What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall on November 3, 2021, affecting specific gas water heaters manufactured by Usines Giant Factories. These units were marketed under the brand name "Usines Giant" and are designed to heat water for residential use using either propane or natural gas as fuel sources. The recall targets a wide range of capacities, specifically including models with 40-gallon, 50-gallon, and 75-gallon storage tanks. Visually, these water heaters are distinct because they are white in color and feature a prominent red "Giant" logo decal on the front panel. If you have one of these units in your home, basement, or utility closet, it is important to verify whether it falls within the specific model number ranges identified by the manufacturer.
The core issue with these recalled water heaters lies in their gas control system. Each unit is equipped with an Emerson control valve, which is black and features a white "Emerson" logo on its front face. The recall specifically targets valves with model numbers 37H73A-301P1 for natural gas applications and 37H74A-301P1 for propane applications. To determine if your unit is part of this recall, you must look at the label on the right-hand side of the bracket that holds the Emerson control valve to the water heater. This label contains both the model number and a date code. The affected valves have a date code ranging between 1821 and 1839. If your valve matches these model numbers and falls within this date range, it is included in the recall.
In addition to checking the control valve, you should also inspect the nameplate located near the Emerson gas control valve on the water heater itself. The recalled water heaters have the following specific model number ranges: UG40-38LFPV2-P1U-US, UG40-40LFPV2-N1U-US, UG50-38LFPV2-P1U-US, UG50-38LFPV2-P2U-US, UG50-38TFPDV1-N2U-US, UG50-40LFPV2-N1U-US, UG50-40LFPV2-N2U-US, UG75-76MEPV1-N2U-US, and UG75-76MEPV1-P2U-US. While the official recall notice does not specify the exact number of units sold or the specific geographic locations where they were purchased, it is prudent to assume these models were distributed widely across the United States during the production period indicated by the date codes. If your water heater matches any of the model numbers listed above and has an Emerson control valve with a date code between 1821 and 1839, it is part of this safety recall.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a specific failure within the Emerson gas control valve found in certain Usines Giant water heaters. While these valves are designed to be reliable components that regulate the flow of gas to your burner, the affected models—specifically those with date codes between 1821 and 1839 for natural gas (model 37H73A-301P1) or propane (model 37H74A-301P1)—have a critical flaw. The primary issue lies in the power handle mechanism. Under certain conditions, this handle can develop an electrical short circuit. When electricity takes an unintended path due to this short, it generates excess heat where it shouldn’t be.
This overheating is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a serious safety failure. The excessive heat can damage the surrounding components of the valve and potentially ignite nearby materials, creating a direct fire hazard. For anyone standing close to the unit or touching it during this event, there is also a significant risk of severe burns. This physical danger is immediate and tangible, turning what should be a safe, enclosed appliance into a source of thermal injury.
Beyond the immediate risks of fire and burns, there is a more insidious threat related to how gas water heaters operate. These appliances are designed to burn fuel safely by exhausting combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, through a flue system outside your home. However, when an electrical component like the control valve malfunctions or overheats, it can disrupt the normal operation of the burner. This disruption may cause incomplete combustion, which drastically increases the production of carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless gas that is deadly in enclosed spaces.
In Canada, where this issue has already resulted in twenty reported incidents, including cases requiring medical attention, the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning has been realized. Even though no incidents have been reported in the United States yet, the potential for harm is real. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in your blood much more effectively than oxygen does, starving your organs and tissues of vital oxygen. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness, often without any warning signs until it is too late. This is why the recall emphasizes not just fixing the valve, but also ensuring you have working carbon monoxide alarms installed outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home while you await repair.
Understanding this mechanism helps clarify why immediate action is necessary. You are dealing with two distinct threats: the direct physical danger of fire and burns from overheating components, and the invisible, silent threat of carbon monoxide buildup due to faulty combustion. Both stem from the same root cause—the defective Emerson control valve—but both require urgent attention to keep your household safe.
Who is most at risk
Understanding who is vulnerable to this specific recall requires looking beyond just the physical presence of the water heater in your home. The core danger here stems from a potential short circuit in the power handle of the Emerson control valve, which can lead to overheating. While the official recall title mentions carbon monoxide poisoning, the immediate mechanical failure described involves fire and burn hazards. Therefore, the individuals at greatest risk are those who share living spaces with these units and those who may be physically unable to react quickly to sudden heat or smoke.
Households that have installed Usines Giant gas water heaters—specifically the propane and natural gas models in 40, 50, or 75-gallon capacities—are the primary group at risk. These units are typically found in basements, utility rooms, garages, or closets. If you own a white water heater with a red "Giant" logo decal on the front, and your unit contains an Emerson control valve with model numbers 37H73A-301P1 (for natural gas) or 37H74A-301P1 (for propane) with a date code between 1821 and 1839, you are directly in the affected group. The risk is not theoretical; Usines Giant Factories has already documented incidents related to these valves, including reports requiring medical attention due to carbon monoxide release, particularly in Canada.
Within any household containing a recalled water heater, certain demographics face heightened vulnerability. Young children are at significant risk because their shorter stature places them closer to the floor where heavier gases like carbon monoxide can accumulate if a leak occurs. Furthermore, children may not recognize the early warning signs of an overheating appliance, such as unusual smells or sounds, until it is too late. Their smaller body mass also means they can suffer more severe burn injuries from hot surfaces or steam releases much faster than adults.
Elderly individuals and those with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease, are also particularly susceptible. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that displaces oxygen in the blood. For people with compromised lung or heart function, even low levels of exposure can lead to dizziness, confusion, and rapid deterioration of health. If the control valve fails and releases carbon monoxide, these individuals may lose the ability to escape the home before serious harm occurs. Additionally, anyone with mobility issues may struggle to exit a burning building quickly if the electrical short circuit ignites nearby combustible materials.
It is also important to consider the vulnerability of pets. Animals often sleep or rest on floors and in low-lying areas where carbon monoxide pools. They are less able to alert humans to dangers and may succumb to poisoning before their owners notice any symptoms, such as lethargy or collapse. Therefore, while the mechanical risk of fire affects everyone in the home, the physiological impact of potential gas leaks disproportionately threatens those with weaker respiratory systems, lower mobility, and developing immune systems.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, it is essential to confirm whether your water heater falls within the specific scope of this recall. Because Usines Giant Factories produces a wide variety of units, relying solely on the brand name or general appearance can be misleading. The most reliable way to verify if your unit is affected is by cross-referencing three specific details: the physical description of the tank, the model number listed on the nameplate, and the date code stamped on the Emerson control valve.
First, look at the water heater itself. The recalled units are propane or natural gas models available in 40, 50, and 75-gallon capacities. Visually, these tanks are white and feature a distinctive red "Giant" logo decal on the front panel. While many gas water heaters share this general aesthetic, the presence of the Emerson control valve is the critical differentiator for this specific recall notice.
Next, locate the nameplate near the Emerson gas control valve. This metal plate contains the model number, which must match one of the following exact ranges to be included in the recall: UG40-38LFPV2-P1U-US, UG40-40LFPV2-N1U-US, UG50-38LFPV2-P1U-US, UG50-38LFPV2-P2U-US, UG50-38TFPDV1-N2U-US, UG50-40LFPV2-N1U-US, UG50-40LFPV2-N2U-US, UG75-76MEPV1-N2U-US, or UG75-76MEPV1-P2U-US. If your model number does not appear on this list, your unit is not part of this specific safety action.
Finally, inspect the Emerson control valve itself, which is black with a white "Emerson" logo on the front. You need to find the label on the right-hand side of the bracket that holds the valve to the heater. Check for two things: the valve model number and the date code. The recall applies only if you have valve model numbers 37H73A-301P1 (for natural gas) or 37H74A-301P1 (for propane), AND the date code falls between 1821 and 1839. If your date code is outside this range, or if you have a different Emerson valve model, your unit is not subject to this recall. Taking these steps ensures you are acting on accurate information rather than uncertainty.
What to do — step by step
If you own a water heater that matches the description above, the most important thing you can do right now is stop ignoring the potential danger and take concrete action. The process for resolving this issue has been set up by Usines Giant Factories to be straightforward, but it requires your immediate attention because the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is serious. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure your safety and to get your unit fixed correctly. First and foremost, do not attempt to repair the control valve yourself. The remedy for this recall is specific: you must contact Usines Giant Factories directly to arrange for a certified technician to replace the Emerson control valve. This is not a DIY fix. The internal mechanics of gas water heaters are complex, and improper handling can lead to gas leaks or electrical shorts that worsen the hazard. Instead of taking matters into your own hands, pick up the phone or visit their website to initiate the official remedy process. To get started, you need to reach out to the company using one of the following methods. You can call their dedicated recall hotline at 800-363-9354. It is helpful to know their hours of operation so you do not waste time calling when they are closed: they are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Fridays. Alternatively, you can send an email to recall@giantinc.com or visit their website at www.giantinc.com. On the site, navigate to the "Recall Information" section located at the bottom of the page, or click directly on the link provided for recall details. When you contact them, have your water heater’s model number and the Emerson control valve date code ready. As noted in the description, these numbers are found on specific labels near the control valve. Providing this information upfront will help the company verify that your unit is part of this specific recall batch (model numbers ranging from UG40-38LFPV2-P1U-US to UG75-76MEPV1-P2U-US, with Emerson valves dated between 1821 and 1839). This ensures you receive the correct parts and instructions. Once you have established contact, Usines Giant Factories will arrange for the replacement valve to be sent to you or coordinated for installation by a certified technician. They are providing this replacement valve for free as part of their remedy. While you are waiting for the repair to be completed, it is critical that you take interim safety precautions. Do not use the water heater if you suspect any issues, but if you must continue using it while awaiting service, ensure you have working carbon monoxide alarms installed outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home. These alarms are your last line of defense against the invisible threat of carbon monoxide leakage during this waiting period. Finally, keep records of all communications with Usines Giant Factories, including confirmation numbers from phone calls or email receipts. This documentation will help ensure that your case is processed efficiently and that you receive the free repair or replacement without delay. By following these steps, you are not only protecting your household but also helping the company track the scope of this safety issue to prevent future incidents.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Usines Giant gas water heaters, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a clear and accessible remedy to resolve the issue without costing you anything out of pocket. Usines Giant Factories has committed to providing a free replacement Emerson control valve for all affected units. This is not just a partial fix; they will also arrange for a certified technician to come to your home and install this new, safe valve in place of the defective one. Understanding that you likely do not have the specialized tools or expertise to safely work with gas lines and electrical components yourself, this service-by-installation approach is crucial for ensuring the repair is done correctly and safely.
To initiate this process, you will need to contact Usines Giant directly. The company has set up dedicated channels to handle these recall inquiries efficiently. You can reach their support team by phone at 800-363-9354. It is helpful to keep in mind their operating hours so you do not waste time calling when lines are closed: they are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Fridays. If you prefer digital communication or want to document your request in writing, you can send an email to recall@giantinc.com. Alternatively, you may visit their website at www.giantinc.com. Once there, look for the "Recall Information" link located at the very bottom of the page, or click directly on https://giantinc.com/en/recall-information to find the specific recall details and next steps.
When you contact them, be prepared to provide specific information about your unit to verify that it is part of this recall. Have your model number ready, as well as the date code found on the label near the Emerson gas control valve. This helps the company quickly identify your product and confirm eligibility for the free repair service. While the primary remedy focuses on repairing the existing water heater by replacing the faulty component, Usines Giant is handling the logistics of the technician dispatch and parts provision, meaning you should not incur charges for labor or materials related to this safety correction. This structured approach ensures that the hazard is eliminated through professional intervention rather than leaving it to chance.
In the meantime, while you are waiting for your appointment with the certified technician, it is vital to maintain a safe environment in your home. Although the repair will eventually eliminate the risk of short circuits and overheating associated with the old valve, the hazard exists until that work is completed. Therefore, ensure that you have working carbon monoxide alarms installed outside of every sleeping area and on every level of your home. These devices serve as a critical last line of defense against carbon monoxide poisoning, providing early warning if any gas leaks or combustion issues occur before the repair is finalized. By taking these immediate steps and following through with the manufacturer's remedy, you are proactively protecting your household from potential fire, burn, and poisoning risks.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to want to keep your daily routine uninterrupted when a product recall arrives in your mailbox or email inbox. The inconvenience of scheduling a repair, waiting for a technician, or dealing with the logistics of getting the part replaced can feel overwhelming, especially when the problem seems small or distant. However, ignoring this specific recall involves betting against serious, potentially irreversible safety risks. The core issue here is not just a mechanical failure; it is a failure that directly compromises the integrity of your home’s air quality and physical safety. By continuing to use these water heaters without addressing the defective Emerson control valves, you are allowing a known electrical fault to persist in an environment where gas combustion is already occurring.
The primary danger lies in the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced whenever fuel such as natural gas or propane is burned. Under normal circumstances, your water heater’s venting system is designed to expel these combustion byproducts safely outside your home. However, when the power handle of the control valve shorts circuits and overheats, it can disrupt the precise operation of the gas burner. This disruption can lead to incomplete combustion, significantly increasing the amount of carbon monoxide produced. Because you cannot see, smell, or taste this gas, it can accumulate in your living space undetected until levels become dangerous. Exposure to high concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, it can be fatal. The fact that incidents have already been reported in Canada, including one case requiring medical attention, serves as a stark warning that this is not merely a theoretical risk but a documented hazard.
Beyond the invisible threat of carbon monoxide, there is a direct and visible danger of fire and burns. The recalled valves are prone to overheating due to electrical short circuits. If left unchecked, this excessive heat can ignite nearby combustible materials, such as insulation, wood framing, or even parts of the water heater itself. This creates an immediate fire hazard that can spread rapidly through your home. Additionally, the surfaces of the unit and its connections can become hot enough to cause severe burns upon accidental contact. These are not minor inconveniences; they are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate intervention.
Ignoring the recall also means you are forgoing the free remedy provided by Usines Giant Factories. By acting promptly, you ensure that a certified technician properly replaces the defective valve, restoring your water heater to safe operating conditions. Delaying this action not only increases your personal risk but may also complicate future repairs if damage occurs in the interim. Your safety and the safety of your family should always take precedence over temporary convenience. Please contact Giant immediately at 800-363-9354 or via their online recall portal to schedule your free repair.