Toilet-maker pledges to repair smoking bidets

[December 17, 2008]  TOKYO (AP) -- A Japanese toilet-maker pledged Tuesday 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.

[Associated Press]

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