Gas Line Valves Recalled Due to Fire and Explosion Hazard

About 163,000 shut-off gas valves have been recalled due to manufacturing defects, which could pose a potential risk of fires or gas explosions. 

The Fu San Machinery gas valve recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 11, impacting seven brands of valves used in both homes and businesses.

The CPSC warns that the low lead ball valves and shut-off gas valves affected by the recall can crack. Although there have been no reports of injuries or incidents associated with the defect, the recalled gas line valves could cause a gas leak, fire and possibly an explosion.

Defective Valves Sold to Seven Different Distributors

The recall affects seven brands of sweat and threaded low lead nall valve/shut-off gas valves manufactured by Fu San Machinery Co. Ltd., of Taiwan.

The valves were sold to seven different distributors in the United States, including Aqualine, AY McDonald, FNW, Hodes Co., Legend, Leonard Valve and Mueller. A complete list of valve dimensions and model numbers is available in the recall announcement.

The recalled valves are used in flammable gas piping systems. They are brass and have a date code of 1103 through 1112, with the first two digits representing the year and the last two digits representing the month. The date code is under the valve handle, the pipe size is on the body of the valve, and the Fu San logo and an “O” designating them as low lead valves are located on the neck. The valves were sold nationwide from April 2011 through January 2012 for $13 to $20.

The CPSC recommends that consumers who have the recalled gas valves should turn off the gas supply until a replacement gas valve has been installed by a professional.

Danville Sales, representing Fu San Machinery, is compensating consumers $300 for having to replace and return the valve. To receive the refund, the affected valves must be returned to the Danville Sales Office for Fu San Machinery along with a photo of the valve installed in the gas line before it was removed. The date code must be shown on the valve as well as the address and details of the location where it was installed.

The valve, photo, information and the customer’s name and address should be sent to Danville Sales Office for Fu San Machinery, 1101 N. Kings Hwy, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034. Consumers with questions can call (855)779-9200, or visit the company’s website at www.fsvalve.com.tw and click on the Safety Recall Notice button.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), natural gas and propane gas home fires between 2000 and 2004 resulted in 66 deaths and over 400 injuries. On average, NFPA estimates that there are about 2,410 natural gas home fires and 1,390 propane gas fires every year.