Cracked VacMaster

[Bethanie]

I've had the VacMaster VP112 Chamber Vacuum for about 18 months and generally love it. I'm a home cook so I use it a few times a week with a bit of heavy usage once a month. A couple weeks ago as I was sealing some chicken for a sous vide preparation I heard a loud pop. When I went to examine I found the hood had cracked! It was a small crack in the front center, but it was enough to render the machine useless. The company replaced the hood even though i was past my one year warranty, which was fantastic. But still it worries me that after such light use this would happen.

Anyone have any experience with what might have caused this or had it happen to themselves? Thanks!