The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers of an explosion hazard with certain fireplace-powered water heaters used to supplement home heating systems. Manufacturers of these units - Ridgeway Steel Fabricators, Inc. of Ridgeway, Pennsylvania and Shark Manufacturing Corporation of Greenlawn, New York are no linger in business. These devices are made of tubular steel or steel plate and resemble a fireplace grate or liner.
Plumbing connects the unit to the hot-water heating system of the home.
When these is a fire in the fireplace, furnace heat is either supplemented or replaced entirely by heat generated through the fireplace. If the unit does not have an adequate pressure relief device, properly installed, the build-up of pressure can cause an explosion. CPSC urges consumers who have one of these units to have its installation checked by a qualified, licensed plumber who has specific knowledge of boilers, water pumps, pipe freezing problems, and pressure relief valves. Of particular importance is the location, pressure rating, and flow capacity of the safety valve. If there is no safety valve, have one installed with a pressure rating and flow capacity suitable for any type of fire.