Update – The Problem with PEX Pipe

In July of last year, an article on the problems with PEX pipe was published.  In that article, one of the things that was described was the fact that multiple failures were being seen in the same line.  The failures that were described were encountered during the same investigation.  However, a case that was investigated last year has been reopened.  At the time of the investigation, the failed section of PEX pipe was recovered and the section repaired and the line placed back into service.  Now, a few months later, a second failure has occurred in the same line that initially failed and was repaired.  What to do?  Replace PEX piping with copper piping, if feasible.  If not, PVC, CPVC  and polybutylene piping can be acceptable substitutes (at this time 1/8/13). An example of the failure observed in PEX pipe is shown in the photograph below.

Holes In PEX pipe allowing water to escape

 

Mini Cooper Water Pump Fire Hazard

Several months ago, BMW recalled thousands of Mini Coopers for a problem with a auxiliary water pump.  The pump is equipped with an electronic circuit board that can short circuit and lead to an engine fire.  Recently, we conducted an investigation into a 2009 Mini Cooper S with just such as problem.  The vehicle was supposed to have been repaired at a BMW dealership for the recall.  However, after the vehicle was returned to the european auto dealership for a coolant leak, the vehicle ignited.  During the initial examination, it was discovered that origin of the fire was in the area of the auxiliary water pump.  The damaged components were later inspected and the source of the fire confirmed.  It should be noted that the repair effected by BMW may not be the correct action if fires are occurring after the vehicle have supposedly been repaired.  Has anyone experienced a reignition?

Since posting the above information, there has been a question as to whether the actual recall work was performed.  However, it appears that the auxiliary water pump was replaced.  Since an ignition occurred AFTER the recall work was performed, the ignition suggests that the replacement of the pump was not the correct remedy for the recall and BMW/Mini still has a problem.  Again, has anyone experienced a reignition after a repair was performed?