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S.I.T. Gas Temperature Controls on GSW Water Heaters

CPSC Recall #03-156 — July 1, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-156
Recall DateJuly 1, 2003
Remedy TypeRepair
Units Affected13,000 (In addition, 140,000 units were sold in Canada)
ManufacturerGSW Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada

Where It Was Sold

Regional appliance distributors from February 2002 through April 2003 for between $150 and $550.

Product

S.I.T. Gas Temperature Controls on GSW Water Heaters

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), GSW Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada is voluntarily recalling about 13,000 S.I.T. Gas Temperature Controls on GSW Water Heaters in the U.S.A. A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.Name of product: S.I.T. Gas Temperature Controls on GSW Water HeatersUnits: 13,000 (In addition, 140,000 units were sold in Canada)Manufacturer: GSW Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, CanadaDistributor: S.I.T. Manufacturing N.A.S.A. de C.V., of Mexico; GSW Industries, Inc., of CanadaHazard: A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.Incidents/Injuries: 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).Description: 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.Sold at: Regional appliance distributors from February 2002 through April 2003 for between $150 and $550.Manufactured in: The gas temperature controls were manufactured in Mexico. The water heaters were manufactured in Canada.Remedy: 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: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.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.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.If the unit has been stored or is being installed in a cold environment and the main valve does not close before the knob is turned back to the PILOT position, the gas control valve must be warmed up to a temperature above 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C. Once warmed up, repeat the procedure above. If the gas control valve does not close (popping sound), replace the valve. If the water is too hot or if the temperature and pressure valve opens, turn down the temperature using the temperature control. If the water remains too hot or the temperature and pressure relief valve continues to open, then replace the valve.Consumer Contact: Call GSW toll-free at (800) 263-3502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.gsw-wh.com. Consumers can also contact S.I.T. Controls USA Inc. at (704) 369-2810 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.Media Contact: Steve Ilott for GSW at (519) 787-5505 or Jim Kupsh for S.I.T. at (704) 369-2807.

Hazard

A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.

Incidents & Injuries

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).

Remedy Instructions

If the gas control valve does not close (popping sound), replace the valve. If the water is too hot or if the temperature and pressure valve opens, turn down the temperature using the temperature control. If the water remains too hot or the temperature and pressure relief valve continues to open, then replace the valve.

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.

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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.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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.

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