Sprinklers recall: last call on O-ring sprinklers replacement

Time is about to run out on one of the Consumer Product Safety Commission's largest recalls: the O-Ring sprinklers made by Central Sprinkler Co.

The recall, first announced in July 2001, involved about 35 million O-ring sprinklers after it was discovered that the sprinkler heads could corrode, or minerals, salts and other contaminants in the water could affect the rubber O-ring seals. As a result, the sprinkler heads could fail in the case of fire. Central promised to provide new fire sprinklers and installation services free of charge.

In May 2007, however, the CPSC announced that any claims to receive free replacements and installation services would no longer be honored if they were submitted after Aug. 31 -- 10 days from now.

It's rare for the CPSC to set a recall deadline; most recalls are open-ended, with no expiration date for redress. We are aware of three previous cases:  one involving heaters, one involving several brand of furnaces, and the last regarding another brand of fire protection sprinklers.

CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese said the reason for the deadline was that recall claims had fallen off so the Aug. 31 deadline could motivate those who haven't submitted claims to do so. Vallese said the recall was already "one of the most effective recall campaigns" conducted by the commission, with the company spending about $500 million to retrofit the problematic sprinklers. Anne Buchanan, a spokeswoman for Tyco, which owns Central Sprinkler, said 21.9 million of the 35 million affected sprinklers have been located and/or replaced. That's more than a 60 percent replacement rate.  Over the years, she added, the response rate has dropped significantly, which is why the company wants a deadline--to prompt more consumers to take action.

Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, thinks it's a bad idea to put a deadline on any recall action.  Although setting deadlines may help prompt action for people who have delayed seeking redress for their recalled products, it may leave those who have yet to learn about the recall in harm's way.  If they learn about the recall belatedly when redress isn't an option, consumers may take the chance of leaving unsafe products in service.  We think it's better to continually try to reach customers of defective products until the vast majority have been removed from service.  CPSC's annual Recall Roundup notices are helpful in reminding consumers to take action on unsafe products. 

Meanwhile, if you have O-ring sprinklers, make sure to submit your claim by Aug. 31. Information can be found on Central Sprinkler's special Web site set up to handle recall issues.