with this issue. You will be prompted to leave your name, address, phone number, and nature of call. We are working diligently to serve you and will return all calls.
In addition, we are enclosing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's). Please review these questions before you call. As we are still in the process of developing the repair protocol, we may not have all the answers for you at this time, however all new developments will be available through these two mediums as it materializes.
We do thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
Sincerely,
Customer Relations
Pulte Homes/Del Webb
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Frequently Asked Questions
1 How do you identify homes that have REHAU plumbing?
We obtained this information from our Pulte/Del Webb construction personnel. Our information shows that approximately 5,300 homes constructed between May 2002 and January 2006 were built using the REHAU plumbing system. Here are the affected communities:
Sun City Anthem, June 1, 2003 to December 13, 2005… 2,142 homes;
Sun City Aliante, March 21, 2003 to September 29, 2005… 1,140 homes;
Club Aliante, January 10, 2005 to November 30, 2005… 180 homes;
Solera at Anthem, August 13, 2003 to January 9, 2006… 900 homes;
Vialetto, April 25, 2003 to March 15, 2005… 168 homes;
Serenata, May 27, 2003 to December 31, 2004… 147 homes;
Wyeth Ranch, December 16, 2002 to December 30, 2004… 137 homes; and
Anthem Country Club, May 1, 2002 to May 20, 2004… 506 homes.
If you did not close on your home in one of those communities during these timeframes, it is unlikely REHAU plumbing was used.
2 What exactly is the issue with this plumbing system? What kind of plumbing problems would happen in my home if the REHAU was not repaired?
Colorado River water may allow chemical reactions to occur between the water and the brass manifolds and brass fittings in the REHAU system. That, in turn, may cause the system to clog over time, with the potential of eventually developing small, slow pinhole leaks. This reaction is known as “dezincification.” Please keep in mind that dezincification does not affect the actual plastic plumbing pipe in the REHAU system.
3 How does the repair process work? Will I need to move out of my home? If so, is Pulte/Del Webb going to reimburse me for expenses, hotel, etc.?
The repair process protocol is being developed at this time and should be available shortly. We do not expect that you will need to move out of your home in order for these repairs to be completed. Therefore, we don’t anticipate that any hotel or related expenses will be incurred during the repair period.
4 Have any homeowners reported leaks in their REHAU systems?
Yes. We are aware of a handful of cases where homeowners experienced leaks in their REHAU systems.
5 Where do those leaks usually occur?
Usually, in the manifolds, which are located in the attic of the home.
6 Will repairs vary according to the size of the home?
The repairs process will be the same, regardless of the size of the home. However, the length of time required to make repairs will vary depending on the size of the home.
7 Will REHAU plumbing in casitas built by the developer be addressed?
Yes, for those homes with casitas that were constructed by Pulte/Del Webb repairs will be made to casitas. Pulte/Del Webb is not responsible for the plumbing systems in casitas that were constructed by homeowners after they closed escrow.
8 Will kitchen island sinks require repairs?
For homes with REHAU systems, there are no fittings at any island locations. Therefore, no repairs will be necessary.
9 What are you replacing the REHAU manifolds with?
The repair process protocol, including replacement materials to be used, is still being developed and should be available shortly. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for information updates.
10 What are you replacing the REHAU brass fittings with?
Again, the repair process protocol, including replacement materials to be used, is still being developed and should be available shortly. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for information updates.
11 Who’s going to be doing the actual work?
Pulte/Del Webb will hire and manage licensed local plumbing, drywall and painting contractors for the repairs.
12 When are you going to begin making repairs?
The scheduling process is being developed and should be available shortly. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for information updates.
13 Why can’t you tell me when my community will undergo repairs?
We will be making repairs to approximately 5,300 homes in total. As you can imagine, a lot of planning and coordination is going to be required to cover this large number of repairs. We are working on details and expect to have additional information to share shortly. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for information updates.
14 How long will it take Pulte to complete all repairs on all homes?
We will be making repairs to approximately 5,300 homes. A significant amount of planning and coordination will need to take place. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for information updates.
15 How long will I have to wait for repairs on my home?
We are working on scheduling details right now. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for information updates.
16 How many crews does Pulte have dedicated to making these REHAU repairs?
Again, the repair process protocol, including determination of labor requirements, is still being developed and should be available shortly. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for information updates.
17 What happens if they open a wall or ceiling to do the repairs, and find mold and/or mildew in the walls?
If a leak from the REHAU system has caused damage to your home, we will repair the damage.
If a leak from the REHAU system has caused mold, we will send a certified remediation contractor, at our expense, to your home to remediate the mold.
18 If you have a plumbing-related issue that is not related to the REHAU repair program, will Pulte repair it?
The intent of this repair program is to address issues related to REHAU plumbing systems. For any plumbing issue outside the scope of this repair protocol, contact your Pulte/Del Webb Customer Relations Manager to schedule an appointment for review of your issue. If applicable, it will be addressed in accordance with the Pulte/Del Webb warranty.
19 Will those who have hot water re-circulating pumps in both house and casita still have that function after repairs are completed?
Yes.
20 If we have not received a letter from Pulte/Del Webb, how do we tell if our house is affected by the REHAU plumbing issue?
We believe we have identified all homes that were built with the REHAU plumbing system and have sent letters to all affected homeowners.
21 Where does the REHAU plumbing system begin in the home?
The REHAU plumbing system begins at the water service loop and shut-off valve, which is usually located inside the garage.
22 I own a new home in one of these communities. Do I need to be concerned about the REHAU plumbing issue?
According to our records, homes delivered between May 1, 2002 and January 9, 2006 were built with the REHAU plumbing system. Homes delivered before or after those dates are not believed to be affected.
23 Does diminished pressure in our water systems mean we have a problem with the REHAU plumbing system?
While reduced water flow is a symptom associated with dezincification, there are a variety of other factors which may affect water pressure in your home. Some other items which may affect water pressure include: overall City or County water pressure, a pressure regulating valve in your home, clogged screens and/or aerators in your faucets, and shower heads containing water sediment deposits/debris.
24 Are both hot and cold water lines affected by de-zincification?
Although the dezincification process appears to be more pronounced on fittings used for hot water lines, we believe that it may also negatively affect fittings for the cold water lines.
25 How long will the average repairs take and will the house be left clean?
The repair process protocol, including length of repair period, is being developed at this time. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for information updates. Areas affected by the repairs will be left in a clean condition upon completion.
26 Will the work be scheduled in such a manner that the older homes will be scheduled first?
The repair process protocol is still being developed. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for information updates.
27 Are there any health concerns from these affected systems?
We are not aware of any health concerns associated with REHAU plumbing systems.
28 How will this issue impact those who want to sell their homes?
We don’t believe making these repairs will have any affect whatsoever. However, anyone selling his or her home should seek advice from a licensed real estate professional in order to obtain information about disclosure requirements
29 What if I don’t allow you to do the repairs? What will happen to my home?
Ultimately, it is the homeowners’ decision to make. However, Pulte/Del Webb strongly recommends that you allow us the opportunity to complete these repairs for you.
If these repairs are not completed, it is likely that dezincification will continue and leaks will develop.
30 Does this affect any other warranties I have with Pulte/Del Webb?
No, not at all.
31 Why is Pulte/Del Webb repairing REHAU systems, but declined to repair Kitec systems for other homeowners in the area?
These are separate systems and they have separate issues surrounding them. Pulte/Del Webb is making repairs to the REHAU systems of these homeowners at this time. There were other factors involved in the Kitec situation that affected our options.
32 I find it odd that you don’t have information about scheduling repairs right now. Why don’t you?
We want to move forward with these repairs as expeditiously as possible. We will inform homeowners about scheduling of repairs and provide other important information shortly. Please return to the “Updates” page on this website for the most up to date information.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we finalize details of the repair process.
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