American Water Heater

My American-brand hot water heater quit working. When I called the plumber, he didn't even schedule a service call. He was so familiar with this defective brand he gave me the phone number to call for parts. They refuse to allow any other company or plumber to stock parts! The only way you can get parts is to call American brand and pay exorbitant shipping. And it took four phone calls and being placed on hold for 15 minutes at a time to get my request in. The part is supposed to arrive tomorrow but I am not hopeful this will occur from what I read in the other reviews. According to the plumber, this company was the subject of a class action lawsuit but it hasn't improved their service. Avoid them!

The company won't honor the warranty. The water heater is about 5 years old. It quit heating water about 2 or 3 months ago. The plumber who installed it says it needs parts and is under warranty. The company has stalled for several months. They simply won't ship the parts he has asked for or replace the defective heater. I hope whoever reads this will tell everyone they know not to purchase anything from American Water Heater Company. I think they also make Whirlpool.

The water heater is leaking water out of the overflow. It has flooded the basement.

Last month when the pilot light went out on our 1 year old Whirlpool hot water heater and would not stay re-lit, I replaced the thermo-coupler and all seemed well. Until Friday (2 days ago), the problem repeated itself and I replaced the thermo-coupler again. Yesterday was the third thermo-coupler replacement and 30 hours later, it is out again.

I keep paying for the replacements because we can't wait a day or so due to some medical conditions requiring multiple baths a day. American Water Heater does not provide enough troubleshooting info. Under troubleshooting, they have info such as "Correct any issues prior to resetting the thermal switch" but nowhere does it tell how to reset the switch. It also states that if the "Energy Cut Off (temp limit switch) is activated, the tank will need to be replaced" but again, no info on where to locate the ECO or how to tell if it has been activated.

I had to replace and repair all units at my apartment Complex, 117 units. I need reimbursement for all replacements, etc.

Whirlpool hot water heater manufactured by American Water Heater Co. Model #FG1F3030T3NOV, serial #0605117824, product #0730402.

After a year or so, I began having to relight the pilot every now and then. Throughout the years, it had to be lit more often until 02/09/2012, it wouldn't stay lit at all. I had asked someone at Lowe's and a plumber about the problem and was told it was probably the wind blowing it out. I live in a dessert community and it gets windy, so I took their word for it. Also, Whirlpool said to clean the screen on the bottom of the heater. It still didn't stay lit. On 02/13/2012, I contacted the person who originally installed it and we called Whirlpool. I was told to go to Lowe's and the part we needed was an "F" enhancement kit and would be of no charge to me. I went there and they didn't have it. I called back Whirlpool and they shipped it to me.

My installer changed the part, but the pilot still wouldn't stay lit. Again, I called Whirlpool. I was told to go to Lowe's and get part #295098, a BFG gas thermostat. I got there and the clerk told me they didn't have it. I said, "you have to have it, go look again". He had the part. However, I didn't have the P10144500 number with me and I would have to pay for the part. I went back home for the number. Throughout this ordeal, I made 4 trips and my installer made one trip to Lowe's. I would think if Lowe's sells Whirlpool products, they would have more information and parts available. I always bought Whirlpool appliances and trusted their name. Not after this. I believe this product was bad from design and assembly, especially using a left-handed thermocouple.

This was the 13th day I have been without hot water and I hope my heater stays lit now that it's fixed. I have never had problems with a water heater like this before. I am a single woman, age 71 and have been very stressed over this. My income isn't enough to pay plumbers for this again.

American Water Heater Co. Proline model FG6130S303Nov, serial number 04244100831, installed 8/5/2004. The gas valve failed on 6/2007 and was replaced. The thermocouple failed on 10/15/09 and I replaced it with a spare left by the serviceman. On 1/24/12, the thermocouple has failed again. The left-handed threaded thermocouple is non-standard and I have yet to find one. Supposedly, Lowe's has them. I can so far light the pilot by hand for one tank of hot water. I had a flashlight on top of the heater and it was scorched. I assumed it fell onto the pipe. Now, another flashlight has been scorched. The flue is clear. Fire hazard? Maybe. If Lowe's does not have the part, then the fun will really begin. I expect a new water heater will be the real solution and not made by the American Water Heater Company.

Since I bought this hot water heater, the pilot light constantly goes out. I am tired of calling the plumber. There have been so many complaints about this company. Why isn't something being done? I'm not rich and can't see myself running out and buying a new water heater because this company can't fix the problem and sell something decent. I feel I've been taken advantage of by purchasing a piece of junk! I would like an attorney about this matter!

We have now been without hot water for 9 days. We own a Whirlpool water heater that has a sticker on it saying to call the American Water Heater company for repairs. The control panel on the top of the water heater stopped working so we called AWH Company. They first told me that we had a lifetime warranty and took my serial number. Then after looking up the part, they said the cost would be $107.00. This included overnight shipping which cost $30 which of course you would pay for because no one wants to be without hot water any longer than necessary. However, it was after hours so it was actually going to take 2 days to get to us. When that part arrived and we carefully followed the instructions to install (we have remodeled many houses so we are not a novice) the part was damaged and did not work. We called back and they told us they would send another part but of course it was after hours again and it would be 2 more days.

When the part did not arrive, we called back a third time and were told that order did not exist but they would order it again. By this time we are in the middle of the Christmas holiday so we are waiting three days. Last night, I called a fourth time and we reordered the part again. Some of the agents did not know that the shipping dept was closed on Dec. 26 so the part should be shipping today and arrive tomorrow. 10 days after we have started this whole ordeal. When I asked for my money to just be refunded, they refused and said they would be shipping the part.

I have rental units and replaced old water heaters with American ProLine Plus 12 year Water Heaters with Flame Guard. I have had nothing but trouble with them. And I have had to deal with rude, incompetent "service people" who were recommended by American to repair their water heaters. I had one service call in which they finally agreed to replace the unit. The new one fell off the truck and was crushed in on the bottom. I had to argue with the guy not to install it as he tried to persuade me that it was fine.

I have had thermocouple problems like crazy. One time they put the wrong one in, another they didn't realize the thread was opposite and cross threaded it. Another time the heater stopped working again. The new service person said the replaced thermocouple was the wrong one for the model. Another time when the service person tried to work on the unit and had big hands, he just peeled back the metal on the unit at the pilot controls so he could work easier! That was on the new replaced unit! It was endless. All the while the tenant has no hot water! That was just one of the units I had. The other one was on thermocouple #3, 5 years into a 12-year warranty.

When the repairman and I went on the roof to see if the vent pipe might be clogged and shutting down the unit, there were 12" flames coming out of the pipe that vents the water heater! And that unit was on the first floor of a 2-story building! Flames were shooting up through the venting pipe to the 2nd story! We disconnected the unit and removed it from the apartment. I put in a tankless unit which takes no room at all and has been trouble free. To add insult to injury, when I called American ProLine, they were rude, gave me the runaround, suggested it was my fault (not installed properly), and refused to refund me anything for the 7 years left on the warranty. All they would offer me was another water heater. That's incredible since the American Water Heater nearly burned my entire property to the ground. Their product is unreliable and dangerous.

This is about my model FG 50 gallon water heater. Sure enough, 2 months after the limited 6-year warranty expired, the thermal coupler went out. I tried to call the 800 number supplied by American, absolutely no response at all! Due to the non-industry standard of tightening to the left American uses on the thermal coupling, I was unable to find a replacement thermal coupling. Thank goodness, I ran across these complaints and was able to purchase the repair kit at Lowe's.

I'm involved in the construction business and will make it a point to share with others my complete disappointment with American water heaters. Not even the professional courtesy to answer the phone or return a phone call. Done with American! I hope the lawyers get a hold of American in a class action lawsuit and put them out of business.

On Saturday morning, after Thanksgiving, we had no hot water. I got a thermostat at Lowe's, and after a lot of work, that the American Heater had a left hand thread. I was unable to get any help until Monday. After I called American, and was told that I would have to purchase a $35+ kit, and pay for shipping, I went on a long and hard day of trying to find a kit locally. After five hours of work, and a trip to Spokane WA. I found a kit at Lowe's that was free. I will never buy American again!

They made a unit that had left hand threads, and only supplied the kit to people that were under 6 years, and are sticking it to anyone that has a unit that lasted even 6 months over. This shows you what they will do for you in the years to come, if you buy from them.

After living in this house for a year with no hot water problems, one of my American Water Heaters quit working last week. The pilot would light, but not stay lit. After reading comments online, then finding the company's number on the front of the heater, I called them this morning. Their rep suggested I might be able to find the part locally at Lowe's. But the rep also admitted that in the past few years, those inventories have shrunk. I checked with my local Lowe's and sure enough, there was zero in stock in the greater Houston area (which is a big area).

I called American Water Heater back and they could not have been more cooperative. I spoke to a very nice young lady who is overnighting 2 kits; one for my broken and one for my working heater. Fortunately, I'm able to install these myself. AWH has a video showing how-to, which I'll watch as there are a couple of different parts vs. the original. They're an American based manufacturer (as is the company I work for) who screwed up with this design. It happens. However, the impression I'm left with is that they're now trying to right a wrong. I'll buy their products again.

This water heater, American ProlineFlame Guard Model No. FG6140T403NOV, was in the house my wife and I bought 2 years ago. A couple of days ago, the pilot light went out, I started looking for the cause. After reading all the complaints about this product, I decided not to spend the first repair dollar on it. Instead I spent three hours of labor and $400 to get that beast out of our house. The replacement water heater had great reviews.

Bought a Whirlpool water Heater from Lowes in 2004 with a 12 year warranty. Model FG1J4040T3NOV, Serial No. 0437118196. Had all the same issues as everyone else. I have replaced every part too many times to count. I've decided to pack it in and buy a Bradford White to replace this junk unit. American Water Heater should be sued and put out of business. Lowes offered me a 10 % discount on another Whirlpool water heater, I'm not that desperate or stupid.

I had to replace my water heater because a worker from the local utility company kicked mine in, in a fit of rage. The utility company bought this POS from American Water Heater. The water heater that is already broken after a year and a half. I called the company and they said to call their authorized repair rep. After 3 hours on the phone, no-one showed up. I called and spoke to a supervisor at American Water Heaters and he said he would call the repair company. I told him good luck. Tomorrow will be a week with no hot water. I am tired of living in a third world country with no hot water! Made in America means nothing!

Horrible customer service and warranty! My water heater went out on a Saturday morning. I called customer service and they gave me a replacement code for the heater, telling me that they do not have a list of stores that cannot replace it. I called around and no one has these. I called customer service back and she told me that if I couldn't find anyone locally, I would have to pay for them to ship a new heater to me! What's the point of the warranty? I have no idea where this heater came from. We just bought the house 2 years ago!

I purchased the American Water Heater Proline in 2005. In 2008, the igniter/thermocouple went out. It took 4 days to get a warranty replacement unit. It was free, but there's cost to put in, in a 3 year old unit. I was told there was a factory defect and this kit would fix it. Three years later (warranty about to expire), the "kit" did the same thing. Another 4 days, I was without water while waiting for another kit. Do not buy their water heaters. They suck! Now I have to pay another $200 for a plumber to fix it. That means I have to use cold water for days. I have 4 properties. I had water heaters all my life. I never had such a bad experience. They dare put an American Flag on it and tout how well made it is. It is no wonder China is taking over. Stay away from this company!

American Gas Hot Water Heater Model FG6130T303NOV Serial# 0509128959 Product 0731307 pilot will not stay lit. On 2/4/11, I called American Water Heater and they said a voluntary recall was on the Manifold Door Switch and this hot water heater is registered with them and was still under warranty. I never received any information on a recall! Portsmouth Plumbing replaced the switch which was under warranty, but the labor of $125.00 was not. I have had to call American Water heater several times because the pilot will not stay lit.

There is a white reset (this is not the red reset pilot button) that goes from the switch wires to the hot water heater that they let me push and hold. Then, they let me follow the instructions on the hot water heater or the "use and care guide book". This little white button is not in the book or on the hot water heater instructions. My vent on the water heater stays clean and the ventilation is good. I cannot ever get the pilot to light until I called them and then they instructed me to hold the white button for so long, then reset or something else, which this is not how the manual tells me to.

It has gone out again tonight and they are closed after 9 pm. I do have a carbon monoxide detector (electric, so the batteries are not bad as American Water heater would say). Well, it does have low readings when the light goes out. This happens at least once a month and it is still under warranty and I am tired of them telling me to just relight the pilot.

I purchased your product, serial#0434126381, model fg121-40s40-3nomv in 2005. There were no problems until last night when the thermocoupler went out. I called a local plumber/technician who installed but he died 2 years ago. A local plumber tried to install a new coupler and found the unit had a reverse thread, I had to call several supply houses in the nearest city and finally found someone who told him that this unit was part of a voluntary recall because of the thermocoupler and the reverse threads. He had to drive 30 minutes to get a new unit and came back with an entirely new burner assembly with a new safety switch.

Okay, that was great and the warehouse didn't charge him for the part as he returned the old burner assembly to them. My complaint is that I got charged for 2 hours of labor at 100/hour for him to figure out what was wrong, get the new part, and return the old part for warranty reimbursement. If your company knew there was a problem, particularly with the reverse threads if the coupler went out, why hasn't the public been notified so repairs could have been made while under warranty? If you buy a car and there is a recall there is no charge for parts or labor even if the warranty has expired, and they notify the consumer to avoid this concern.

To say the least, I am very disappointed in American Water heater and the fact that I had to pay $200 for labor, that had we been notified there was a problem, I would have had fixed while under full warranty. This is not a good way to run your customer service. I talked with 2 different phone representatives, and they told me that was the way it was and there was no one else to talk to about this issue. To say the least, when we buy another unit or another property, you can be sure I will check to see that American water heaters are not part of the future package for what I perceive as poor customer service.

The pilot light will not stay lit. I installed the conversion kit and months later, it goes out again. I contacted the gas company to verify that there were no venting issues. After that was proved to be good, the technician determined that the thermo couple was faulty. I was shocked, considering I just replaced the conversion kit not long ago! I then contacted American to demand for a new unit. Well, that ended up being another hassle as the unit was not a retail purchase and could not be taken to a local Home Depot or Lowe's for the exchange. I then had to contact a wholesaler who carried the product that was willing to do the exchange. This has truly been a trying 9 months, and I got no support from American in making this an easy, warrantable transaction. I have nothing good to say about their product; and I advise anyone in the market for a water heater to look away from American products and go with another manufacturer.

Our electric water heater caught fire. The thermocoupler did not turn off the power and burned the water tank. Thankfully we caught it before my house burned to the ground. I have pictures of the water heater and the damage.

When I call Whirl pool, they told me it was out of warranty and they are not responsible. Jon also said they would like to get the water heater back as soon as possible to see what caused the fire. I ask," Are you replacing it?" He said, "No." What can I do?

I installed an American Water Heater on 12-28-09. The pilot going out all the time is a nuisance, but easy enough to light.

On 12-4, the water heater quit. This time the pilot was on. I called American Water Heater to arrange a service call. After going through their diagnostic process, and 3 hours later, they would not set up a service call. They initially told me that my flue was the problem and I would have to get that fixed before they would send a service technician.

I paid a plumber to come out and check. He said, "Oh, American Water Heater. I know a lot of people who have had issues with this company." I knew then I had made a bad purchase. He said good luck, their customer service people are hard to deal with. I told him I was already aware of that. He looked at it and said, "Yup, the gas valve is bad. See I can wiggle the thermostat and it kicks on. I will check your flue though." He took the venting all apart, went up on the roof and pulled the rain cap just so I could prove to American Water Heater there were no issues with the venting.

I asked him if he would go ahead and repair it and he said, "I'm sorry but I don't want to be married to this piece of **. Please call the American Water Heater company and see if they have a company that is willing to work on it." I did. And after several calls, the supervisor finally agreed to set up a service call with A&E Factory Service.

The technician was very polite, nice and replaced the valve. Guess what, hot water! But not for long. On 12-24-10, the water heater went out again. Same issue, I can wiggle the knob and get the water heater to kick on. This time, I called and asked for the supervisor, went through the same process, and the lady on the phone wanted me to disconnect the burner assembly and take it out. I said you have got to be kidding me. I'm no plumber. You know what the problem is, please order me a gas valve and send a repairman. By this time I was in tears after spending 4 hours of phone time and I was begging her to just send a service man with a gas valve as it was the same problem.

I finally got the same moron supervisor on the phone again and he informed me that he was not going to send me another valve. I would just have to go without hot water. I could not believe this. I informed him in just a few days it was out of warranty.

Needless to say, it is now out of warranty. This morning, once again there was no hot water. I can wiggle the thermostat and it will come on for about a minute, then off. I cannot believe this company is still in business. So, I'm guessing I will just buy a different brand water heater and hope that a class action law suit comes up against this company. Poor customer service agents, no customer service skills, company will not stand behind their product and they refused to repair the water heater when it was still within the warranty period.

American Proline water heater left handed thermocouple water heater repair kit. I have an American water heater that quit working. I called their customer support in which I was notified that I needed an "upgrade kit." This kit is to be mailed out which leaves my family without hot water in the middle of December. She then stated that I could install this myself and there was nothing to it.

Then, I get on their site and it says in bold red print, removal and replacement of the gas control valve/thermostat involves the disconnection of gas piping, manifold tube, pilot tube and thermocouple. It is recommended that this procedure be performed by a qualified service technician. Now, I'm fairly handy but I also would not consider the changes of gas lines, burners, etc. as a simple procedure that a homeowner should be advised to do themselves followed up by a red, bold warning on their website. What happens to elderly people that take the advise of the custom service rep and does not have access to this online info?

Also, if there has been a lawsuit filed against these people for this, why are they not paying for the "upgrade kit" and installation? Where is the accountability? If I were to put someone on their family in harm's way, wouldn't the laws be enforced on me?

Model number- fg6140t403nov

I will join the many others who have complained about American Water Heaters! We moved into a new home in 2006 and had a new 50 gal propane AWH. It was good for about 2 years then it would stop working and we'd go through the relighting nightmares to no avail. Our plumber ended up coming out 5 times within the next year and replaced virtually every removable part! Then, it still stopped working again.

I called the company and raised hell and they finally authorized me to get a replacement. That was about 5 months ago. Last Saturday we found that, once again, we had no hot water! Thus began the same nightmare of trying to light it only to have it either run for maybe 15 minutes and then shut off, or the pilot would not stay lit at all! I called the company again.

What they didn't tell me is that their local authorized repair place does not carry parts for a propane water heater and the person on the phone should have sent me out the necessary part when I called, but they didn't. So, the repairman came out and could not fix it. So now my family has to wait two more days without hot water and hope that the part they are sending (gas valve) is the problem. According to my plumber when it fails to stay running or lit it is always a bad gas valve not a thermocouple (although I've had those replaced and the unit worked briefly!) I am not a fan of that company!

This water heater has been nothing but problems since we bought it. The pilot light goes out all the time. We have had to replace parts 4 times so far. The cost of having a plumber come in is expensive. Today it went out again. American said they will send us the part but we have to pay the thirty dollars shipping charge. We could have bought a new heater by now. Is there a class action suit against this company? I want to be in it if there is. American should not be allowed to get away with this.

Today again, no hot water, pilot out and it does not stay lit when I try to get it started up again. What gripes me is that each time the plumbing company that installed it comes out for a service call, they charge me and have never mentioned the ongoing issues with this piece of garbage. I could have purchased a new water heater by now!

Water tank model BFG1F4034T3PV serial number 0737135809 was purchased in 2006 for the Home Lumber Company in Caldwell, KS. The unit worked adequately until November 21,2009. Sam was the service call technician. The result of a trouble call was the thermal switch replacement on November 25, 2009.

September 2, 2010 a second trouble call was made with the same complaint as the earlier call that the water tank pilot could not be lighted. On September 2, 2010, the same technician replaced the thermal switch again. On September 7, the same technician also replaced the thermo couple wire. Since that date, the water tank has been found without a pilot light at least four consecutive weekends. The pilot was light, but will not maintain the flame.

On October 25, 2010, another service call was made to Igor, who attempted to troubleshoot over the phone suggesting that the air intake or exhaust was inadequate and that I should use a match to check the exhaust air and clean under the unit when returning to the farmhouse this coming weekend. The situation is frustrating and leads me to believe that the manufacturer is not taking responsibility for the operation and functionality of the water heater.

We bought the house 2 years ago. Since then the water heater pilot light has gone out repeatedly, starting 2 months into residing here and plumber visits needed. This year alone starting on 6-5-10, we've more plumber visits for repairs. There are 10 receipts in front of me now. Several parts are being replaced! Hot water only last weeks, sometimes just one day! Places don't carry this product anymore. Finally, they state if we do the uninstallation and, they will replace the same unit. No one carries this product anymore! I can't live without hot water like this!

A new American water heater was installed 4 years ago. On 6-29-10, I had no hot water, so I called a plumber. He changed the thermal coupler and it worked okay until 9-28-10 when there's no hot water again.

I called a plumber who charged $225 to tell me I needed new unit. I asked him for another option and I was told I could change out the thermostat. He called American and had it shipped. It arrived 2 days later. The plumber installed it but it did not work. I called American again and was told thermostat must be defective and they would send replacement. Another $225.

I called American to ask that they pay for plumbing costs as the plumber charged me only to find out American sent the wrong part. I would not pay anything toward labor costs. I'll join a class action law suit if one is filed. So far cost is $615. It's still not fixed. I want to be reimbursed.

Every complaint I've read here is true based on my experience.

In May of 2009, I had purchased a home and as a condition for the sale, the old leaking water heater needed to be replaced (the bank I received the loan from would not approve the loan unless the water heater was replaced). Later that month, JJ Plumbing Co. installed a new gas 40 gal. American Water Heater. In September of 2009, the pilot went out on the water heater. I had called The Gas Co. out thinking the gas had been turned off. On September 30, The Gas Co. relight the pilot on the water heater. The pilot on the water heater went out again a couple of weeks later, so I relit the pilot. This happened a few more times before I finally called the number on the water heater to explain my problem. Since the water heater was still under warranty, American Water Heater paid for General Installation to come out and fix the thermal couple. I had hot water for about three weeks and the pilot went out again. So I relit the pilot again and a couple of days later, no hot water.

This continued several times before I called the number again and after some arguing with customer service, they sent out a plumber to see what was wrong with the water heater (it was still under warranty). Again the thermal couple was replaced. This continued for several months until I called American Water Heater and told them the water heater was a lemon and I should get a new one. After some discussion they agreed to take the old one and put in new one (Note: American Water Heater Co. wanted me to provide a receipt for my purchase of the water heater. Since I didn't buy the water heater, I didn't have a receipt.)

I explained to them the water heater was put in as a condition of the purchase of the house and the seller purchased it. The customer service representative said there was nothing they could do if I didn't have a receipt. After about three weeks and several phone calls I was able to get the receipt. I called American Water Heater to let them know I located the receipt and the customer service representative replied with "that wasn't necessary". American Water Heater agreed to replace the water provided I uninstall it and take it back to the place of purchase. After all the headaches, I refused to do this and told them they should be responsible for having someone come out and take the defective one and put a new one in. Eventually, a new one was put in at no cost.

On March 30, 2010 a new American Water Heater with model no. UG6140T403N and serial no. 1010T415603Product#0731529 was installed. On 7-12-2010, no hot water again so I relit the pilot. Two weeks later, no hot water again. This continued a few more times before I called AWC again to explain my problem. The usual runaround again. I was relighting the pilot three times a week before calling AWC back again and they said I needed to call out a licensed plumber and gave me a list of names and numbers of plumbing companies.

Finally I decided to call a friend who was a licensed plumber to see if any of the problems associated with the water heater were my fault (as American Water Heater claimed or if the water heater was just bad). My friend, a licensed plumber, said there was nothing wrong with the air circulation and no clogs in the vent. After trying to figure out what the actual problem was, he said there was a leak inside the water heater and that was what was making the pilot go out. He also recommended that I check online to see if there were other complaints like mine. Wow, exact stories like mine.

Note: My friend who is a plumber did some digging and found that his supply house won't even carry gas water heaters made by American Water Heater Company because they (the supply house) has had nothing but problems.

On 8-9-2010, the American Water Heater was taken away and an American Standard water heater replaced it. So far, no problem.

On September 1, 2010, I went out into the garage and smelled something burning. I found the wires on the top of EnergySmart unit burning. The black covering on the wires were melted and the cover on the top was in the process of melting. This HW heater was purchased on 4-9-2009 from Lowe's 17 months ago for 457.96. Had we not been home, who knows what would have happened? There was no indication that there was a problem. Went and bought a Bradford White.

Model #FG6140T403NOV. Replaced the heating element 2 times so far. The plumber doesn't want to work on the heater that he sold me and said many problems dealing with this company. The cost of plumber has taken a toll on us, both times for labor.

I have had to install a thermocouple, and two new burner systems in this water in the past 4 years. I just found out that the heater has an undersized air intake that is hard to clean and difficult to get to as it is positioned underneath the water heater. I learned on this site that there is a law suit against this company because of these types of issues with the heater.

I'm out $28 for the thermocouple, numerous hours installing this and the two burner systems. I spent over two hours cleaning the air intake underneath the unit. I have ran out of hot water several times a month for several months now. If this company knows that the filter cleaning is an issue, why hasn't someone come up with a tool to help deal with it or a solution to correct the problem?

There is so much information related the numerous problems, delays, inconvenience and customer service issues it is somewhat easier to make a time line.

First Water Heater: May 21,2009 - Plumber installed new water heater; July 25,2009 - no hot water, called the customer service for American Water Heater Co; July 27,2009 - 1st service tech. said they fixed the thermo couple and replaced the gas valve; July 30,2009 - No hot water / smelled gas / gas company shut-down water heater. August 01,2009 - Same tech. company installed a new gas control due to gas leak from the control. Second Water Heater Installed: October 10,2009.

There continued to be problem after problem with the 1st water heater. Tech. after tech. in my home to try and fix the 1st water heater. Every major part replaced. The only exception was the tank itself. Finally after another round of horrible customer service, calls from reps with this company and my conversation with the plumber that installed the 1st heater, the same plumber installed a 2nd heater from the same company.

November 08,2009 - no hot water / 2nd heater. November 12, 2009, Tech. not at all associated with the water heater company checked the heater. Their conclusion was the heater was installed and maintained properly. The water heater company was trying to claim it was our fault the heater had to be replaced and repaired. Improper ventilation and every kind of nonsense they could fabricate or twist to and shun responsibility for their faulty and dangerous product. This water heater is connected to gas in my home. The gas company shut it down because of the danger to me and my family. The water heater never worked properly. There was always loud knocks and loud condensation noise when it was on. We were always waiting for the heater to break down.

July 23,2010 - No hot water Customer service from American Water Heater tried to have me pay for labor because the warranty did not start new from the 2nd water heater, it carried from the 1st water heater. After explaining some of the horrific experience from their faulty product the customer service rep. authorized labor and parts. She also gave me their website to study how to clean their water heater, because yet again it was probably my fault and not theirs. Another tech. came out and said there was no problem with the heater. Lit the heater. It stayed on maybe 15 minutes and went out again. He mumbled something about poor ventilation and ran out the door. I told the tech. the heater company wanted to speak to him when he got to my home. The tech ignored me and did as he pleased.

I called the company who replaced and installed my furnace/a/c unit. I told them what the tech. from the American Heater Company told me about the ventilation. He came over within the hour and inspected the area directly near and around the water heater. The area associated with the heater on the roof and every other area associated with the water heater and found no problems, He called the tech. that was just in my home and left a message because of course he sis not answer. Finally the 2 tech. spoke and the tech who installed my furnace could not locate a problem of any kind. The furnace / ac company installed another new water heater.

July 26,2010 - Replaced the American Water Heater with a new water heater. New company installed the new heater. No connection to American Water Heater Company.

We purchased a water heater, Model-BFG6140S403NOV, from our local supply house on May 2008. We hired a plumber to install it and all was fine. Approximately a year after we had it, we noticed a strong odor of gas in our basement. We called the fire department and the local gas company. After checking the gas lines, it was confirmed that the gas was coming from the regulator of the water heater.

I called my supplier and he informed me of a recall for the gas regulators on the unit. I was never notified by the company and thankfully the outcome could have been tragic if not discovered early. The supplier replaced the part for no charge, again we had to get a licensed plumber to replace the valve. In July 2010, the water heater began to leak on the top where the cold water line enters the tank. We replaced the 3/4 nipple and this did not rectify the problem. Back to the supply house and they advised me that it was called a leaker, and that the unit can be replaced for a handling fee of $35.00 and that I would have the remainder of the warranty on it, which would be 4 yrs.

So because their product was faulty, not once but twice, I lose 2 years on the warranty of a new tank. Again, the plumber was hired to remove the old and install the new. The new tank is leaking from the exact spot the other one did. So at this point, I will contact the supplier and have his rep look at the issue and they will deal directly with American. My old tank from a different manufacturer lasted 13 years. I am now looking to replace the entire unit with a tankless system.

A plumber installed Model FG12240T40 in 2004. It was necessary to relight the pilot about 1x every two months. In May of 2009, the heater stopped working. The call center (in India) told me that the problem was the pilot assembly and it had been recalled and he would send me a new part which would arrive in about 4 days. I had never been notified of any recall and was given the name of General Installation Company in Los Angeles which is supposedly the authorized Factory Warranty Replacement Center for American Water Heater. It turned out they had a replacement part on hand.

Although it was a faulty part, I was still charged $148 for labor. Again in March of 2009, the pilot went out and when I called the company service center (which is not in the US), I was told I would be sent a part. When I complained that this was a major inconvenience, the person then told me to pull out the wires from the pilot assembly and clip them together with a paper clip. In desperation I did this and it worked for the week or so it took for the part to arrive and to find a plumber. This cost $150. July 1, less than 2 months later, the unit failed again. I called General Installation Co and they said they would install a new part for $148. They took no responsibility and offered no suggestions as to how to permanently fix the problem. As I write this, a plumber is installing a new boiler by Rheem. If there is any class action suit, I would like to join.

We have an American Hot Water tank we purchased from Lowes In Westland, Michigan 3 years ago (Lowes installed it also). The pilot light has to be re-lit several times a day. Now we can't even get it lit. We already have paid $100.00 just to have it looked at. American is sending us two parts (I don't know what they are), and the plumber will have to install it. I don't know how much that will cost.

After reading the hundreds of complaints on the internet regarding the same problem, I am not very confident the problem will be resolved. There should be something done to make American stand by their product, some kind of consumers protection against faulty products. Lowes doesn't sell this hot water tank anymore. I am not surprised.

We too have had lousy experience with the people at American Water Heater Co. We are without water now, going on one week. At first, we did not think anything of it. We all know that everything breaks down at one point or another, so we decided to find out if there was still any warranty left on the item. They were somewhat helpful in providing the part for us, although we had to go to the other side of town to pick it up. But, that was fine. We called a plumber to come and install it and come to find out that that was still not what was causing the failure. We had to pay the plumber regardless, because that is what we called him out to do. Now, he told us to look for the thermostat. I have tried and it is no where to be found. It is going to cost us more money to locate the part then get it installed, and after reading all of this I have a feeling that it probably still will not work. So, I take it we will have to be out that money too. I too would like to be part of the law suit, at least just to cover the expenses that we have endured. Got to go, going to find a new water heater! Wish me luck!

We had to pay the plumber $70 to install a part that was probably not causing the problem. Now, we have to go out and purchase a new part or a new water heater. I think we are just going to go with the new water heater instead. We just do not have the time to deal with this mess!

I brought the residence new 6 years ago and had numerous problems with my hot water heater manufactured by American and had problems from the very beginning of my occupancy with the water heater. The thermocouple was defective and the pilot light malfunctioned numerous times requiring repair or relighting of the pilot light by my plumber. The pilot would never stay on and always required a service call to relight the pilot. I contacted the company to complain and they set me a thermocouple kit which was installed by my plumber. That also failed to work and I still don't have hot water. I called my plumber back and he advised me to replace the unit with a new brand, which I'm in the process of now doing. I will file a complaint against American for the $1200 I will have to expend to have a reliable hot water heater installed. I will also be filing a formal complaint with Federal Consumer agencies in Washington, DC to apprise them of this fraud perpetrated against thousands of unaware victimized American citizens who are in possession of this defective product. I paid almost $500 out of pocket so far.

I am amazed to see so many complaints about the same exact issue. Same for me, pilot light will not stay lit on my American water heater. Seems to me after reading the comments, it may be worth it to just install a new one, a different brand! Too bad this company does not stand by their product and do the right thing.

We installed an American Water Heater, and approx 9 months later, the pilot light went out. I called the company, and they sent someone out to install a new gas valve. Since then (1 1/2 years into this), I have had approximately 4 gas valves installed, and then they came back out and installed a thermocoupler which doesn't work either. We have to re-light our water heater daily. It's a big pain! So far, American has paid for all repairs and labor, but I don't want to have to relight our heater daily.

The issue with American Water Heaters starting with FG6 seems to be the same issue as all the others. I have very new water heater that goes out after a short two years. We pay for the unit and installation/upgrades ex. Yes, you have a warranty but you still have to repay for the installation and upgrades that run you about $400 plus. They tried the whole send you parts deal. There was no hot water for about 5+ days and the parts didn't make the unit work. This should fall under the lemon laws!

I bought a new home in May 2005. It came with an American Water Heater, model # FG6140T403NOV. After 2+ years, the pilot would not stay lighted. I had a replacement part shipped to us and paid $350 to have it installed. It has now failed and we have to get it replaced again. This model and their replacement parts are not reliable.

Same problem as everyone else except my plumber is an American servicer and is helpful. Two water heaters purchased one year ago and both went out within three weeks of each other this month. ACE plumbing replaced both the thermostats and thermocouples. We'll see what happens.

I got a replacement unit, and it cost to me $200, again. Can someone let me know if the flame is supposed to be this yellow? And yes, that is a water drop inside the unit. I have posted it on Youtube and uploaded it with a title "My American Water Heater Experience".

I have another unit that on September 28, 2009 BFG Conv Kit replaced. It works for now, but the flame burns very, very yellow! Model number is FG614OT403NOV.

American Water Heater's blowing up families across America! This could be the headline if American Water Heaters does not take its issue with Water Heater gas conversion kits more seriously. At this time American Water Heater has a known issue with any of their heaters, which includes "FG" at beginning with serial number. The issue causes the pilot light to go out and the heater will not re-light. The consumer would probably not be aware of this issue for hours and faces the potential for significant gas leaks. Both my plumber and the telephone service staff of American Water Heater were well aware of the issue. The company's standard response is to charge for shipping out a replacement part, and the consumer is expected to replace the part.

The biggest concern is that the company has decided not to inform consumers of this issue, even with the potential of gas leaks within the garages and basements of American homes. The options available to the consumer once the issue is identified are also simply unacceptable. Their distributors, installers and plumbers are for some reason not allowed to carry the part, so it can not be fixed until the part shipped out to you. It is unclear to me if they expect the consumer to replace the part themselves or to pay a professional. This of course leaves the family without hot water for several days, making it challenging to do any bathing or cleaning. I am very concerned that American Water Heater has decided to not manage this issue appropriately. An appropriate response would be a recall or at least a letter informing consumers of the issue and encouraging them to have their plumber replace the part. At a minimum, ignoring this issue is causing significant inconvenience and costs for thousands of American families or worse, death.

I bought Model BFG6240T403NO in January, 2009. I have had the Thermocouple replaced on 5/11/09 and 7/6/09, while on11/3/09, i had the complete door assembly done. And finally today, 2/4/2010, we are having American Water replace the entire water heater. I am tired of cold showers, and the heater not staying lit.

Everyone acts like this is a unique problem, especially when you contact their customer service department and are sent to the call center in India. It is much better to talk to customer service in Johnson City when you choose option #1 after you dial the 800 phone#.

I have read several issues about American Water Heaters and this includes the Whirlpool brand. I am a plumber and have worked tech support for American. I would like to make some clarifications to some people. 1) If you have an FG model, you will have a reverse thread thermocouple (stupid idea, yes). The thermocouple was discontinued and there is a conversion available. Lowe's and supply houses can carry this but cannot charge for it. Therefore most places do not carry this item as a choice of their own.

If a registration card was sent there would have been a letter received to order the conversion available from American at no charge. Even if you have not had the problem yet, order this. 2) If your serial number ranges from 0722-0836, you will have a bad gas-valve. No matter your warranty status they must repair this at no charge. The tech support are not allowed to tell the customer there was a bad batch of gas-valves that came from Robert Shaw who was the manufacturer. 3) If you relight your WH and few seconds later hear dripping, this is condensation and will stop after the water warms up. I hope this may make some of these problems clearer to the consumer.

I purchased an American water heater after my old 12-year one started leaking. It was purchased in November of 2008. The pilot first went out in September 2009. I was able to re-light it and it stayed lit for 2 months. Then it started going out more frequently. I finally called the plumbing company that installed it. They only install, not repair. Desperate, I called a heating company who did not want to come out when they found what brand name I had. They did call American and got a reference number for me and two people in my area that carry the American parts. I did not have to pay for the repair but it was very inconvenient.

I was told by the heating company that carries the part that I will not have another problem for at least 6 months, but the part and the design are bad and it will go out again. This is an ongoing problem with American. I think this brand should be recalled and the problem fixed for everyone free.

I bought a new home in 2001 and it has an American water heater. The pilot light went out constantly over the course of 3 years and then became less frequent. I was told this was due to wind, but now after reading the above comments, it is obvious a problem with the water heater. Today, I attempted 4 times to light it (no wind last night). It finally stayed lit, but the flame was so loud with what sounded like water dripping on it. I turned it down to vacation mode. Upon my return from work, I turned the heat up again so I will see if it will stay lit, until 2 days from now when a co-worker will install a new water heater - not American brand. I am tired of taking cold showers and waking up early to see if I need to relight the pilot light.

I purchased my 6-year-old house about a year and a half ago. My American Water Heater started going out every night and then would not relight at all. I spent a day and a half trying to call American Water Heater to see if the warranty was still in effect. I was informed that the warranty is non-transferable and when I bought the house the warranty would be voided.

I talked to my plumbing company and they tell me that the problem is the thermocouple but American will not let anyone carry that part and I would have to get it from American because they made theirs with left hand thread instead of the standard right hand thread. Who knows how long that process would take and what it would cost?

Plus being out of hot water during that time. So that common problem was not covered by the non-transferable warranty and it could only be corrected with their part that they will not let anyone carry. American Water Heater is an inferior product in my opinion and not worth even considering. I will have a new and different make of water heater installed today.

I had an American water heater installed in September of 2008. After a few months, it began leaking and was replaced with another American water heater. Now, the replacement water heater is not working (the pilot will not stay on). I do not recommend anyone buying this brand.

The pilot light goes out and we have to relight it when we notice that we have no hot water. The plumber told us that this was the best brand we could buy, but I wish I had done some more research.

We bought an American hot water heater in 2004. It began giving problems as soon as we bought it. The pilot light will not stay lit. I called the company and tried to talked to a person who did not understand English very well. Now 5 years later I have paid enough in repair bills to have bought a new hot water heater. I waiting for another repair man to show up tomorrow.

Bought a new house in July 2008. In Nov 2009 the pilot light went out and would not relight. Called warranty number on side of water heater, 800-999-9515 and was given an authorization number and told to call Sears. Sears scheduled a repairman for the next day who came out and replaced the gas regulator - did not fix problem, so he then also replaced the thermocouple. This seemed to fix the problem.

The next morning I took yet another cold shower as the pilot light had gone out. However, I was able to get the pilot light relit before going to work. When I got home that night it was out again. Called American who told me to call Sears using the same authorization number. Sears repairman showed up the next day and was able to relight the pilot. He cleaned the burner assembly, cycled the heater a couple of times, then left. Cold shower again this morning (Dec 8, 2009) as the pilot light was out.

Called American, they said to call Sears and use previous authorization number. So far both American and Sears have responded both politely and promptly, but I'm wondering how many more cold morning showers I'll have to endure before I'll get replacement parts that will last for more than 2 months. So far only consequence is cold showers and having to stay home from work to let in the repairman. Oh - and further aggravation with this [bad] DR Horton home we bought.

I bought a 40 gallon gas American Water Heater on 3/17/2008 The model number is BFG12140S403NOV and yesterday the pilot light went out. Without testing the thermocouple, I replaced it. The heater worked for about 45 minutes and then shut off. After that,I could not get the pilot light to stay on. I called the Plumbing Supply store where I purchased it and I talked to their trouble shooter. He told me that the problem is the gas valve. He has had many complaints and found out that the ROBERTSHAW Model # 64-LF8-376R110RATSPL REV 0804 1 1 gas valve has internal magnet problems and will be replaced for free if yours is still under warranty.

Good luck!!

Folks, like many of you I have 2 of the American water heaters (4 years old and in my attic) and had one take the infamous thermo couple dive. I have called I think about every Plumbing supply house in Houston looking for the left handed thermo couple. I did find a plumbing company that sales and installs the AWH and had plenty of the units in stock, however, all he offered to do for me was to send a certified tech out to revaluate my problem and he would decide what was needed. I don't think the problem is all with the thermocouple, in my opinion I see the issue as being a shoddy valve as well bad thermocouple.

I decided to not bother AH and fixed it myself. I replaced the gas valve and the burner assembly and is still doing great. I was able to get all the parts I needed from a local plumbing supply company here in Houston. Believe me, if you're capable of taking out the burner assembly then the rest is a piece of cake. I went to C&B Plumbing supply and bought all the parts and made the repair. I would suggest doing the same. Or even get the parts and contact a plumber to have them installed. I would take this approach before laying out the cash for another one.

I bought a 50 gallon water heater less than 3 years ago. Pilot light wont stay lit. They sent me a new manifold kit. I installed it last night, it appeared to be heating the water. one hour later pilot light was out again and will not stay lit. no hot water, unhappy...I guess i am stuck buying another new water heater...different brand this time.

Purchased an American Water Heater on 3-12-04. Since that date the thermocoupler has been replaced 4 times. This is the 5th time it has stopped working. Buying a different brand of water heater today. Terrible product!

Pilot light will not stay lit. Called for assistance. Didn't have all info they needed, Had to call back. Called again 5 minute hold then disconnected. Called 3rd time, on hold for almost 15 min. After going through all the hoops of numbers, was told that warranty started a year befor installation. Then was asked if I had pushed a button which is not referenced in any manual they have. Pushed it, no change. more relight tries... Then given an authorization # Called their service agent, another 24 hour delay. Will be five days total from it going out and getting it fixed, MAYBE! Last American Water Heater I'll own.

To replace the thermocouple you must remove all the attached tubes to the regulator and 2 screws on the cover plate. I am fed up how about you??

Purchased a 50 gal, natural gas water heater from American Water Heater CO in 2005 with a 6 yr warranty on tank and parts. On 8-24-07 the pilot light went out (wouldn't stay lit) I called the Company and they informed it was still under warranty so they charged me shipping $20 and sent a replacement manifold which I installed myself. It's now October 29,2009 and the same problem happened. I'm trying to get the part replaced again but read several complaints on this site from others having same/similar problems. The design seems to be defective.

I had an American Water Heater installed in my home in April 2008. In October 2008 the pilot light kept going out and it use "repaired". Same thing happened again in April or May of 2009 and again 2-3 more times over the summer. The pilot light has gone out again in October 2009 twice in two weeks time and now will not stay lit. When I do call for service I talk to a customer service person that does not speak or understand clear English (that's a problem as my complaint becomes more involved). This last time I insisted on speaking to someone who speaks very clear English and was transfered to Tennesee. Apparently they didn't have record of all the services calls dating back to October 2008; they only had record ot the last couple of calls for service. After a long discussion with customer service and my expressing a desire to have the water heater replaced, I was told that they would replace it but I would have to pay for installation. So instead I will have a service technician come out again and we will see what happens.

I paid $20 to have it overnighted. When I received the part the following day day I installed it and it fired up for 5 minutes and went out again. The pilot light would not stay on. I paid over $600 for this water heater and come to find out that it is a piece of junk. Now I will have to fork out an $500 to $600 to replace the entire thing.

pilot light keeps going out. Unit is less than 2 years old.

I purchased 2 50 gallon water heaters from National Grid who installed these american water heater 6751108646. Every 3 months the pilot lights would go out and I get really fustrated. I call plumbers to come in to fix them and they said a part needs to be replaced. I called American Water Heater and I am on the line for 30 mins and the rep tells me to call sears. Sears come over 3 times and they don't have the part and cannot fix the problem.

? I don' t think so! Like the thousands of other left hand screw thermocouples the adaptor the service line sends out does not work! Or I should say it worked for 40 min. You call them back and they will suggest testing the new wire hook up from the adaptor to the new thermo switch found on the new door panel of tubes by putting a paper clip on the wires to bypass the thermoswitch. If that does not work you will need a mini volt tester to attach to the adaptor and themocouple to check your new thermocouple. I stopped here! They have worn me out like they hope they would and i Decided to purchase a new Hot water heater by GE from Home depot. BTW AWH was bought out by an Canadian HWH company in 2002 per internet. Putting a new HWH in was easy compared to putting parts in an AHW heater.

our hot water heater went down in 2005, had a new one installed. an american 50 gallon 50,000 btu. unfortunatly i'm just finding out that there are a number of complaints that are the same as mine. a couple of months after installation the pilot light went out. this continued for months. it would happen 2-3 times a day or not for months. it would happen in any type of weather there seemed to be no rhyme or reason. it got to the point that the co. that installed it wouldn't come any more. ihad aplumber come from work, he replaced the thermal couple but no cure. he took apart the supply tube and found gunk in it,presumably from the factory. now only 2 years after "figuring" out the problem the pilot light is going out again. from reading the complaints it is clear this brand has substantial problems and it needs to be addressed.

I have had 3 of their heaters and all 3 have had problems with either leaking or thermocoupler failures. They have been very good at replacing the defective items but their product is no longer sold by our distributor locally. Inconvenience and shipping costs.

My complaint is the same as everybody. Afetr a few months the pilot doesn't stay on. We have called several times to no avail. I am going to replace this brand new boiler because a "Manufacturer" refuses to accept fault for their shortcomings. What a shame. Maybe I can find a boiler made in Europe or Japan from a Company that will stand behind their product.

Put one in. The thermocouple failed, worked for a while, broke, worked for awhile broke. They would not let our plumber do a reroute, so we could have hot water until the next part came in. After 5 plus days of cold water. We put our trusted plumber out of his misery and told him to yank it out and put something in that he knows works.

Must replace the burner assembly as a whole, costing up to 5 times the cost of the bad component. Was told the burner is overfiring, causing the thermocouple to fail. If the burner is the problem, then replace the component at no cost to the customer and reimburse the "qualified technician" at scale. I'm mad as hell and will NEVER use an American water heater again unless this can be resolved.

My plumber installed an American Water Heater "Flame-Lock" GU model on Saturday. By Sunday, the pilot light would not stay on, and no hot water. A sign on the heater says you cannot return the product to the vendor, but must call customer service. CS representatives told me that the product has no real history of problems,and that AWHC will not replace or refund unless its warranty representative confirms it cannot be repaired and rules out faulty installation or maintenance.

When I called the warranty rep, he said they had done "hundreds" of repairs for the pilot light problem. I called CS and demanded replacement or refund. The representative stated, "If you have no further questions, I am terminating this call," and hung up on me. I read the reports of hundreds of complaints and a class action against AWHC for this same pilot light defect, and that AWHC is now marketing the same defective product under the model designation GU. I cancelled everything, called the plumber and distributor who stood behind their work and replaced the heater with a Bradford White at no cost to me. Apparently the Distributor recieved the same rude treatment as I did.

I am told he then pulled out his economic leverage as a large distributor, and AWHC agreed to reimburse him. In my opinion, there is a deceptive corporate scheme by AWHC to market heaters with known inherent defects, to force consumers into warranty repairs that do not work as a permanent fix, to lie about the repair/complaint history of this defective product, and to force consumers to pay for multiple "replacement" components when in truth the defect cannot be "fixed." DO NOT BUY PRODUCTS FROM AWHC.

I would encourage state and federal agencies to investigate unfair business practices and violations of consumer protection statutes, and a state or federal District Attorney to investigate possible violations of penal statutes. The corporate executives who promote this policy should be held personally accountable.

The product is faulty. Company rep said the government requires they be made this way. Is that why the American brand name is so appropriate on this piece of junk?

I purchased this water heater from our local utilities company. Within the first year we were replacing the pilot light and to date, we have replaced 5. Last one was 9/08 and it it out again.

It broke after 2 years. First it would not stay lit, then would not light at all. The plumber who installed it ignored my calls. American Hot Water heaters said I needed new parts but have to pay for shipping. I am just going to get a new hot water heater from a diferent company. That is the cheapest option in the long run.

I am having the same problem as everyone on my hot water tank that is 5 years old. Is there another class action law suit I can join.I keep gettting the run around

I was told by a service person that the American water heater that I have requires a conversion kit do to the left handed thing that is on my water heater is defective, he told me to call the company or go to lowes to get the conversion kit, I called the company had to speak to another person for the letter for tht kit so I could pick it up at lowes the first person told me that I need to pay 20.00 to have iot shipped to me, and that it was not at Lowes, which was a lie, my question is why if they are aware of there defective product, why am I having to pay for any shipping?

I purchased a new hot water heater in June 2008. The local company (Clark & Rush Mechanical) that I contracted with recommended the American Water Heater Flame Guard model, although there was a class action lawsuit already issued in 2008 (which I was unaware of at the time of purchase).

Similar to the other hundreds of people reporting problems with American Water Heater Company, I sadly have had the exact same experience. The pilot light on my unit stopped working and the local gas company representative that came out told me that I may have a bad sensor/control valve.

I called the 800 number, spoke to an individual in India, who would be shipping the part out in two days. She also gave me a different 800 number to call to arrange for installation. I called the other 800 number to arrange for a service technician. Guess what company answers the phone? Sears.

A year ago when shopping for HWTs, an in-store Sears employee told me very plainly and directly NOT to purchase from Sears due to the poor quality of service work technicians that Sears subcontracts with in our area. Anyway, I call the 800 number provided by American Water Heater Company reps in India, and the US person that I spoke with told me that Sears does not service the brand that I am calling about. Call back to India rep, and now am in an endless "do loop"!

Rather than dealing with all of this, and particularly after reading the posts on this website where so many people have worse or similar problems, I am quite tempted to simply call a new plumbing company and have them come out and install a brand new unit after I am able to determine what company out there actually makes a reputable product any more. However, it is doubtful that it will be an American-made product - too bad that Toyota doesn't make HWTs.

My husband purchased a new home in April of 2006. The water heater was included. I always thought that we did not have adequate hot water, but I dealt with it. Today we got up to ice cold water. No pilot light on the water heater. How handy it was that the instructions to light it were on a sticker, complete with diagrams. We tried the 10 minute wait... nothing. He went on to work. I waited 15 minutes.... nothing. I tried again at 10 minute intervals for another 1.5 hours!

Finally at 7:30am I decided to try the 800 number. I was directed to a call center somewhere definitely NOT American! I could not understand the service rep. I was asked for all of my information because our water heater was not registered. I gave him the requested info, and he asked if there is a spark when I try to ignite to heater. No spark. The rep told me that the thermo coupling for my water heater is no longer made, but they can send a different one and a new adaptor. ALL I would have to pay is the shipping and handling. Hmmm I asked why their service tech wuldn't have the part. Couldn't he come by and fix it that day or the next. No, I was responsible for labor. The 6 years warranty did not cover labor after the first year.

I am going to file a lawsuit against American Water Heater Company for the cost of my new water heater and for the inconvenience they have caused.

I bought a newly constructed home in April 2008, which included a new American Water Heater Co. gas water heater (model BFG6140S403NOV, serial number 0806T434519, product code 0732034). The new water heater stopped working on March 5, 2009, less than a year old! I called my plumber, who came out to see about the repair but told me that the control unit was "shot". I called my builder and was given a Customer Service number for American, which I called.

I got someone in India (I'm pretty sure) but persevered and finally got transferred to someone in Tennessee. They overnighted a replacement part to me and gave me a Labor Reimbursement Authorization Code, stating that they would reimburse me for the labor I had to pay to have the unit repaired up to a certain amount. My plumber repaired the unit on March 7. I mailed a letter requesting reimbursement to American Water Heater per their instructions with the original plumber's invoice that I paid on March 9, 2009. It is now July 17, 2009, and I am still trying to get them to reimburse me the funds like they promised!

This American Water Heater will not stay lit. We have replaced the thermocouple assembly. The pilot went off after an hour and will not re-light. We give up. They have non-English speaking service reps and parts that don't fix the problem. This is a piece of junk. We have to purchase a new water heater.

Everything is happening that all the other consumers on this blog are saying! No hot water going on 1 week now. Water heater only 5 years old, called 1-800 number and got a heavily accented rep who insisted I could replace this myself, shipped wrong part. Day 2, waiting on plumber or someone who can assist me. Will never, ever, by anything by American Heater!

I'm the homeowner of a five-year old house built by Grand Homes. The original water heater installed was manufactured by Water Heaters of America. This unit has failed to work and it keeps shutting down the gas supply. American Water Heaters won't replace their defective unit. After reading several websites, I've found out that this unit has a class action lawsuit. I owned a 50 gas tank model FG1650T403NOV, which should have a six-year warranty. Because we are second owners, they claimed that we don't qualify for a replacement. This is outrageous! I have spent over $1,000 in plumbing services and been without hot water for about three weeks now. I'm about to purchase a new water heater now. I an frustrated and angry with Water Heaters of America. They don't stand behind their products and cause lots of distress to their consumers. Please help. Thank you.

I lost all hot water on June 2nd. Basically, my pilot light won't stay lit. Today is day 10 and still no hot water. I've only lived in this brand new constructed condo for 4 years! I called the 800-999-9515 for support on June 2nd, in which they said they would send me a new part that would need to be replaced, the thermal couple. I got the part replaced, yet same thing was happening except now the trip switch, that wasn't on "old" part, keeps triggering because according to Detroit Edison (our gas company that I called out when I kept smelling gas!), it's now overheating. He called the 800 number and got nowhere and was more than irritated when he left my house after having to explain to "John" from India 3-4 times what the problem was. I ended up speaking with a supervisor (couldn't understand his name) who stated it now needed another replacement part (the temp control unit) that would be at my doorstep first thing Tuesday morning.

I called a local commercial plumber who met me at my condo at 4:30 pm and no part. He called the 800 number and ended up leaving my house in disgust. Once again, getting nowhere. "John" told the plumber to go on top of my roof and look in the vent to see if it's blocked then call him back. That did not happen. So there went the money, I had to pay Roto-Rooter for nothing. I then called my association for help, who sent out their maintenance man to look into the vent; no blockage! He called the 800 number and got "John" again who was rude and had no clue how to even read from the manual he was obviously reading from. Now my 61-year-old father has been at my house for 2 days trying to help me because I cannot find anyone to deal with customer service. One plumber told me he would never do work with, on or for American Water Heaters again ever. Two tanks have already been replaced in my complex that is not more than 5 years old. I have multiple sclerosis and am supposed to avoid stress in order to keep me from relapsing. This has been horrible! Day 10 and still no hot water, no help, nothing! I am disgusted with this "American" company. Unfortunately, I'm stuck unless I guess I pay for a whole new tank. I can't imagine why America is in a recession. Is this what American companies have come to?

The number they give for help transfers you to India. I could not understand the rep and asked to speak with someone in the United States. Spoke to Bruce. He was very nice and helpful; however, this company made a defective product and should stand behind it and not charge people to ship replacement parts for the defective merchandise! People should also not have to put out the expensive cost of a professional to install the replacement parts. They tell you on the phone that there are instructions and you can do it yourself! Not many people feel confident working on gas-fueled appliances and water heaters! If something goes wrong, God forbid, you probably would not even be covered due to it not being installed by a professional! I had a problem early on with this water heater from Whirlpool (model # FG1H4040T3NV) that was purchased at Lowe's.

Lowe's was useless when something went wrong! I had to call the water heater company. Fortunately, for us it was within one year. I did have to pay shipping but they did reimburse us for the plumber cost to replace the first part. If I remember correctly, the plumber used his own part after theirs was not working properly again. He said their part was **! We have gotten about 4 more years out of this water heater and are now experiencing the same problem! Again, I had to pay to have a "conversion kit" shipped to our home for $20.00 and I will have to hire a professional to install this conversion kit, which they will not cover due to it being more than one year! Nice warranty! Something needs to be done about this company continually taking advantage of people. And also to Lowe's for continuing to sell and not stand behind the merchandise they sell. This whole situation has caused much stress, frustration and inconvenience to our family. Financially, this will put a big dent in our finances and it's a very bad time due to the recession.

I'm an apartment manager. My employer has 33 of these water heaters in 3 different apartment complexes. The old ones never give us problems, but those bought within the last 5 years have all broken down. When I called the AWH customer service, they say "If your model number begins with FG, press 1". They put me through to a guy whose heavy Indian accent is extremely hard to understand (pathetic).

When I first had these issues, I'd follow his instructions as best as I could. Sometimes I'd get the pilot relit, but it has never stayed lit. Every time I need to call an authorized repair person. A couple of times, the parts/labor were on warranty, but I've more often had to pay at least $147 to have it repaired. This has now happened with eight of their water heaters. No doubt, it will happen again.

Our plumber says he's been using the American brand for over 20 years, and until the last 4 years, there was never a problem. There appears to be nothing I can do, except ask our plumber to no longer install American Water Heater products. It's a ** shame that they simply no longer stand behind their product. Every time a water heater fails, it inconveniences both me and my tenants. First, I have to go test the unit out. Then, I have to call American's 800 number, then talk to a guy in India, then call the authorized repair company and arrange a visit, then show up for the visit, and finally, pay to have the ** heater fixed. If it had only happened once, it would not be so frustrating, but today, was the 8th time. Frankly, this isn't fun anymore.

I have an American Water Heater. That is the brand name. It has a 6-year warranty. The thermocouple failed about two years ago and was replaced under warranty, but the labor was $85.00. It has now failed again. The needed thermocouple is no longer made, and when you call the 800 number, the call must go to India because you can't understand the person talking to you. I will be forced to buy a new water heater, if I want reliable hot water. There are numerous complaints about this company, and I want to be involved in any class action lawsuit.

My new home came with an American Water Heater model # FG6150T403NO. The unit itself comes with a six-year warranty and after five years, the pilot light will not stay lit and the inside is totally rusted. I've drained the tank before and it still rusts. I called American Water Heater toll free number to inquire about the warranty and was on hold for about 12 minutes before someone answered and quickly hung up the phone. I just heard the line click and then heard the line disconnect. I called back again after about 30 minutes (thinking they were just busy) and stayed on hold for another 15 minutes before someone finally answered. I could not understand the person who answered the phone. I'm not hard of hearing and can normally understand people quite well.

The person asked me a couple of questions for registration (name / address, etc) and then quickly started running through a list of things I need to fix (thermalcoupler and something else) which they said were not covered under the warranty! I was trying to write down as much as possible and when I asked the person politely to please repeat what he/she said, they hung up on me! Again! Wow, how much does this company pay in toll free charges? I went ahead and bought a new Bradford and White hot water heater after visiting this site and reading all the complaints on American!

I bought a Whirlpool 40 gallons 12 years warranty gas water heater at Lowe's, in September 2008. It would appear that Whirlpool and the American Water Heater Company are associated in this fabrication). They used a local plumbing company as subcontractor to install it in my house. May 23, Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the pilot light was out. The plumbing company who installed it came and found a problem with the "Roll-out Switch" a small part that connect to the "gas valve" to prevent gas from leaking if the pilot light is blown out, thus preventing possible asphyxia or explosion. The plumber was able to restart it and blamed the problem on a loose connection

On May 27, the following Wednesday morning, same problem. The plumber came over and diagnosed the part as faulty and contacted the "American Water Heater Company" to obtain a new one. I received an email confirmation from P. Platt, Service Representative. It was delivered on Thursday late afternoon, too late for the plumber to come over to install it. Friday, the plumber was here first thing in the morning and when he opened the box, he found a new "gas valve" and not the part requested.

When I called the company to report the problem, the service person claimed he didn't know what a roll-out switch was and was very dismissive. Of course, I don't know any technical plumbing terminology and got that term from the plumber. I asked the plumber to call the company but he stated he had tried several times and couldn't reach them. At this point, it didn't matter much who screwed up since in the end, I was still the one without hot water.

Meanwhile, I had searched the internet and had found this website with all the complaints about pilot light failure and consumers unable to restart it on their own. I also consulted the Better Business Bureau and found the American Water Heater Company is rated F on an A to F scale, (A being the highest) for failure to respond or fix complaints and to comply with the BBB. So, instead of putting more good money after bad I decided to cut my losses.

I figure that 3 calls to this plumbing company is the cost of a new water heater so I got this water heater replaced by an A.O. Smith ProMax 40 Gallon Water Heater 6 year warranty. This Company is rated A+ by the BBB. Of course I checked Home Depot, Lowe's and Sears but none of these stores sells this maker (or Bradford White or State that are also highly reputable). I am not pleased with Lowe's who bears some kind of responsibility if they keep on selling goods from a disreputable business. If I trust my business to a store, I expect some kind of protection from it. In this economy, we should expect a little more respect for consumers. Finally, some warranties may appear great until you encounter a problem and discover they aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

When I called the plumber (subcontracted by Lowe's) who installed the American Water Heater Company/whirlpool original water heater, I was told it was $60 for the house call. Upon entering my house, he stated that the diagnosis would be $225! I was tempted to send him packing but would have, most likely, encountered the same kind of issues from a competitor, especially on Memorial Day weekend. The replacement part was free but the shipping was $20 (for the wrong part!) I replaced a 9 months old, $600 water heater (about $900 installed) by a new water heater for $1153, installed.

I bought a Whirlpool 40 gallons 12 years warranty gas water heater at Lowe's, in September 2008. It would appear that Whirlpool and the Amercan Water Heater Company are associated in this fabrication). They used a local plumbing company as subcontractor to intall it in my houe. May 23, Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the pilot light was out. The plumbing company who installed it came and found a problem with the "Roll-out Switch" a small part that connect to the "gas valve" to prevent gas from leaking if the pilot light is blown out, thus preventing possible asphyxy or explosion.

May 27, the following Wednesday morning, same problem. The plumber came over and diagnosed the part as faulty and contacted the "American Water Heater Company" to obtain a new one. I received an email comfirmation from Paula P, Service Rrepresentative. It was delivered on Thursday late afternoon, too late for the plumber to come over to install it. Friday, the plumber was here first thing in the morning and when he opened the box, he found a new "gas valve" and not the part requested.

When I called the company to report the problem, the service person claimed he didn't know what a roll-out switch was and was very dismissive. Of course, I don't know any technical plumbing terninology and got that term from the plumber. I asked the plumber to call the company but he stated he had tried several times and couldn't reach them. At this point, it didn't matter much who screwed up since in the end, I was still the one without hot water. Meanwhile, I had searched the internet and had found this website with all the complaints about pilot light failure and consumers unable to restart it on their own.

I also consulted the Better Business Bureau and found the American Water Heater Company is rated F on a A to F scale, (A being the highest) for failure to respond or fix complaints and to comply with the BBB. So, instead of putting more good money after bad I decided to cut my losses. I figure that 3 calls to this plumbing company is the cost of a new water heater so I got this water heater replaced by an A.O. Smith ProMax 40 Gallon Water Heater 6 year warranty. This Company is rated A+ by the BBB. Of course I checked Home Depot, Lowe's and Sears but none of these stores sells this maker (or Bradford White or State that are also hightly reputable). I am not pleased withh Lowe's who bares some kind of responsibility if they keep on selling goods from a disreputable business. If I trust my business to a store, I expect some kind of protection from it. In this economy, we should expect a little more respect for consumers.

Finally, some warranties may appear great until you encounter a problem and discover they aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

I purchased a hot water heater from American with a 6year warrenty. I call the company regarding this and was told that the thermal couppling adapter had went out and the only way to replace it was to pay shipping fee of $20 dollars the part was free to find a plumber to replace it.

That was done and still the water heater did not work so they told me that the switch had went out and they would send one overnight for free. that was done, but still the water heater was not working. I figured with a warrenty that they would fix the water heater or replace it.

I am currently retired and was without hot water due to this for two weeks. I had go out and purchase a new water because of this and I only want the cost of the new hot water back please help I just want my 700.00 dollars back, I found the most resonable priced heater that I possibly could.

My water heater is currently not working and hasn't been working for 2weeks Iv call American several times never been told of the class action law suite going on with this water heater. I was told to pay shipping for a thermal coupllng and adapter, so I did now still heater still not working. I was told now that I needed a ignition switch yesterday they told me to go out and buy on and they'll refund me my money back. Still and yet I have to come out of my pocket to pay for a plummer to come out and fix my heater. I called this morning asking about the part needed now they want to ship it free and overnight service since I mention the law suite they had. I am a 70year old retired woman and have been without hot water for 2weeks now. All I would like to have is a free replacement and have it installed for at no charge as soon as possible.

Our company has purchased thousands (literally) of water heaters from Lowes. Or the brand name American Water Heaters. We cannot get anyone to help us with anything..replacement, parts, service or anything else. We have numerous unhappy customers and it makes us look bad. We do not do shotty work and this situation has put us in a financial strain. It is not fair to us or the consumer and i really need a person and a number to call to get some help.

My house has not 1, but 2 of American Water Heaters' 40-gallon "higher end" products. These tanks are 1.5yrs old and bought from Lowe's. On BOTH of them, the pilot light started going out. At first, I just relight the pilot but that only lasted about 48 hrs when they went out again. I changed out both thermocouplers as I knew that was the most likely problem. That didn't work. I tried everything in their manual. Nothing worked.

I was at a loss, so I called a plumber who came and charged me $80 to look at the issue. He called the American tech support # on the tanks. The horribly accented tech support person made me "register" over the phone giving him my information, then said I had to fax him the receipt of purchase and then without giving me a chance to even respond he hung up. He didn't even give me the fax #.

We tried for a few more hours to get the pilot to stay lit with no luck. The next step would be to try replacing the valve which would cost another $150-200 for the plumber.

Then I searched Google to see if anyone else had this problem and found a resolution. Instead I found thousands of complaints. Instead of working with their tech support and investing in plumbers' time swapping parts in/out, I'm going to cut my losses and switch them out for Rheem tanks. I find it astonishing that Lowe's still stocks this product. For two to go out within a week and they're less than 2 years old is just unacceptable. There's obviously a problem here. We need a second class action lawsuit and I'm willing to participate.

A week later the same problem...pilot won't stay lit. This time American Water Heater (via outsourced tech help in India) said it was the Unitrol gas valve that needed replacing. I went on vacation the next day and had to wait until I returned to have the plumber out again ($209). This time the heater lasted a week until the same pilot light problem occurred. I called their tech support again and this time the diagnosis was to replace the switch on the manifold burner assembly.

After reading about the surprisingly large number of customer experiences with American Water Heater on this website, I gave up and called the plumber and told them to install a new water heater. It seems to me that the American Water Heater Company policy is to keep replacing parts with defective parts or replacing parts on a water heater with a defective design, while the customer pays for expensive labor costs. Having a 12-year warranty is a joke when the product itself is a piece of junk.

I have contacted all my family members to warn them about this product and my daughter who has the same brand water heater (installed in 2003) just experienced the same problem...pilot not staying lit. I told her not to spend a single dollar on repairs...just buy a new one from a different manufacturer!

I have a water heater that seems everyone is having problems with. I noticed that there was a lawsuit with them a couple of years age. My water heater is still under warranty I called All Star Waterheater Lic# 812894 and talked to Josh and Jonathan at 17886 Lakeshore dr, Lake Elsinor 92530 and they told me to order the part which will cost me 20.00 shipping and to call them back when I recieve the part and then it will cost me 189.00 for them to install it. It's a warranty part that been recalled it should not cost anything to get it fixed.

I had a new American Water Heater installed in October 2007 (1.5 years ago) and have had nothing but problems with it since. My plumber has been out at least 4 times to fix it; one of those times he replaced a defective thermal coupler shipped to us by American Water Heater. The pilot light still continues to go out at least every couple months. AWH is trying to blame it on everything but the fact that their product is terrible.

I finally told my plumber today, when I woke up to no hot water again, to rip it out and replace it with another brand. American Water Heater offered him a replacement heater when he called for me, but I do not trust this brand. I am going to tell everyone I know and then some to NEVER buy this brand of water heater. I called them to complain and request some sort of compensation other than a new heater but got absolutely nowhere. At least I got to vent. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY.

All told, I'm going to have spent about $2000 on this stupid heater since I have to buy a new one and pay to have it installed.

I am a plumbing professional and have been plumbing for more than 20yrs. We installed an American water heater for one of our good repeat customers 1.5yrs ago. The heater we usually install was not available the day we installed the American heater. Long story short this heater has been a complete nightmare! I have personally been out to my customers home at least eight times.

We were 1st told the heaters induction screen was not being kept clean. Then we were told it was the thermal coupling. Then we were told it was the controller. I replaced all of the above yet my customer is still frequently left with no hot water. The amount of money and time it has cost me and most importantly the inconvenience it has cost my customer is not even comprehensible let alone reimbursable. I will be installing another heater different brand? on Thursday. You couldnt give me or my customer another American heater if you paid us. Plane and simple, at no cost should you install an American water heater! I will never make that mistake again!

We purchased a 50 gal American Water Heater with a 12yr warranty in February of 2003. On morning of 4/14/2009 (Tuesday) we discovered that we had no hot water. The heating element was out and would not turn on. We called the manufacturer and they said it was the thermal couple and would send us the retrofit kit overnight via UPS, if we pay for the overnight shipping fees. We gladly agreed to the shipping costs and proceeded to give our credit card number over the phone. After that call, I scheduled a plumber for the repairs on Wednesday afternoon, 4/15/09.

Later that Tuesday afternoon of 4/14/09, I received a voice mail message from American Water Heater saying that there has been a system error in placing the order and it would not be delivered until 4/16/09 and they would cover the cost of the shipping. I rescheduled the plumber a second time to do the repairs on Thursday. I called UPS and also American Water Heater to see when the package would arrive and was told the package would arrive sometime before 7pm on Thursday, 4/16.

I called American Water Heater to see why the package was not expedited with a morning arrival, as I had originally paid for overnight shipping, so I could have a plumber complete the required repairs. It was not until this moment that I was informed that American Water Heater had shipped it UPS next day air saver, which delivers sometime before 7pm and not the UPS next day air morning delivery. The UPS package did not come until 6pm on Thursday. So, we lost another day of hot water and had to reschedule the plumber for a third time to complete the repairs on Friday, 4/17/09. We were out of hot water for a total of 4 days.

My family was out of hot water for 4 days. It was a terrible inconvenience and I felt that American Water Heater failed to do their best to rectify the situation and efficiently ship the retrofit kit for their faulty water heater. They gave us the option of shipping the parts overnight, which we gladly gave our credit card over the phone,but they utilized a shipping method that would not allow us to have the part until the end of the day thus missing out on another day to have a plumber complete the work. We were out of hot water an additional day due to their poor selection of shipping method.

My husband and I purchased our condo in Dec 2005. All appliances where already purchased and put in [by builder]. We have an American Water Heater that on Saturday night 4/11/09 the pilot light went out and we could not get it to stay lit. We called 3 different plummers who all said we needed to call the 800 number on the water heater they could not work on this American water heater. There was no answer which I thought was odd seeing how you need to get a water heater fixed on weekends.

Monday 4/13/09 I contacted American Water Heaters. I was told it was a thermacoupler problem that a technician would be sent out to diagnose the problem and I would have to pay for the labor, then American would send me an upgrade kit, which I would have to pay $20.00 shipping, have the technician come out a second time to install and I would have to pay that labor fee also.I was told this could take up to 1-5 days, I told them unacceptable this was there product and I wanted it fixed today. they told me sorry our warranty doesn't allow that.

I called the number I was given to set up the technician and found out I was given a number for CBS TV in Indiana. They were able to give me the correct number because they have been getting calls all morning. Once on the phone with technician and gave them the model #FG6140T403NOV I was told this water heater had been recalled and that there was a class action lawsuit against American Water Heaters. I was given a number for the recovery center and they are sending out the upgrade kit and a technician tomorrow 4/14.

I called the 800- number back and requested a refund of the $20.00 and to cancel the part (per instructions by recovery center) I was told nope they could not do it. After asking for a manager I was told managers don't take calls I finally got a supervisor who I told that this heater was recalled I was told not true by American. Then I was told recall expired in June 2008. What company does not know what is happening with there products. After stating I would stop the payment she stated she would refund the shipping charges and she told me to keep the part because I may need it in a few months.

After 4 hours of dealing with this rude and ignorant company and now 3 days of no hot water I am very frustrated. I have lost two days of work, not to mention can't shower, wash our hands after restroom visits, or do dishes and wipe down counters. This is very disturbing not to mention unhealthy. They refuse any compensation when they knew of the problem. Another question is why wasn't I or builders informed of this lawsuit/recall. Who knows how many other condo owners in this complex have had issues with their water heaters and have paid for it out of there pockets.

I feel this is totally unacceptable. Someone should contact the builders of new construction, because we do not know where they purchase there products at. I looked on your website and found several other complaints within the last couple months about the same thing. How long is this company going to be aloud to push consumers around. They created this water heater, they should fix at no cost to anyone, and compensate for lost wages and unhealthy conditions. This technician better show up tomorrow.

I need to have hot water to clean counters, dishes and not to mention showers and I need to be able to wash my hands constantly through out the day, and after restroom visits. Because I have a low immune system due to chemo and thyroid disease. I can get sick very easily.

I have had to have parts on my water heater replaced four times in less than a year with this company. I am frustrated beyond words.

This has been a danger (gas leaking), terrible inconvenience and lots of days without hot water.

Aprox 4 years ago we had a American Water heater installed. The first 3 years things went pretty good then last Jan 2008 the pilot light kept going out so I called the Company and was told I needed a reset switch and to next day air would be $24.95 so I did we had a newborn baby at our house and needed hot water. The part came and we installed it and it worked for about 3 months and then the pilot light kept going out. We manuelly relit it for several months and then I got tired of doing that and called the company once again to be told it was a different defective part so they sent this regulator box that all the gas lines go into and expected us to intall it when the directions say it it is very dangerous and the first sentance is to hire a profressional so we did just that and it worked for about a hour.

So once again I phoned the company and was told I had to perform all these tests so I called the technician back out to check the fire trap and the down draft and clean the combustion chamber he also installed a thermal coupler all that was done and when the technician pulled out of the driveway the pilot light went out and will ot stay lit for more than about 15 minutes. I called the company again and now they want another test done by the propane company to test gas pressure. I feel it is useless to do this even if they provide a new product we would pay installation and we have already spent over $350 in service calls and have been without hot water for almost a year. We can light the pilot every time we need hot water but feel that is unacceptable.

So we are going to go purchase a new water heater a different brand of course and have it installed and write this off as a bad experience and hope that American Water heater will be put out of business I dont understand how they can continue to sell these faulty products there are 100's of complaints just like mine. It has three new components and still will not function and they want more proof its defective.

NEVER BUY A WATER HEATER MADE BY AMERICAN WATER HEATER COMPANY. I purchased a new water heater 3 1/2 years ago from a local plumber. 6 months ago I had to replace the thermocouple. Sunday I had no hot water and found the pilot light out. No luck. The thermocouple had stopped working again. This time I decided to call the water company and come to find that they had a class action lawsuit brought against them for this problem.

The only thing they would do is send me a new part that was developed to apparently fix the problem but charged me to ship it! Would not reimburse for labor and as many others have noted refer you to the warranty for labor not being covered. You can read all of the other problems with this water heater all over the web. Main point is NEVER buy one of their water heaters! BTW, this is one of those American companies that likes to outsource their call center to India to save a buck... not too American.

No hot water for a good week and $300 on top of paying for the water heater and installation. This company should be sued again and really have to pay up for the [bad] product they sell!

I had a new water heater installed 10/23/2009 Model # BFG 6150T 403 NOV Product # 0732047 Serial # 0841T400306 made by American Water Heater Company in TN. After a few weeks the pilot light went out. The Heating Co. that installed it came out and apologized and put on a new Gas Valve/Thermostat. I thought that solved the problem only to find that 3 weeks later I awoke to no hot water again! The pilot had gone out again! I'm now up to my 5th time of no hot water and 2 replacements of the Gas Valve.

I am NO LONGER confident that the valve is the problem. It seems the pilot light can't stay lit on this heater for more than a month at a time. The customer service people at this company sound like they are from India, Pakastan, somewhere besides TN! I definetly isn't TN!!! It is difficult to understand them and they certianly have NO idea about the product OR the problem. Shame on YOU American!! Lousy customer service!

Waking up to NO hot water is certainly NOT the worst thing that can happen to you, especially in this economic mess our country is in right now, But after spending over $1,000 on a new water heater about the 5th time this happens to you in less than 6 months you do start to become pretty angry at the company that manufactures junk like this! After all they got their part of the bargain UP FRONT!

Model: FG6140T403N0

$50 each time, inconvenience of not being able to cook, wash cloths, take a shower or bathe & having to pay someone to be at the house for the repair.

Thermocouple went out twice within 4 months. The water heater is 3 years old. Sofar will have spent $250 for repair. Part was warranted. However the thermocouple is no longer made and is replace with a new system. Called customer service to be reimbursed for labor and they refer to warrany not covering labor. I stated the part was defective and a whole new system was put on. They referred to it as upgraded.

Loss of hot water for 6 days (3 days for each event waiting on parts which I had to pay for shipping) and the cost of $250.

The thermacupal went out on our water heater first about 2004, they did replace the thermacupal. The very next day it was out again, we then had another water heater put in, it was fine for a while but it too went out. We then had to replace the thermocuple again about 10 months ago. The most recent was on Tuesday we had the free part shipped to us which was installed on Thursday at 2pm and had stopped working again by 8pm. We are currently without a hot water heater even with the new part. Our plummer told us the hot water heater is a piece of crap and needs to be replaced.

We have spent about $4oo in repair costs in the last couple of years on this water heater that came with our house which is only about 5 years old. We now have to pay for a new water heater which we feel is totally ridiculous seeing as how this one is only 5 years old. I know people who have hot water heaters for 20 years without problems. Not to even mention the inconvenience on our family being without hot water. We have little ones including an infant which we need sterile bottles for.

I just bought a house that has this brand of water heater it is electic though no problems so far. I am however appalled at lowes and whirlpool. As for american how can a company call itself american when it shows such unloyality for its citizens and customers. I will not shop at lowes looks like i will be going to the home depot. I wish u all the best of luck.And all the hot water your family deserves

Syncon Homes installed an 50 gallon American Water Heater Company unit in my home. Then 4 years later the water heater failed to provide sufficient hot water for a normal shower then the next day two samll child baths 1/2 hour apart. I called American and they said I needed a new control device and some sort of conversion uint which they would ship overnight. I called Syncon Homes and they wouyld do nothing.

They called the American Water Heateer a high quality unit. The three plumbers I talked to which would charge $100.00 to install the new controller labeled the water heater as a trouble maker and an inferior product. The plumber who plumbed the house for Syncon Homes never called me back. Never buy an American Water Heater Company product.

We have a Whirlpool US Craftmaster Water Heater, Model EE3Z50RDO55V. The receipts we have gotten from the company have American Water Heaters on the letterhead. Late last year the electronic control box began flashing 5, indicating that the lower element was bad. The water heater would fail to heat unless we changed the mode. A licensed electrician (my brother in law) could find nothing wrong with the lower element.

We dealt with the problem temporarily by switching between modes 1 and 2 whenever the control box would begin flashing 5 (several times a day). A call to 1 877 817 6750 yielded the information that the heater has a lifetime guarantee, that the control board was bad, and that for the cost of shipping we could have a replacement board. We paid $8 shipping and received a new board. We were told we would receive installation instructions with it, and to simply follow the instructions. When my husband removed the old board, the plastic casing under it was bubbled, charred, and warped.

He followed the instructions and put in the new board. The new board shorted out instantly the moment we turned on the power to the water heater, and charred the casing even further (charred itself as well). We called the company again and were told we should have had the board installed by a licensed electrician, but that they would send us another board for the cost of overnight shipping ($20).

When the new board arrived we had a licensed electrician (my brother in law again) check the water heater again, and oversee installing the second new board. To be on the safe side, in case the bubbled casing had touched and caused a short in the first new board, my husband cut out the warped area of the plastic casing. The second new board worked fine for a few days, then the water began to be scalding hot and the control box began flashing 2 (extreme hot water temperature)--this in spite of the fact that the temperature control was set well within the recommended temperatures.

We replaced the second new board with the original board and went back to switching modes to get the water heater to heat and to stop saying the lower element is bad. A week ago we again put in the second replacement board, and are dealing with the problem by keeping the breaker to the water heater off until we need hot water, then turning it on, and turning it off again once the water is scalding and the control box flashes 2. The thermostat for the water temp is set at 100 F, well to the left of the recommended 120 F, and certainly not in the danger zone of 150 F.

We don't want to call the toll free number again--the people we have spoken to have had a hard time understanding us, and we don't want to have to pay any more shipping for something that might or might not solve the problem. Is anyone else having trouble with this model?

I have had to have work done a brand new water heater because the piolot light kept going out. I have had the furnace man, electrician every season for the past four years. Today I had to call out NIPSCO. hey are the ones who informed me that these heaters have been recalled because of the way they were made and because people cannot relight the pilot. It has cost me a lot of money. Why should the consumer have to pay for the company's mistake???? Why was I not informed by the company?

I have had to have work done a brand new water heater because the piolot light kept going out. I have had the furnace man, electrician every season for the past four years. Today I had to call out NIPSCO. They are the ones who informed me that these heaters have been recalled because of the way they were made and because people cannot relight the pilot. It has cost me a lot of money.

Why should the consumer have to pay for the company's mistake? Why was I not informed by the company?

Purchased 50 gal water heater from Lowes Jan 7, 2007. Within days of the water heater being installed, the pilot light went out. They sent out a new control unit, worked for 24 hrs, sent out a new control unit, worked for about 24 hrs, sent out a new control unit, worked for 1 week, sent out a new control unit and it worked until 28 Feb at 6pm CST. Called Lowes and they are having a repair company come out.

Meanwhile, no hot water, called Whirlpool when they opened at 9:56am CST March 1, 2009, talked to Tom most likely from India. He is sending out replacement control unit. I asked if there was a way to bypass the thermal switch so I could get hotwater and he suggested a paper clip across two wires from the switch. I stupidly did it; still no hot water.

A suit was filed against American Water Heater, Lowes HIW, and Whirlpool Corp. Why are they allowed to keep going like this? I am getting a lawyer and filing a class action suit against American Water Heater, Lowes HIW, and Whirlpool! NO HOT WATER IN WINTER TIME!

I purchased a water heater made by this company from a local company in March/April 2004. Within 6 months the pilot went out . . when we called a plumber he told us it was the thermal couple . . .we called the company and before they would send out the part and pay for the labor (we have 9 years warranty) I had to have the gas company come to our house and perform a couple of tests because the company was trying to blame the problem on installation . . once the gas company proved this to be wrong, then the company sent out the part and paid for labor . . in a couple of months the same part went out again . .

this time the company was trying to blame us for not having the proper size of vents on the door where the water heater was . . during all of this time they are making me prove them wrong, I have three small children that needed hot water and I was having to take them to relatives houses to bathe .. .once again I had a plumber tell them that this part is faulty and that they are having to replace them in all of thier units around town every couple of months . . . in another couple of months the same part went out again . .

after arguing with the person in customer service and threatening legal action, I was able to get them to give us a new unit .. . the old one was not even two years old . . now we are still having the same problem with the replacement unit. The company has created a conversion kit for the reverse threading thermal couple that no one locally was able to keep in stock because of the high numbers of replacement . . and because of the law suit (that we were never made aware of) there is this conversion kit that they claim no one is carriying . . .but after arguing with the customer service rep.

yesterday (2/22/09) he stated that Lowes is carring the kit, but they are only giving it to people who purchased the units from them . . . I asked "can't you make them give me one? Why should I have to pay shipping for a product you purposly made unavailable to venodors who sell your product?" The only answer I got was "this is a new part we (the company) have created to help our customers" That is a load of "crap" . . . I continued to argue that fact that they created the need for this "new part" and they should incur the cost of shipping .. .the rep. just continued to state that the part was not availble any other way except from them.

Just purchased a Proline FlameGuard from Lowes in 2008. Made by American Water Heater Company or whoever. Long story short, as everyone knows, pilot light went out in less than a year. Can't re-light it. Replaced the gas valve. 2 days later it went out again. No need to explain. There are thousands of other complaints that are idnetical to mine. How can they get away with this ? Lowes still sells the same units as I write this. I am asking for complete money back for an extremely defective product !!! My beef is not so much with the cold showers. But, with the thousands of complaints, how can these companies continue to operate !!!

Unfortunately my house has a water heater made by this company. The other morning I woke up to find that the water heater was not working. The Gas Company came out and told me that all I needed was a simple thermocouple. I drove to Home Depot and bought a universal thermocouple that works on most water heaters. I bought it and took it home only to find that American Water Heater uses a left hand thread thermocouple. After calling numerous local plumbing supply houses in the area that would only laugh at my request, I found that the thermocouple could only be bought directly from the manufacturer. I found other similar complaints about this company online. They even have a class action judgement against them regarding the thermocouple.

If I had a water heater made by any other company, I would be enjoying hot water at my house right now! Seriously this is a common part to replace on a water heater that takes only a few minutes to replace. Keep in mind that my wife is pregnant and is not too keen on having to decide if she wants to take a cold shower or none at all. She works all day as a first grade school teacher and deserves a warm shower at the end of the day. Tomorrow she has an appointment at the gynecologist and really does not want to go if she cannot shower.

I have worked on air compressors, US Navy oxygen/nitrogen production plants, cars, motorcycles, pinball machines, and arcade games. I know how to work on things, and when something is put together correctly. It makes me sad when a greedy company like American Water Heater puts profits ahead of their customers health and well being. I found out by searching around that they are now doing business as US Craftmaster Water Heater Company, probally to hide all of their bad press and information about the lawsuit. Their water heaters are also rebranded as Whirlpool.

Installed in 2003, now 6 years later, it doesn't work? Pilot does not stay lit. Order 2 kits, burner unit, and control valve, and it does not work. 2 weeks no hot water. Technican states parts must be faulty. When you call the company, automatically they ask for serial #, and issue, and money to ship the parts. after all the waiting, and seeing all the complaints, i need to get hot water now and buy a new one. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. SUE THEM.

2 weeks of no hot water, costs 40.00 for shipping, and 200 for techincan. Pilot went out again. Now I have to buy a new one 400+150 to install. 240 + 550=790.00. What happened to my warranty?

I had purchased a American Water Heater not even 2 years ago. 6 months ago the pilot light kept going out. I had a plumber come out and he even called for me. They said there is nothing that they could do for me. They finally sent a part and we replaced the old part with the new part and the same thing was happening. The pilot light went out. Now i have to go buy a new one that i really can't afford.

I had purchased a American Water Heater not even 2 years ago. 6 months ago the pilot light kept going out. I had a plumber come out and he even called for me. They said there is nothing that they could do for me. They finally sent a part and we replaced the old part with the new part and the same thing was happening. The pilot light went out. Now i have to go buy a new one that i really can't afford.

Oct 08 hot wtr heater pilot went out unable to relite. had plumbing co who installed wtr htr in 05. stated there was a recall on the thermal coupler & burner unit. when i cald American they said no recall after reqstng to talk to sup I reqstd both parts be shipped @ no expense to me. Recvd nxt dy plumber said only 1 of the needed parts he instld I had HOT wtr he adv me to call when othr part came in. This was the end of Oct I forgot due to Holiday season.

Well I remembrd when Jan 10 I took a COLD shwr. I had to call plumber on Mon to get American's ph# it was not on the invoice rcpt frm Oct. 08. aftr tlkng to cust svc adv them to send the othr part that was ordrd in Oct @ no cost to me said cldnt auth that I req supvsr stil not either admitng there was any problem with their product req to tlk to a MGR. Thats the person who said yes there was a recall & gave me a web add waterheatersettlement.com. mgr said wld have part ovrntd. went to website to get any labor paid for claim needed to be postmrkd by june 08. I recvd part plumber came out on wed 14th late aftrnoon.

well thurs 15th no HOT wtr. I was so HOT I could have heated the hot wtr myself. I cald American agn while I was @ work rep. wanted to trouble shoot relite I adv her my husband & I had already attmptd still nothing & that I was @ work. well I got an auth# to to get a replacement wtr heater but I would need to pay for labor to have it instld. plumber came out on the 19th found that rplcmnt part was faulty they ordered new DOOR UNIT when recvd plumber instld and so far we still have HOT watr.

I also bought a 50 gallon American water heater less than 3 years ago from Lowes. I just recently have had the same issue with the pilot light not staying lit. I contacted American Water heater and talked to a rep. who had told me the unit has had an issue, and a reset switch has been added to this unit due to the thermocouple getting hot and going bad. For the new replacement part you have to reset a switch, then relight the pilot. They over nighted me the entire burner, pilot, and reset switch unit before Christmas at my cost of $30.42.

I live in Michigan and having no hot water with a family of four is not an option. The unit worked after having a technician install for $150.00. It is now 1/21/09 and the pilot goes out every few days. I have to reset the B.S switch, which is obviously a B.S. fix for a faulty unit. I have called the Company with little or NO response. They claim there is not a problem with the water heater. Are you supposed to have to light the pilot everday?

I have numerous rental properties in Michigan which I re-furbish and then rent. I WILL NEVER BUY AN AMERICAN WATER HEATER AGAIN! With the state of the economy you would think American Water Heater would be more helpful...apparently all these replaecment parts they are selling and shipping cost they charge, the company is doing quit well! I am so angry with the lack of response and ownership of the issue with this water heater I had to write a response. Do not buy an American water heater if you would like HOT water. American water heaters are great for a cold showers!

I am a general contractor, and build about 20 homes per year. We installed PowerFlex water heaters, made by American, in several of our homes. A consistent problem with these heaters is the gas valves are faulty. Even the new ones provided by American are faulty right after first install. In some cases, up to 3 new gas valves are installed before one is functional. And in my opinion, it is just waiting to fail. The result on the faulty gas valve is a water heater that never shuts of, makes the water much too hot, and triggers the pressure release valve, which means about 10 gallons of boiling hot water or better is discharged on your basement floor.

I have not had much luck with service either, they want to argue about what the problem is. They claim calcium build up messes with the thermostat, but we have drained the water heaters, and looked inside, and it is clean. Not to mention we put softners ahead of the water heater. They they claim that there must be a leak in the home that causes some hot water to build in the top and not mix. I assured him I have 1st hand experiance with the project, and there is no water leak, as I would have been made well aware of that by my homeowners.

I asked them why is it that installing a new gas valve will (eventually) fix the problem. No answer is given. I asked them why on previous calls have they been well aware of this problems, and ship gas valves quickly. On this call I did not want a new gas valve, I wanted a full rebate on a bad water heater. I replaced the water heater with a different brand to instill trust and quality with my homeowners. When I asked to speak to the technichians superiors, he said I could call back, and speak with someone else, aka hang up, and bug someone else. His name was Hans.

I am disappointed in this water heater, I have lost about $1,200 because of using them. And am scared that my next phone call may be one of my homeowners with boiling hot water all over their basement floor. I am never buying American water heaters again.

Ordered Friday.
Received Monday. I installed. We were

not told at time of installation that we had no warranty other than the "limited" kind and that we would be on our own. I called the utility manager and he admitted they had been having problems but offered nothing else. Not a very good example for a "Public Utility" dealing with the public.

Having the same problem with this water heater that everyone else has had - thermocouple doesn't work - has a very poor reputation. Needs replacement, instead of hassle what everyone seems to have to go through.

I called for the sole purpose of getting the name of a local distributor in Asheville, NC. Wasted a lot of time talking with someone whose English was not very good. He asked a lot of irrelevant questions, which I, stupidly, tried to answer. When I told him all I wanted was the name of a local distributor he started asking the same questions all over again. I finally asked for someone else and got Nancy who gave me an 800 number - which turned out to be Lowe's customer service number. By the time I went through all this I concluded I do not want to do business with such a screwed up company.

I had an electric American Water Heater product installed 14 years ago. From all I've been told it is far beyond it's useful service life. Because it has given such good service I felt it made sense to replace it with another one from American Water Heater Group. But after reading all the negative comments and experiences about American Water Heater I feel lucky to have gotten such long, trouble-free life from my existing hot water heater. But, after all this, I am NOT about to buy another one.

American Water Heater. Have seen numerous complaints regarding malfunctioning gas control valve/thermostats on these water heaters. I have no hot water, pilot light wont stay on & in the process of having the valve replaced. The unit is one year old. After part is installed today I will try & contact the company for reimbursement for the part. Totally unacceptable-shoddy equipment.

No hot water, live in New England - its winter with a foot of snow outside. This is a financial burden on unit only 1 year old. Approx cost to fix $300

Have seen numerous complaints regarding malfunctioning gas control valve/thermostats on these water heaters. I have no hot water, pilot light wont stay on & in the process of having the valve replaced. The unit is one year old. After part is installed today I will try & contact the company for reimbursement for the part. Totally unacceptable - shoddy equipment.

I purchased a water heater from Lowes on 12/30/07. At the time I was extremely happy because they were able to deliver and install the same day. It was right before New Year's and most places weren't working. There were no problems until almost a year later on 12/16/08 my pilot light went out, I got it going then a short time later, could not get it to re-start. I started with Lowe's then Whirlpool then American Water Heater.

The person I talked to was in India. She guided me through trouble shooting. Basically, it was everything I had already done. Then she asked me to disconnect two wires and put them together with a paperclip! By then I said no I don't think so I don't feel comfortable doing that! She gave me an authorization # and phone number for A&E Sears to come out and repair the water heater for no charge. She also said she was sending a gas valve which would arrive on Thursday. I asked her if that is what is wrong with my water heater and she said that was a backup because the repair people do not carry that part and the only way to get it is through them. I was extremely suspicious after that because I felt they KNEW there was a defective part.

I struggled with A&E Sears for 3 days trying to get them to come out. Finally I called American again and they said I could get my own repair person and they would reimburse me $85-90. The gas valve had come by then and I paid another company $150.00 to install the gas valve. The next day I talked to Stevie at American W.H. and she said they agreed to reimburse me the full amount. She had me fax a copy of the bill to her attention. I did so and received a confirmation that the fax was received. Fast forward to 12/30/08.

I called American WH to find out where my money was and spoke to a very arrogant person named Justin who claimed there were no notes about a faxed bill and it is there policy to have those MAILED in. I was livid. He claimed there was no way he could transfer me to Stevie Or a supervisor. I finally had to leave my phone number to have Stevie or a supervisor to call me back. Miraculously--Stevie did call me back. She apologized, said she didn't get the fax and to re-fax it and they would pay me.

First off, I was out $150 right at Christmastime. Second, I was given the run around by more that one place throughout this hassle. I have since researched this water heater and found out that there has been a problem with the flame lock safety system which culminated in a class action loss suit that was already expired! That all started in 2006 so Lowes sold me a water heater that was known to be defective. When I did more checking on the internet I found TONS of complaints about this. The BBB has given this company a grade of F and are not accredited with the BBB. They had 46 complaints in a 36 month period.

My beef is with Lowe's (selling me a defective water heater), Whirlpool (for putting their name on this appliance), A&E Sears for their failure to repair and of course for American Water Heater for lying to me REPEATEDLY and failing to reimburse me. I am going to file a complaint with all four of these co's. I really want a new water heater because everything I have found out indicates that MY PROBLEMS ARE NOT YET OVER. Also, a side note--if you call American Water Heater during regular business hours and get a foreign country, ask to be connected to the home office in TN and they will do that.

My home is three years old and Christmas morning I discovered I have no hot water. The house has two American Water Heater 50 gallon tanks and neither pilot light was lit. After numerous attempts,I got one pilot light to ignite which lasted ablut thirty minutes. I finally got a plumber to come out at 1 1/2 times hourly rate two days after Christmas.

What he told me left me infuriated. He started with the recall from American Water Heater, which I never received, and then proceeded with the futile efforts customers were having to get replacement parts for this hot water heater. After reading athese comments, I am apalled a company such as Whirlpool can lend there name to this product and not stand behind it.

It is going to cost me $700 to replace this piece of junk, and it will take two more days to get parts.

I have the same type problem that numerous other people seem to have with their American Water Heater Co. manufactured water heaters: pilot light won't light or stay lit caused by a defective thermostat/gas valve (made by Robert Shaw in Mexico) and/or the thermocoupler. spent the weekend without hot water, no part until tomorrow (I hope). I also hope the new part fixes the problem. After reading all the consumer complaints I am beginning to wonder.

My question is: because American water heater Co. water heaters have an ongoing problem with their gas control valve/thermostats and/or thermocoupleters, I would like to know if there is some sort of generic replacement of the entire manifold assembly that includes the gas/valve thermostat and thermocoupler. The model # is DVG62-50T42 THE SERIAL # IS: 0746125051 THE PRODUCT # IS: 0722464. Installed exactly one year ago. House load of people, no hot water.
HOUSE LOAD OF PEOPLE, NO HOT WATER.

I have replace the gas valve in my water heater twice in the last year. On December 17,2007 and on the same day a year later. I had to pay labor of $433.00 including the shipping charge Twice. I talked to American to at least waive the shipping charge. And questioned them, if it happened again next year, where they going to replace the whole unit. by the time I have paid labor,shipping, I could have purchased a new water heater. I asked to speak to a manager,(one whom speaks english) The reps that talk on the phone do not speak english and just read out of their manual. They repeat the same answer with different questions, even if the question has nothing to do with their answer, if a lawsuit is the process, I am with you

I purchased my 50 gallon Whirlpool elec. hotwater heater from Lowes in May 2008. It performed strangley from the start giving me air in my pipes(which is normal)the first few days,but it never stopped,this continued for months. I was getting hot water, but had the bad smell from a anode that was obviously already bad.In Dec. 2008 I started having problems getting hot water(it was only warm)so I called Lowes, they instructed me to call whirlpool.

The customer service rep. was actually helpful and told me that a bad anode isn't covered under the warranty.She also said that since my display on the water heater wasn't displaying an error code that it seemed nothing was wrong with the heater,but did say an anode wouldn't cause a failure to heat the water properly. She gave me the number and code I needed to call out their plumber in my area,but informed me that if they couldn't find anything wrong with the heater that I would be billed.I chose to not call them out at this time until the water heater displays an error message or just quits working completely,but I did reset my heater and it seems to be heating better.

I can't for the life of me understand how Lowes can take advantadge of consumers knowing tha tthese heaters are complete crap.I will never buy another Whirlpool product nor any item from Lowes ever agsin!I hope both Lowe's and Whirlpool/American Water Heater Company are sued for ripping off customers and manufacturing faulty products!

Thermocouple failure. I have replaced the thermo couple on a 50 gallon unit purchased in 2004 FG1J4040T3NT3NOV. It has caused 5 plumbing visits twice the first year.

Cost over $500 for parts and service since purchase in 2004 I was never notified of any class action lawsuit and Lowwe's just says contact the manufacturer.

This is not a complaint but an effort to help some since the federal mandate to seal combustion chambers of water heaters pilot outages are prevelant for every manufacture. The thermocouples are used as saftie devices for lack of combustion air. combustion air (room air mixed with fuel to create a combustable mixture) was before the mandate drawen in at the front where you use to use a match to light the pilot, now that area is sealed and the combustion air is drawen from below the water heater. every manufacture has a screen of some type and size to keep the flame from rolling out due to lack of combustion air. all inlets will collect dust and dirt from the air and collect on the screen blocking the combustion air. when there is insufficent combustion air the flame qualty will become poor and the flame will float and roll under the burner seeking air for combustion at this point the flame will over heat the thermocople (saftie) and cause the pilot to go out.

consider where the water heaters and installed 90% of the time in a laundry or mechanical room. and 90% of the time dryers are not vented properly or the joints of the vent are not sealed with foil tape and leak lint in any case you have to clean the air intake at the bottom of the water heater when the thermocouple fails if you do not you did not cure the cause of the problem. this is true of any water heater that bruns a gas and is sold in the united states. when you purchase a water heater look for one with the largest combustion inlet area, uses a standard thermocouple and has a manual reset roll out or over heat switch.

if you have a technition come to repair your water heater make sure they clean the combustion air inlet. as a owner vacume clean around the water heater every few months to ensure the minimum amount of dust lint and what ever else may be on the floor.if you are going to do it your self you will need a 3 dia brush 2' long to scrub the inlet screen, compressed air to blow the screen backwards (down) to clear the screen and a vacume to remove the dust and dirt from the area. as far as gas valves and gas leak issues i have yet to come across these problems as of yet. i hope this some of your with what you have or may purchase in the future

I purchased an American Water heater in 2005 and in 2007 the pilot light went out and would not relight. The gas control and thermocouple was bad so I called their number, because the plumber told me they had sold defective parts, and they sent me another one for 10.82 shipping. I paid a licensed plumber to install it and the pilot light will still not stay lit.

I paid a lot of money for this defective water heater and would like to bring a lawsuit against the co. to recoup my many losses trying to get it fixed. I have been out about 700.00 total trying to keep it going to no avail. Anyone with info on how to contact this co. or a lawyer for a lawsuit against them, please let me know.

Spent about $700.00 to buy then try to repair the defective heater.

I purchased an American Water Heater from Lowes 3 years ago, but 4 days ago, I came home to a gas leak in the garage to find out it was the water heater($25 for propane company to come out). After calling American Water Heaters, I found out I could get the part for $30 overnight shipping cost, and paid $129.00 for a technician to replace the part. The technician informed me that the part had been faulty and there had been a class action law suit on the product.

When I contacted AWH, they told me the class action law suit had ended, and could not explain why I hadn't been contacted. I'm lucky my house did not explode from the gas leak, and now I have a new part, but have no confidence in this company or their product and fear it will happen again, and maybe this time I won't be so lucky to catch it in time.

The company blamed the installer, stating it was the installer's fault for the leak, and that it was installed improperly. Now I read online the Company is WELL aware of the problem, and are just not taking responsibility for their product. I'm out a total of $184 in total cost, and two 1/2 days of work, and a few cold showers, and the AWH customer service reps (from India) told me it's my problem. UNBELIEVABLE!!

In the past 3 years we have hd 4 service calls on our American Gas Water Heater. Model # F6615OT403NOV. Once again last night the piolt light went out. Well a call to our service company ended up with no return call from the service technician last night. This morning the ech did come out, after I agreed to a $99.00 weekend service fee that would be refunded if the proble part was still under warranty. Well the technician was able to get the piolt lit, now the question is for how long.

My fiance ripped the poor technician up one side and down the other, and he left without taing the $99.00 check. He promised to follow up with us after checking with his company to see what they wanted to do. We were told by a previous technician who is no longer with the company that if they had to come out again on this problem they would replace the water heater for free. We shall see.

I think it is a shame Amercian is being allowed to soak people for shipping and handling on garbage replacement parts. I am looking to join the class action suit so if anyone knows how I do that. Our economic loss so far is aroung $500 from lost work to try and have this problem fixed, and an inital $200 for the first service call. So far we are out $700.00 and looking at more thanlikely having to dish out another $1000.00 for a new waterheater of a different manufacturer!

Purchased Whirlpool 'Energy Smart' Gas Water Heater 8/30/08, had it professionally installed a week later, and then the pilot light started going out after 3 days, then another week. Called American Water Heater, the manufacturer, and the Indian service rep had a replacement controller sent to me at no cost. Had the controller replaced, and the exact same symptoms started ... pilot light went out.

After 8 days the light went out and I coudn't get it re-lit. American sent a Sears technician out, who did some trouble-shooting and then told me that he Sears wasn't authorized to work on this model, Lowes 168632. Called American and they told me to call Bonded Repair in Denver, who came out the next day and replaced the burner assembly. The tech told me that there is a battery in the burner assy that was bad, and as a result the feedback loop for the pilot would not function, causing the pilot not to light. This seems to have worked, but I have my doubts. Suggestions: File complaints with bbb.org against American, and contact Lowe's at 800 to lodge a complaint. American sell crap, and I can assure you that I'll never buy a Whirlpool appliance again. I don't care if they didn't manufacture it, but since they put their name on it, it's their reputation that is crap.

I am a licensed plumbing contractor in Baltimore, MD. I have been in the trade for 27 years. For approximately 15 years or so, I have sold and installed American Water Heaters with no problems.

With the energy conservation mandates passed by Congress resulting in the reconfiguration of how water heaters operate, there has been nothing but trouble since.

In the past month, I have had three separate instances where brand new water heaters installed by my company, have not functioned properly shortly after installation. In each case, it has been a gas-fired American Water Heater. Just this morning, I have already received a call from a restaurant that we do a lot of business with, complaining of no hot water. The water heater was just installed in June of this year!!

I have decided, based on the non-stop problems with American Water Heater products, as well as their failure to honor their so-called warranty without resulting in at least some expense to correct the problems with THEIR product (shipping and handling at the very least), that I will, no longer sell American Water Heaters!

Having installed literally HUNDREDS of their water heaters, it is a real shame that this company is now putting out a faulty product, and failing to correct it, without cost, to the consumer.

One final thought for anyone reading this: This is NOT your plumber's fault!! I have read many posts on here by people complaining that their plumbers charged them to repair these problems. The plumbers do not manufacture these faulty products! American Water Heaters does.

When problems arise, your plumber sends out licensed, well-paid, insured mechanics as required by law (if it is a legitimate company anyway). Given that, and the expenses incurred just to be in business, (insurance, licensing, taxes etc...), does anyone seriously expect that these well-intentioned people (contractors), struggling in today's economy, to buy you a brand new water heater at their OWN expense and send out mechanics to install this GIFT free of charge?

If American Water Heaters were to honor their warranty, and provide replacement heaters to the contractors who are installing their products, free of charge, then the costs of installing the product would be significantly lower (at least MINUS the cost of the water heater itself), then they would have happy contractors, happy consumers etc...

Until this happens, I, for one contractor, is placing the real blame squarely upon the manufacturers of this FAULTY product, which is where it SHOULD be placed: American Water Heaters!

They have lost a fifteen year relationship with this company, and if more contractors across the country do the same, then the outcome should be one of two things: 1. Either American Water Heaters will correct the problem or 2. They will go out of business. Honestly, at this point, either option looks good to me!

My husband and I purchased a Wirlpool gas hot water tank made by American Water Heater Company from Lowes in April 2008 and the thermocouple went out yesterday October 20, 2008 It is only 6 months old. We contacted Lowes and more of less they said What do you want us to do about it and told me to contact Wirlpool or American Water Heater Company, I called Wirlpool they told me I had to contact American Water Heater, I told Wirlpool that it is their name on it and if they don't want their name tarnished they need to make sure the items they put their name on are reliable and backed up by their warrenty, they said they check into complants they get on their products but it is up to American Water Heater Company to take care of their products, in other words no help there,

so I called American Water Heater and they said if I would ship them the part in question they would check it out and let me know if it was falty and covered for replacement, I asked them if I send the part how long would it take and they said well it could be up to a week for them to check it out and I asked them if they were crazy, I told them, No I will go get a new hot water tank and be sure it wont be made by American Water Heater nor Wirlpool, My privous tank I replaced with this one was over 22 years old and it had hot water all the way up to the day we took it out, I understand needing more energy wise appliances but not if they arn't [good], What happened to companies being proud of their products and workmanship, It is a shame.

I have two of these hot water heaters. One in my home I live in and one in the home I provide for my mother and father, who are 80 and 84 respectively. The one in my parents house has gone out 6 times in the 4 years that I have owned it. The house was brand new when I purchased it. It has cost me $300.00 total for the plumber. It is now not working having been relighted by the plumber. It was relighted at around 5pm on Saturday and the pilot light was out again Sunday morning at 7am when my parents tried to use the hot water.

So far when I have contracted the American company they keep telling me that there is nothing wrong with their hot water heater that there are other reasons that this is happening. I have had 3 thermal couplers and a complete conversion done on this water heater. When will they replace it and when will I get paid for my plumbing costs? Paid $300 at mothers house and $100 at my house for plumbers to fix hotwater heater.

We woke up October 18th having no hot water. We found that the pilot light had gone out. We tried to relight the pilot light and it would not light. I called the phone number that was on the water heater around 0815 and they said there was a law suit against them and that they would send me the parts to fix my water heater but I would have to pay shipping and to have it put on.

They told me that I would pay $30.00 that would get it part here by Monday. So I paid the shipping and it turned out being $32.48. I didn't understand why I was paying the shipping and to have the part installed if it was a law suit.

I have four kids and my husband is in the military. The kids and I had to go without hot water from Friday October 17th until we get the part. I have had to boil water so that we could clean ourselves and our dishes. As a professional business they should have had the part put on Friday.

Defective water heater with an electronic ignition that keeps breaking down.

Family had to live without hot water for five days--so far!

We called American Water Heater and they said it was a defective tank. We called keyspan back and they said we didnt have service plan so will cost us We said if the tank is defective and only 3 years old it should be replaced. This went on for about 2 weeks, back and fourth with American Water Heater and now what is National Grid. We finally told AWH that we would contact a lawyer and they said they could send us one but would we pay for the freight at a cost of $90.00. We agreed and then heard about the class action suit..a little to late for us.

We have worried about this water heater for 2 weeks...we own a split level house. The plumber said it was going to go, and if it did it would of ruined our whole down stairs. The fact that we have to pay anything is so disappointing. Also the fact that National Grid when told that AWH was going to send them the water heater at first told us it would cost $450 still even though they are not installing it.

Water heater manufactured by American Water Heater, and marketed by Whirlpool and Lowes. Product # FG1F5040T3NOV. This water heater has a 6-yr warranty. Just moved into a new house with one of these in it. Three weeks later, no hot water. I took a look at the unit, and found that I could keep the pilot light lit. After plenty of frustration, I figured the thermocouple was the offending part, but wasn't positive. After looking around on the net, I've found that plenty of others share the problems, and that the thermocouple is most likely the culprit.

Unfortunately, from the information I've gathered, I can replace the thermocouple, and the heater may work for a while, but then it will quit again, and the bottom line is, I've got $600 pile of trash. I'm not in an economic position to get a new water heater right now, so I'm not sure what I'll do. Wouldn't it be nice if Whirlpool would send me a new bunch of hardware (free shipping), and pay a plumber to come out here and get this thing in good shape again. Unfortunately, I know that won't happen, so I'm probably going to have to keep dumping money for new thermocouples to put into this thing until I can save enough for a new water heater.

Whirlpool, American Water Heater, Lowes...I'm not impressed. By the way, that's a cute thing, making the threads on the thermocouple left-handed so I can't buy a decent thermocouple from someone else, but instead have to put on another piece of trash.

I called back and asked to speak to a supervisor (also in India). I asked him, wouldn't it make sense to have one of their local (to me) authorized dealers bring out and install a model they had in stock and just replace theirs? No, it doesn't work that way. I'm furious. I am NOT a litigious person but I am considering taking this to small claims court. Do NOT buy from American Water Heaters!

I had a new water heater installed in November 2003 by George Morlan Plumbing in Portland, Oregon. George Morlan is know as the Water Heater King and they install many water heaters in the greater Portland area. The water heater they installed was an American Water Heater. Model FG12250T403NOM and product #0731372 located on front of water heater.

A year ago in 2007, I had the pilot go out. I tried to relight the pilot but the pilot would not stay lit. I called George Morlan and they said they knew of the problem and there was a class action suit due to a faulty part...thermocoupler. They installed a faulty water heater and they knew who i was as they kept records of the install and did not call me to let me know...go figure. They put me in contact with American Water Heater.

The person on the line at AWH said they knew of the issue and they could send me a new part and if i wanted it soon, I had to pay $17 to have it shipped. The person also told me it was simple to install. We were without hot water for five days due to weekend and slow shipping. Daily trips to either the gym or friends for our family of four was an adventure. In addition, not being able to use the diswasher was an unwelcome return to washing dishes in the sink after boiling water on the stove!

I called George Morlan and they could install the part but it would be a service call. $99 per hr and $28 for every fifteen minutes afterwards. I went ahead and installed it myself. Of course not as simple as they made it out to be at AWH. I did get it installed and it worked fine.

Fast forward to today, 08-12-08. We woke up this morning to no hot water. I tried to relight the pilot but it would not stay on. I thought to myself, there is no way a company would send me a new updated part that would fix the issue a year ago and have it go faulty again! Now I am back where I started a year ago! We are planning our showering routine for the near term as we are unsure when we will get hot water working again. I read the technical service bulletin i found on-line from AWH and it says the issue is not the coupler, but either a draft or a dirty area in the water heater. Sure...blame it on the consumer.

I called George Morlan and of course it takes a service call of the $99 etc... to deal with the issue. I am now at a point where I am thinking the best way to solve this issue is to have a new water heater installed. Of course, i will call a plumber other than George Morlan as they are not standing behind a product they sold and installed for me. If Whirpool bought AWH, i will not buy a Whirlpool product in the future and certainly not another American Water Heater.

Impact was/is mainly the serious inconvenience not having a water heater fixed soon after it broke.

We have 2 American Water Heaters installed in our home. Model PVG62-50T63-3PHV. These water heaters are 8 years old and both have been extremely unreliable since they were installed new. We have had numerous thermocouples, control valves, and an overpressure valve replaced. Both of these water heaters provide inconsistant water temps. Sometimes it is luke warm and other times it is scalding hot with no adjustment of the themerature on the heaters. We will never purchase another American Water Heater product and would not recoment them to anyone. I would classify their product as Junk

We have another repair man scheduled for tomorrow morning, which will cause me to miss several hours of work.

We have 2 American Water Heaters installed in our home. Model PVG62-50T63-3PHV. These water heaters are 8 years old and both have been extremely unreliable since they were installed new. We have had numerous thermocouples, control valves, and an overpressure vale replaced. Both of these water heaters provide inconsistant water temps. Sometimes it is luke warm and other times it is scalding hot with no adjustment of the themerature on the heaters. We will never purchase another American Water Heater product and would not recoment them to anyone. We ahve another repair man scheduled for tomorrow morning, which will cause me to miss several hours of work.

The water heater is only two years old and there is a six year warranty on this model. In April, 2008, the pilot light would not light and I called a plumber. The plumber said this model had been recalled and that the burner assembly is faulty. I called American Water Heaters and they told me they could overnight the part to me but I would have to pay for the shipping of $17.00. I was in a bind so agreed to this. The company would not pay for the $150.00 for the labor.

Now, the Thermacouple Sensor has quit working. I was going to buy this part and have a plumber install it. When I called the company they informed me that the recall is over and I am the second owner of the townhouse so the warranty does not apply. No help at all for a consumer! The company covered the recall in April, so why not now?

$150.00 labor - April 2008 $17.00 shipping of burner assembly $100.00 labor on 7-21-08 to diagnose - why pilot light will not stay lit.

Thermocouple went out on my 2002 American Water Heater so off I drove to Home Depot to replace it. Found out that left thread thermocouplers are no longer manufactured, had to call the company. Called and spoke with a service rep. (probably in India) and was helpful in sending me a replacement part over night for 30 bucks.

I then went online and found out about the class action lawsuit for faulty thermocouplers against American Waterheater and Whirlpool, but the closing date for re-imbursment was JUNE 28TH 2008. It was not big money, just a replacement part for free, so it does'nt hurt THAT bad. Since it is now the end of July of '08 it looks like I'm a bit late. Anyway my recommendation if you need a left thread thermocoupler is.... BUY A NEW BRAND OF WATERHEATER.

3 days of showering at the rec center, out 30 bucks for overnight shipping of replacement parts. / Missed out on class-action lawsuit by THREE WEEKS!

Water heater went out because of faulty part. Thermocouple went out. Our townhome was kess than three years old at the time. We had to send away for a new part. Paid for overnight shipping, but our package did not arrive overnight. The person we ordered the part with did not realize that it was too late in the day on a friday for us to we receive overnight shipping. We were not contacted and made aware of this problem. Of course there was no one to take care of this problem until Monday. So needless to say we were without hot water for nearly a week.

We have two small children, therefore hot water for baths and bottles is a necessity. We had to warm up water on the stove to bathe our children. What a hugw inconvience.

my water heater gave up un me and I can not get service parts anywhere. I have one of those flamelock water heaters that use the counter clockwise thread on the thermo couple. My has not been bad. since is took four years before it went bad.

taking a cold shower in Michigan is the civilian version of waterboarding. I believe I have been scarred for life. No need for monetary compensation but a quick fix would surely be appreciated.

Flamelock, Water Heater. Thermocouple went out. Went 6th st Lowes but they didn't have any parts. Appliance guy said he has had hundreds of complaints. Suggested I call other stores. I did and got the same answer. Called the 800 on the tank. First got the class action law suit line (if you reported before June 28 you get a few bucks) but he told me how to get through. I got Justin who after giving him my serial #he read me a tech bull. about cleaning the filter and checking the draft. The screen was as clean as the day it was put in... the house is only 1.5 years old.

Anyway I said it was the thermocouple cause I couldn't keep the pilot lit or I could light it and get it to stay lit but it would only let the burner run for a short amount of minutes. He told me there was a fuse in line too. I said if the fuse was out I wouldn't be able to light the pilot and keep it lit at all. I said Lowes told me the manufacturer would send out a whole new assembly. He said he would. I asked him if it would have a standard thermocouple instead of the left hand thread one on the unit. He said it is a new right hand thread thermocouple on a whole new assembly .... I had to pay $8 to get 2nd day shipment.

This is Wednesday night... July 4 is Friday... I'll get it Next Tues.... meanwhile without hot water... and still looking for a left hand thread thermocouple I can use before Tues.

To hire a plumber seems to run $130 on up. Finding even the original part seems impossible and there seems to be indication from various internet comments about the thermocouple problem on these American Water heaters that Whirlpool now owns, that the replacement may not be long lived either. This is obviously a faulty part. This has been a known problem for many months. The heaters should be fixed or replaced at no charge to the customers. This about paying $2mill to the class action lawyers and $15 to the customers is simply taking the consumer to the cleaners again. Thanks for listening.

My water heater went out so I tried to re-light the pilot. After many failed attempts contacted home owners ins. to have tech come out and fix. He said that the unitrol valve and thermo couple were busted and call the mfg since it was still under warranty. I called and finally got thru to tech support. They said that they could send the thermocoulple part and I would have to pay for the shipping. They did not have the unitrol and I would have to go and find it then send the receipt to the company for reimbursment.

They did not tell me that I would have to be home to receive the part. Part that was purchased did not fit the waterheater. So I went another 3 days without hot water. The part got here but missed the shipping guy on Friday so had to wait till Monday so another weekend without hot water. The parts get here and the installers came back out to fix but the new unitrol did not work.

No hot water for 9 days! having to call out techs 3 times to fix the water heater. Frustration with Mfg. and not getting parts. Broken new parts but thankful that the origional Unitrol still worked. Having to pay for faulty water heater parts. Class action regarding the specific model that I have.

I was told they could send me the part free of charge which would take between three to five days, yet I would have to pay for the repair (which will cost me $300.00) This is a cost I should not have to pay due to the recall on the part. my heater is only three years old, I would like to be reinbursed for my inconvience as well as this part.

I tried to call American Water Heater about the conversion kit and about why we never heard back concerning the paperwork we filed related to the class action lawsuit. Whenever I called and identified myself, they hung up on me without saying anything.

The pilot light to our whirlpool water heater burns out about once a year.

The control for the thermocouple has gone out three times in 5 months. The first time i had an local company service the unit. The second time I called AWH and was told a replacement part would be sent. They expected my tenant to replace it. I arranged for a tech to do the work, but after installation the part did not work. I called and was told he should call them to be talked through the problem. I will have to pay for another service call and I convinced that this part will fail in a few months.

My tenants, including a pregnant mother and small child, have been without hot water for several days. I have spent about 200 dollars so far.