GSW Water Heater Recalls
GSW water heaters are a Canadian brand, now part of the Giant Industries family.
GSW recall history at a glance
GSW water heaters appear in 2 CPSC recalls on record, spanning 2003 to 2005. All 2 cite a fire or burn hazard.
The largest single action, recall 05274 from September 2005, covered about 178,000 units. CPSC lists Robertshaw Controls Co. and GSW Industries Inc. as the manufacturers on these records. 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 2 recalls covered American Water Heater, Bradford White, John Wood, and Lochinvar units as well, because the same factory built them under more than one badge. Checking the GSW name alone is not enough if your unit was rebadged.
Affected model and serial ranges at a glance
Serial number ranges
Always confirm against the full recall details below, plus the exact model and serial on your unit's rating plate.
How to find your GSW model and serial number
GSW water heaters are Canadian-built (Fergus, Ontario) and sold heavily in Canada and parts of the northern US. The rating plate is on the upper third of the tank, with bilingual English/French labeling. The serial follows the standard YYWW format used across the A.O. Smith family.
Once you have the serial number, you can look up your GSW water heater's age to pin down the exact manufacture date and compare it against the affected ranges above.
What to do if your GSW water heater is affected
- Match the model and serial number on your rating plate against the affected ranges in the 2 recalls above.
- The GSW recalls involve fire or burn hazards, so if your unit is in range, shut off the gas or power at the source rather than continuing to run it while you wait for the remedy.
- 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.
GSW recall FAQ
How do I know if my GSW water heater is recalled?
GSW water heaters are Canadian-built (Fergus, Ontario) and sold heavily in Canada and parts of the northern US. The rating plate is on the upper third of the tank, with bilingual English/French labeling. The serial follows the standard YYWW format used across the A.O. Smith family. Compare what you find against the 2 recalls issued between 2003 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 GSW 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 GSW recalls involve a fire or burn hazard?
2 recalls on this page cite a fire or burn hazard: 05274 (September 2005) and 03156 (July 2003). Read the affected ranges closely, since these actions usually target one component such as a gas control valve rather than a whole product line.
Do these recalls also cover American Water Heater, Bradford White, John Wood, and Lochinvar?
Yes. 1 recall listed here was issued across more than one badge, covering American Water Heater, Bradford White, John Wood, and Lochinvar alongside GSW. 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 GSW 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.