This investigation is intended to explore the possibility of filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of consumers who have purchased under-sink water filters which may be defective, causing them to crack, lose their seal and produce serious flooding and damage to property. When functioning properly, an under-sink water filter can be an effective way to ensure the quality and healthfulness of a household’s drinking water supply. These filters make use of disposable cartridges which work to eliminate impurities from water prior to it reaching the tap. There are numerous designs available, and filters of this type are made by a number of different manufacturers.
Unfortunately, increasing numbers of reports have surfaced in which filters of this type develop serious cracks which produce leaking, dripping as well as substantial flooding of interior spaces. Attorneys who are looking into the concerns suspect that some of the filters at issue have been fabricated pursuant to a design which permits an uneven distribution of stress to fall on polymer components meant to keep the filters in their proper place. It is further thought that the root of the problem lies with the fact that certain manufacturers have not come into alignment with industry-wide standards regarding the proper amount of talc to include in these devices. Talc bolsters the strength of these types of filers and if present in appropriate amounts, it can stop the sort of cracking being exhibited by plastic filter components.
However, when cracking or “creeping” occurs, these under-sink filters can become distorted in their shape, compromising their ability to remain watertight. Once this begins to happen, the devices fail and costly flooding events can take place, resulting in severe water damage to the surrounding area. Consumer complaints have revealed filter failures beginning after just a few months of use, with some comments making specific criticism of the seemingly cheap plastic parts which would quite clearly be required to bear a significant load based on the filter’s design.
While the precise number of consumers affected by the potential defects in these filters remains to be determined, attorneys are hoping more owners of these products will come forward to report their experiences and problems. A complete list of problematic makes and models has yet to be assembled, though companies known to have manufactured filters of this kind include:
- General Appliance
- Wood Brothers
- Whirlpool
- Aquasana
- General Electric
- Emerson Electric
- Culligan International
- Cuno
- Omnipure Filter Company
- Clearbrook
The investigation into widespread failure of the types of filters described above remains ongoing. Individual consumers who have had problems related to their use of an under-sink filter may be able to secure financial compensation if a class action lawsuit is ultimately initiated.
Article Type: InvestigationTopic: Consumer
