Universal MultiChoice Valves (used in bathtubs and showers)
CPSC Recall #07-505 — October 24, 2006
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 07-505 |
| Recall Date | October 24, 2006 |
| Remedy Type | Repair |
| Units Affected | About 105,000 |
| Manufacturer | Delta Faucet Co., of Indianapolis, Ind. |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Commercial plumbers and building subcontractors nationwide from March 2006 to May 2006 and in Indiana and Ohio from October 2005 to May 2006. Plumbing packages containing the valve cartridges sold for between $80 and $200 and separate replacement valve cartridges were sold for about $30. |
Product
Universal MultiChoice Valves (used in bathtubs and showers)
Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Delta Faucet Co., of Indianapolis, Ind., is voluntarily recalling about 105,000 Universal MultiChoice Valves (used in bathtubs and showers). The device in the valve that limits the amount of hot water that can flow from the shower head or bathtub spout can disengage after being manually set, causing consumers to come in contact with water that is hotter than expected. This poses a risk of scalding injuries.Name of Product: Universal MultiChoice Valves (used in bathtubs and showers)Units: About 105,000Manufacturer: Delta Faucet Co., of Indianapolis, Ind.Hazard: The device in the valve that limits the amount of hot water that can flow from the shower head or bathtub spout can disengage after being manually set, causing consumers to come in contact with water that is hotter than expected. This poses a risk of scalding injuries.Incidents/Injuries: Delta Faucet has six reports of incidents with the valve. No injuries have been reported.Description: The Universal Multichoice Valves were sold under the Delta brand name. The valves are used in bathtubs and showers to regulate the temperature of the water flow. The valves are located inside the shower or bathtub water control knobs.Sold to: Commercial plumbers and building subcontractors nationwide from March 2006 to May 2006 and in Indiana and Ohio from October 2005 to May 2006. Plumbing packages containing the valve cartridges sold for between $80 and $200 and separate replacement valve cartridges were sold for about $30.Manufactured in: United StatesRemedy: Consumers should exercise caution when adjusting the temperature on faucets with these valves as water may come out hotter than expected. Delta is contacting consumers with the recalled valves to provide them with a free upgrade kit. Consumers should always test the water temperature before entering a tub or shower. Contact Delta Faucet if you do not receive an upgrade kit.Consumer Contact: Consumers can contact Delta Faucet at (800) 336-6696 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or visit the company's Web site at www.deltafaucet.com.
Hazard
The device in the valve that limits the amount of hot water that can flow from the shower head or bathtub spout can disengage after being manually set, causing consumers to come in contact with water that is hotter than expected. This poses a risk of scalding injuries.
Incidents & Injuries
Delta Faucet has six reports of incidents with the valve. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should exercise caution when adjusting the temperature on faucets with these valves as water may come out hotter than expected. Delta is contacting consumers with the recalled valves to provide them with a free upgrade kit. Consumers should always test the water temperature before entering a tub or shower. Contact Delta Faucet if you do not receive an upgrade kit.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.