RACINE, WIS. — In-Sink-Erator, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily recalling about 252,000 half-gallon instant hot water dispensers. Water can leak from the metal holding tank, wet insulating material and cause electrical arcing and heat buildup. This poses a fire hazard.
In-Sink-Erator has received four reports of holes in the electrical insulation or outer cover of the hot water dispenser. One report involved a kitchen fire that caused nearly $7,000 in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
The affected units are as much as 30 years old, noted In-Sink-Erator spokesman Matt Wisla. “Welded metal tanks can develop leaks over time,” Wisla said.
The water leaks led to electrical arcing and heat buildup, which created holes in the insulation on the wiring.
The recalled hot water dispensers are half-gallon capacity models, made in the United States and sold under various brand names, including In-Sink-Erator, ISE, Steamin’ Hot, Emerson, Dayton, ACE, Kenmore and Kohler.
The recall involves instant hot water dispensers with serial numbers (some begin with two letters) 999-10 or those that fall between 1000 and 3084000. The serial number is printed on a specification plate attached to the metal holding tank.
Plumbers, building contractors, home centers and hardware stores sold the instant hot water dispensers from January 1972 through December 1996 for between $100 and $250. No recently produced units are involved in the recall.
The CPSC advised consumers to unplug their hot water dispensers immediately, check the serial number and contact In-Sink-Erator if their unit is part of the recall. Consumers with affected units will receive a free repair kit that includes a replacement insulation shield and installation instructions.
For more information and a complete list of brands, consumers can contact In-Sink-Erator at 800/295-8727 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.insinkerator.com.
One-third gallon capacity instant hot water dispensers manufactured by In-Sink-Erator are not involved in this recall.