The state government’s Building and Energy department has released its findings from an investigation over pipe leaks across Perth homes, with the results welcomed by builder BGC.
The state government’s Building and Energy department has released its findings from an investigation over pipe leaks across Perth homes, with the results welcomed by builder BGC but refuted by Iplex.
Building and Energy, under the Department of Mines, Industry and Regulation, recently released its preliminary findings from its investigation over pipe failures at more than 50 properties in Perth.
The investigation focused on identifying the cause of failure of the Pro-fit polybutylene pipes made by Iplex Australia with most water leaks occurring in product manufactured between mid-2017 and mid-2022.
It has been reported that disgruntled residents almost launched a class action against BGC Housing Group for the pipe leaks at their homes.
However, Building and Energy said the inspections found that installation work practices and workmanship were not the cause of the pipe failures.
BGC Australia today announced it welcomed the findings of Building and Energy investigation into the Iplex pipe bursts, despite its chief executive Daniel Cooper saying there might be more issues to come.
“Having understood the root cause, we believe this is an Australia-wide issue and that WA is simply the tip of the iceberg,” he said.
"Having attended to more than 1,600 bursts, across nearly 1,000 homes, we understand the challenges and frustrations that homeowners have experienced due to these water pipe failures.
"We appreciate the efforts of Building and Energy in conducting an extensive investigation to uncover the root cause of these issues.
“Their findings align with our own continuing investigation, which indicates the pipe failures are a result of manufacturing issues.”
An Iplex spokesperson said allegations that the Pro-fit pipe leaks were because of a manufacturing defect were unproven.
“Iplex’s investigations have been extensive. It has undertaken significant testing looking for a manufacturing issue, including responding to concerns raised by DMIRS and other builders," the spokesperson said.
"Installation and environmental factors cannot be ruled out as a cause of the leaks in Pro-fit pipes. Despite repeated requests from Iplex, BGC has refused to allow inspection of the pipes in homes it built.
“Iplex Australia has not seen the findings of the DMIRS investigation and does not know the basis for them. DMIRS has advised Iplex Australia that its findings are preliminary and that the case remains open."
The Iplex spokesperson said the allegation that the Pro-fit failures extend beyond WA was without foundation.
“Iplex Australia acknowledges the frustration and inconvenience impacting homeowners, and as previously announced has established a fund for all impacted WA builders/plumbers to assist them in responding to leaks and replacement of ceiling pipes in homes that have leaked," the spokesperson said.
“Iplex Australia remains engaged with regulators, builders, and other stakeholders and has spoken to major suppliers outside of WA. None of them have reported any significant rate of failures. This is clearly a matter limited to WA.
“Iplex Australia’s investigations are due to complete over the coming months, and it expects to continue to work collaboratively with regulators, builders and other stakeholders on this matter.”
Mr Cooper said while BGC was not responsible for the manufacturing of Pro-fit polybutylene pipes, the company remained committed to supporting customers through burst repairs and preventative works.
"We encourage homeowners who have concerns about Pro-fit pipes and who are seeking full replacement of the pipework in their home to make a warranty claim with Iplex under their 25-year product guarantee, as we await further updates from the regulatory authorities,” he said.
In its announcement yesterday, Building and Energy said it has engaged independent materials experts to do laboratory testing on the samples retrieved, with findings shared with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Consumer Protection as regulators of national product safety legislation.
“Understandably these incidents have caused stress and inconvenience for many homeowners,” Building and Energy executive director Saj Abdoolakhan said.
“Our investigation has been comprehensive and involved detailed laboratory work to determine if the cause was a product manufacturing issue, substandard workmanship during installation or a combination of both.
“As the plumbing regulator, we have formed the view that installation work practices were not the causes of these failures.”
Building and Energy launched the investigation earlier this year, engaging with Iplex Australia's parent company Fletcher Building in April.
