More than a dozen Georgia homeowners claim D.R. Horton sold them homes with ‘defective pipes’

DALLAS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - More than a dozen Georgia homeowners are accusing D.R. Horton, one of the nation’s largest home builders, of selling them houses with defective plumbing that has repeatedly failed and caused water damage, according to a pending arbitration complaint reviewed by Atlanta News First Investigates.

The complaint filed Dec. 22, 2025, with the American Arbitration Association, named 16 households in the Stonewood Creek subdivision in Dallas, Georgia. All the homes were built by D.R. Horton and contain cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes manufactured by Uponor Inc. The homeowners said the pipes began leaking approximately four years after they moved in.

Matthew Ardis purchased his home in the subdivision in 2019. He said the pipes have leaked so many times his home looks like Swiss cheese inside. He said he’s repaired dozens of leaks.

“I stopped counting somewhere in the teens for a little while because they were coming one after the other, day after day,” Ardis said.

Ardis said D.R. Horton is responsible for the damage.

“I’m realistic that as a homeowner, there’s going to be repairs, but nothing to this extent,” he said. “They have the responsibility to provide me with a livable home.”

Other homeowners in the subdivision described similar experiences.

Rosemary Pastula said the situation has left her in a constant state of anxiety.

“We’re just waiting,” she said. “It’s like a time bomb. I’m a nervous wreck all the time, wondering when it’s going to hit the fan.”

Yazmin Roman said the leaks have altered daily routines.

“You don’t want to go out,” she said. “You don’t do your normal routines because you’re so worried that when you come home, you’re going to deal with a disaster.”

The homeowners said the cost to repair the leaks have been significant. Roman said she has spent approximately $5,000 out of pocket, with total estimates exceeding $50,000. Ardis said he has spent close to $30,000 out of pocket, with total damages exceeding $100,000.

Complaint: Builder repaired some homes but not claimants’

The arbitration complaint alleged D.R. Horton constructed approximately 95 single-family homes in the Stonewood Creek subdivision. It stated the company contracted Uponor as the pipe supplier. The claimants purchased their homes between 2018 and 2023.

According to the complaint, D.R. Horton and Uponor repaired or replaced the alleged “defective pipes” in other homes in the subdivision but have refused to do the same for the 16 households in the pending arbitration complaint. The complaint also alleges D.R. Horton has declined to disclose which entity is performing the repairs or to notify all subdivision homeowners their pipes may be defective.

Chuck Douglas, who represents one of the homeowners in the arbitration claim, said D.R. Horton is responsible for the damages.

“They made a promise to these homeowners in the form of a warranty, and they’re now not living up to that promise,” Douglas said.

Atlanta News First Investigates called and emailed D.R. Horton multiple times. We did not receive an official response to these claims.

Pipe manufacturer denies systemic defect

Uponor declined interview requests but provided a written statement that reads in part: “Independent experts have categorically stated there is not a systematic issue with our PEX pipe. We recognize the disruption plumbing issues can cause and have been actively engaged in working toward fair and appropriate resolutions.”

The arbitration complaint alleged the pipe failures stem from micro-cracks and holes that cause the pipes to expel water and damage the homes.

Each homeowner received a 10-year limited warranty from D.R. Horton upon purchase of their home, according to the complaint. Uponor also issued a 25-year express warranty on the pipes. The complaint said all pipe failures occurred within the respective warranty periods.

Here is Uponor’s full statement:

“Our PEX piping has demonstrated a low in-field failure rate across billions of feet installed worldwide and is manufactured under rigorous quality controls to meet or exceed recognized industry standards. Independent experts have categorically stated there is not a systematic issue with our PEX pipe.

“We take all concerns seriously. When issues are reported, we review them carefully and, in many cases, engage independent experts to evaluate the specific installation and operating conditions. Like all plumbing materials, PEX piping is designed to perform within applicable code requirements and recommended operating parameters. Findings, and therefore resolutions, can vary depending on the circumstances of each situation.

“We recognize the disruption plumbing issues can cause and have been actively engaged in working toward fair and appropriate resolutions.”

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