Skip to main content

Symmons Shower System May Present Scalding Risk When Not Properly Installed And Adjusted

  • No image available
Name of Product:
Symmons shower systems sold under the brand names "Temptrol", "Safetymix", and "Visu-Temp"
Hazard:

The Commission and Symmons warn that scalding may occur in the shower systems when there is a failure on the part of the installer to set the temperature-limiting device in the pressure balancing valve, known as the Limit Stop Screw. As a result, there is unusually hot water in the plumbing system because of a failure of other temperature-controlling devices elsewhere in the plumbing system.

Remedy:
Inspect
Repair
Recall Date:
June 22, 1984
Consumer Contact

Anyone wishing additional information may contact Symmons Industries, Inc. at 617-848-2256; or the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Recall Details

Description:

Washington, D.C. - The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Symmons Industries, Inc. of Braintree, Massachusetts, today joined in warning the public of the potential scalding hazard associated with their pressure-balancing shower systems when not properly installed and adjusted. The Commission is presently aware of 12 incidents, including 4 deaths, associated with the Symmons shower systems.

The shower systems are sold under the brand names "Temptrol", "Safetymix", and "Visu-Temp". The brand names are on the face plate behind the shower handle.

These shower systems are most frequently used in motels, hotels, apartments, nursing homes, institutional care facilities, and athletic facilities. A substantial number of these shower systems have been distributed since 1947. They sell at retail between $76.20 and $138.00.

The Commission and Symmons warn that scalding may occur in the shower systems when there is a failure on the part of the installer to set the temperature-limiting device in the pressure balancing valve, known as the Limit Stop Screw. As a result, there is unusually hot water in the plumbing system because of a failure of other temperature-controlling devices else where in the plumbing system.

Symmons is placing warning statements in its installation and user instructions, and placing warning sticker labels on the shower system to warn the installer of the potential scalding hazard when these units are not properly installed and adjusted.

Owners, users, and operators of facilities which have the Symmons shower systems should check the water temperature of the shower system at its hottest setting. If the water temperature is more than 120° degrees F., the shower system and the central hot water system should be checked and adjusted by a plumber.

Symmons states that its pressure-balancing shower systems are effective in preventing scalds when properly installed and adjusted, and that its cooperation with the Commission is addressing the potential scalding hazard is not an admission that there is any defect in the products involved.

Anyone wishing additional information may contact Symmons Industries, Inc. at 617-848-2256; or the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Remedy:

Symmons is placing warning statements in its installation and user instructions, and placing warning sticker labels on the shower system to warn the installer of the potential scalding hazard when these units are not properly installed and adjusted.

Owners, users, and operators of facilities which have the Symmons shower systems should check the water temperature of the shower system at its hottest setting. If the water temperature is more than 120° degrees F., the shower system and the central hot water system should be checked and adjusted by a plumber.

Incidents/Injuries:

The Commission is presently aware of 12 incidents, including 4 deaths, associated with the Symmons shower systems.

Recall number:
84-042

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

If you are experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC.
About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:
Choose Your Recall Emails Get Notified About Each Recall via Email.
Report an unsafe product