Tankless Water Heater Recall Issued After Reports of Fires

More than 31,000 tankless water heaters sold throughout the United States are being recalled, following dozens of complaints that suggest the tanks may overheat and catch fire. 

A Coaire and Quietside tankless gas water heater recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on November 13, indicating that the devices pose a potential fire hazard and may cause serious property damage or injury.

To date, the CPSC is aware of at least 40 reports of the tanks overheating, including four incidents where the tanks burned walls they were mounted to, and two reports of tanks catching on fire. No injuries have been reported in relation to the recalled water heaters.

The recall includes all models of single and dual-purpose Coaire and Quietside brand tankless gas water heaters designed to heat either four or 7.2 gallon of water per minute. The heaters are white and measure either 25-28 inches tall by 15-19 inches wide by 8-14 inches thick. The heaters have the words “S-Line Condensing” printed on the top front and either the brand name “Coaire” or “Quietside” printed on the bottom front of the heater. All sizes and brand names are included in the recall.

The heaters were manufactured in Korea under Daesung Celtic Enersys Co. Ltd., of Chungbuk, Korea and imported by Challenger Supply Holdings Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas where they were distributed for sale at independent dealers nationwide and on various websites including Amazon.com from July 2008 through August 2014 for between $500 and $2,000.

The manufacturer estimated about 29,000 units sold and distributed in the United States and another 2,200 distributed throughout Canada.

The CPSC recommends that customers with recalled tankless gas water heaters stop using them immediately and contact Challenger Supply Holdings at 800-729-6118 to schedule a free repair. Customers may also visit Challenger Supply online at www.challengersupply.com for further questions.