Delta Gas Ball Valves Recalled Due To Fire And Burn Hazards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced the recall of Delta Gas Ball Valves due to fire and burn hazards. According to the recall, small amounts of gas can leak from the valve when it is in the open position. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled Delta-branded Gas Ball Valves and contact Masco Canada to confirm that their product is part of the recall. Consumers will receive instructions on how to get a refund. Masco Canada will also reimburse consumers for the cost of labor to remove and dispose of the units. Masco is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Gas valve product liability lawsuits 

In 1985, the CPSC took on Honeywell and negotiated a settlement of several lawsuits and investigations. Honeywell agreed to pay a fine of $800,000, the highest civil penalty (at that point in time) in the Commission’s history. The lawsuit resolved allegations that Honeywell failed to report defects and hazards involving certain gas controls. The defective gas valves caused the deaths of 22 individuals, and 77 individuals were seriously injured from explosions and fires caused by the controls.

Honeywell was forced to conduct an extensive inspection, repair, and warning program aimed at hundreds of thousands of potentially hazardous gas controls used in Liquefied Petroleum furnaces, space heaters, and water heaters.

Another lawsuit involving gas valves resulted in a $20 million jury verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The defendant, Southern California Gas Company, admitted wrongdoing before the trial and the jury was asked only to rule on the question of damages.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff was sleeping in a converted garage apartment, which he rented. An employee of Southern California Gas Company opened a natural gas valve, which activated a gas line inside the garage. The apartment exploded when the plaintiff unknowingly lit a cigarette. The plaintiff received second- and third-degree burns over 20 percent of his body. He also suffered brain damage. Southern California Gas Company was found liable for around $18. The landlord was found responsible for $2 million in damages.

Most of the lawsuits involving gas explosions and fires are filed against utility companies. The Honeywell lawsuit was among the largest product liability lawsuits filed against a company that manufactured gas valves.

Product liability lawsuits 

Thus far, no one has been injured by the recalled gas valves. However, if someone were to be injured, they would have a strong case under a theory of product liability. They could argue that since the company manufactured the defective gas valves, they are responsible for any injuries caused by an explosion or gas leak.

Talk to a Florida Product Liability Lawyer Today 

Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of Florida residents who have been injured by dangerous or defective products. Call our Florida personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your claims right away.

Source:

cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Delta-Gas-Ball-Valves-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Manufactured-by-Masco-Canada