courtesy of Plumbing & Mechanical – April 2008

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with A.O. Smith Water Products Co., today announced a voluntary recall of the company’s natural and propane gas water heaters. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled water heater and contact A.O. Smith to arrange for a free repair.

This recall affects about 1,500 units, the company reports, and involves 75-gallon natural and propane gas water heaters. “A.O. Smith” or “State” is printed on the side of the unit.

The water heater’s flue gas temperatures can exceed safe limits and produce excessive temperatures in the venting unit, posing a fire hazard.

Also, the water heater’s exhaust can leak into the surrounding room, posing a carbon monoxide hazard.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

A.O. Smith and State model and serial numbers included in this recall are listed in the chart below. (Model and serial numbers are printed on the water heater’s rating plate.)

Brand Name: A.O. Smith
Model Number: FCG-75 300 and FCG-75 301

Brand Name: State
Model Number: GS6 75 XRR S and GS6 75 CRR S

Serial Number Ranges: L07A071460 through L07A144966; or M07A009387 through M07A072884

The units were sold by independent contractors and plumbers nationwide from November 2007 through January 2008 for between $1,000 and $2,500.

For additional information, contact A.O. Smith toll-free at 866/ 880-4661 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hotwater.com.