John Wood oil-fired water heaters recalled over fire hazard

Recall date

June 2, 2015

Source

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Official notice title

A.O. Smith Recalls John Wood Brand Oil-Fired Water Heaters Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

Recall number

15155

Brand / firm

A.O. Smith Corp., of Milwaukee, Wis.

Sold / distributed

John Wood sales representatives to plumbers and consumers from January 2014 through March 2015 for about $1,500 to $2,500.

Why it was recalled

The water heater's combustion chamber can be misaligned and heat the exterior walls of the water heater instead of the water. Combustible material near the outside of the water heater can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards.

What was recalled

This recall involves John Wood brand 50- and 70-gallon oil-fired water heaters. The 50-gallon water heaters have model number JW517 and serial numbers from 1349A021678 through 1503A016643. The 70-gallon water heaters have model number JW717 and serial numbers from 1421M001517 through 436M000040. The water heaters are gray with "John Wood" printed in blue and white near the top. The model number, size and serial numbers are printed on the rating plate near the top of the tank. Only oil-fired water heaters are included in this recall.

What to do

Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters and contact A.O. Smith for a free inspection and free replacement of misaligned water heaters.. Follow the official notice for full instructions.