Symmons shower systems sold under the brand names "Temptrol", "Safetymix", and "Visu-Temp"
CPSC Recall #84-042 - June 21, 1984
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 84-042 |
| Recall Date | June 21, 1984 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Repair |
Product
Symmons shower systems sold under the brand names "Temptrol", "Safetymix", and "Visu-Temp"
Description
Washington, D.C. - The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Symmons Industries, Inc. of Braintree, Massachusetts, today joined in warning the public of the potential scalding hazard associated with their pressure-balancing shower systems when not properly installed and adjusted. The Commission is presently aware of 12 incidents, including 4 deaths, associated with the Symmons shower systems.The shower systems are sold under the brand names "Temptrol", "Safetymix", and "Visu-Temp". The brand names are on the face plate behind the shower handle.These shower systems are most frequently used in motels, hotels, apartments, nursing homes, institutional care facilities, and athletic facilities. A substantial number of these shower systems have been distributed since 1947. They sell at retail between $76.20 and $138.00.The Commission and Symmons warn that scalding may occur in the shower systems when there is a failure on the part of the installer to set the temperature-limiting device in the pressure balancing valve, known as the Limit Stop Screw. As a result, there is unusually hot water in the plumbing system because of a failure of other temperature-controlling devices else where in the plumbing system.Symmons is placing warning statements in its installation and user instructions, and placing warning sticker labels on the shower system to warn the installer of the potential scalding hazard when these units are not properly installed and adjusted.Owners, users, and operators of facilities which have the Symmons shower systems should check the water temperature of the shower system at its hottest setting. If the water temperature is more than 120° degrees F., the shower system and the central hot water system should be checked and adjusted by a plumber.Symmons states that its pressure-balancing shower systems are effective in preventing scalds when properly installed and adjusted, and that its cooperation with the Commission is addressing the potential scalding hazard is not an admission that there is any defect in the products involved.Anyone wishing additional information may contact Symmons Industries, Inc. at 617-848-2256; or the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (800) 638-8270.
Hazard
The Commission and Symmons warn that scalding may occur in the shower systems when there is a failure on the part of the installer to set the temperature-limiting device in the pressure balancing valve, known as the Limit Stop Screw. As a result, there is unusually hot water in the plumbing system because of a failure of other temperature-controlling devices elsewhere in the plumbing system.
Incidents & Injuries
The Commission is presently aware of 12 incidents, including 4 deaths, associated with the Symmons shower systems.
Remedy Instructions
Symmons is placing warning statements in its installation and user instructions, and placing warning sticker labels on the shower system to warn the installer of the potential scalding hazard when these units are not properly installed and adjusted.Owners, users, and operators of facilities which have the Symmons shower systems should check the water temperature of the shower system at its hottest setting. If the water temperature is more than 120° degrees F., the shower system and the central hot water system should be checked and adjusted by a plumber.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, 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 (Inspect, 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.