A. O. Smith Recalls Ultra-Low NOx Water Heaters Due to Fire Hazard
Recall 19029 · Nov 8, 2018 · A. O. Smith
616,000
units affected
616,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 19029
- Date
- Nov 8, 2018
- Company
- A. O. Smith
- Units affected
- 616,000
- Product
- Ultra-Low NOx water heaters
- Remedy
- Repair
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
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.
What can happen
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.
The fix
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.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- 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.
- Sold at
- 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.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled ultra-low nox water heaters?
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.
What is the hazard?
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.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.