Why Aquatherm Piping Fails
The History of Aquatherm
Aquatherm, a polypropylene-random (PP-R) piping system developed in Germany in the 1980s, initially gained popularity for its perceived reliability. However, in recent years, its reputation has declined due to widespread failures in Australia and the United States, resulting in extensive water damage and expensive repairs for property owners. This page will detail the flaws of Aquatherm piping, its vulnerabilities, and some notable legal cases against Aquatherm.
Aquatherm's Vulnerabilities and Problems
· Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (CSCC): Aquatherm piping is susceptible to chloride stress corrosion cracking (CSCC) when copper ions from copper components in the same system react with chlorine in the water, attacking the polypropylene piping. This chemical reaction causes micro-cracks to form in the Aquatherm pipes, leading to leaks and system failures.
· Compatibility Issues with Copper Components: Aquatherm piping is particularly vulnerable when used in conjunction with copper components in plumbing systems. The copper ions that leach into the water can gradually degrade the polypropylene material of Aquatherm pipes, especially at fittings and joints. Over time, this degradation can lead to microscopic cracks or weakening of the pipe structure, eventually resulting in leaks or failures in the Aquatherm components of the plumbing system.
· Prone to Leaks and Cracks: Aquatherm piping is prone to developing leaks and cracks over time, particularly at the heat-fused joints. These joints can weaken and fail due to thermal expansion and contraction. Additionally, the PP-R plastic becomes brittle when exposed to UV light, further increasing the risk of cracks and leaks.
· Water Temperature and Pressure Limitations: Aquatherm piping has strict temperature and pressure requirements, and exceeding these limits can cause damage to the pipes.
· Clamping and Sizing Issues: Incorrect clamping or sizing of Aquatherm pipes can lead to deformation and leaks, contributing to system failures.
· Repair Difficulty: When leaks or cracks occur in an Aquatherm system, repairs can be extremely challenging. The heat-fused joints require specialized tools and expertise to fix properly, making it difficult for the average plumber to address issues quickly and effectively. This leads to prolonged water supply disruptions and higher repair costs.
Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (CSCC)
The image depicts a crack in an Aquatherm pipe caused by chloride stress corrosion cracking (CSCC). This highlights the vulnerability of Aquatherm piping and this destructive phenomenon when exposed to copper ions and chlorine in the water system.
Aquatherm Heat-Fused 90° Fitting
The image highlights an Aquatherm heat-fused joints. While heat-fusion is intended to create strong connections, these joints are particularly vulnerable to weakening and failure due to thermal expansion and contraction, contributing to the overall vulnerability of Aquatherm piping.
Legal Challenges and Aquatherm's Alleged Knowledge
In 2023, King County, Washington, won an $18 million lawsuit against Aquatherm. The county had to replace an entire Aquatherm plumbing system within a decade due to significant leaks and other issues. During the trial, evidence showed that Aquatherm allegedly knew about the pipes’ vulnerability to copper-catalyzed thermal oxidation as early as 2010 but did not provide adequate warnings about this susceptibility.
The case highlighted critical failures in Aquatherm’s plumbing system, which led to extensive damage and costly repairs. The court found that Aquatherm’s lack of transparency regarding the known vulnerabilities of their pipes contributed significantly to the county’s losses.
Case Study: United States v. Aquatherm GmbH
The General Services Administration (GSA) reported leaks in Aquatherm pipes five years after their installation. Upon investigation by HDR Engineering, it was determined that the pipes had suffered from oxidative degradation. Initially, Aquatherm had advised removing copper components from the plumbing system to prevent failures. Despite this precaution, the leaks continued, raising serious concerns about the reliability of the Aquatherm pipes.
HDR’s report confirmed that oxidative degradation was the cause of the internal corrosion. This issue was projected to worsen over time, making immediate action necessary. Aquatherm’s 10-year warranty did not exclude damage resulting from oxidative degradation, which became a focal point of the plaintiff’s claims.
The persistent leaks and the resulting damage led the GSA to plan a complete replacement of the affected Aquatherm pipes to ensure safety and functionality. The replacement efforts began with the domestic hot water system, as the ongoing leaks posed a significant risk to the infrastructure and operations.
Identifying Aquatherm Piping by Color
Aquatherm piping is not only known for its green pipes but also comes in blue. The green pipes are typically used for potable water systems, while the blue pipes are designed for HVAC and chilled water applications. This color-coding helps in easily identifying and differentiating between the types of systems within a building. When inspecting your plumbing, look for the distinct green or blue hues to identify Aquatherm piping, ensuring you are aware of the specific system it serves. Recognizing these colors can aid in maintenance, troubleshooting, and when considering replacement options.
Conclusion
To prevent future failures and protect building owners from the devastating consequences of water damage, it is essential to hold manufacturers accountable for product safety and reliability. Encouraging collaboration and information sharing among industry professionals can help resolve issues and ensure that plumbing systems provide the dependable performance that building owners and occupants expect.
Questions About Repiping A Building With Aquatherm Piping?
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