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Gas Leak Detector Fluid Warning

Recall 75-005 · January 6, 1975 · Fremont

What to doFollow the instructions in the official CPSC notice below.

Read the official CPSC notice

Recall at a glance

Recall number
75-005 (CPSC)
Recall date
January 6, 1975
Brand
Fremont
Category
Smoke alarms and home safety
Products
L.P. Gas Equipment gas leak detector fluid
Hazard
Fire and burn hazard
Hazard type
Fire and burn
Last updated by CPSC
February 3, 2015

What was recalled

Gas Leak Detector Fluid Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 6, 1975 Release # 75-005 CPSC Warns Public Of Fire/Explosion Hazard Associated With Suspect Gas Leak Detector Fluid Washington, D.C. --The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers, mobile home manufacturers and distributors, and gas companies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota that a blue colored gas leak detector fluid distributed since 1972 by L.P. Gas Equipment, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, can corrode brass fittings and lead to hazardous gas leaks and subsequent fires and explosions. Any person or company that has used this detector fluid on brass connectors should have the piping inspected immediately for corrosion or discoloration. The connectors should be replaced as quickly as possible. Consumers in these states who have had gas appliances installed or inspected for leaks since 1972 should contact the company that installed the product or their local gas company for an immediate inspection. The corrosion problem apparently is due to the presence of ammonia in the fluid. A common method of installing gas appliances is to use a flexible brass connector to connect the appliance to rigid piping. If a leak detector fluid containing ammonia is used to check for faulty tube fittings, the ammonia residue can cause cracks and leaks in the brass. These cracks can enlarge over time. The fluid was manufactured by Fremont Industries, Shakopee, Minnesota, for L. P. Gas Equipment, Inc., which sold 1,155 gallons of the solution, in various package sizes, to 117 gas companies. L. P. Gas has asked its purchasers-- none of whom would be consumers -- to discontinue use of the fluid and to destroy existing stocks. The Commission obtained the names of these customers by subpoena and is advising them of the serious nature of the hazard. The Commission also is encouraging immediate inspection and replacement of all fittings that may have been treated with the suspect leak detector fluid. At the same time, the Commission is proceeding with administrative action that could lead to mandatory corrective action by the manufacturer, distributors and retailers of the fluid. The State of Minnesota, Building Code Division, reported the potential problem of the ammonia containing fluid to the Commission's Minneapolis Area Office in September 1974. The Commission consulted with the National Bureau of Standards in order to confirm that the corrosion damage was, or could have been, caused by the ammonia solution. This warning is being issued in the interest of the public health and safety.

Is my product affected?

Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.

  • L.P. Gas Equipment gas leak detector fluid

Where it was sold

Companies named in the notice: Fremont; L.P. Gas Equipment.

Recall history and context

Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 20 recalls in the smoke alarms and home safety category, 4 recalls of them in the past 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

What was recalled?

L.P. Gas Equipment gas leak detector fluid. S.

Why was it recalled?

CPSC lists the reason as: Fire and burn hazard.

What should I do if I own one?

Follow the instructions in the official CPSC recall notice linked on this page.

Similar recalls in smoke alarms and home safety

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on February 3, 2015. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.