CPSC, Robertshaw Controls Co. Announce Recall of Gas Control Valves on Water Heaters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Robertshaw R110 Series Gas Control Valves

Units: About 178,000

Manufacturer: Robertshaw Controls Co., of Long Beach, Calif.

Hazard: Screws on some water heater valves could break. If this happens, gas could leak from the valve, which poses a risk of gas explosion and fire.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The R110 Gas Control Valves being recalled are installed on natural and liquid propane (LP) gas water heaters. The recalled valves were manufactured between July 25, 2005 and August 14, 2005 with production date codes 5-31 through and including 5-33, although not all valves with these date codes are affected. The recalled valves were installed on the following water heater brands: American Proline, Bradford White, GE, GSW, Hotpoint, Jetglas, John Wood, Lochinvar, Premier Plus, Powerflex, Rheem, Richmond, Ruud, Vanguard, Whirlpool, and U.S. Craftmaster. The model and serial number can be found on the manufacturer's label on the water heater. Electric water heaters are not included.

Sold: Installed on water heaters by gas appliance distributors and retailers, including Home Depot and Lowe's, as well as plumbers and plumbing/heating equipment suppliers. The gas valves also were sold separately through gas appliance service providers. Water heaters sold or serviced prior to July 25, 2005 are not affected.

Assembled in: Mexico

Remedy:  Consumers that believe they may have an affected water heater, please click on http://www.icca.invensys.com/robertshaw/recallarchive.htm. Have the model and serial numbers of your water heater ready. For further assistance, please contact Robertshaw. The model and serial numbers can be found on the manufacturer's label on the water heater . Robertshaw will arrange for a free repair or replacement, if necessary. If you smell gas near the appliance or in the building, immediately leave the area and call your gas company or a certified gas technician to investigate the cause.

Consumer Contact: Call Robertshaw at (800) 232-9389 between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.icca.invensys.com/robertshaw/recallarchive.htm to review a list of the appliances with recalled valves and to register for the recall.