Mike Palmer, Water Quality Specialist
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission released a report on Thursday January 23, 2014 that Flushmate is expanding their recall of the Flushmate III Pressure Assisted Flushing System due to possible impact and laceration hazards and/or property damage.
These systems can burst near the vessel weld seam with enough force to not only lift the tank lid but also shatter the tank.
There have been no reports of injury, but Flushmate has received three reports of resulting property damage.
Consumers should immediately stop using any toilet containing this product according to the recall summary report.
If you have a toilet with this system installed into the tank then turn off the water supply to the toilet, and flush the toilet to release the internal pressure.
Consumers are requested to contact Flushmate at 1-800-303-5123 for a free repair kit.
Consumers can contact Flushmate 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday and Saturday between 8:00 am and 6:30 pm , or at www.flushmate.com and click on the “Flushmate III Recall” black box.
Flushmate is recalling approximately 351,000 of their units sold in the United States and about 9,400 units sold in Canada. The recall is for the Series 503 Flushmate III Pressure Assist flushing systems manufactured from March 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. They are rectangular shaped, black in color, injection molded plastic formed into a two-piece vessel.
The Flushmate III Pressure-Assist Flushing Systems were sold by Flushmate though Home Depot and Lowe’s stores as well as to toilet manufacturers, plumbing distributors and plumbing contractors from 2008 to 2009.
In June 2012, the Series 503 Flushmate III had been previously recalled for units manufacturer between October 14, 1997 through February 29, 2008.
Flushmate located in New Hudson, Michigan, is a division of Sloan Valve Company.