Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
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.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Gsw Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada recalled This recall involves GSW water heaters with S.I.T. model 650 AC4 gas/temperature controls… - a moderate-severity action.
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 moderate-severity CPSC recall-A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature..
- Moderate
- severity level
- 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 CPSC action (record #03156) was formally reported on July 2, 2003. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Gsw Industries Inc., of Fergus, Ontario, Canada is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as 13,000 (In addition, 140,000 units were sold in Canada).
The documented reason for this recall is: A potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: 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 w… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction 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 - 3,056 household products recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
13,000 (In addition, 140,000 units were sold in Canada)
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
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
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| 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. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03156.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (03156) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
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.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
CPSC Moderate
Cooper Lighting Recalls Metalux Optimized High Bay LED Light Fixtures Due to Fire Hazard
Cooper Lighting, LLC, of Peachtree City, Georgia · 2026-07-02
CPSC Moderate
Winco Fireworks International Recalls Roman Candles 8 Shot Fireworks Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Explosion and B…
· 2026-07-02
CPSC Moderate
Winco Fireworks International Recalls Unity 7 Shot 200 Gram Aerial Cake Fireworks Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Ex…
· 2026-07-02
CPSC Moderate
Kith Retail Recalls Children's Loungewear Sets Due to Risk of Serious Injury from Burn Hazard; Violate Mandatory Standa…
· 2026-06-25
CPSC Moderate
Southern Telecom Expands Recall of Lomi Waxing Kits Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire and Burn Hazards; …
· 2026-06-25
Compare this recall with Cooper Lighting Recalls Metalux Optimized High Bay LED Ligh… →
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported July 2, 2003. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.