Robertshaw Controls Co. and The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in mid-September announced voluntary recall of Robertshaw R110 Series Gas Control Valves used in water heaters. About 178,000 of the valves were produced in a plant in Mexico.

Screws on some water heater valves could break. If this happens, gas could leak from the valve, which poses a risk of gas explosion and fire. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

The R110 Series Gas Control Valves being recalled are installed on natural and LP gas water heaters. The recalled valves were manufactured between July 25 and Aug. 14 with production date codes 5-31 through and including 5-33, although not all valves with these date codes are affected.

The recalled valves were installed on water heater brands American Proline, Bradford White, GE, GSW, Hotpoint, Jetglas, John Wood, Lochinvar, Premier Plus, Powerflex, Rheem, Richmond, Ruud, Vanguard, Whirlpool and U.S. Craftmaster.

The model and serial number can be found on the manufacturer’s label on the water heater. Electric water heaters are not included.
The valves were installed on water heaters sold by gas appliance distributors and retailers, including The Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as plumbing contractors and plumbing and heating equipment wholesalers. The gas valves also were sold separately through gas appliance service providers. Water heaters sold or serviced before July 25 are not affected.

Consumers who believe they may have an affected water heater should find the model and serial numbers of their water heater and go on the Internet to www.robertshaw.com. The model and serial numbers can be found on the manufacturer's label on the water heater. The Website contains a list of appliances with the recalled valves. Consumers can register for a free repair or replacement on the Web.

Consumers can also call Robertshaw at 888/225-1071 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Saturday.

Contractors can call the same phone number and choose the menu option for manufacturers and distributors. Robertshaw will fax a reimbursement form to them for labor reimbursement. The company will approve labor rates it considers reasonable and customary, and it will ship new, stronger screws for the valves by two-day delivery.