Reliance Worldwide $3.8M Water Heater Connector Settlement

If you purchased or leased a residence or structure in the United States that contained a SharkBite™ Water Heater Connector with the part numbers “U3068FLEX” or “U3088FLEX”, you may be eligible to claim up to $30 from a class action settlement.

Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) has agreed to pay $3,800,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged manufacturing defects in their SharkBite™ Water Heater Connectors, which allegedly caused rubber liners to deteriorate and flake under certain conditions.

Can I Claim an Award?

The Court has determined that you are a Settlement Class Member if you fit the following criteria:

• You must have purchased a Water Heater Connector for direct use and not for resale.
• You must own or have owned, lease or have leased a residence or structure in the United States during the time it contained a Water Heater Connector.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

Class members can claim two types of awards:

1. Replacement Remedy: Up to $30 per household or structure. You can receive $15 per replacement of Water Heater Connectors, not to exceed two replacements per household or structure, or up to two replacement Water Heater Connectors supplied by RWC.
2. Property Damage Remedy: You can claim all reasonable costs related to property damages caused by the deterioration of the liner of the Water Heater Connectors, including the cost of a plumber, contractor, handyman, or compensation for up to four hours of time you personally spent repairing the property damage at a rate of $25 per hour.

If the amount of approved Damages Remedy and Replacement Remedy cash claims is greater than the total amount available to settle all valid claims submitted by all Settlement Class Members, these claims will be prorated as follows. First, Damages Remedy claims will be prorated down in equal percentages until the amount payable to valid Damages Remedy claims equals twenty-five percent of the total amount of valid Damages Remedy claims. If, after this initial proration of the Damages Remedy claims, the total amount available is still insufficient to pay all claims for cash reimbursement under the Replacement Remedy, the claims for cash reimbursement under the Replacement Remedy will be prorated down in equal percentages.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward.

To receive benefits, you must provide proof that a Water Heater Connector was in the property or structure you owned or leased, which may include:

• A label for the Water Heater Connector
• A photo of the Water Heater Connector’s label
• A photo of the Water Heater Connector’s date code
• Proof of purchase of the Water Heater Connector

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you can file a claim online by visiting the online claim form. Alternatively, you can mail your completed Claim Form to:

RWC Claims Administrator

P.O. Box 2360

Portland, OR 97208-2360

Ensure that you include all necessary supporting documents, evidence, or information with your Claim Form.

How do I Get Paid?

If your claim is approved, you will receive your compensation via check mailed to the address you provided on your Claim Form.

$3,800,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement amount is $3,800,000. This fund will be used to pay:

• Replacement Water Heater Connectors
• Repair costs for damage from Water Heater Connectors
• Time spent dealing with damage from the Water Heater Connectors
• Costs of settlement notice and administration
• Any Court-approved attorneys’ fees and expenses
• Service Awards for the Class Representatives

Class Counsel will request up to $2,300,000 in attorneys’ fees and litigation costs from the Settlement Fund.

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: August 21, 2024
• Deadline to Exclude Yourself from the Settlement: September 21, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: October 21, 2024

When will Awards be Paid?

Awards will be paid within 30 days after the conclusion of claims verification or within 30 days after the Effective Date, whichever is later.

Why is there a Class Action Settlement?

The settlement concerns RWC’s SharkBite™ Water Heater Connectors with the part numbers “U3068FLEX” or “U3088FLEX”. These connectors allegedly have rubber liners that deteriorate over time, causing black specs or flakes to impact faucets and other appliances. The lawsuit seeks replacement products and monetary compensation for those affected.

What Happens Next?

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on October 21, 2024, to decide whether to approve the Settlement. If approved, the Claims Administrator will process and distribute the awards to eligible class members.