What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a significant recall concerning the Flushmate II 501-B pressure-assisted flushing systems. This is not a minor issue with a small batch of defective parts; it involves a substantial number of units that were integrated into the plumbing infrastructure of homes and commercial buildings across the United States and Canada. Specifically, the recall targets Flushmate II 501-B units that were manufactured over a period of nearly two decades, from September 3, 1996, through December 7, 2013. Because these systems were designed to be installed inside standard toilet tanks, they are hidden from plain sight for most of their lifespan, which is precisely why identifying them requires careful inspection.
To understand exactly what you are looking for, it helps to visualize the physical characteristics of the recalled component. The Flushmate II 501-B is a rounded oval unit made of black, injection-molded plastic. It is a two-piece vessel designed to fit inside the toilet tank to help propel water with greater force. If you were to lift the lid of your toilet tank and see a black, oval-shaped plastic device installed there, it might be one of these units. However, visual identification alone is not enough. The definitive way to determine if your unit is part of this recall is to check the label located on the top of the Flushmate II 501-B unit.
The label contains two critical pieces of information that you must verify: the model code and the date code/serial number. The model code is a 10-character string that always begins with the letter "M" and ends with the letter "F." If your code does not fit this specific pattern, it is likely not part of this recall. More importantly, you must look at the date code/serial number, which is 15 characters long. The first six numerals of this serial number serve as the date code in MMDDYY format. For example, a code starting with "090396" indicates a manufacturing date of September 3, 1996, while "120713" indicates December 7, 2013. Any unit with a date code falling within the range of 090396 to 120713 is included in this recall.
While the manufacturer of the flushing system itself is Flushmate, it is important to note that these units were sold individually and installed into toilets manufactured by several major brands. If your toilet was made by American Standard, Corona, Crane, Kohler, or Mansfield during the specified time frame, there is a possibility that it contains the recalled Flushmate II 501-B system. The sheer volume of affected products is significant, with the company reporting 1,446 incidents in the U.S. and 7 in Canada associated with these units. This widespread distribution means that homeowners who have not recently renovated their bathrooms may still be using a unit manufactured during this period without realizing it.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so critical, it helps to look at what makes the Flushmate II 501-B system unique compared to a standard toilet. Unlike traditional toilets that rely on gravity alone to flush, pressure-assisted systems like the one recalled here are designed to hold water under significant internal pressure. Think of it less like a simple bowl and more like a pressurized vessel. The unit is engineered to store this energy so that when you push the handle, it releases with enough force to propel waste efficiently through your plumbing. However, the safety of this system depends entirely on the integrity of its container—specifically, the injection-molded plastic vessel.
The core problem lies in a specific structural weakness: the vessel weld seam. Over time, or due to manufacturing variations in units made between 1996 and 2013, this seam can become a point of failure. When the internal pressure builds up during normal use, it exerts tremendous stress on every part of the plastic shell. If the weld seam is compromised, it may not hold against that force. The result is a sudden, violent burst at or near that seam. This isn't a slow leak or a minor malfunction; it is a rapid release of stored energy.
When the vessel bursts, the consequences are immediate and severe. The stored pressure does not just escape harmlessly into the toilet bowl. Instead, it can lift the heavy tank lid with enough force to turn it into a projectile. Simultaneously, the shattering of the plastic tank creates sharp, jagged fragments. This combination creates two distinct dangers for anyone nearby: impact injuries from flying objects and laceration wounds from broken plastic shards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented that this mechanism has led to property damage totaling approximately $710,000 across 1,446 reported incidents in the United States alone.
While many people associate toilet malfunctions with messy cleanups, this specific hazard is far more dangerous than a typical leak. The reports indicate that the force involved has been sufficient to cause serious physical harm, including one case requiring foot surgery. This underscores that the risk is not merely about water damage to your bathroom floor; it is about the potential for acute physical injury from high-pressure release and sharp debris. Understanding this mechanism helps clarify why the recall advises consumers to stop using the unit immediately rather than waiting for a technician to arrive.
Who is most at risk
Understanding who is most at risk with the Flushmate II 501-B pressure-assisted flushing systems requires looking beyond just the mechanical failure of the unit itself. Because this recall involves a high-pressure vessel located inside a toilet tank, the potential for harm is tied directly to the physical proximity of people to the fixture and their ability to react quickly to a sudden malfunction. The primary group at risk includes anyone who uses bathrooms in homes, hotels, or commercial buildings where these specific units were installed between September 3, 1996, and December 7, 2013. Since the system was sold individually and installed by major manufacturers like American Standard, Kohler, and Crane, this hazard is widespread across residential and public spaces.
While any user of these toilets faces the risk of impact and laceration from shattering plastic or a lifted tank lid, certain demographics are particularly vulnerable. Children, in particular, may be at higher risk due to their smaller stature. If the pressure-assisted system bursts, the resulting debris or the sudden release of stored energy could strike them with greater relative force, especially if they are standing close to the toilet during use. Their developing bodies and less predictable movements might also make it harder for them to step back quickly enough to avoid injury in a split-second event.
Elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges also face heightened risks. The recall notes that incidents have resulted in property damage and injuries, including one case requiring foot surgery. For an older adult, a fall triggered by the sudden noise, water spray, or debris from a bursting tank could lead to severe secondary injuries such as fractures or head trauma. Furthermore, if the toilet lid is lifted by internal pressure, it may pose a direct impact hazard to anyone bending over or leaning toward the bowl, regardless of age.
Additionally, because the system can burst at or near the vessel weld seam without warning, there is no clear “pre-failure” sign that allows users to evacuate. This unpredictability means that everyone in the immediate vicinity during a flush cycle is exposed. The risk is not limited to the person using the toilet; anyone nearby could suffer lacerations from flying plastic shards or impact injuries from the tank lid. Given that over 1,400 reports of bursting have been received in the U.S. alone, this is not a rare occurrence but a significant hazard affecting a broad cross-section of users who installed these units decades ago. Immediate action to identify and replace the unit is critical for protecting all household members, especially those most vulnerable to physical injury.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your toilet contains a recalled Flushmate II 501-B unit requires a careful look inside your tank and an understanding of what that specific device looks like. Because these units are installed inside the toilet bowl, they are not immediately visible during normal use, so you will need to lift the lid of your toilet tank to inspect the contents. The recall specifically targets Flushmate II 501-B pressure-assisted flushing systems. These are distinct from standard gravity-fed flush tanks because they contain a specialized internal vessel that builds up pressure to force water into the bowl with greater force.
First, visually identify the unit itself. You should be looking for a rounded, oval-shaped component that is black in color. This device is constructed from injection-molded plastic and is designed as a two-piece vessel that sits inside the toilet tank. It is important to note that this recall applies to units manufactured between September 3, 1996, and December 7, 2013. If your toilet is significantly newer or older than these dates, it may not be part of this specific batch, but you must verify the serial number to be certain.
The most reliable way to confirm if you are affected is by checking the label on top of the Flushmate II 501-B unit. On this label, you will find two critical pieces of information: a date code/serial number and a model code. The date code is a string of six numerals located at the beginning of the 15-character serial number. This code follows the MMDDYY format, representing the month, day, and year of manufacture. You are within the recall period if your date code falls anywhere between 090396 (September 3, 1996) and 120713 (December 7, 2013). Any unit with a date code prior to September 1996 or after December 2013 is not included in this recall.
Additionally, verify the model code on the same label. This code is ten characters long and must start with the letter M and end with the letter F. The specific model affected is the 501-B. Even if you cannot read the numbers clearly due to wear or water damage, knowing which brands originally sold these units can help narrow down your search. These recalled systems were installed in toilets manufactured by American Standard, Corona, Crane, Kohler, and Mansfield. If your toilet was made by one of these companies and falls within that manufacturing window, it is highly likely to contain the affected unit until you verify the specific serial number.
If you find a matching unit, do not attempt to remove or tamper with it yourself yet. The internal pressure can be dangerous if released improperly. Instead, document the serial number from the label for your records and proceed to the remedy steps outlined in this article to arrange for a free replacement and professional installation.
What to do — step by step
If you suspect you have a recalled Flushmate II 501-B system in your home, the most important thing you can do is remain calm but act quickly. The hazard associated with these units involves stored pressure that can cause the tank to shatter, so your immediate goal is to safely relieve that pressure and remove the danger from your bathroom. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure your safety and the safety of your household members. First, you must stop using the toilet immediately. Do not flush the toilet again, and do not attempt to use it for any purpose until the unit has been professionally replaced. Continuing to use a pressure-assisted system that is prone to bursting can lead to serious injury or significant property damage. The internal mechanism is designed to build up pressure to force water into the bowl, but if the vessel weld seam fails, that stored energy is released instantly. By ceasing use now, you prevent any further stress on the compromised component. Next, you need to safely release the built-up pressure in the tank. To do this, locate the water supply valve, which is typically found on the wall or floor behind the toilet near the base of the unit. Turn this valve clockwise to shut off the water supply completely. Once the water is cut off, flush the toilet one last time. This action will drain the remaining water from the tank and, more importantly, release the internal pressure that has been building up inside the Flushmate unit. This step is critical because it neutralizes the risk of an explosion while you wait for a replacement. Be cautious during this process; if the unit is already showing signs of leakage or swelling, handle it with extra care to avoid lacerations from sharp plastic shards. After you have secured the toilet and relieved the pressure, contact Flushmate to arrange for your free remedy. You should call their toll-free number at 844-621-7538. Their customer service team is available between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.flushmate.com and click on the “501-B Recall” link in the blue box at the top of the page for more information. When you contact them, they will provide you with a free replacement Flushmate unit and arrange for a technician to come to your home to install it. This professional installation is included in the remedy, ensuring that the new unit is fitted correctly and safely. Do not attempt to replace the unit yourself, as improper installation could lead to future leaks or failures.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have confirmed that your toilet contains a recalled Flushmate II 501-B system, the good news is that the remedy provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the manufacturer is straightforward and comprehensive. You are not left to handle this dangerous defect on your own or at your own expense. The company has structured a solution that prioritizes both your safety and convenience, offering a complete replacement unit along with professional installation services. This approach recognizes that simply mailing you a new part might not be enough for the average homeowner, who may feel uncomfortable or unsafe attempting to remove a pressurized system themselves.
To initiate this process, you need to contact Flushmate directly. They have set up a dedicated toll-free number for this recall: 844-621-7538. The customer service representatives are available during extended hours to accommodate your schedule. You can call them Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern Time, or on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. If you prefer to handle things online, you can visit their official website at www.flushmate.com. Once there, look for the blue box located at the top of the page and click on the link labeled “501-B Recall” to access more detailed information and likely a portal to start your claim.
When you reach out to Flushmate, whether by phone or online, be prepared to provide specific details about your unit. The recall covers units manufactured between September 3, 1996, and December 7, 2013. You will need to verify the model code on the label on top of your unit, which should start with an 'M' and end with an 'F', and confirm that the 15-character serial number falls within the affected date range. This verification ensures you are covered under this specific recall action.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, Flushmate will arrange for a free replacement Flushmate unit to be sent to you. Crucially, they also offer installation by a technician. This is a significant benefit because installing a pressure-assisted flushing system requires precision and safety awareness. By including professional installation in the remedy, Flushmate ensures that the new unit is installed correctly, minimizing the risk of future issues and ensuring your toilet functions as intended without the hazard of bursting or shattering. This comprehensive service means you do not need to worry about finding a plumber or learning complex installation procedures yourself.
It is important to remember that this remedy is specific to the recalled Flushmate II 501-B models. If your unit does not match these exact specifications, it may not be covered under this particular recall action. However, given the number of reports and the severity of the potential hazards, including property damage totaling approximately $710,000 and injuries requiring surgery, the company is highly motivated to resolve these cases efficiently. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any doubts about your unit’s eligibility; it is better to confirm with their support team than to assume you are excluded.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to take immediate action. Toilet repairs are notoriously messy, expensive, and inconvenient. The thought of turning off your water supply, dealing with a non-functional toilet, and scheduling a technician’s visit can feel overwhelming. You might think, “If it hasn’t burst yet, why fix it now?” However, ignoring this specific recall is not just an inconvenience; it is a gamble with significant physical and financial risks. The Flushmate II 501-B system is not failing in a way that causes minor leaks or slow flushing. It is failing structurally under pressure, which changes the nature of the danger entirely.
The core issue lies in how these units work. Unlike standard toilets that rely on gravity, the Flushmate II 501-B is a pressure-assisted system. This means it stores water and air under high tension inside a sealed plastic vessel to create a powerful flush. The recall identifies a critical flaw: the vessel can burst at or near the weld seam. When this happens, the stored energy is released instantaneously. This is not a slow leak that you can mop up; it is a sudden, violent release of pressure. The force generated by this rupture is strong enough to lift the heavy toilet tank lid and shatter the plastic tank itself. In practical terms, this turns your bathroom into a hazard zone where hard plastic fragments and heavy ceramic or porcelain pieces can become projectiles.
The consequences of ignoring the recall are already documented in real-world incidents. Flushmate has received over 1,400 reports in the United States alone from consumers who continued to use these units. These reports confirm that the theoretical risk is a present reality for thousands of households. The outcomes range from significant property damage—totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars across all cases—to serious personal injury. In fact, there have been 23 reported injuries associated with this specific defect. One case was severe enough to require foot surgery, illustrating that the debris generated by a bursting tank can cause deep lacerations or impact trauma. Ignoring the recall means you are living with a device that has already proven capable of causing bodily harm and extensive home damage in similar installations.
Beyond the immediate physical danger, there is the risk of escalating property damage. When the tank shatters, water does not just drip; it can spray with considerable force, potentially damaging flooring, cabinetry, and surrounding walls. If you have guests or family members in the bathroom at the moment of failure, the risk of injury to others increases dramatically. The cost of a free replacement unit and professional installation is far less than the medical bills or home repair costs that could result from waiting for a burst. By acting now, you are protecting your health, your loved ones, and your home from a known, preventable catastrophe.