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CPSC recall · Reported July 2, 2003

CPSC, Firms Announce Recall of GSW Water Heaters With S.I.T. Temperature Controls

A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.

Recall #
03156
Affected scope
13,000 (In addition, 140,000 units were sold in Canada)
Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.
Verify with CPSC →
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Gsw Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada recalled This recall involves GSW water heaters with S.I.T. model 650 AC4 gas/temperature controls….

CPSC, Firms Announce Recall of GSW Water Heaters With S.I.T. Temperature Controls was recalled by Gsw Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada in July 2, 2003. Reason: A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.. Remedy: When installing a GSW water heater with a SIT AC4 gas control valve in the identified gro…. Verify recall #03156 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Gsw Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada issued this CPSC recall-A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature..

None
agency class
July 2, 2003
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03156 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Household Products recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 3,089 household products recalls on record

50100150200250 20052008201120142017202020232026 148

Product description

This recall involves GSW water heaters with S.I.T. model 650 AC4 gas/temperature controls. The temperature control knobs on GSW propane water heaters are red and the control knobs on GSW natural gas water heaters are blue. The controls can be found on GSW Water Heaters with serial numbers ranging from 0202694162 to 0304507825.

Reason for recall

A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.

Remedy, what to do

When installing a GSW water heater with a SIT AC4 gas control valve in the identified group, or re-lighting the pilot light, the following instructions must be complied with: 1 - Make sure that the water heater contains cool water prior to lighting the pilot by opening a hot water faucet near your water heater and allowing the water to run for five minutes. Close the faucet. 2 - Turn the gas/temperature control knob clockwise to the maximum (VERY HOT) setting, and then slowly turn the knob back counterclockwise to the PILOT position, indicated by the yellow button. Listen for the main valve to close- this would be a popping or snapping sound. This sound is different from the clicking sound that the knob makes as you turn it. 3 - If you hear the popping sound then the valve is working properly. You should then read and follow the "Installation and Operating Instructions". If you do not hear the popping sound then do not attempt to light the pilot and replace the valve. 4 - If the unit has been stored or is being installed in a cold environment and the main valve does not close before the knob is turned back to the PILOT position, the gas control valve must be warmed up to a temperature above 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C. Once warmed up, repeat the procedure above. If the gas control valve does not close (popping sound), replace the valve. If the water is too hot or if the temperature and pressure valve opens, turn down the temperature using the temperature control. If the water remains too hot or the temperature and pressure relief valve continues to open, then replace the valve.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Not classified by agency
Status Active
Recall number 03156
Date reported July 2, 2003
Date initiated July 2, 2003
Recalling firm Gsw Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada
Affected scope 13,000 (In addition, 140,000 units were sold in Canada)
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

When installing a GSW water heater with a SIT AC4 gas control valve in the identified group, or re-lighting the pilot light, the …

  • Check the recall number (03156) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled? ▼
This recall involves GSW water heaters with S.I.T. model 650 AC4 gas/temperature controls. The temperature control knobs on GSW propane water heaters are red and the control knobs on GSW natural gas water heaters are blue. The controls can be found on GSW Water Heaters with serial numbers ranging from 0202694162 to 0304507825.. Recalled by Gsw Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada. Units affected: 13,000 (In addition, 140,000 units were sold in Canada).
Why was this product recalled? ▼
A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.
What should consumers do? ▼
When installing a GSW water heater with a SIT AC4 gas control valve in the identified group, or re-lighting the pilot light, the following instructions must be complied with: 1 - Make sure that the water heater contains cool water prior to lighting the pilot by opening a hot water faucet near your water heater and allowing the water to run for five minutes. Close the faucet. 2 - Turn the gas/temperature control knob clockwise to the maximum (VERY HOT) setting, and then slowly turn the knob back counterclockwise to the PILOT position, indicated by the yellow button. Listen for the main valve to close- this would be a popping or snapping sound. This sound is different from the clicking sound that the knob makes as you turn it. 3 - If you hear the popping sound then the valve is working properly. You should then read and follow the "Installation and Operating Instructions". If you do not hear the popping sound then do not attempt to light the pilot and replace the valve. 4 - If the unit has been stored or is being installed in a cold environment and the main valve does not close before the knob is turned back to the PILOT position, the gas control valve must be warmed up to a temperature above 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C. Once warmed up, repeat the procedure above. If the gas control valve does not close (popping sound), replace the valve. If the water is too hot or if the temperature and pressure valve opens, turn down the temperature using the temperature control. If the water remains too hot or the temperature and pressure relief valve continues to open, then replace the valve.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on July 2, 2003. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 03156.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026