EXHIBIT 23.8
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 for USI, Inc. of our report
on the consolidated financial statements of Eljer Industries, Inc. and
subsidiaries dated February 14, 1997 included in Form 8-K/A dated April 7, 1997
for Zurn Industries, Inc. It should be noted that we have audited the
consolidated financial statements of Eljer Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as
of and for the three fiscal years ended December 29, 1996. We have not audited
any financial statements subsequent to December 29, 1996 or performed any audit
procedures subsequent to the date of our report.
 
                                                     /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
   
Dallas, Texas
April 10, 1998