Delta MultiChoice® Universal Safety Alert

Delta Faucet Company is conducting a voluntary corrective action in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission for MultiChoice Universal tub and shower valves manufactured in the United States under the Delta brand name.

Potentially affected MultiChoice® Universal tub and shower valves are limited to Delta branded 13 and 14 Series pressure balance single function valves. These valves were sold to commercial plumbers and building subcontractors in Indiana and Ohio from October 2005 to May 2006 and nationwide from March 2006 to May 2006. About 105,000 valves were affected.

Consumers with one of these valves should contact Delta at the number listed below to obtain a corrective upgrade kit. Consumers may continue using affected valves, but should always test the water temperature before entering the shower or tub.

What is the problem?

A device called a “rotational limit stop” (RLS) within the valve controls the maximum amount of hot water coming out of the shower head or tub spout. Once set, this device limits how far the shower or tub handle can turn in the direction of increasingly hot water. In some cases, the RLS can disengage and allow the handle to rotate farther than expected. This could potentially cause consumers to come in contact with water that is hotter than expected and pose a risk of scalding injuries.

Although no injuries have been reported, Delta Faucet has received six reports of rotational limit stops becoming disconnected.  In cooperation with the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, Delta Faucet Company is providing consumers who are affected with an upgrade kit to correct this problem.

How Can I Tell If My Delta Tub or Shower Valve is Affected?

Consumers can view a list of affected model numbers to be upgraded. If the model number is unknown, there are other ways to identify whether the valve is affected:

  1. If a Delta one-handle tub or shower valve was installed in your residence on or after 10/16/2005, take the following steps to determine whether the valve requires upgrading:

  2. Gently remove the handle with either a screwdriver or allen wrench and look at the color of the valve cartridge.

    • If the cartridge is white plastic, the valve is not affected.
    • If the cartridge is gray plastic the valve may be affected.
    • If the valve cartridge is gray and a disk of plastic is installed on the end of the brass stem, the faucet has already been upgraded by Delta Faucet.
    • If there is no disk, the valve requires an upgrade kit to correct the problem.

    		 
    Gray Cartridge Before Upgrade Gray Cartridge After Upgrade

  3. Consumers with affected valves can continue to use their tub or shower valve, but should always test the water temperature before entering the shower or tub.

How Do I Get an Upgrade Kit to Correct the Problem?

Call the toll-free phone number (1-800-336-6696) established by Delta Faucet Company to learn more about the upgrade program for MultiChoice® Universal tub and shower valves, to verify if your valve is affected, and to request an upgrade kit.

The simplicity of the upgrade should enable most consumers to install it themselves. A step-by-step instruction guide will be mailed with the upgrade kit.

Delta customer support representatives are available from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Saturday. They are trained to answer any questions and help assist consumers through the upgrade process.

Is it OK to Continue to Use My Valve Until the Correction is Made?

Yes, it is OK to use your tub or shower until the correction is made.

A rotational limit stop when working properly helps prevent accidental scalding by limiting how far the valve handle can rotate into the maximum hot position.  Without a rotational limit stop, the valve works just as one-handle mixing valves worked years ago. When opening the valve cold water is released first; the more the valve is opened, the more hot water (and less cold water) is added to the mix. Regardless, always test the water temperature before entering a tub or shower.

Your Support is Greatly Appreciated

Consumer health and safety is our highest priority. Even though risk of injury from affected Delta MultiChoice® Universal valves is remote, Delta Faucet Company is taking this voluntary action as a precautionary measure.

Delta Faucet Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, and takes measures to ensure that it meets or exceeds industry standards. We carefully monitor product quality and customer satisfaction which enables us to address potential issues in a responsible and timely fashion and in a manner that will provide minimal inconvenience to our customers.

We regret any inconvenience caused by this upgrade and thank you for your continued support of Delta products.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission posting of this information can be found on their site at this location: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07505.html.