Rheem gas water heater recall

May 28th, 2012

Appliance News Heating & Cooling Hot Water Systems Sinks, Taps & Water

Two gas water heaters from one of the nation’s most popular suppliers have been recalled due to a fire risk.

The dedicated recall branch of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recalled the Rheem 4 Star Gas Water Heater and the Vulcan 4 Star Gas Water Heater due to the “remote” chance of smoke or fire damage within the heater cabinet.

Both systems are storage water heaters designed for outdoor installation on residential premises, and are connected to natural or LP gas.

According to the ACCC, in most cases, smoke of fire inside the heater cabinet would be self-extinguished by the use of fire retardant materials. But in some conditions, a total failure of the water heater may occur.

The fault is caused by the incorrect placement of the fibreglass insulation and its support material.

Affected models have the following model numbers: 347090NO, 347090PO, 347135NO, 347135PO, 347170NO, 347170PO, 648135NO, 648135PO, 648170NO, 648170PO and serial numbers between 4721293 and 4812343

The gas water heaters were sold from 24 January 2012 to 30 April 2012 in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia.

The water heater can continue to be used and we ask consumers to ensure that no combustibles are stored against or immediately adjacent to the water heater – Rheem

Consumers are requested to contact our recall hotline on 1800 063018 to register their product for reparation.