Thermal Galvanic Corrosion – What is this Phenomenon?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Anthem thermal galvanic corrosion (TGC) class action?
A: This class action involves homeowners in Anthem who have underslab copper water pipes in their homes. Class counsel’s goal is to enable these homeowners to repair their homes with no out-of-pocket expenses.
Q: What is thermal galvanic corrosion?
A: Thermal Galvanic Corrosion (TGC) is a term commonly used to refer to an electro-chemical reaction affecting underground copper water pipes under certain circumstances. TGC will, over time, cause small pinhole sized leaks in unsleeved underground hot water pipes. This condition is not isolated to Anthem, and, in fact has occurred in other Southwest communities.
Q: Does this class action involve claims for personal injury?
A: This Class action lawsuit does not involve claims for personal injury. If you have any reason to believe that you have suffered any adverse health effects because of TGC, you should contact a health professional.
Q: How can I tell if this is happening in my home?
A: Warm spots in the floor of your home or a dramatic increase in your water bill are indications TGC may be occurring in your home. The simplest way to identify whether or not your water system has a leak is to shut off ALL the water in your home, including automatically filling water purification systems and icemakers, and check your water meter. If the dial on your water meter is moving you may have a leak. You may also experience moisture in the floor area of the leak.
Q: Does the problem occur in the concrete slab?
A: This problem occurs in the hot water line underslab, typically near a cold water line.
Q: Does the problem occur in walls?
A: No
Q: Is the problem related to a single particular home model type?
A: No
Q: Will TGC occur in my home?
A: We cannot provide any guarantee that your underground hot water pipe will not experience a leak from TGC.
Q: How many homes has TGC affected in Anthem?
A: We know that TGC has affected at least 60 homes in Anthem. Record keeping has been imprecise and sporadic. We are working to determine the exact number of failures to date.
Q: When did Del Webb / Pulte become aware of this phenomenon?
A: To the best of our knowledge, Del Webb / Pulte first learned of underslab leaks in 2001 or 2002.
Q: What does it mean if I choose to STAY in the lawsuit?
A: If you stay in the lawsuit, the ultimate outcome of the lawsuit will result in a resolution of the issue. If the lawsuit settles, it is likely that funds will be available to repair your home.
Q: As a member of the class, am I responsible for attorneys fees and costs?
A: Class members may participate in the class action at no expense to themselves. All costs associated with the lawsuit, including attorneys fees, will be paid out of any settlement or judgment recovered. In a class action, attorneys fees and costs must be approved as fair and reasonable by the Court, subject to notice to all class members. Therefore, Class Counsel will not receive their attorneys fees or their costs in this litigation unless a Court first approves them as fair and reasonable.
Q: How involved do I need to be if I STAY IN?
A: Your involvement is minimal. Simply, your name is included among other class members in the lawsuit. It is unlikely you will be required to attend court; a few homeowners may be asked to permit inspection of their homes. Once a settlement is reached, the Court will contact you regarding your next steps.
Q: What happens if I do not participate in the lawsuit?
A: You will not receive any monies to make repairs to your home from any settlement of the action. Any action you pursue individually against Del Webb/Pulte for the defective underslab copper pipe in your home will be at your own expense.