Recall Expanded for Flushmate® III Pressure-Assist Flushing Systems
Weak seam identified as problem - can burst when releasing pressure
Online, January 25, 2014 (Newswire.com) - A manufacturing defect has been discovered in the The Flushmate III Pressure-Assist Flushing System. The system has potential to burst at or near its weld seam causing a sudden release of pressure stored within the unit. The risk of injury due to impact or laceration from flying debris is high as is the threat of damage to property such as the toilet in which the unit resides.
About 351,000 units were sold in the United States, nearly 10,000 in Canada. This recall comes in on the heels of one issued by the same company in June of 2012 on its Series 503 Flushmate III.
The units are rectangle-shaped, black, and are comprised of two-pieces of injection-molded plastic. The affected units were manufactured between March 2008 and June 2009. Recalled units have a 16-character date code and serial number printed on a label on the top. The first six numbers make up the the date code. The date code range for affected units is between 030108 (March 1, 2008) and 063009 (June 30, 2009). Units that are included in this recall were sold as individual units and installed as standard equipment in toilets made by American Standard, Ecotech, Crane, Eljer, Kohler, Gerber, Mancesa, Orion, Mansfield, Universal Rundle, St. Thomas, Vitra, Western Pottery and Vitromex.
The manufacturer has received three reports so far of the units bursting. There have been reports of property damage but no injuries thus far.
Consumers are advised to stop using the affected Flushmate III systems, immediately, cut the water supply to the unit, flush the toilet (this will release the internal pressure) and contact the the manufacturer, Flushmate of New Hudson, MI (a division of the Sloan Valve Company) at (800) 303-5123 to obtain a free repair kit.
These units were sold through big-box hardware and retail chains throughout the United States as well as direct to manufacturers, contractors and distributors as single, separate units.
"This is only the latest recall affecting this manufacturer's products," said Drazen Alcocer, founder and CEO of iFederated, parent company of irecalls.com. "Nearly a third of a million of these units are currently in homes across America. We advise anyone who has a brand of toilet listed above to check their units for the sake of safety."
"Not that we want to cause a panic," added iFederated Chairman Artin Afsharjavan, "we just want to keep people informed. And really, that is the whole purpose behind irecalls.com. When a potential hazard like this one exists, we want people to hear about it from us first."
iRecalls.com is a social media-based web site that exists for the purpose of bringing together like-minded consumers to report and spread awareness of consumer product recalls of all description. Those interested in taking part in this community are urged to visit http://www.irecalls.com to set up a free account.
