The water heaters burner can create excess radiant heat
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A. O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis., is recalling about 616,000Ultra-Low NOx water heaters.
If the water heaters gas burner screen develops tears, the burner can create excess radiant heat, posing a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood or other combustible floor.
The firm has received six reports of fires occurring from a water heater installed directly on a combustible surface. No injuries have been reported.
This recall includes 30, 40 and 50 gallon natural or propane gas-fired Ultra-Low NOx emission gas water heaters 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 may look up their water heaters serial number to see if it is affected by this recall at www.waterheaterrecall.com.
The water heaters, manufactured in the U.S. and Mexico, were 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.
What to do
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.
Consumers may contact the company at www.waterheaterrecall.com, input their model and serial number and complete the form to determine if their water heater is subject to this recall.
Consumers with Whirlpool, U.S. Craftmaster or American Water Heater brand water heaters may call toll-free (866) 854-2793 from 8 a.m. --10 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday. or 9 a.m. 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Consumers with Reliance, State, A. O. Smith, and Kenmore brand water heaters may call toll-free (866) 880-4661 8 a.m. 8 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday, or 9 a.m. 6 p.m. Saturday for more information.
