March 6, 2026 — A safety incident involving a Lochinvar KBN106 gas boiler has been reported, highlighting a critical defect where the flue sensor rubber grommet deformed, leading to the leakage of carbon monoxide (CO). This incident raises serious concerns about the potential for harmful CO exposure in homes equipped with this boiler model.
Product Details
Product: Lochinvar KBN106
Incident Overview
The incident, reported on February 17, 2026, details a malfunction in a Lochinvar KBN106 gas boiler. Specifically, the rubber grommet associated with the flue sensor was found to have deformed. This deformation created an opening in the boiler’s exhaust system, allowing carbon monoxide (CO) to leak from the flue. The flue is designed to safely vent combustion byproducts, including CO, outside the home. Any breach in this system can allow these dangerous gases to escape into the living space, posing a significant health hazard to occupants. The report does not specify the duration of the leakage, the extent of the CO levels detected, or if any injuries or property damage resulted from this particular incident.
Safety Concerns
The deformation of a flue sensor rubber grommet and subsequent carbon monoxide leakage presents severe and immediate safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, often referred to as the “silent killer.” Inhaling CO can quickly lead to CO poisoning, which manifests with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, confusion, and chest pain. High concentrations can cause unconsciousness, brain damage, and death within minutes.
- Long-Term Risks: Even low-level, prolonged exposure to CO can lead to chronic health issues, including neurological damage, heart problems, and persistent respiratory issues. Children, the elderly, individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of CO poisoning.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone present in a building where a defective KBN106 boiler is operating and leaking CO is at risk. This includes residents, visitors, pets, and potentially even individuals in adjacent units in multi-family dwellings if the CO spreads.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary concern is human health, CO leakage also indicates a malfunction in the boiler’s combustion system. This could potentially lead to reduced efficiency, increased fuel consumption, or, in extreme cases, further deterioration of the unit that could cause other system failures, though direct property damage from the CO leakage itself is less common than personal injury.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Lochinvar KBN106 gas boiler, it is crucial to take immediate action:
- Immediate Steps: If you suspect CO leakage (e.g., you feel symptoms of CO poisoning, or your CO alarm sounds), evacuate the premises immediately and call 911 or your local fire department from a safe location. Do not re-enter the building until it has been deemed safe by emergency personnel.
- Check Your Product: Verify if your boiler is a Lochinvar KBN106 model. This information is typically found on a label affixed to the boiler unit.
- Prevention Measures: Ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors installed on every level of your home, particularly near sleeping areas. Test them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you own this model, consider having a qualified HVAC professional inspect your boiler’s flue system and specifically check the integrity of the flue sensor rubber grommet and other seals for any signs of wear, cracking, or deformation.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience any issues with your Lochinvar KBN106 boiler or suspect a defect, report the incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Providing detailed reports helps regulatory agencies track product safety trends and take appropriate action.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, Lochinvar Corporation, has acknowledged the incident report, indicating a response has been initiated. Further details regarding their specific actions, such as investigations, proposed remedies, or a potential recall, are not yet available in the incident report. Consumers are encouraged to monitor Lochinvar’s official communications for updates.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.