The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling more than 2 million Flushmate systems that are meant to make flushing easier, but can burst and send the toilet lid — and everything else in your toilet — flying.
The Flushmate III Pressure-Assist Flushing System, installed inside the toilet tank, can burst at or near the vessel weld seam, releasing stored pressure that can shatter the tank and lacerate consumers. So far, Flushmate has received 304 reports of explosions causing property damage and 14 reports of impact or laceration injuries.
The recalled Flushmates were sold at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores, distributors, and plumbing contractors nationwide for about $108 and were manufactured between October 1997 and February 2008.
If you own a Flushmate, immediately turn off the water supply to the unit and stop using the system. Then contact Flushmate to determine if yours is a recalled unit and to request a free repair kit.