Has anyone who reads this who was affected by the recall of Central Sprinkler Company sprinkler heads back in 1998 had their defective sprinklers replaced? We finally (last January 4or 5) received the replacement parts from the company. We are trying to decide whether to use those parts or purchase some other brand and, also, which plumbing company to use to install the new sprinklers. We would appreciate any input on others' experiences in either of these matters.

-- Mary N. Macdonald (mnmacd@his.com), January 15, 2001

Answers

I never heard about the sprinkler recall. How would one find out if one's sprinklers are from the Central Sprinkler Company. Did they install sprinklers in Stonewall homes? I'll appreciate any information on this subject.

-- Marion Perry (MHPerry@word-worth.com), January 20, 2001.

The recall was announced in the latter part of 1998 and involves all Central Sprinkler Omega brand fire sprinklers. There is a November 1, 2001 deadline for requesting replacement sprinkler heads and parts. If a fire sprinkler system was installed in your home, you can identify the brand and model by climbing a ladder and looking at the information printed on one of the sprinkler heads protruding from a ceiling. Complete information, including forms and sprinkler head identification information, can be found on the web at www.iomegarecall.com.

-- Victor W. Macdonald (vmacdona@his.com), January 21, 2001.

Thank you for the information. I looked at the sprinklers in our carriage house, but couldn't find a name on them. One of ours broke in the unusually cold January of '94. The plumbing company who installed them blamed the builder, and the builder blamed the plumber. They are really awful when they break.

-- Marion Perry (MHPerry@word-worth.com), February 20, 2001.

There is a new Central Sprinkler Company (CSC) recall affecting some 35 million sprinkler heads. The Consumer Product Safety Commission posted information on their website this morning (http://www.cpsc.gov). The sprinkler heads that CSC sent us as replacements for the Omega heads (recalled in 1998) are on the list of recalled items. The company that installed them for us says that CSC told them that that model was not affected. We tried to verify this with CSC, but they are not giving out any information yet, as they want to do a media advisory first. We should all be able to get information from the company at the following website, which should be up and running some time after 11:00 a.m. today: http://www.sprinklerreplacement.com. This is getting to be quite a mess. If anyone has any information, please share. We had our sprinkler heads replaced as soon as possible, after receiving the fire marshal's letter advising us that homes with the recalled models were in violation of county fire codes. Now what?

-- Mary N. Macdonald (mnmacd@his.com), July 19, 2001.

Another place for data on what sprinklers were recalled is WTOP. Go to WTOP.com and click on recalls. You can also click here.

-- Josh Paiva (joshpaiva@hotmail.com), July 19, 2001.

There are two (2) recalls presently from Central. For the Omega recall, click here.

For the new recall, click here, or call 800/871-3492.

For Omega replacement - If style/looks/ low profile are an issue, look at a different brand such as Viking - there are others, I just know of this one as I put some in recently.

Always use a licenced - knowlegeable contractor.

Currently, (As I understand the recall) Central is covering the costs on the 'GB' recall.

see note I was sent below -

> Do you have Central sprinklers? If so, they may be part of a > recall. A national safety alert targets 35 million sprinklers > manufactured by Central Sprinkler Company, please check your > inventory lists. The Consumer Products Safety Commission > (CPSC) and Central Sprinkler, an affiliate of Tyco Fire > Products LP of Lansdale, PA, announced the voluntary recall > and replacement program July 19. The program also includes a > limited number of models sold by Gem Sprinkler Company and > Star Sprinkler Inc. Of concern are faulty rubber O-rings in > the sprinklers, which can corrode due to minerals, salts, and > other contaminants in water. In certain cases, the corrosion > caused the sprinklers to not function properly. Many of the > sprinklers involved are GB models. > > Central will provide replacement sprinkler heads and > associated labor free of charge. Central service crews or > hired contractors will install the replacements. The company > will phase in the replacement effort due to the large number > of sprinklers involved, though hospitals and nursing homes > will be among the buildings given priority, the CPSC said. > > To learn how to participate in the recall, visit ? http://www.sprinklerreplacement.com or call 800/871-3492.

Good luck and be informed

-- Larry Mason (masonlnd@quixnet.net), August 06, 2001.