Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves for Large Water Heaters Recalled by Watts Regulator Due to Rupture and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a 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: One-inch 140X-9 Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves

Units: About 900

Manufacturer: Watts Regulator Co., of North Andover, Mass.

Hazard: The relief valve can fail to reduce pressure and avert failure or rupture of the water heater tank and associated valves, posing rupture and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the one-inch 140X-9 Temperature and Pressure Relief valves, which are typically used in large water heaters for commercial buildings or possibly for large homes. The valves bear item codes 0259844 (75 psi/210°F); 0259924 (100 psi/210°F); 0259708 (150 psi/210°F); 0259925 (125 psi/210°F); and 0259930 (150 psi/210°F). The affected date codes are 0641R through 0930R. The date code is printed after the model number "M15" on a green metal tag fastened to the pressure relief valve.

Sold by: Authorized distributors nationwide from October 2006 through July 2009 for between $250 and $280. The valves were typically sold as replacement parts for large water heaters used in commercial locations or possibly large homes.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Watts Regulator to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Watts Regulator toll-free at (888) 272-4649 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.watts.com