Victaulic Pipe Problems
Updated: Sep 13, 2020
09/26/14 – When The Vaux was built, the main water valves and many pipe couplings around the buildings were made by the Victaulic Company, a world leader in pipe joining technology. Unfortunately, these products contain a synthetic rubber sealing material called EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) which has been failing at several condos in Portland. Our main valves have already been replaced, but most of the pipe couplings are inside walls, floors, etc., and replacement is difficult. Small particles of this material may or may not be getting into residents' water. No one has claimed any health hazard from EPDM, but residents are advised by the Vaux Owners' Association to drink tap water at their own discretion.