American Water Heater Recalls
American Water Heater recall history at a glance
American Water Heater appear in 3 CPSC recalls on record, spanning 1996 to 2005. The hazards cited are fire or burn (1), carbon monoxide (1), and general safety (1).
The largest single action, recall 05274 from September 2005, covered about 178,000 units. The remedies offered were a free repair or retrofit kit and a free replacement part or unit, at no cost to the owner.
1 of these 3 recalls covered Bradford White, GSW, John Wood, and Lochinvar units as well, because the same factory built them under more than one badge. Checking the American Water Heater name alone is not enough if your unit was rebadged.
How to find your American Water Heater model and serial number
American Water Heater (sold under the American brand and as Polaris) puts the rating plate on the top portion of the tank. The serial number is in a black box near the top of the label and is labeled SER NO. Polaris condensing units have the label on the side panel instead.
Once you have the serial number, you can look up your American Water Heater water heater's age to pin down the exact manufacture date and compare it against the affected ranges above.
What to do if your American Water Heater water heater is affected
- Match the model and serial number on your rating plate against the affected ranges in the 3 recalls above.
- American Water Heater has a carbon monoxide recall on record, so if your unit falls in that range, stop using it and ventilate the space before you do anything else. Carbon monoxide is odorless and the CPSC treats these actions as urgent.
- Call the hotline listed in the recall notice. For recall 05274, CPSC published: Call Robertshaw at (800) 232-9389 between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.icca.invensys.com/robertshaw/recallarchive.htm to review a list of the appliances with recalled valves and to register for the recall.
- Ask for the published remedy, which for these recalls is a free repair or retrofit kit and a free replacement part or unit. Recall remedies are free by law, including labor in most cases.
- Keep your model number, serial number, and the recall number handy, since the hotline will ask for all three.
American Water Heater recall FAQ
How do I know if my American Water Heater water heater is recalled?
American Water Heater (sold under the American brand and as Polaris) puts the rating plate on the top portion of the tank. The serial number is in a black box near the top of the label and is labeled SER NO. Polaris condensing units have the label on the side panel instead. Compare what you find against the 3 recalls issued between 1996 and 2005 on this page. If your serial is not printed clearly, decode it with our free age checker first, because most of these recalls are defined by a build date range rather than by model alone.
When was the most recent American Water Heater water heater recall?
Recall 05274, announced September 2005: CPSC, Robertshaw Controls Co. Announce Recall of Gas Control Valves on Water Heaters. About 178,000 units were covered. A recall stays open indefinitely, so an older action still applies to a unit that was never remedied.
Which American Water Heater recalls involve carbon monoxide?
1 recall on this page cites a carbon monoxide hazard: 02020 (October 2001). Carbon monoxide from a gas water heater is odorless, so a working CO alarm near the unit matters even after the recall remedy is done.
Do these recalls also cover Bradford White, GSW, John Wood, and Lochinvar?
Yes. 1 recall listed here was issued across more than one badge, covering Bradford White, GSW, John Wood, and Lochinvar alongside American Water Heater. The units came off the same line, so the affected model and serial ranges are what decide whether yours is included, not the name on the jacket.
Does a American Water Heater recall mean I have to replace the water heater?
Not necessarily. For these recalls the published remedy is a free repair or retrofit kit and a free replacement part or unit, and the manufacturer covers the cost. Replacement of the whole unit is only required when the notice says so.
Check your American Water Heater warranty coverage
See how long American Water Heater water heaters are covered and what the warranty includes.