Giant and Best Canadian hot water heater voluntary recall due to risk of fire or explosion

Usines Giant Factories Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for atmospheric gas water heater models (natural gas or propane) in 30, 40, 50 or 60 gallon capacities. The Giant and Best Canadian hot water heaters, which are manufactured in Canada, are white and have a red Giant logo or a red Best logo, attached to the upper front portion of the outside surface of the device. Under certain circumstances, there could be a higher risk of fire or explosion of the flammable material. Approximately 6985 recalled hot water heaters were sold in Canada from April 1, 2014, to September 26, 2014.

The units may have a small space between the bottom of the water tank and the combustion chamber. This could, under extreme conditions, affect the watertightness of the combustion chamber and prevent the flame arrestor from functioning as designed, in the event of a spill or incorrect use of a liquid or inflammable gas in proximity to the hot water heater. Under such circumstances, there could be a higher risk of fire or explosion of the flammable material.

Health Canada and Usines Giant Factories Inc. have not received any reports of consumer incidents or injuries related to the use of the product. Contractors who have installed a product whose model number appears in the table at Health Canada should have their clients contact Giant at 800.363.9354 to find out whether their unit is included in the recall. If the unit proves to be defective, it will be replaced at no charge to the consumer.