CPSC recall 19-029, announced November 8, 2018, covers Ultra-Low NOx water heaters (about 616,000 units). The water heater's gas burner screen develops tears. The notice cites 6 incident reports. Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A. Recall contact: call 866-854-2793 or 866-880-4661, or go to www.waterheaterrecall.com.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
The brand name, model number and serial number can be found on the data plate on the product located next to the gas control valve/thermostat.
Which products are included?
This recall includes 30, 40 and 50 gallon natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emission gas water heaters. They are designed to comply with regulations in certain air quality districts in California, and were sold primarily in California. They were sold under the American, A. O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, U.S. Craftsmaster and Whirlpool brand names and manufactured from April 8, 2011 through August 1, 2016. Only water heaters with the first four digit serial numbers between 1115 and 1631, where the first four digits represent the year and week of production, are included in the recall. The brand name, model number and serial number can be found on the data plate on the product located next to the gas control valve/thermostat. The brand name is printed near the top of the water heater. Consumers can look up their water heater's serial number to see if it is affected by this recall at www.waterheaterrecall.com.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
The water heater's gas burner screen develops tears. The water heater's burner can then create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or other combustible floor.
Incidents and injuries
A. O. Smith has received six reports of fires occurring from a water heater installed directly on a combustible surface. No injuries have been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A. O. Smith to determine if a free repair is necessary.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Ultra-Low NOx
- Manufacturer
- A. O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis.
- Product type
- Water heaters
- Recall number
- 19-029
- Units
- About 616,000
- Manufactured in
- United States, Mexico
- Sold at / sales period
- Independent contractors, plumbers, plumbing supply vendors and at various home improvement and hardware stores primarily in California from April 2011 through December 2016 for between $500 and $1,000.
Recall contact information
Consumers should go to www.waterheaterrecall.com, input their model and serial number and complete the form to determine if their water heater is subject to this recall. Consumers with Whirlpool, U.S. Craftmaster or American Water Heater brand water heaters can call toll-free 866-854-2793 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Consumers with Reliance, State, A. O. Smith, and Kenmore brand water heaters can call toll-free 866-880-4661 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday for more information.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
