Safety regulator, Firms Announce Recall of GSW Water Heaters With S.I.T. Temperature Controls
Recall 03156 · Jul 2, 2003 · GSW Industries Inc.
13,000
units affected
13,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 03156
- Date
- Jul 2, 2003
- Company
- GSW Industries Inc.
- Units affected
- 13,000
- Product
- S.I.T. Gas Temperature Controls on GSW Water Heaters
- Product type
- Gas Water Heaters & Accessories
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
This recall involves GSW water heaters with S.I.T. model 650 AC4 gas/temperature controls. The temperature control knobs on GSW propane water heaters are red and the control knobs on GSW natural gas water heaters are blue. The controls can be found on GSW Water Heaters with serial numbers ranging from 0202694162 to 0304507825.
What can happen
A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.
The fix
When installing a GSW water heater with a SIT AC4 gas control valve in the identified group, or re-lighting the pilot light, the following instructions must be complied with: 1 - Make sure that the water heater contains cool water prior to lighting the pilot by opening a hot water faucet near your water heater and allowing the water to run for five minutes. Close the faucet. 2 - Turn the gas/temperature control knob clockwise to the maximum (VERY HOT) setting, and then slowly turn the knob back counterclockwise to the PILOT position, indicated by the yellow button. Listen for the main valve to close- this would be a popping or snapping sound. This sound is different from the clicking sound that the knob makes as you turn it. 3 - If you hear the popping sound then the valve is working properly. You should then read and follow the "Installation and Operating Instructions". If you do not hear the popping sound then do not attempt to light the pilot and replace the valve.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- None reported in the United States. (In Canada, where 140,000 units were sold, there were 45 incidents reported, including 15 reports of minor burns).
- Sold at
- Regional appliance distributors, from February 2002 through April 2003, for between $150 and $550.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled s.i.t. gas temperature controls on gsw water heaters?
When installing a GSW water heater with a SIT AC4 gas control valve in the identified group, or re-lighting the pilot light, the following instructions must be complied with: 1 - Make sure that the water heater contains cool water prior to lighting the pilot by opening a hot water faucet near your water heater and.
What is the hazard?
A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.
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.