The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Watts Regulator Co.. (North Andover, Mass.), announced a voluntary recall of 1-inch 140X-9 temperature and pressure relief valves for water heaters. No injuries have been reported at this time, but the relief valve can fail to reduce pressure and avert failure or rupture of the water heater tank and associated valves, posing rupture and burn hazard to consumers.

These valves are typically used in large water heaters for commercial buildings or possibly for large homes. The valves bear item codes 0259844 (75 psi/210 degrees F); 0259924 (100 psi/210 degrees F); 0259708 (150 psi/210 degrees F); 0259925 (125 psi/210 degrees F); and 0259930 (150 psi/210 degrees F). The affected date codes are 0641R through 0930R. The date code is printed after the model number “M15” on a green metal tag fastened to the pressure relief valve.

About 900 valves were sold through authorized distributors nationwide from October 2006 through July 2009 for between $250 and $280. The valves were typically sold as replacement parts for large water heaters used in commercial locations or possibly large homes.

Consumers should immediately contact Watts Regulator to schedule a free repair - either toll-free at 888/272-4649 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.watts.com.

For pictures of the recalled product, visit the CPSC’s Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10087.html.  

Links

• Watts Regulator