More Than 1.4 Million 'Exploding' Toilet Flushers Recalled

A toilet parts manufacturer has recalled 1.4 million flushing systems in the U.S. and Canada after the company received word that the units were exploding and injuring users, NBC reports.

The Flushmate II 501-B system, sold in the U.S. between 1996 and 2015, has burst more than 1400 times and caused 23 injuries so far. For one person, the injures were so severe that they needed foot surgery.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the flusher "can burst at or near the vessel weld seam," creating an explosion strong enough to shatter the tank and cause the tank lid to fly off. The rogue flusher has reportedly caused about $710,000 in property damage.

Although the product hasn't been sold for several years, many models are still in use in people's homes. In addition to the 1.4 million systems sold in the U.S., 17,300 units were sold in Canada. The bulk of the complaints (1446) came from the U.S., and seven came from Canada. Some of the units had been automatically installed in toilets manufactured by American Standard, Corona, Crane, Kohler, and Mansfield. Others had been sold individually at big-box stores like Lowe's and Home Depot.

To find out if your unit is affected by the recall, visit Flushmate's website and enter the model and serial numbers found on the top of the system. If you have a Flushmate II 501-B system at home, the CPSC recommends turning off the water supply to the unit and flushing the toilet to release internal pressure. Customers can contact Flushmate for a free replacement.