bradford white forced draft water heater, recall?

[Thomas H. Dietrich]

In a casual conversation with a plumber, I was told the Bradford Whites water heaters with a black 'rubber' flexible flues were 'illegal'. I was wondering if this was an actual recall on the flue piping, or were the original ones 'grandfathered' till end of life? The water heaters, or the clients.

I'm having a difficult time finding information, probably since these were used in the early 90's, or just not true. Little help?

tom

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by tdietrich1

In a casual conversation with a plumber, I was told the Bradford Whites water heaters with a black 'rubber' flexible flues were 'illegal'. I was wondering if this was an actual recall on the flue piping, or were the original ones 'grandfathered' till end of life? The water heaters, or the clients.

I'm having a difficult time finding information, probably since these were used in the early 90's, or just not true. Little help?

tom

Do you have a picture of the "black 'rubber' flexible flues"? I wouldn't want a rubber flexible flue on my water heater. But the only thing I'm aware of considering Bradford White is a 2002 recall that had nothing to do with the flue. The newer high-efficiency water heaters use black plastic. Maybe that's what he was referring to?

[Thomas H. Dietrich]

Ugly Dusty Flue.

tom

[Russel Ray]

Yes, indeed, I would definitely say that is non-standard. I think it needs the smooth, rigid plastic at a minimum.