Toilet-maker pledges to repair smoking bidets

JAPAN - A Japanese toilet-maker pledged to repair nearly 82,000 electric bidets after several units overheated and emitted smoke.

Inax Corp., Japan's second largest toilet-maker, made the announcement after receiving six reports that covers on toilets with electric bidets — sprays fitted at the back of the toilets — melted and began smoking, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

No injuries were reported from the faulty DV-200 series, manufactured between March 2004 and June 2005, the ministry said in a statement, which urged owners to immediately pull the plug on the toilets.

Trickles of water leaked from the bidet pump, rusted the motors, and caused the malfunctions, the ministry said.

Inax apologized for the problem and offered free inspection and repairs for the 81,724 electric bidet toilets affected.

The company last month issued similar warnings to hundreds of thousands of people who purchased older-model toilets.

High-tech toilets fitted with warm water sprays and dryers are standard in Japanese homes. Luxury models come with an automatic lid, a massaging spray and a bowl deodorizer.

Related News

France nuclear power stations to limit energy output due to high river temps

PARIS - The high temperature warning has come early this year but will affect fewer nuclear power plants. High temperatures could halve nuclear power production at plants along France's Rhone River this week. 

Output restrictions are expected at two nuclear plants in eastern France due to high temperature forecasts, nuclear operator EDF said. It comes several days ahead of a similar warning that was made last year but will affect fewer plants.

The hot weather is likely to halve the available power supply from the 3.6 GW Bugey plant from 13 July and the 2.6 GW Saint Alban plant from 16 July,…

READ MORE
indonesia coal

Energy Ministry may lower coal production target as Chinese demand falls

READ MORE

Britain Prepares for High Winter Heating and Electricity Costs

READ MORE

US Automakers Will Build 30,000 Electric Vehicle Chargers

READ MORE

The Haves and Have-Nots of Electricity in California

READ MORE