Industry response goes live to help resolve Typlex pipes issue

• Participating builders can now access funds to rectify homes affected by leaking Typlex 1050 pipes
• Agreement secured between the Cook Government, the pipe manufacturer and several builders
• Laws passed to extend Typlex 1050 building complaints period to 15 years
• New policy ensures a consistent remedy for all impacted homeowners

Important protections have been secured to help homeowners affected by leaking Pro-fit (Typlex 1050) polybutylene pipes by finalising an Industry Response agreement and passing laws to extend and clarify building disputes.

Participating builders can now access funds through the Industry Response to remedy Typlex 1050 pipes in homes they completed or renovated.

The Cook Government is contributing a capped amount of $30 million towards the Industry Response, with the remaining funding provided by the pipe manufacturer, Iplex Australia and participating builders.

The Industry Response provides a practical and proportionate remediation program based on the number of Typlex 1050 leaks at a home: repairs and a ceiling re-pipe for one leak, a zone re-pipe for two leaks and the choice of a full or partial replacement of all pipes for three or more leaks.

Homeowners whose builder is not participating in the Industry Response can pursue a similar remedy by lodging a building service complaint with the Building Commissioner.

Last month, legislation amendments by the Cook Government extended the time limit for making a complaint about Typlex 1050 pipes from six years to 15 years, backdated to when the regulated building service involving the pipes was completed.  

Other law changes have introduced a policy for the Building Commissioner to ensure building remedy orders resulting from Typlex 1050 building complaints will generally align with the Industry Response remediation program.

All homes with Typlex 1050 pipes are eligible for the installation of a leak detection unit at no cost through an online registration system operated by Iplex: www.perthpbresponse.com.au

The remediation program will take some time to be delivered. Homeowners and builders are encouraged to work constructively to arrange the necessary works.

Comments attributed to Commerce Minister Sue Ellery:

"These pipe leaks have caused significant stress for affected homeowners, who remain front and centre for the Cook Government as we work to resolve this problem.

"Through the finalised agreement and important legislation changes, all homeowners can be reassured that the issue will be addressed in a coordinated way at no cost to them through either the Industry Response or a building complaint.

"The Industry Response follows extensive discussions between the Cook Government, Iplex and builders to achieve a practical and effective resolution for this unprecedented issue. I would like to acknowledge the goodwill of Iplex and participating builders in working hard to find a resolution.

"Other affected homeowners can pursue a similar rectification pathway through the extended building service complaints timeframe. The 15-year limitation period will capture all Western Australian homes where Typlex 1050 was installed.

"I encourage homeowners who experience leaks with the Typlex 1050 pipes to contact their builder in the first instance to arrange remedial work before considering a building service complaint."