Due to the fact that many people rely on a safely functioning water heater in order to take showers and wash dishes, it is important that homeowners are made aware of a recent recall involving A.O. Smith water heaters that can pose a fire hazard. Here is everything you need to know about this recall.
The Recall
A. O. Smith Corp of Wisconsin announced a recall of their Ultra-Low NOx water heaters on November 8, 2018. These units have been recalled due to the fact that the water heater’s gas burner screen can develop tears, which can cause excess radiant heat to develop. This then poses a fire hazard if the water heater is installed directly on a wood floor or another combustible surface. At the time the recall was announced A. O. Smith had received six reports of fires occurring involving water heaters installed directly on a combustible surface. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported related to these incidents.
The Affected Units
This recall affects roughly 600,000 of A. O. Smith’s 30, 40, and 50-gallon natural or propane gas fueled Ultra-Low NOx water heaters. The water heaters were sold under various brand names including A. O. Smith, Kenmore, Reliance, State, and Whirlpool from April 8, 2011, through August 1, 2016. The water heaters affected by this recall have serial numbers where the first four digits range between 1115 and 1631. Homeowners can see if their water heater is affected by this recall by going to www.waterheaterrecall.com and entering the serial number.
Your Next Steps
If you determine that your water heater is one of the affected units, it is critical that you turn off and stop using your water heater immediately in order to prevent a fire from occurring. You will then want to contact A. O. Smith in order to confirm that your water heater is part of the recall as well as to schedule a free repair if necessary.
While it is critical that homeowners contact the manufacturer when dealing with recall-related appliance repairs, our technicians can provide a variety of appliance repairs and services. Feel free to contact us with any other appliance repair needs you may have.
