Whirlpool Water Heaters

I see that I am not the only one with the same pilot problem. I just purchased this new model that came out last summer. I bought my new water heater in September and just this past weekend, it messed up. I have not had it for 8 months. Whirlpool sent out a technician yesterday and he said the assembly is not good and the pilot would not light. Well they sent me a replacement part and they are coming out today to install it. The funny thing was that the technician said, "Oh, these are hard to work with. We have a lot of problems with these models and they just came out last summer. It's the on that has the little box and you push the pilot button in and hold it until the red light comes on."

Anyway, he said he didn't carry parts for that one, only the old ones which last longer. The ones that have the black round circle that looks like a thermostat. I said, "Really? Well the reason I bought this water heater is because my last one that I bought 2 years ago kept having the same issue." Whirlpool sent me the assembly with the pilot and all 3 times and would never replace it. I got tired of it always messing up so after having it for 2 years, we just dumped it and went and bought this new model. Here we are 8 months since we bought it and the same thing is happening. I am so furious. I am pissed off that they don't recall these if they are defective. Why do they keep selling them if people have problems? My cousin called me a couple of months ago and asked if my husband could check her water heater and it's the same type I had and it was doing the same thing. I will never buy another Whirlpool water heater again.

I purchased a Whirlpool hot water gas heater with a six-year warranty. It only lasted three years. When I called for an RA#, I was told, "Well, we'll send you a part after you get a plumber and pay for it." Meanwhile, there is water all over the cellar floor. I called again and was told the same thing. Two weeks of no hot water and no help from Whirlpool. I will never order anything Whirlpool ever again. They stink.

Whirlpool 50 gallon water heater - I bought a high efficiency tank water heater less than 1 year ago from Lowe's. It stopped working after 10 months. Lowe's indicated that it was a manufacturer issue so I called Whirlpool. After talking to the service rep, they said they would send a part, which I would need to install or call a plumber. The part didn't show, so I called again. This time I was told that they needed to confirm the problem with a local service tech. We are now at 5 days without hot water, and it looks like it is going to be another 3. Don't buy Whirlpool. Lowe's has tried to help but can't get anything done either.

Hot water heater model #0833T402747 purchased late 2008 - Several service calls had to be made to a plumber, due to this unit not working. The door assembly was shipped to me by Whirlpool. I had to pay "again" for the plumber to install this part. He's been here 3-4 times since I bought the unit. Last Wednesday, May 2, 2012, no hot water "again". The same plumber came out and said the door assembly had again gone bad. Whirlpool was contacted on Thursday morning and would not agree to do anything. They were given my plumber's name and number and I never heard back from them. I contacted Lowe's in Acworth, GA and they agreed to replace the hot water heater. So now I'm forced to pay for another install. I requested that Whirlpool pay this expense, and their representative, **, said no.

I intend to sue them for all monies spent on this lemon and due to this lemon, I will never buy another Whirlpool product of any kind. I have told family and friends and they've agreed that due to the bad product and worse customer service, they will also stay away from purchasing anything made by this company. Whirlpool certainly won't be hurt by me and me alone. But I'll make sure that anyone I run into at Lowe's or anywhere else is even looking at a Whirlpool product will get an earful from me. This is the type of customer service that consumers don't have to put up with anymore. There are many resources on the internet to get the word out and I intend to spend a great deal of my time doing just that.

I have a Whirlpool Gas Water Heater, product #0733136, that was installed in 2010. The pilot has repeatedly gone out and had to be re-lit. After reading some of the comments, I am amazed that other people were told to verify gas supply with the gas company (done) and clean the air intake (done) and then to call customer service and be told to do the intake cleaning again (done professionally six days ago). I will never buy another Whirlpool appliance, and fortunately, I am in property management and can advise others to avoid this company as well. I am extremely disappointed in Lowe's for not doing a better job of providing reliable choices for their customers especially after these many complaints over the years. I have decided to replace the water heater with another brand immediately.

Whirlpool's water heater coupler. Our plumber came to our home and explained how there was a problem with our type of water heater from Whirlpool that had been sold from Lowe's between 2000 and 2006. We purchased ours in 2004. I have the receipt. Our plumber stated the underneath screen was clear and in good shape. He also said they had other water heaters with the same type of problem and those companies had provided the new part free and free shipping due to the suit. Whirlpool has not. We have been without hot water for a couple of days and we are hoping to have the piece by tomorrow. Since this suit has already been dealt with, then how do I get my money back from Whirlpool for being dishonest with requiring me to pay? Do I need to file something? I have followed the links and I have been researching it and our model number and serial match the product that was found faulty.

The pilot light, surprise, won't stay lit. No big deal. I will replace thermocouple. Go to Lowe's. Buy thermocouple. Disassemble and reassemble. There are left-handed threads on thermostat, but it's right-handed on the replacement part. Ok, it's not too big of a deal. Back to Lowe's. They only sell right-handed thermocouples. But they do, conveniently, sell replacement thermostats which receive right-handed threads. So instead of a $10, 30-minute repair, I'm at $100 and 4 hours. The trouble is that now, after 2 days of fighting this damn thing, it's 10:00 pm and I have to be at work in the morning and my family of 6 will wake up to a third day of cold water. I wonder if the CEOs at WP/Lowe's have these kinds of frustrations? By the way, Rheem's 50-gallon Fury is only about $550 and has great reviews. Maybe I should just return the parts and wash my hands of this mess - in cold water for now. Crap.

I have the model FG1H5040T3NOV water heater and had found this message board. I called the number posted by Chris with American Water Heater and provided them with my serial number. They shipped me the replacement assembly next day and after about an hour, I had it installed and working again. I'm not too happy with the fact that it failed, but it does appear they have their act together in getting the replacement parts distributed.

Based on the discussion with the person on the phone, my only real gripe is this: the cause of the component failure was potentially caused by a dirty-flame trap that supposedly needs to be cleaned regularly. Since the trap is underneath the water heater and is in no way really accessible, relying on people to see the fine print in the manual (which hardly anyone reads) isn't sufficient. At an absolute minimum, a very clear and apparent sticker should be included on all water heaters indicating this needs to be cleaned and a clear description of how to clean it properly to prevent this sort of unnecessary headache in the future.

After seven long years of one issue after another, about once a year replacing one part after another, draining the unit to replace parts, waking up to cold water, I finally gave up and replaced this Whirlpool water heater, model model # FD1H4040T3ENOV unit. Never to buy a Whirlpool unit again. Thanks for the memories.

Whirlpool Energy Smart Residential Electric Water Heater - On top of this water heater is a junction box. If it goes out, so does the water heater. I am on my fourth junction box, at my expense on three of them plus the electrician's bill times two. They finally sent me one free!

I'm getting the run around with service. No one comes to our area to check our new Whirlpool hot water heater. The hot water heater has not worked right since I installed it. I need a service tech to come to my house at Whirlpool's expense and check the damn thing and get me taken care of. Does Whirlpool want to retain a customer or not? It's that simple. My cell phone number is **.

Whirlpool realized in 2002 that this was a defective part. In 2005, they recalled the product. I purchased the Hot Water Heater (Model # BFG1F4034T3NOV) in 2006. Being this product was recalled in 2005, why was it still being sold at Lowe's and other stores? Why wasn't it pulled from the shelves? Why weren't the parts replaced before being sold? The hot water heater stopped producing hot water. I contacted Whirlpool and they said the gas control valve had to be replaced; they gave me a part # and an authorization # and told me I could pick it up at Lowe's. I asked about installation, because it is still under warranty. They said they don't service this.

I picked up the part and tried to find a plumber to do the work and they said it was too small a job. I had to impose on friends to help me; one is a volunteer fireman. He came out and put on the new part and in doing so, another piece broke. We called Whirlpool and they said they had to replace the manifold door assembly. They overnighted the part. Again, I asked about them servicing this hot water heater and I told them I am a single parent and can't do this work. They said they don''t service this item.

I then had a handyman come out to try to fix it and he wasn't able to get it to work and now I smelled gas (it cost me $198). I had to call the gas company and they came and said there was a leak and turned it off and gave me a violation. I called the company I have an HVAC contract with and they added the hot water heater to that contract and it cost me $120 more for a year. They finally got it working, I was without hot water for a week. I do not recommend anyone buy products from this company. They are horrible to do business with and their service is awful (the service they don't offer).

So, I have a house full of relatives from out of town staying over and as luck would have it, my Whirlpool water heater (model # BFG1F4033T3NOV) which I had installed 15 months ago, decided to stop working. The pilot light went out and would not stay lit no matter how long I held the red restart button.

I called Whirlpool customer service and was informed straight away that their computer system was down and they wouldn't be able to order parts if I needed them (great start right?). I explained to the woman on the phone what my issue was and also told her that after searching online, I've found that this is a common failure with these hot water heaters that Lowe's sells where the thermal couple is defective and needs to be replaced. She began to inform me that before any parts was ordered (which she couldn't do because the computers were down), I would have to clean the vent openings on the bottom of the HW heater. No big deal. Then, I'd have to have my gas line pressure verified by my gas company (what?). If both were found to be fine, I'd have to confirm that my flue is at least three feet above my roof line before they would send me parts to repair my unit. This is about where I lost my mind.

I run the RMA/Customer service department in my company and if anyone has issues with our products, we ship first and ask questions later. How can a company with known defective products give their customers the runaround and basically tell them that they are screwed until they can take off time from work for a gas co. to come to their home and will also have to have flue replaced before they'll warranty their product?! Whirlpool should be ashamed of themselves and Lowe's should distance themselves from such a crappy company with substandard products and shoddy warranty practices. I'll never buy another Whirlpool product as long as I live and will warn anyone away from this company.

In June 2010 my wife and I bought a new Whirlpool water heater (model ee2h50rd045v). As I have fairly extensive experience in both the electrical and plumbing areas (was head lab technician for an aquatics lab for 7 years and worked with maintenance on a farm for 10 years), I installed the unit myself. Two months later the motherboard fried. Whirlpool sent me a replacement and all was fine. Six months after this the motherboard fried and set the unit on fire. Luckily I was home and caught it before it got out of hand and the circuit breaker had tripped when this happened (the circuit breaker saved the house).

After I had ripped the smoldering unit out of the garage I immediately called Whirlpool's Customer Hotline and told them what happened. They said they would send me replacement parts. I reminded them that the motherboard had fried once before and that this time the unit had almost cost me the house. I also informed them that I have now worked for Lowes for 4 years and I am responsible for selling their product (in addition to other brands). The lady stated all they could do was send me new parts and the problem probably was with my circuit breaker. I informed her the circuit breaker was tripped so the problem was not there. She reiterated that all they could do was send new parts.

The next day I started to remove the control panel and motherboard to find that the plastic had fused itself to the frame and insulation. I called the customer hotline and spoke to someone new and informed them about the new problem with the melted plastic. I was told that the melted plastic could be scrapped off safely and that since the problem was not the circuit breaker, the problem must have been how the wires had been spliced from my conduit into the water heater. The gentleman then proceeded to tell me how to do it in violation of Maryland code and told me he would have replacement parts sent to me. I checked with a certified electrician to make sure my wire splice had been done in accordance with code and he verified I was correct.

I then had a Department Manager call Whirlpool. He was given the same runaround and told the parts would be mailed to me. He was also given the story about how the malfunction was due to the wire splice being too tight. He then asked to speak to the representative's supervisor and she told him she would not transfer him over to her supervisor. I have forgotten to mention that 2 months prior to this, a Whirlpool water heater (same model) had been returned to my Lowes store within the 30-day purchase window. The unit had caught fire. Since I had had problems with my unit motherboard at this point, I took that unit apart to see what had caused it. The problem started with the motherboard in that unit also. This is unacceptable. Whirlpool obviously has product quality issues.

Sometimes bad units are put out. This happens with every brand. But when the same model has such a high failure rate and is known to catch fire, Whirlpool's actions are inexcusable. Currently my refrigerator, oven, dishwasher and obviously the water heater are Whirlpools. I will not replace either of these units with a Whirlpool when they reach the end of their operational periods. Also in the future when customers ask me about Whirlpool appliances, I will be sure to tell them just how great Whirlpool is, how reliable they are, how great their customer service is and then quickly usher them over to Samsung, Frigidaire and Electrolux appliances. The department manager that had called Whirlpool for me has shared similar sentiments about future customer recommendations.

I purchased the Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater (model BFG1F4034T3NOV) in May of 2008. Within a little over a year, it stopped working. I was able to get the manufacturer to send out a repairman and install a new kit. It worked great for 2 years. Now, here I am again with the pilot light going out daily. So I went to Lowe's and purchased the thermocouple, and a friend installed it. We still have to light the pilot light twice a day to have hot water for showers.

The pilot light on our hot water heater will not stay lit. We can't find the custom made "Replacement Kit" at any local retail locations, including a specialty appliance repair store, Lowe's or Home Depot. So our only option seems to be waiting for the part to come in the mail. Meanwhile, my two little girls have no hot water in their home! Not because we couldn't afford to pay the gas bill, but because of the piece of junk hot water heater that we purchased and the lousy company that stands behind it!

I bought this piece of junk heater (serial no. 0804T411536) from Lowe's and had their contract plumber install it in or about 2008. Since that time, I have had nothing but trouble with it. It just doesn't stay lit. Every plumber who works on it tells me that they have numerous problems with them and they cannot repair them - the customer has to get the part from Whirlpool. And today the woman I talked to told me that I had to pay the shipping charges, which vary according to how quickly one wants hot water! I personally find that a true rip off. If you can't guarantee the product you put on the market, then don't put it out there. I will never buy another Whirlpool appliance or shop at Lowe's!

In 2007 and 2008, I purchased 7 natural gas heaters: 1 for my home and 6 for rental properties. I have had nothing but problems from all of them. Two of them failed this weekend (one 40-gallon and one 50-gallon). I called the 800 number and have to pay $63.50 for parts for the 40-gallon and was given a PO number to pick up parts for the 50-gallon at Lowe's. They do not have the parts. I have spent over $250,000 at Lowe's since 2000. I have all Whirlpool appliances in rentals and my own home. The discussion I had at two Lowe's stores today really showed me how they take care of their customers. I told both stores that I will never buy the Whirlpool brand again!

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one that is dissatisfied with Whirlpool's products. Three weeks ago I found my basement to be flooded and you could tell that it was from the hot water heater that was installed in 2005. The plumber changed the release valve. I thought that was it. This past Wednesday I go down the basement and find another flood. The plumber said pilot was not lit. The explanation was wind could have come down the chimney and blew out the pilot. Pilot was relighted and within 12 hours there's cold water again. I called the plumber again and said that the thermal coupling must have gone bad.

I went to Lowe's to get a replacement and found that Whirlpool is sending a free replacement but I would have to pay shipping. All well and good, but what do I do in the meantime for hot water? If Whirlpool made a mistake, why didn't they send the replacement parts to the businesses that sell their products? I guess that would be the simple solution; instead, they expect me to pay $30.00 for shipping and be without hot water. Well, let me tell you: I'm tired of this hot water heater. Whirlpool can go out of business for all I care because they don't stand behind their products. I'm going to buy myself a Rheem and I'm sure I'll be a lot happier. Need a new hot water heater? Don't get a Whirlpool!

I bought an electric hot water tank from Lowe's less than 3 months. No hot water so I called Whirlpool. They give me service dept over 150 miles away. They will not come. I need hot water and need help. The hot water tank is half way in the attic and half in the closet.

Whirlpool Hot Water Tank Thermocouple - This is the third thermocouple we have had to replace on this hot water tank in the last six years. Granted the part isn't that expensive, but the service call and replacement have cost us dearly. This is faulty tank and Whirlpool needs to recall this tank and replace them with new tanks. The price of this original tank and replacing this thermocouple three times has cost us over $800.00 total. I am not sure angry is the right word to describe our dissatisfaction with Whirlpool.

We have had this water heater for less than 5 years. It was purchased new from Lowe's. This is the second time we have had to replace the thermocouple and are told that we have to order the part from Whirlpool. Really? What do we do for hot water in the meantime? This is a very disappointing response from Whirlpool and Lowe's. I will never again purchase anything from either company. We had to buy a new heater today, pay for installation and permits. This is a rip-off by Whirlpool and Lowe's.

Thermocouple failure on a Whirlpool water heater - We are having trouble finding the part to replace it because the thermocouple is threaded left-handed, and Lowe's does not seem to have any replacements in stock locally. Meanwhile my tenants are without hot water, and my repair bill is escalating due to labor.

The Whirlpool hot water heater model ES80H123-45D from Lowe's is a free replacement for a lifetime warranty unit that went bad after 8 years. First heater would heat to 154 degrees with a setting of 150. Very good. New one heats to 140 degrees with a setting 150 degrees. Digital ESM screen on heater reads 150, but the water is only 140 by my temperature test. I talked to complaint line 5 times in 7 days and was told to do various test, but the temp never went past 140. They replaced both thermostats and temperature still never past 140 with ESM reading 150.

They first told me standard temperature was plus or minus 5 degree range. Then, they changed their minds and said it was 10 degrees. They are calibrating their equipment to operate 10 degrees less then their Energy Smart module reads to cover up a performance issue with their water heater. They say this unit will operate between 80 and 150 degrees—nothing's said about a plus or minus operating range. I will buy a new temperature gauge to see if my old one is correct. It was tested against a digital one a couple of years ago when I had a new dishwasher installed by Lowe's. The installers gauge read over 152 and mine read 154 degrees at the sink next to the new dishwasher, so it was close to accurate at that time. Whirlpool is happy with their under-performance.

I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater several years back with every bit of the 'Bells & Whistles' that Lowe's could bestow on it paid for and documented on the tank; "Limited Lifetime Warranty" and Lowe's Professional Installation. It failed after several years with multiple problems. First, the bottom heating unit failed at the same time, noticing a leak from the top heating unit's "external" cover where a supporting screw had popped out, leaking down to the floor.

Not only was the Whirlpool 800 number a scham of silence, with no estimated wait time and after approximately 20 minutes, a rep picks up as I could hear their legal department on an alternated line instructing and listening in, then dropping off when those crooks felt I had been placated enough to go onto to the next sucker. I have all Whirlpool Gold & KitchenAid Superba appliances in my kitchen and never thought I would be saying this but I will never purchase another Whirlpool Appliance or shop at Lowe's again!

I purchased and had professionals install a Whirlpool 30-gallon water heater in 2007. Since that time I have had issues with the unit not staying lite, but have been able to deal with it myself. Then in November 2011, it wouldn't work. After paying a plumber to come out and check everything, we got on the phone with Whirlpool who goes through their generic checklist, and after all that they agreed the control was no good. They sent a replacement part out at which time I had to pay to have put in. Now, March 2012, the same thing is going on with the unit. Customer service is their same polite self and have to go through their checklist, but unfortunately we were cut off.

This was followed by calls and trying to get the same operator, who was supposed to call me back. It didn't happen. I then called and was hung up on. Finally, I had to work with another operator who again wanted to go through her checklist! She finally agreed the same control unit must be bad and is sending me a new one so I can pay to have it installed! They will not admit the unit is bad and replace it completely. I guess when buying Whirlpool you need to understand they don't back their products. It appears to be normal that a control unit from Whirlpool only has a life expectancy of 3 or 4 months. Last Whirlpool I ever buy!

The pilot of my Whirlpool hot water heater (model FG1H5040T3NOV) suddenly went out and I called in a plumber to check it out. He managed to restart the pilot and we had hot water again, but it went out again within 12 hours. He mentioned that I would most likely need a part called a thermo coupling and I should start looking for it. Well, I found this site and read one of the positive reviews that provided the WP toll free number, so I called. Talk about great customer service! Ben was amazing he took down all my info and was very helpful. Even though the warranty expired years ago, he overnighted me the replacement parts I needed at no charge. And there's no charge for shipping either! My plumber is completely anti-Whirlpool HWHs and now he will change his mind when I tell him how efficient they are. I also hope he doesn't charge me a bundle to install the replacement part.

I bought Whirlpool water heater model #FG1H5040T3NOV about 5 years ago. Burner assembly was replaced two years ago and now, thermocouple was replaced yesterday.

We bought our house in December 2010 and the water heater (fg1f4034t3NOV) just started to give me fits. I had the same pilot light problems everyone else encountered. The person at the 877-251-1679 number gave me a good tip and that may have fixed the problem in the short-term. They told me there's a screen for venting on the bottom of the unit and to use a bottle brush after turning off the unit to clean the screen. I did this yesterday and the pilot light has stayed lit. I called the toll-free number and was told the water heater was out of warranty, but they could send me the part to fix the heater at half-price. I ordered it and they waived ground shipping. I hope to have the situation fixed soon. I'm very pleased with the level of service.

Whirlpool Water Heater FG1F4040S3NOV - I had this water heater installed in 2005 by a professional plumber and every year since like clockwork, I have to replace the gas control valve/thermostat. Last year, Sears came and did the work and made their arrangements to have the part replaced. This year 2012, March 9 my gas control valve went again. The unit is not even a year old and broke again. Unfortunately, the six-year warranty is up on the hot water tank. I called Whirlpool two times. The first time, the guy told me that the warranty was up and hung up on me! The second time, the guy would not honor the replacing of a part that is not even a year old yet. The money I spent over the six years making repair on it, I could have bought a new one. This company is nothing but a bunch of **. Is there anything that I can do? I have paid to replace this five years in a row.

I bought model N40S61-403 gas water heater. I had it installed, and then I came to find out that you cannot common vent with another power vented unit. I contacted Whirlpool 3 times, and got no help, other then it was hooked up wrong. The issue I have is that the water heater's pilot light puffs out when the furnace kicks on. These 2 items are common vented, in the installation guide. It does not say anything about common venting until page 11, and even then, it is not in bold or highlighted letters.

Now the unit's pilot light is going out without the furnace kicking on. Once again, I got no satisfaction from Whirlpool, other than it was hooked up wrong. I realize that I am the one who is ultimately responsible. Hopefully, they put something on the box, or earlier in the guide to warn novices, such as myself. As for Whirlpool, that will be the last product of theirs that I put in my home, and as soon as possible, I will be removing 3 other appliances during a kitchen remodel, and will replace them with a different brand.

Gas control not working. I have replaced the thermostat twice in three years. Now, the hot water tank pilot will not light. The igniter works; a new thermostat has been properly installed, and the pilot will not light. The gas is on, and the tank has functioned. I just want a new gas control.

My appliance is less than two years old, and it won't stop heating. I have to manually turn it up and down to heat water, which seems strange, since most or all of the complaints are because it won't stay lit. Mine stays lit (knock on wood). It won't shut off. A new thermostat costs $60.00 after two years? Please.

Whirlpool sent me a different part 3 times and hot water tank only work for a few weeks, then the pilot light goes back out. They never offered any more help.

In 2008, we also bought a Whirlpool 40 gallon gas hot water heater with flame lock, Model #BFG14040T3NOV. We too purchased from Lowe's. The plumber was here yesterday to replace the thermostat for the third time in 4 years. We also suffered through cold showers, warming water for dishes and sponge baths. We are in our 60's and are worn out arguing with these people. If there should be a class action law suit, you can count us in. It is not right to have such a faulty product out there by Whirlpool. This is still America, right?

Whirlpool Water Heater Purchased at Lowes - Like all the others I see on here. I Purchased a Whirlpool water heater at Lowes Model# BFG1H4040T3NOV. Pilot will not stay lit; customer service tells me to replace the thermocouple which did not solve my problem. This is the second time in 2 years same problem. First time it was fixed under warranty but now since it was replaced once it is not eligible for replacement so I now must decide if I want to pay someone to figure out the problem and I must pay to repair it or what I am starting to think is that I will likely junk it and buy a quality unit and be done with the games and run around and just have hot water, which is all I really want. I will never buy another Whirlpool product in my life and will encourage everyone I know to do the same.

I had a 14-year-old 40-gallon tank that was working great but I decided it was time to get it replaced. I picked out a Whirlpool 400-gallon tank stated to be good for a family of 3 to 4 people. Immediately after installation, I got complaints from family members that there was no enough hot water for morning showers. I turned up the thermostat to the maximum 140 degrees, but there was still wasn't enough hot water. The Whirlpool rep on the phone stated that 3 people can't take back-to-back showers. The unit wasn't designed for this.

I told him the unit is advertised for a family of 3 to 4 and I have only 3. I asked where on the advertisement does it state 3 people can't take back-to-back showers? His response was, "Where does it state you can?" I asked his name and he would not give it to me. If 3 people can't take showers on a unit stated to be for a family of 3 to 4, something is wrong. Maybe it should be advertised as suitable for a family of 1. I will not buy a Whirlpool product again and I advise others to take my advice, go elsewhere.

On 1/24/12, I replaced a 15 year old water heater that had started to leak after years of faithful service. The new Whirlpool unit heated water to a tepid level only, and that was obtainable only after running several faucets at a time, full bore. I used the product manual to trouble-shoot and was unable to find the problem, so I called Whirlpool customer service and was told that I would need to have a plumber come and and inspect the plumbing before a technician could be sent to check the water heater. I was not very happy about that, but complied. The next day, a plumber inspected the lines and fittings, tested the pressure and agreed that the problem was likely a faulty water heater. That cost me $95.00. I called Whirlpool again. This time, I was told that I should have had the plumber call Whirlpool while he was still at my home! The customer service representative agreed to authorize a service call, and I was given the phone numbers of three companies to choose from.

Apparently, I chose wrong. The plumber seemed experienced and was very friendly. He was at our home for about 40 minutes, made a cursory inspection and said the problem did indeed seem to be with the unit, and he would return to his office to contact Whirlpool and arrange for a replacement unit and he would call back. Tellingly, I realize in retrospect, he did not give me a receipt. After several hours, I called the company and was told Whirlpool had not yet called them, and if I did not hear from them soon, I should call Whirlpool myself. This seemed reasonable to me, and I did so, at which point I realized I had been lied to from the start. The Whirlpool representative said that the service technician stated that he had run an isolation test, obtained hot water from the water heater, advised the homeowner (me) that the problem was in the plumbing, and I possibly had 'crossed lines'. She also told me that the technician had said that he had difficulty making the homeowner understand what he was trying to explain. A complete and utter falsehood. I asked her how an isolation test was carried out, and that I would call the plumber to see what was going on, as this was not what we had been told. I was livid and called the plumbing company back just in case there was some honest mistake. Of course, there wasn't.

I would like Whirlpool to be made aware that the company that they contract with is disreputable and has a history of deceitful practices. I found many negative reviews, and in fact the sort of treatment I received seems to be their modus operandi, no receipt, never a call back, assure the customer their problem will be covered under warranty, misrepresent the the service performed. The reason I add this last statement is that at no time was the new water heater disconnected, drained, refilled and allowed to return to operating temperature; the so-called 'isolation test' a process which Whirlpool told me takes about two hours. This test did not take place. I previously stated that the technician was only at our home for forty minutes. There was no test of water temperature. I have since replaced my water heater with another brand--it works fine and there were no plumbing problems! I thought the name Whirlpool meant something. I have owned quite a few Whirlpool appliances over the years, in fact my new washing machine is Whirlpool.

But I am definitely disinclined to purchase this brand again. I am so disappointed with the service I received from Whirlpool, a huge waste of time and money, and I am out $95.00 for nothing. I think Whirlpool should reimburse me for this, as the original (honest) plumber was correct. My water heater was defective and should have been replaced at that time. If it had been, you would probably still have a customer.

I just bought a Whirlpool 50-gallon water heater from Lowe's because my old one took a turn for the worse. I brought it home, installed it just as the directions said, and immediately got an FVS fault detected code as soon as I plugged it in and tried to ignite it. This is by far the worst experience I have ever had with an appliance. And wouldn't you know it whirlpool service center is closed on weekends. What an absolute piece of trash. I'm draining it and taking it back ASAP. Lowe's and Whirlpool just lost my business for good.

I purchased a Whirlpool electric water heater in August of 2008. The unit had a 12-year warranty on the tank. On January 21, 2012, I discovered that the water heater sprung a leak somewhere in the tank shell; it's not the pressure relief valve, thermostat or anode port. The tank was never abused and operated well within its design limits. Not sure what caused it to start leaking into the catch pan and out onto my laundry room floor.

I purchased the tank at Lowe's and went for the longest tank warranty to reduce replacement intervals. I sent Whirlpool an email on 1/22/2012 explaining my problem and I referenced this site. The next day 1/23/2012 I receive a call from Whirlpool (Chris) asking me about my problem. I explained again and they gave me an RMA number and told me to go to Lowe's and they would replace my hot water heater. I went straight to Lowe's customer service and within an hour I was on my way home with a brand new hot water heater. Thank you, Chris, Whirlpool and Lowe's. I am very happy with my outcome on this issue.

I have Whirlpool 40 gallon heater 5 years ago. The pilot light went out and I replaced the parts. This has happened three times and I have replaced the entire thermocouple assembly three times. The last time, the parts came straight from Whirlpool. This time, the pilot light will not stay lit. I am on my way to buy another hot water heater for my family because I have had enough.

I bought my home four years ago with a Whirlpool 50-gallon water heater in it. It was installed in December 2002. Well, my hot water went out. After being told I could go to Lowe's because they would supply the part free of charge because there was a recall on the thermocouple unit. I went to Lowe's. No luck there. They told me they didn't carry the whole replacement unit and I would need a number from Whirlpool. The guy at Lowe's was very nice but said I was the fifth person to come in this week.

I called Whirlpool and was told because I was not the homeowner that had purchased the item that there was no warranty on the product and that I would have to pay for the part. It cost $34.98 plus shipping, which was another $30.00 because I had it shipped overnight. Two days with no hot water was enough. Well, I got the part and hopefully there is nothing wrong with it as it was shipped in a box twice as big as needed with no packing what so ever.

I just got off the phone with them again but this time spoke with a supervisor that told me there was no need for packing. There was no part of the entire assembly that could have been damaged. Will I ever buy anything with the Whirlpool name on it? Not only no, but ** no! Will I tell everyone I know about this? You bet. I am also going to write to Lowe's and ask why they are continuing to sell inferior appliances such as these. I have to tell one realtor friend about this and just placed a call to another to tell him. The first had no idea that appliances that were marked still under warranty did in fact have no warranty at all if it's a Whirlpool. I may write a letter to the editor of our local newspaper and hope that they will publish it to inform anyone reading the paper about these inferior products.

We bought a whirlpool water heater about two and a half years ago and started having problems with the pilot light going out. The gas company said that these have been recalled but he was wrong it's the 2005 year. Sure we will have to buy a new water heater soon.

I have a Whirlpool gas water heater that failed after only three years of operation. My previous water heater in the same spot lasted 18 years. The problem is a defective thermo coupler design that burns out if a filter you can't access isn't cleaned every three months.

I bought a Whirlpool water heater not even 3 years ago, and I am already replacing parts; thermostat,thermocouple, and as of yet, no fix. We contacted Whirlpool, and they said that everything has been tried, and if the thermocouple doesn't fix it, we'll have to hire a plumber at our expense. It's kinda ridiculous. The water heater that we replaced, had been in the home for almost 17 years.This one didn't even make it to 4.

First of all, I want to thank all of you who took the time to write all your comments. You have helped educate me in many ways. For one thing, I had no idea that Whirlpool made such bad appliances, or at least water heaters. I pretty much grew up in a Whirlpool household. But that was a long time ago. Things change.

Anyway, I too bought a Whirlpool from Lowe's about four years ago. It was the top of the line 50 gallon energy saver, and it has had problems staying lit for the whole time I have owned it. Because I read your comments before contacting Whirlpool (this time), I knew exactly what to expect. And that is what I got at first--someone trying to "sell" me parts via shipping costs. I said no to that, and a rep called and offered to replace the unit, which is exactly what Whirlpool should have done for all of you.

I am writing this out of courtesy for Whirlpool. They did the right thing for me, and I truly do appreciate that. On the other hand, Lowe's wants $700 to deliver and install the new unit. I live seven miles from the store. They set my other water, the Whirlpool I purchased from them, up in my garage. It is extremely easy to get to, and it is all up to code. In other words, even though they sold me a defective product and profited from both the sale and the delivery, they now want to do it all over again by charging so much for the set up. They did not even offer to prorate the new install.

Of course, I will hire and pay a certified plumber to do the job, but I am very sorry to lose Lowe's. I have always enjoyed shopping there. Home Depot is just across the street, and even though I have learned not to purchase a water heater, or any major appliance there either, I will go there from now on. Losing my business might not worry Lowe's a whole lot, but two years ago I bought $5,000 worth of fencing from them, and God knows how much over the years. If you and I and all the thousands of other unhappy customers would stop going there, they might feel a bit sorry for doing us all so dirty. Agreed? Thanks again, you guys.

Home owner bought a whirlpool water heater from Lowe's. After the first year, the pilot started going out frequently. Tenants were left with no hot water repeatedly over weekends, etc. Changed numerous thermo-couplers, cleaned the screen below, but it continued to happen. I've paid plumbers for several service calls, which amounts the cost in excess of the price of the water heater.

I apparently am one of the lucky ones to have an electric water heater. My unit started giving me failure codes during the Christmas holidays. Each time it would fail, I would get a different failure code indicating the upper element, the lower element, and a sensor failure. After testing all 3 of these components, it was determined to be a controller issue. After speaking with Chris on the phone, he overnighted a new controller to me. I installed the new controller and had no more failures. Hot showers for New Years! Thank you Chris.

I have had a Whirlpool hot water tank now for about 7 years and all I have had out of it is trouble. It wasn't even a year old and I was putting a thermocouple in it a few months later I put another one in it. All I do is put thermocouples in it. I have saved the old ones. This heater is a piece of junk and I am the one who's paying the price for it. I just put a thermocouple in it on January 9, 2012 and I am putting another one in it on January 15, 2012. I have replaced all parts and it still does it. They are going to buy me a new one someday. I'm tired of this. This should not be happening. They are ripping people off. If the pilot light does not light, you have to replace the thermocouple in it.

My 4-year old water heater has upper/lower sensor issues for the fourth time this year. The rep was supposed to send replacement parts to arrive today (day four with no hot water), but the wrong ones were shipped. A different rep called and offered to exchange the unit for a new one. The expense to me will be $350-$450 for the plumber to uninstall my unit, take it to Lowe's and bring the new one back to install. The plumber suggested I take my $450 and just buy a new non-Whirlpool unit. He knew immediately that I had a Whirlpool hot water heater because it's the most common repaired vendor.

Whirlpool should be covering this expense for re-installation of their inferior product. Poor customer service. Day 4 with no hot water during the holidays with no solution in sight short of me purchasing a new hot water heater. Whirlpool finally got the right parts to me and I paid a plumber $190 to install. One week to the day later, my pilot light will not stay lit. No change in ventilation since it has been installed. I will say I have been dealing with their rep Chris on the phone who is extremely nice and I feel sorry for him. But we all have the exact same issue which is not being resolved.

I bought a 40-gallon hot water heater in November 2007. First problem I had with it was in 2009 when the pilot wouldn't stay lit. They sent me a requisition number to take to Lowe's to pick up the part (igniter) and gave me a service number to give to the plumber to fix it. Plumber actually told me these heaters were junk and this wasn't the last problem I'd have. Last Sunday (January 2012)--here we go again. Pilot went out and won't stay lit. Whirlpool is telling me it's because I have a draft. Yeppers, that must be it because after they had me (arthritic 53-year old) and my disabled husband performing circus acts trying to relight it, then it was the filter on the bottom, then it was a draft. Last time I tried to light, which really someone as blind and disabled as me shouldn't be doing anyway, I about blew up. I hate getting ** by big corps. I filed a complaint with state Attorney General.

If that doesn't work, hell, I think I'll take both Whirlpool and Lowe's to small claims court. What do I have to lose? $35? Their fancy-schmancy lawyers will probably charge them a couple grand for their efforts. I'm sick and tired of getting the short end of the stick. Since when is a hot water tank supposed to last a mere 4 years? Oh, by the way, Whirlpool says it's all on me now--we'll see about that. First of all, both of these chumps just lost a customer and I Facebooked by friends about this pleasant experience plus included a link to this page. Consequences are all mine, I guess. It's pretty swell bathing in a sink full of water that you heated on the stove. I don't have any money because I'm too busy giving it all to big insurance and big pharma right now. What a country!

A Whirlpool hot water heater in an apartment I own would not stay lit. A plumber came to service and told me I needed a part from Whirlpool and that no one in town carried them. I called Whirlpool and after providing all information about the unit, she informed me that she would not send me the part because the serial number was not registered in my name. I explained to her that I purchased the building and did not install the water heater that a prior owner had installed it. All I wanted was a repair part.

The Whirlpool rep refused to sell me a part unless I could provide a bill of sale where I purchased the tank. The part cost $41 which I was more than happy to pay for regardless of any warranty coverage. I have an obligation to provide services to my tenants. Being unable to repair the tank for a problem which appears to be commonplace for this brand, I had to replace with a new tank at a cost of $1380.00.

This machine has continual upper sensor failure for the past few years. Whirlpool sent me a new control module, but after few months, I experienced the same problem. I regret not looking online before I bought this unit, and assumed that Whirlpool was a reputable brand! I will never buy Whirlpool again. Whirlpool will lose business, and eventually be out of business (how can they get away with this for so long?), and many people will lose their jobs. Everyone that I know will be informed about Whirlpool.

My whirlpool water heater gas would not keep the polite light lite. I have a contract with the gas company to cover repairs. He was just out and said mine had a recall on it and to call whirlpool to get the part. This part is the burner which I didn't think the problem but he said it had to be done. So I called. They said it was not a recall but are overnighting me the part at no cost then the repair man will come back and install the burner and the igniter. The polite light would not stay lite. So whirlpool 877-817-6750 for parts no complaint.

This is an ongoing problem since 2007. I replaced product one time. It ran good for about two years but now it's back to the same problem, pilot light goes out. Repairman charged me $95 just to come out and tell me some switch was tripped but pilot light keeps going out about once a week. I'm fed up. Something needs to be done with the traps and Whirlpool for keeping on selling this junk.

On December 21, it became clear that I needed to replace our 13-year old Rheem water heater. We decided to buy one from Lowe's, 36 miles away and have a handy man install it. He installed the new Whirlpool 50 gal gas water heater with a 12-year warranty on Friday, the 22nd, but could not get it to stay lit. He called Whirlpool to troubleshoot. They said it could be one of two parts and that they would ship the parts on the Monday after Christmas. He asked who would install and they recommended a local plumber. He called that plumber but they indicated they did not do Whirlpool warranty work and would have to charge.

On Monday, I called Whirlpool and was assured the parts would be shipped that day for overnight delivery. I confronted them about the local plumber not doing their warranty work so they set up an appointment with a company called A&E for Wednesday morning. On Tuesday morning, I called Whirlpool to get the tracking number on the parts and was told that they did not get shipped on Monday as promised but would be shipped that day, arriving by the end of the day Wednesday, too late for the appointment for installation.

By Tuesday night, my wife got on this site and was appalled to read the numerous identical complaints. I decided that Wednesday morning that I would hire a plumber to remove the Whirlpool and install another so we would not have a lifetime of problems from Whirlpool. The plumber installed a different water heater. It started right up and we have had no problems since. I got an R or RA number from Whirlpool which I think they only gave me because the parts had not arrived on time and I returned the piece of ** to Lowe's for a refund. Lowe's has a seven-day return policy of these.

We have a 4-year-old Flame Lock Whirlpool 40 Gal short water heater purchased from Lowes.

In March of 2011, the pilot kept going out in the unit. We called the 800 number and went through cleaning the screen under the unit and other things. This did not fix the issue. We called back and they decided to send us a new thermal couple. After installing it, the unit worked fine until November of 2011. At this time, the pilot started going out again; some times overnight and some times three or four days later.

On December 23rd, we called Whirlpool back and after dealing with a very rude male representative, he finally said that it was the gas valve and sent us a new one out. I installed the new valve and now the pilot goes out every time the burner shuts off. They gave us a phone number and we contacted a certified WP plumber. The first thing he said when he got there is that they will work on them but do not recommend installing one to anyone. He looked at things and everything is installed per code and there has to be something wrong with the thermal couple again. He called WP on the unit and informed them of this. Their response was that it is because of poor air ventilation around the heater. How was everything fine for four years then for six months?

Nothing has changed, the plumber informed us that WP is losing money on these water heaters big time and they are not wanting to do anything to help the customer out. I own several rental properties and will not be buying any Whirlpool product in the future.

I purchased a 50 Gal. Whirlpool gas water heater on Saturday, 12/31 to replace a 20-yr old unit that had failed. The unit was installed that day and it started right up but I noticed the burner had gone out about an hour later and the status light indicated FV Sensor Lockout. I tried calling Whirlpool but their customer service was closed. I tried troubleshooting myself using manuals and Internet forums without success. Everything I could find indicated that an FV Sensor failure could not be repaired and would require replacement parts. I called Lowe's and was told they could not help me and I would need to talk to Whirlpool.

I called Whirlpool again Sunday, 1/1, but they were closed again for the Holiday. I called two plumbers and both told me that the Whirlpool units were problematic and that if they did come out, there would be little they could do except charge me a lot of money and recommend parts to order as Whirlpool does not let them stock parts. Both plumbers also suggested that I consider buying another brand.

So I went to Home Depot and purchased another brand with similar specs. I installed it that day and it fired up right away and has been running fine ever since.

I talked to Whirlpool on Monday, 1/2, and they told me they would not issue an RMA for a unit that they considered usable. They also told me there was an FV Sensor reset procedure that they would have walked me through had I been able to talk to them that would have bypassed the sensor until a replacement could be installed. I told them that if they would publish this procedure in their manuals or on the Internet, I would have certainly done that. I'm now fighting with both Whirlpool and Lowe's to get a resolution to this problem. I'm not sure about other Whirlpool products but their Water heaters seem to be very problematic.

I have had nothing but problems with Whirlpool. I may have spent $700 getting this thing repaired, mainly with the pilot light going out. It's ridiculous. I am shopping for a new one now.

My 4-year old water heater has upper/lower sensor issues for the fourth time this year. Rep was supposed to send replacement parts to arrive today (day four with no hot water), but the wrong ones were shipped. A different rep called and offered to exchange the unit for a new one. The expense to me will be $350-$450 for the plumber to uninstall my unit, take it to Lowe's and bring the new one back to install. Plumber suggested I take my $450 and just buy a new non-Whirlpool unit. He knew immediately that I had a Whirlpool hot water heater because it's the most common repaired vendor. Whirlpool should be covering this expense for re-installation of their inferior product. Poor customer service. Day 4 with no hot water during the Holidays with no solution in sight short of me purchasing a new hot water heater.

I have received two bad Whirlpool Water Heaters from Lowe's. In the course of a few years, I have received two defective heaters (new). One was even a replacement for one several years old that had failed. Lowe's insists that you call an 800 number where someone that speaks poor English tells you that you have done something wrong. I am returning the water heater to Lowe's, and purchase a water heater elsewhere. This is a perfect example of how sometimes something that is initially cheaper is not the better value.

I bought an American US Craftmaster water heater in October 2006. I have paid a plumber 3 different times to work on this and the pilot light will not stay lite. I used the replacement parts they sent, followed their technicians directions over the phone, etc. Nothing seems to work. Christmas was not pleasant at my house this year. I'm still taking cold showers.

My Whirlpool Gas water heater, with 12 year warranty, purchased in 2008, continues to be plagued, for the 4th time this year, by an upper and lower sensor failure. A replacement part is on its way, so I can pay the plumber to install it. The representatives were lovely on the phone, but reading the other reviews, it appears it will not resolve my non-functioning water heater. I have had no hot water since Christmas eve.

On Christmas eve, the pilot light went out for the second time in less than a year. I had the gas control unit changed less than a year ago with the same problem. Given that this is a well-known design flaw, I really felt like I was treated rudely when I called Whirlpool. I have a house full of Whirlpool appliances, but never again.

I purchased a Whirlpool Electric Water Heater in September of 2008. The unit had a 12-year warranty on the tank and on December 24th 2011, I discovered that the water heater sprung a leak somewhere in the tank shell; not the pressure relief or thermostat or anode port. The tank was never abused and operated well within its design limits. It is simply a piece of junk that lasted about 27% of its expressed life.

I purchased the tank at Lowe's and went for the longest tank warranty to reduce replacement intervals. I shall never purchase anything with a Whirlpool affiliation. The model number is EE3J40RDO45V with serial number 0741106580.

This is my second Whirlpool hot water heater. Lowe's had agreed to replace the first defective one and even installed it (after I had the small claims court papers prepared). This new and improved one only lasted 8 months when the same issue came up again with the pilot light not coming on and some electrical valve inside the mechanism going out. It happened at 12-22 late at night right before the holiday weekend.

Lowe's is trying to get the part and will send a technician out today (supposedly). Once again, Whirlpool has produced junk in the non-union plant in rural Tennessee using cheap electronics produced in China and refuses to stand by their products. Warning to the world... Beware of anything made and sold by Whirlpool in various brand names. They are all garbage!

We been having the same issues as all of the people that have consumed the water heater. We have replaced the pilot more than 3 times and other parts of this water heater! Well, we are a family of 9 and the only way we can shower is by heating up water like everyone that has the same issue.So I would never recommend this (Whirlpool) water heater to anyone!

I purchased at Lowes and they say was without warranty. I have had all kinds of trouble. The pilot light was replaced in the burner easily because of recall. Now the pilot will not stay lighted unless you tap on the gas valve. Then as soon as the water temperature comes up, the burner and the pilot light go out. I went to Lowes for a new gas valve. They have one for natural gas of $58. They do not stock for propane. I have to purchase from Whirlpool which costs $228. Their comment is that it is more expensive to build another. They do not change offices any longer because of PSi difference bull crap. I purchased a Whirlpool gas stove 2 to 3 years ago and I had to purchase an LP change over kit to use it. This is nothing but a case price extortion. I will never purchase another Whirlpool product again and I would advise no one else either!

I ran out of hot water so I checked and found a pool of water under the water heater and the burner running. I turned off the water and gas to the water heater. I called Lowes that referred me to Whirlpool that thought it was condensation and I was responsible for the service call. I called a plumber. I am now waiting for an answer. Lowes and Whirlpool are not much help.

Note that most of the complaints are about gas water heaters, but the electric water heaters don't seem to be much better. Mine, barely made 4 yrs old and both elements and thermostat went. Had plumbers in for estimates in to repair - much cheaper to install a new one (No...not a Whirlpool!). Very disappointed in the product.

I purchased the hot water tank from Lowes 3 years for over $500.00 within the first year, I experienced issues. I have the same pilot light problems as everybody else. I have hired a plumber four or 5 times to clean and blow everything out as instructed by Whirlpool. The hot water heater will not stay lit. The plumber has replaced every part possible two times. Customer service continues to inform me to do this and that and everything has already been done. I am without hot water again with children in the house. Once again, we are boiling hot water so that we can bathe--total inconvenience. This product is defective, and has cost me money to hire a plumber each time. I would never recommend this product to anyone!

I have the same pilot light problems as everybody else. I pulled the burner unit out, and cleaned, and blew everything out, and took a wire brush to the openings on the floor of the unit. I called customer service, and was asked about ventilation. I didn't mention that the heater still didn't work, even when the door to the tin water heater was removed, so venting is not the likely culprit. She authorized a repair that will likely do nothing from the comments I see.

The real problem with their customer service, is the apparent stupidity of the computer system. She asked me for the model and ID number. I had to cut through the extra insulation blanked on the tank to get it. However, when I gave it to her, she then asked me if I was ** and if I live at **. If this information was already in the computer, why couldn't there be a search by my name and address, to get the model and serial number. Obviously, I had registered the water heater in the past. Isn't being able to get this information the reason to register in the first place?

Now, I have to replace the extra insulation, all because of a stupid inability to create the necessary searches in their customer database. Yes, I could have written the numbers down, but why have the customer registration at all, if it isn't to be used for anything, other than data mining of the customer base.

I purchased a new gas water heater and had it installed by a plumber. It worked for 3 weeks then we lost hot water. I called the 877 number and got shoveled around to 3 or 4 people. I got hung up on twice then spent 45 minutes repeating all the instructions that are on the tank to relight the pilot light. They agreed to send a new valve. The first time, I never received the valve (after 10 days) and had to call back. The second time I called in, I spent 20 minutes trying to get another valve sent. The valve I, finally, received had plumbers dope on the back and clearly was previously used. Had the original plumber replace the faulty valve?

And lo and behold, the second valve didn't work either. I have no idea why a gas water heater would have any issues after 3 weeks. I bought it brand new from Lowe's. It is obvious that Whirlpool makes shoddy products. They have very poor customer service and care little for the customers' time either in correcting the problem or being without hot water. I have spent over 2 hours with Whirlpool. Only to 3 weeks after the initial call, I still do not have hot water from a heater that is less than 2 months old! I called them on the issue of the second valve not working and they put me on hold (after 10 minutes the line went dead and I was disconnected) despite the fact I asked them not to do that!

Bought a Whirlpool E Smart unit for $554 at Lowe's in 1/08. Pilot went out 3/10 and after numerous attempts, several weeks w/out hot water parts shipped by Whirpool and efforts that I paid for with plumbers Lowe's took pity on me and replaced the unit. Same problem started yesterday 12/11/11, when the pilot went out and wouldn't restart. The tech at Whirlpool had me disconnected wires, gas tubes (now blow in it) etc that after an hour concluded a needed a new control unit. Here we go again! I told him I didn't expect to have to service their product and he smartly told me that "everything requires maintenance" and how "since the government required we add safety features we have had lots of issues".

I shared with him that their design flaws were not my concern and if the government mandated changes to their product it certainly didn't speak well for their reputation. He suggested that my gas lines might be to blame and that junk in the gas lines clogs their units. I asked him why they didn't engineer in a filter that could easily be changed by the owner and his training must not have included an answer for that one. These units are clearly defective and by the posts here would suggest a class action lawsuit would be easily pursued. Sign me up and I will never by whirlpool products again. As for now, no hot water and I am trying to figure out if I should give up on the initial investment. The time and lack of hot water are taking their toll on me and my family.

I am experiencing problems with keeping my pilot lit too. I checked the screen and this is not the issue. I have just returned from Lowe's where I purchased the water heater and they informed me Whirlpool supplied kits for this issue and it was widespread. They mentioned a class action and went on to tell me they and all surrounding Lowe's stores are out of the free kit and aren't expecting anymore. Am I to feel lucky my water heater water didn't fail sooner only to feel unlucky all of the free repair kits are now gone? Lowe's provided me with the Whirlpool phone number for help and they have just informed me it will cost me $35.44 plus shipping. I now see how widespread this problem is. This isn't right. I am very disappointed in the handling of this known problem! What is my next course of action?

So it started okay, but I am disappointed in how my issue has been handled, which is part of my fault. After having a plumber to my house, he mentioned I would have to contact Whirlpool directly to get the replacement part. I contacted Whirlpool and they sent me the part overnight (good for Whirlpool). I also posted the issue, asking for reimbursement for the plumbing cost since Whirlpool knew there was an issue (proof is the "soft recall"). I got a call from Chris asking if I was satisfied after having receiving the part (good for Whirlpool).

But I didn't think to ask him while I was on the phone for the refund of paying a plumber to come to my house twice. Since I don't have Chris's number, I sent an email back to the customer service account asking my question. That was a week ago now and I haven't heard back. And even when I do, I don't expect they will own up to their mistakes and make it right by paying my plumbing bill ($200 combined for both visits).

I have had a plumbing company work on my Whirlpool water heater three times in the last two months. On the third visit, he told me all the problems customers have had with Whirlpool water heaters. I decided to call Whirlpool for warranty purposes. The unit is three years old. I was told that it was the gas valve, and I was given a free one from Lowe's.

After installing the new valve, it still did not work properly. After troubleshooting with a technician, I was told it was the orifice. I have had to do all the labor myself, and I don't know how long this is going to go on. I have heard Whirlpool will continue to give you the runaround (from the plumbing company and Lowe's salesmen) and will continue to give you the runaround and not replace the unit. They are wearing me down. I have been without hot water for three weeks with no end in sight.

I am ready to give up and just buy another water heater but certainly not a Whirlpool.

Whirlpool will have you doing repair on their products. That could cost you, if you can't, or don't know how to. Until you make all the repairs, you're still out of hot water, even after the gas company says the problem is not with the pressure. Now, we are back to making more repairs, and time is still ticking. It's been 3 months now. I guess they're going to keep dancing me around for the 3 years on warranty.

Their water heater is the worst ever! I will never buy another Whirlpool product. We purchased our water heater on January 17, 2010. We had to have the entire electronic system replaced in August 2011, including the lower element, control unit, thermisol, and electronic. Now, just a few short months later, the system is not working again, plus, the containment unit failed, flooding our basement. When we called Whirlpool, we were treated callously and rudely. Now, we have to pay to have the old unit removed, and a new one installed (they told us to "throw it in our trunk and return it to Lowe's", as if). Why did we pay to have this "warranty" when both the product, and the warranty are junk? Never, ever again! While I'm at it, I should add that our range, and refrigerator are also made by Whirlpool, and those too, are pieces of junk. I guess we're bucking up, and scheduling a new installation. If there are any further problems, I will be contacting an attorney.

Pilot light will not lit. I called Whirlpool. They said they could ship me a replacement for $34 or I could go to Lowe's and get one for free. Lowe's said they were out of type C kits and they have not received replacement kits for 6 months. Lowe's informed me about the recall for this part. If it's a defective part, Whirlpool should be sending this to me for free. I will not be buying a Whirlpool water heater next time.

Whirlpool has at all times supplied the parts but denied that the parts are "technically faulted." Whirlpool has further rejected all requests to refund me for defective product. The major consequences have been an unreliable water heater. There were periods without hot water. Time was spent involving undertaking repairs.

My family has been without hot water for two weeks. We have the same water heater, we have been to Lowe's where we were told the recalled parts were no longer available, unless we wanted to drive 3 1/2 hours to Arkansas to get it. Whirlpool wants to give me a "free" part for $36.00 worth of shipping and handling! All the local suppliers say I have to go through Lowe's, or the manufacturer. I don't want to give whirlpool another dime. This has been a fiasco. How much more can a company disrespect their customer, than to make us pay for a faulty product replacement? It is unacceptable. This is ridiculous. It is December, and I have a family of 7, including a child in a wheelchair.

I own an FG flame lock water heater and have been having the same problems with the pilot light not staying lit. This is very frustrating! I have searched many websites and am not able to find a replacement thermocouple for the stupid thing. Also, I have been told that the parts for the type of water heater that I own is no longer available. I tried to call the Whirlpool number a handful of times, but unfortunately, I was on hold the entire time and could not speak with a rep.

I guess that explains all of the complaints I have read on here. I would like to be contacted or have help from someone regarding this matter! I would not recommend this product to anyone and I am very dissatisfied!

Similar to what I am reading below and on other sites, my hot water heater stopped working. I spent about an hour trying to relight the pilot light, which apparently you can't do with this model because it breaks. My first thought and action was to call a plumber to come fix it. When he arrived he said it was reverse thread and that I would have to call Lowe's to get a replacement part.

When I called Lowe's they said they would call Whirlpool and then give me a call back. Two days later I still haven't heard back or taken a shower; I am going to the gym tonight. Finally, I got online and called the 800-number and am being sent a part to arrive tomorrow. I asked to be reimbursed for the cost of the plumber since they obviously knew they had a problem (they assumed why I was calling the warranty line) and redesigned the issue with a voluntary recall. Whirlpool, please make this right. I know you license your name to American but it is still your name and brand reputation.

I purchased a rental home with a Whirlpool hot water heater. In the home inspection, it was deemed to be in good working order. The first day the tenant moved in, I received 3 service calls for no hot water. My contractor told me I needed to replace the start up assembly and it needed to be ordered from Whirlpool directly, as it is not available in stores. When I contacted Whirlpool Customer Service, the operator, Stacey, was rude and unhelpful. She told me that the warranty was void because I was not the original owner, even though it does not state that the warranty is not transferable. She also told me she could not help me order a replacement part without the item number.

It's a piece of ** warranty through Whirlpool and Lowe's! You want me to pay for a warranty part on a faulty unit? Shame on you! You don't even have enough replacement kits for replacement **F. Left hand thread on your thermocouple? **? This is a total joke in my book!

I purchased a 50 gallon Whirlpool water heater, model FG1J5040T3, in November, 2005, and have had the same experience as reported by the hundreds of others, whose comments I have been reading. Basically, pilot won't stay lit. I called Whirlpool, relight the heater, when it doesn't relight, wait to receive repair parts, call a plumber, and pay to have them install it, then repeat same problems. Each time going for a week or so, without hot water.

After relighting the heater 10 times in the past year, and service calls, Whirlpool authorized me yesterday to return it to Lowe's, and get a replacement. I need to hire a plumber to unhook it, haul it to Lowes, get the new one, and install it. It cost me about $300 to $400. Will the replacement be any better? I am considering just replacing the heater with one made by Rheem.

I bought a Whirlpool water heater in March, 2008. Last time (not sure if it's last year or 2 years ago), I had an issue of the water not heating. They have someone came in to replace a part. Recently a humming sound (scary one) keeps on coming on from time to time. It took me some days to find where the sound is coming from, and there it is, my fairly new whirlpool water heater.

They said it has something to do with the orifice. Since I am not a handyman, they recommended a service guy to come in, and I have to pay. I wonder how much more I have to spend on this heater? Yes I'm saving gas consumption, but it will be spent for service anyway, and I have the added bonus of frustration. It is not worthy having it. I spent $1,400 for the heater and labor.

It looks like I have the exact same problem as everyone else. Purchased an "Energy Smart" Whirlpool water heater at Lowe's. Now I need a new controller. Hope they send me the "non-catching fire" type of controller.

I am going to predict that the company will provide a "response" that says something like" "Hey, we really want to help you get your hot water back! Just contact us privately so we can discuss this without everyone being able to see what we tell you to do." So far we are just out of hot water while we went through their "diagnostics." They told me that this often happens and the best way to fix it is to let the hot water run in the shower for 20 minutes, then hold down the reset button on the controller for 5 seconds, and do that every time I experience this problem. I hope mine doesn't catch fire. Fire is bad.

After Hurricane Katrina, six years ago, the gas water heater in my house had to be replaced due to the house getting flooded. For the past six years, the pilot light and/or igniter for the gas water heater has had to be replaced if not once a year, twice a year because it will not stay lit. Each time, Whirlpool would send a new igniter and/or pilot light part and would reimburse me the cost of labor to have the part(s) replaced.

Now, after six years and exhausted of fighting with Whirlpool to stand behind their product and make it right, they are finally giving me an authorization to get a new gas water heater. However, now they are telling me they will not cover the cost of labor for replacing the entire water heater. My plumber will have to pull the defective water heater out of my house, take it to Lowe's, pick up the new water heater and install it in my home. And I'm supposed to accept their not paying for the labor of replacing their faulty water heater?

I questioned this and told Whirlpool they paid for labor for the parts to be replaced for the past six years. Whirlpool then said they would pay up to $100. This is not acceptable. I was reimbursed more than $100 for the labor to replace a part that fits in a shoe box. (Multiply $100+ times 6. They paid more than $600 over the past six years.) The cost to replace an entire water heater, picking it up from the store included, will cost more than $200, if not $300! I would not have to pay anything if the Whirlpool product was not defective!

I told the manager I was speaking with at Whirlpool I wanted to speak with his boss or someone who had more authority than he did. He refused. I asked him, "Was he telling me 'no' I could not speak with someone above him? " He finally said he would have someone call me.

I believe I should be reimbursed for the entire amount of labor to replace the water heater since the water heater is a defective product and I have to have it replaced not by my choice but out of necessity and safety. If it is defective in one area, who is to say in trying to light the pilot light, one day it will not do something worse than just not light up. What if it decides to explode? Defective is defective and I feel my family is in danger from a defective product and it should be replaced at the cost of Whirlpool not mine.

We purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater approximately 4-5 years ago and have had problems with the pilot staying lit. I contacted Whirlpool and their trouble shooting included doing a draft test (I am a teacher not a plumber) and removing the closet door that houses the unit. I am very frustrated by this entire ordeal and would like if they would replace the entire unit. At this point I don't want another Whirlpool product. The plumber made a service call at 12 noon and by 3:30 we had luke warm water and by 6:00 pm the water was ice cold! I will never recommend any Whirlpool products.

I purchased a 50-gallon Whirlpool natural gas water heater (12 year warranty) from Lowe's approx 2.5 years ago. Just before Thanksgiving, the pilot light started going out once a day, then twice a day. Now, I can light the pilot light in Pilot mode but as soon as I release the red button, the flame goes out. I called Whirlpool and received phone troubleshooting support resulting in a recommendation to pick up a new thermocoupler from Lowe's which I did.

While searching for someone to install (unfortunately I'm not that handy), I ran into the thousands of complaints filed about the very same problem I'm having over a number of years and right up to today's date. I called Whirlpool back and got the same song and dance. They'd be happy to help me troubleshoot if I can get the required meters etc. to test devices, do draft tests, etc. They claimed the problems were fixed with the newer model that I have but certainly can't explain why I have exactly the same issue. What they are not willing to do is stand behind their product and get me hot water. Tried calling Lowe's and got the response that I have to deal with Whirlpool.

It appears that this newer BFG model is just as flawed as the older model and the warranty is pretty much worthless other than getting a few parts. I used to think that Whirlpool products were reasonably good, however, I will never purchase another.

The 12 year warranty, means nothing. The heater only worked for 30 months, and then its upper sensor fault code flashes, and the heater shut down. I called Whirlpool, and they have me use an ohm meter to help troubleshoot the problem. So if you are not handy, you are out of luck. They decided it was my control unit that is defective. They will send me the part free, but I have to pay shipping and installation. What a deal, and what kind of management would dream up of this. The heater is marketed as a 12 year warranty model (only on the tank). Would anyone, having been through this, buy another Whirlpool product?

I bought 40 gallon gas water heater in June 2004 and had to have it worked on twice, costing more than I paid for it. I am replacing it now because pilot light will not stay on, and it is currently out of warranty, and I have no faith that "simple" repair will hold more than 1 year stint. Customer service was attentive but product itself failed to meet expectations.

After reading endless stories regarding Whirlpool water heaters, I ended up here and read numerous complaints and every company response had the same message from Chris-- "Go to whirlpoolwaterheaters.com/help". I went to the website and called the number (877) 251-1679. I spoke with the most helpful gentleman (Lenny) who helped me troubleshoot some things and even called me back to inquire regarding success and gave me other tips to check if the problem occurs again.

I keep replacing thermocouples due to the pilot light going out and not able to restart. Whirlpool has sent out parts including the upgrade kit. I would like Whirlpool to replace the entire unit. It has a twelve year warranty.

My Whirlpool water heater had to be replaced. I got a new water heater, and filed a complaint against Chris from your company. Talked to Chris, and he requested for paperwork on the old warranty. I tried to send it through fax number 1 800 999 9210, but got no response. Chris, please reply with the fax number so I can send the info you requested

Water heater is crap. Worked on three times in three years and still does not work right.

I had an addition added to my home in 9/2007, which included a new bathroom. A whirlpool hot water tank was added. This week, I woke up to no hot water, so I called the whirlpool customer number regarding the warranty on the model FG1F4034T3NOV. T hey told me the serial number shows it's out of warranty, although I may have only had it since 2007. They also said there was a screen that needed to be clean under the bottom of, it that if not clean, would make it stop working.

Since homeowners where not cleaning it, they have made a replacement door part that would fix it, and do away with the problem, but I would have to pay $35 for it. I asked them, since the serial number shows that the part has not been replaced on this unit, why not just send it to me, and I pay to have it put on. The person said no, you will have to pay for it if I wanted the part to fix it . Although my builder did not give me the receipt for it, that's just not right.

If a manufacturer knows they are having problems with their product, which require a part replacement, and they have produced one, they should be willing to give the part to everyone with the product that request it. On top of that, this model has the left hand threaded thermocouple, which no one around seems to carry. I am totally disappointed with Whirlpool, and right now would not consider buying, or have any more of their products installed into my home.

I purchased the Energy Smart Gas Water Heater about a year and a half ago, intending to install right away as part of our upgrades. Just now, I was able to install this replacement to our 30-year-old water heater that was showing problems. When trying to start the unit, I kept getting the response that the lower sensor unit failed. We contacted plumbing companies. We were told they would not work on any Whirlpool models purchased from Lowe's, because they were the worst hot water heater ever made. I called Whirlpool support. They wouldn't put me through to a tech support person until I was registered in the system. I gave up trying after many minutes of frustration.

3-4 years ago, I had replaced my hot water heater with a Whirlpool, which was purchased at Lowes. On 10/23/11, I awoke to a flooded basement from the said water heater. When I entered the basement, I was able to verify that the water was spraying right from the casing of the unit. Who knows how long it had been spraying, but the place was a complete mess. The water was about 10 inches deep and many things were ruined.

I proceeded back to Lowes and purchased another exact unit. This morning I awoke to the sound of what seemed to be water bubbling, only to enter the basement and see exactly what I saw just three weeks previously... another flooded basement from water just pouring out the side of the unit.

This is an obvious defect in craftsmanship. Now I find myself with a flooded basement, no hot water, and a decision to make. Do I fight for another replacement or give up on the brand? A replacement water heater will solve my lack of hot water but for now, the question is for how long? Not to mention the cost and time spent with the clean up I did twice.

I have had too many problems with the thermocouple beginning about two years after I purchased the water heater in 2003. Whirlpool keeps replacing the thermocouple, but I have to pay for the plumber to come out and repair the unit. This runs me about $180 each time. The thermocouple has burned out three times since September of this year. The plumber didn't charge me anything the second time it went out. But it went out for the 3rd time today and he recommended that I replace the unit. Of course, it is out of warranty and Whirlpool was happy to tell me that I could purchase a new thermocouple at my own expense from them. I have paid for this water heater three times over with repairs. Whirlpool knows that there is a defect with the design of the water heater. There is no way that a regular consumer can get inside the water heater to clean it. I will never purchase any Whirlpool products ever! I advise anyone reading this to follow suit.

I have gallon Whirlpool hot water heater. After 2 1/2 years, the heater started indicating upper sensor failure. I have had servicemen out here every 3-4 weeks since June. I have replaced gas valves, a new sensor and a new gas meter. I have made several calls to Whirlpool, but can't keep this hot water heater going. I am going to have to find a new heater.

Whirlpool water heater out again. This is the forth time I have replaced the thermocouper. Got from lowes early 10 sn fg1f3030s 3 Nov. Sent compete burn unit in April of 20ll. I cannot afford to buy replacement due to SSi and cost of living.

My house was built in 2004, therefore the Whirlpool water heater was installed in June 2004. The water heater broke down (It flooded my garage) in 2007. I didn't have to pay for the water heater at Lowes (It was under Warranty), but I had to pay for the delivery and labor. Now, I had to call customer service, because the Whirlpool water heater installed in 2007 has problems too. The pilot light would not stay lit. I have to pay a certified technician $180, just to come to my house to fix this problem, when this is a recurring problem, with this Whirlpool water heater that was purchased at Lowe's.

(The heater has a six-year warranty. Not sure what this means if the product is defective to begin with). I'm very disappointed with this product. It has too many problems, and I have to pay for a defective product. I would stay away from Whirlpool if I could.

I called customer service because my pilot light would not stay lit on my 2005 Whirlpool water heater. I was told that I needed to install the upgrade kit and that the water heater was malfunctioning because of a lack of air and that it needed to be cleaned at the bottom. I paid for the shipping of the kit although I believe it is called an upgrade or conversion kit versus a recall for this water heater to save money and to get the consumer to pay for replacing defective parts.

A certified technician installed the kit but the pilot light would not remain lit. He replaced the thermocouple, although new parts had just been received. This did not help either. The technician and I called customer service, which didn't resolve the issue. I also asked for a manager who would only agree to send out another conversion kit. There are three years remaining on the warranty but I am being told to keep replacing new parts with new parts until it works. That is unacceptable. Also, I was not informed that my problem is a recurring problem with this Whirlpool water heater that I purchased at Lowe's.

The thermostat failed and the water temperature got too hot. It wouldn't let the pilot light stay on and pushed extremely hot water and steam out of the pressure relief valve, and flooded our basement floor.

Our Whirlpool gas hot water heater was purchased and installed (through Lowes) in April 2008. In February 2009, the thermostat failed. Because the failure happened less than a year after purchase, Whirlpool replaced the part and paid for labor.

The hot water heater failed again three weeks ago, and we contacted Whirlpool. We were once again provided with another thermostat, and were charged $135.00 by a plumber to install it (even though the customer service rep stated that there were "known issues" with this tank model). The tank is still not working properly. We (with our tenants) have tried troubleshooting according to their instructions, to no avail. It has been three weeks now, and no resolution.

The heater has a six-year warranty. Not sure what this means if the product is defective to begin with. We pay to attempt to repair it?

We will not be spending any more money on labor to install parts that may or may not work and have demanded that Whirlpool replace the heater. Whirlpool has refused to pay for any labor costs and told us that we must take the heater back to Lowes. So I suppose that means we have to pay to have a 3 1/2 year old heater removed from the gas and water lines, transported to Lowes, and a new one installed. What a deal.

Stay away from Whirlpool.

Update: My water heater's pilot light would not stay lit. After seeing the large number of similar complaints on this site, I contacted Whirlpool and asked whether they would cover the cost of labor in addition to the parts, which were under warranty. The representative was very understanding and agreed. The thermocoupler and gas valve were replaced a few days ago. It seems to be working fine. Additionally, a representative contacted me directly in response to my Consumer Affairs complaint, not knowing I had already gotten approval for the repair. He wanted to make sure I received the help that I needed and called to follow-up after the repair. I'm very pleased with the response.

We purchased a 50 gallon water heater in 2005. In 2008, the thermocoupling unit went out and Whirlpool sent us the replacement part and we had a plumper install the piece (at our expense, of course).

Now, we are running into the exact same problem 3 years later with the pilot light not staying lit. We had a plumber come out this weekend and replace the part but unfortunately this time, it's not fixing the problem. The plumber charged us $178. He said that he can replace the thermostat on the water heater but that would cost us close to $400 to replace and makes no sense to do since purchasing a new one wouldn't be much more than that. I am so frustrated with this water heater; I just want to throw it out in the middle of the street! We still have 3 years left on our warranty too. I have 2 very young daughters who need to take baths, and who also dirty up quite a bit of clothes that need to be washed in warm water. What a nightmare! Whirlpool, help us!

We bought the Whirlpool water heater and not long after, it quit heating. After many phone calls, we finally got a response and were told to get the replacement thermocouple. We did this and it was the wrong part. We found out that we had to have a right hand thread thermocouple. Now, the heater is out of warranty and we cannot keep it lit at all. It takes at least 3-4 times before it will light once and then it goes out every time the hot water is used.

Our Whirlpool 40-gallon electric hot water heater, purchased in 2008, has performed fine, until today when it flooded our basement and, of course, did not provide hot water. As the paperwork says, it has a 12-year warranty. What options do we have for repair or replacement, preferably replacement?

I was unable to contact anyone on the 877-817-6750 number due to the bad weather. The model # is EE3J40RD045V, the serial # is 0742130246, and the product # is **.

We purchased an "energy efficient" Whirlpool water heater on 10-20-2005. This water heater has been serviced at least if not more than three times. The computer box on the top has been replaced twice each time leaving my garage flooded. This time the water is running from the thermostat box again the garage is flooded.

I called for service and the representative was very nice and understanding. He gave us the information to pick up a replacement heater. The complaint is the mess that it made. I have already filed a previous claim with my homeowners insurance for the damage. I would like to know why I have to file repeated claims with the risk of losing my homeowners insurance because of the repeated damage caused by Whirlpools obvious defective water heater? I would appreciate some resolution from Whirlpool for the damage this water heater has caused. The replacement heater is fine but I would ask that the to company consider some compensation of the water damage this heater has caused again.

This morning is the fifth morning I had to take a cold shower. My hot water heater keeps going out. When we call, we are told to dust the underneath better, as it sucks dust. Are you kidding? The hot water heater is still under warranty, which means I will have to spend around $200 to have repaired again. So much for top of the line.

We bought an 80 gallon lifetime warranty electric water heater. We get about 20 minutes of hot water and then cold water. We've had 2 plumbers out and checked our system and said it has to be the water heater, but they don't want to mess with it in case it voids the warranty. Fine. We called Whirlpool and since the alarm system isn't indicating an issue, they say it's not the water heater.

We now have to do a diagnostic ourselves to find out if it is the water heater. What? It has a warranty! We are not plumbers! How come Whirlpool doesn't think it's their equipment? We've already had ours checked and it isn't us! So frustrating and we will not buy another whirlpool product again! Not good customer service to promote repeat buyers. Whirlpool, shame on you.

I keep having to replace the thermocouple. I have paid $300.00 on 4 occasions to have a repairman come out and check it over to tell me what it needs. It is still under warranty until 2015 and when I call the warranty company with the exact same concern I get asked what tests were done. I am not a repairman so I have no idea. Now I am having the same problem again. I'm getting tired of it and cannot afford constant repair bills for repetitive warranty concerns. I need help.

My hot water tank wont stay lit. I replaced the heating element, and the thermo couple. It will light up now but it only stays on for about 10 minutes.

I was having trouble with our Whirlpool water heater and thought that we'd have to shell out and buy a whole new one. Chris saw my complaint and helped me find the right replacement kit at a minimal cost, as my unit was out of warranty. He even took the extra step and overnighted the parts for us at no extra cost. I was extremely impressed with Chris' professionalism and customer support skills.

Leaks cold water inlet. I can't see it but if you put a sock around it in a couple of hours, the sock will be completely moist. No leaks from above. I purchased a 40 Gallon Electric Water Heater from Whirlpool through our local Lowe's on 9-21-11. I finally got around to install it a couple of days ago. I thought this would be pretty easy as it was accessible and I have enough experience to install. First of all, I was disappointed to have to buy about $100 worth (install kit no soldering allowed) of accessories, but took it in stride. I have tried three times previously to get this leak to stop and just finished trying for the 4th time to complete this job and now, I can just wait and see.

I have a whirlpool water heater. This is the third or 4th time that the "upper sensor failure" code has come on. Our water heater turns off all the time and we have to fire it back up. In the past few months, it has started pouring water out from the long tube on the side of it anytime we turn it on for more then 10 minutes. The last time we called a plumber, I was trying to get a quote on a tankless water heater. I've been so fed up with ours and I thought that would be a better route to go. The plumber explained the negative sides to a tankless water heater and explained that our water heater was a really nice, really expensive and fairly newer model. I told him that I had just gotten it about four years ago. He said he could just fix that one.

So after looking at it, he acted as if he didn't know what an "upper sensor" was and told me it was under warranty and that I should call for the parts. Every time we have called for the parts, they send the same box thing on the front of the heater and every time, it doesn't fix it for long before it says the same thing. And now, like I said, the water heater has now added the problem of pouring water out of it. I need help. I don't know what to do. I'm tired of not knowing if I'll have hot water or if the water heater is going to pour out water. I'm pregnant and worried that if we cant get this fixed I'll continue to have this problem along with having a baby to take care of. Please help.

I purchased this water heater (Model# E2F40RD045V, Serial# 1122T461615, Product# 0826354) 1 week ago (Oct. 17, 20011) and it has been installed only after 5 days (Oct 25, 2011). It has yet to heat the water more than warm. I called Lowes (Oct. 21, 2011) and tried to return it only to be told that I would have to get an authorization number from Whirlpool. I called and Whirlpool wanted me to trouble shoot the problem. I had to have an OHM meter and amp meter to do so, which means that I needed to have an electrician present to do these test because I don't own any of these things. I was then told that they could send someone to my house, but I may end up paying for this. I then asked to speak to a supervisor and was told that she would tell me the same thing. The call ended when I told them that I guess I would have to do the best I could because I was not getting any help from them. Out of desperation, I went back to Lowes and got a new heating element to try to fix this problem myself. I installed it and it still did not work. I called back the next day and still did not get any help, I was only told that I needed to have these meters on hand to trouble shoot the problem.

Why is it that I have to do this? The lady did not seem to care that I did not have any way to handle this problem. I felt that this problem was my burden and not Whirlpool's for putting out a defective product. I have in my home about 5 new Whirlpool major appliances and have been a loyal customer for many years but after this incident, never again. I will also be advising my friends how Whirlpool has treated me. I am very disappointed with your customer service or should I say lack of customer service. I was told that had I said that the water heater was leaking, I would have been given an authorization number immediately! I still do not have any hot water as I sit here typing this complaint. I am sure that Whirlpool is really concerned as you have my phone number and address and your representatives are aware that I am very upset but still no one has even tried to help me other than telling me that I have to trouble shoot the problem. As far as your rating go with me you get an F!

I purchased a Whirlpool water heater on 9/30/2011. It is leaking at the point of cold water entry and is spewing a brown colored watery substance, leaking on the floor.

Our Whirlpool water heater (Model: FG1F4034T3NOV / SN: 0443102743 / Product Number: 0730264) stopped functioning and we have been without hot water for several days--the pilot will not light. The technician said it was a bad thermocouple but since it's left handed thread, we are out of luck since it's discontinued! He then said that we would most likely have to buy a whole new unit. We are quite upset with this faulty design and lack of solutions. We are highly inconvenienced by a lack of hot water. Due to the faulty and poor design, there does not appear to be any immediate solutions.

I am having problems with my Whirlpool Water Heater. The pilot light goes off often and now it won't stay lit at all. I checked the thermocouple and measured the voltage, it is 19+ mV. So according to the manual, the gas valve/thermostat must have gone bad. I called the company and they gave me a name of the contractor but asked me to pay for the labor cost. This is a 50 gallon, 12-year rated heater bought from Lows in 2008. The heater's model number is BFG1J5040T3NOV. This thing has some serious quality issues.

Chris from Whirlpool contacted me the same day that I filed my complaint. He offered to replace our water heater at no charge. We will pick up our new water heater this weekend and install it. Hopefully, it is designed better than our current water heater.

We purchased our Whirlpool water heater model FG1J5040T3NOV in 2005. It has a 12-year warranty. Last year, we had to replace the thermo coupler because the pilot light would not stay lit. It's been a little over a year and we are encountering the same problem.

Whirlpool advised us to clean the vent on the bottom, have the gas company run a pressure test, and if it still doesn't work, replace the gas valve. This water heater is junk--I believe that Whirlpool owes us a complete refund for this defective product! What can I do for compensation? I know there was a class action suit filed but it happened before we bought our water heater or we weren't notified.

We purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater from Lowe's. This unit has been a problem from day one. We had continuous problems with the pilot light which was not staying lit.

Whirlpool Customer Service wants you to pay someone to fix their faulty products. All that you get from them is their assistance on how to troubleshoot the problem. They also send you a part that they think will fix the problem, but you have to pay for it to be installed.

We purchased the Whirlpool model# BFG1J4040T3NOV 40 gallon natural gas hot water tank in the spring of 2010. The pilot light went out this weekend, 2011. And it will re-light but does not stay lit. This was bought at Lowe's, rated as a 9-year warranty on the tank and parts. This is premature failure of a product that is listed as 9 years. Due to all the other similar complaints of this Whirlpool hot water tank, I would like my money back plus installation. I do not want the Whirlpool replacement as obviously it does not work. I will use a different brand and vet it much better in the future. We almost purchased at Home Depot but decided it would be a better bet to go with the Whirlpool reputation and name and Lowe's than with the only Home Depot option, which is the self branded water heaters. It was a big mistake!

My unit has "on-and-off" problems, keeping the pilot light lit. Now, it will not stay lit at all!

I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater for one of my properties that developed an issue outside of the warranty period. My initial CS complaint is with Whirlpool's IVR system, which was far less than a desirable experience. After "tricking" the system, a CS agent answered promptly but was not able to address my concerns. I asked to speak to a supervisor and received a return call from Chris within minutes. I found Chris to be patient and understanding of my issues. Chris promptly assisted me with my issues and offered an equitable resolution. Chris is what's right with American companies and domestic customer support.

We purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater at Lowe's - model no. FG15040T3NOV, serial no. 0434120861, product no. 0730267 & we've still been having issues keeping the pilot light lit. We purchased the bottom unit piece that Whirlpool said would fix the problem but we've still been having problems with the pilot light going out. The water heater isn't under warranty anymore, so last night was the last straw & we finally decided to get another water heater that wasn't a Whirlpool. I've done a research on the internet and found out that a lot of consumers are still having this problem to this day.

The Whirlpool water heater I bought 2 years ago at Lowe's has had continued problems with it's thermocouple causing the water heater to shut down. At first I would have to relight it about every 2 weeks, now I had to do this everyday. I was going to replace the thermocouple until I read numerous sites explaining that several people did this and experienced the same problems.

I have a Whirlpool water heater (model BFG1H5040T3NOV), and I purchased it in less than three years ago. The pilot light won't stay lit if it is set to the lower temperature settings, but it seems okay if the temperature is set high. A phone diagnosis indicated the gas valve has some corrosion. It's under warranty for parts, not labor. It will be expensive to hire someone to replace it, and I'm not able to do that right now. I worry that someone will be burned by the high water temperature in the meantime. This shouldn't happen after three years. After reading all the complaints, I believe it's a defective water heater.

I bought two Whirlpool (Model: bfg1j4o4t3nov4o) natural gas water heaters. The pilot light would go out to so I re-lit it and sit in the attic until the water got hot and the burner go out. But before the burner went out, I could see the flame go from blue to yellow and hear the water dripping down on the burner. So, after the burner goes out, the water would drip down on the pilot light putting it out.

They sent me a thermo coupling for free but that was never the problem. The problem is that the water heaters are poorly insulated which causes the water to drip down on the pilot, putting it out. To make a long story short, no part they send will fix these heaters. I have a GE heater in my house for 20 plus years and it is still kicking. I should have went back with that same heater.

For some good news, I got my money back from Lowe's. I raised so much hell in that store that the manger gave me my money back just to get me out of his store. I made them realize that all we want is our hard-earned money back from a product that does not work.

I have bought two Whirlpool water heaters and with each one have had the same problem: the pilot light will not stay on. I have to continually turn the pilot light on each day. I have replaced the entire flame/pilot/thermal couple assembly several times. Each time I use the unit, it works for about 2 weeks, then I'm back to turning on the pilot light every day. I'm convinced that there is an inherent design flaw that Whirlpool should be forced to deal with. It seems that this should be a fraud case to sell a known, documented, defective product. Shame on you Whirlpool! It's obvious that it's all about the money! Band all Whirlpool water heater products!

I purchased a Whirlpool electric water heater from Lowe's in 2007. It lasted 2 years until a faulty weld on the tank started leaking and flooded my basement. Whirlpool did replace it. However, my second water heater did the same exact thing in a different location on the tank after 2 1/2 years. It also flooded my basement.

I am now on my third Whirlpool water heater in 5 years and the one I have now has a bad thermistor. It has cost me about $225 each time the water heater has been replaced. In my opinion, these Whirlpool water heaters are junk and their quality control needs to get out of the break room and start doing their job. Never will I purchase another Whirlpool appliance.

I purchased a Whirlpool 40 gallon gas water heater from Lowe's approximately 4 years ago. As of yesterday, the pilot will not light. I assume the t-couple is bad. But in the process of doing some research, I could not help but see that there is a quality problem with heaters manufactured around the time mine was. I don't have the model number with me at the moment. I would like to know what the permanent fix is for these heaters.

I filed a complaint late Oct. 4, 2011 about a problem I was having with one of my Whirlpool water heaters. Chris from Whirlpool emailed and phoned me twice within 12 hours! He was courteous and very helpful. He shipped the parts that I needed overnight. They came in this evening, I installed them and everything is working great! Thanks to Whirlpool and Chris, we now have hot water!

I have a model FG1F4034T3NOV water heater that was a problem since day one. The pilot will not stay lit, and apparently, there was some sort of class action lawsuit due to a defective part that I missed out on because I didn't know about it. The telephone representative is quick to point out that it is out of warranty due to the date of manufacture and that it needs about $200 in parts because I can't find the receipt from 4 years ago, when I bought it from Lowes. The company flat out refused to do a courtesy replacement for parts or discount them.

I posted a complaint late last night about problems I was having with a 30 gal. Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater. I received an email and three phone calls from Chris at Whirlpool within 12 hours concerning this matter. He was courteous, knowledgeable, and very helpful. He is shipping the new parts overnight by FedEx. Thanks to Whirlpool for being so prompt in handling this matter!

I owned a Whirlpool water heater and the only thing I have with it is problems! The pilot keeps on turning off. Since I am a 64-year-old lady, I have no idea on how to fix things (widowed). I keep on paying for the plumber to fix it. It started with flooding all my front yard because of a faulty valve. I paid $165.00. After the pilot went off, I paid another bill to fix that. And it turned off and on again (lost count of times). Today, I found another pool of water (the valve again? ). What a piece of "work"! Please, can you help me? I'm heading to the store to buy a new one, not a Whirlpool!

In 2007, I purchased two 30 gal. Whirlpool Flame Lock water heaters (Model: FG1F3030T3NOV) from Lowe's for two different homes that I own. I started having trouble with one of them after about two months. I replaced the thermocouple several times, with each one working only about a month. After that, Lowe's replaced the complete burner assembly and that, so far, fixed the problem.

Now, the second one has (1 Oct 11) gone out. The local Lowe's told me that they are out of the burner assembly for this water heater. I called them this evening and was told that they didn't know when they would have the part, but to call back about every other day to see if they had received the burner assembly for this water heater. They said that it could be from two days to two weeks before they may receive this part!

In 2008, I also purchased a 40 gal. Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater (Model: BFG1F4034T3NOV) for my house and no problems so far. In 2007, I even recommended that a friend of mine purchase and install one of these in a home that he owned. He did. I helped him install it and it later had the same problems! I am now needing a water heater for my workshop. What can I buy that's dependable?

This is my second water heater in three years. The problem is the thermocouple thermostat. Also, when I drain the water, it comes out of the heater black because of the corrosion in side. I spoke to people in the company, and they were nasty to me. This happened to my two heaters in 2 1/2 years. Please, do not buy a Whirlpool heater.

I purchased Whirlpool electric hot water tank in May 2011 (model no. EEZ80HD055V). The water tank was working fine for four months. It does not work anymore. I tried to get a hold of Whirlpool customer service. But I couldn't get a hold of customer service at 877-817-6750. It is motel business without hot water. We could not open the business. We tried the best we could, but there is no contact or support from Lowe's or Whirlpool. We have no other choice other than replace the hot water tank. We tried to find the right phone number to explain the situation to Whirlpool customer service rep.

After filing the complaint, a very helpful rep contacted me and suggested I replace the gas valve. The rep gave me an RA #, so I could pick it up at Lowes. I bought it, installed it, and returned it for credit.

On May 25, 2008, I bought a Whirpool Model# BFG1J4040T3NOV 40 gallon natural gas hot water tank. The pilot light went out today, Sept. 26, 2011, and it will not re-light. This was bought at Lowes and was rated as a 12-year warranty on the tank and parts. This is premature failure of a product that is listed as 12 years. Due to all the other similar complaints of this Whirlpool hot water tank, I would like my money back ($455.81) plus installation or a new tank installed.

My Whirlpool gas hot water heater will not stay lit. The thermal coupling has been replaced by my plumber. It did not help. This tank is defective. The product details are as follows: model # FG1F4949S3NOV, product # B07330262, and serial # **.

I posted about our problem with the Whirlpool water heater on the 20th. Chris ** of Whirlpool called me back. He totally took care of the problem and got us back working. After 3 years, our problem is resolved. I am grateful to Chris for finally resolving the problem. He was professional, courteous and knowledgeable. Thank you.

Our water heater was defective. We called and they sent the wrong part to replace! When we called back, they told us to install it anyway. We did and it is not working. It is getting dangerous.

Purchased in 2007, put in the recall parts 3 months later, the heater pilot has been going out again. It happened maybe 6 times in the last 4 months.

I bought Whirlpool gas water heater on July 2009. It keeps going out. It is not working. I found out you can't even get parts for fixing it. The dealers told me it's junk. I was told to buy a new one. Then, I found out it's been in class action lawsuit. How did I get to buy it after it was recalled? I don't know what to do.

I bought a 40 gal. Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's. It was just outside the 6-year warranty when the pilot light went out and won't relight. I called Whirlpool. They are about as worthless as box of rocks. They refuse to replace the thermocoupling free of charge or at least no shipping charge, when they know in fact there is a problem. It was because no class action lawsuit was filed. It's too bad for the customers. I wished they would have just said: "lady, please take your business somewhere else." It would have made things easier. Or, better yet, they should just put a sign on their water heaters in the store stating: "If you have problems with our product, sorry about your luck. ** you and have a nice day."

I bought a new Whirlpool gas hot water 40 gal tank from Lowes. I Installed it, but the pilot light would not light. So Cal Gas Co came out and said they did not like the new design, but that was how they were now making them. Gas is shot out from a pipe into the tank, however it's fairly open. The pilot ignitor is similar to the one on barbarque's that often do not last. You cannot get to it to light it manually. Several calls were made to Whirlpool and they sent a repair man out to fix it. You can imagine buying a new hot water heater and having it work part time. The repair man explained that the unit needed a new thermopile, but he could not put one on until whirlpool authorized it, which they would not. After a rather heated conversation with whirlpool they agreed to FedEx a part overnight.

Of course the repairman could not wait for me to call and had to come back again. The pilot light still does not stay lit, and Whirlpool now wants to talk about how the tank is vented. This has nothing to do with the pilot light, nor did putting in a new 1/2" gas line and valve as per Whirlpool's request. Whirlpool has a problem and they refuse to acknowledge it. However, it is Lowes that chose to buy from whirlpool and they do little if anything to stand behind their product and gain consumer confidence. My suggestion would be don't buy whirlpool, and shop at Home Depot.

Purchased a whirlpool water heater 04/08/2005 and it worked for a short time. It had a 6 year warranty. I had to replace the thermocoupler assembly 1 time and it worked fine until last week. 09/02/1011, 4 months after warranty ran out, the unit started leaking severely from the top ? (Could of understood the bottom) here. After investigating further and being told to basically pound salt by the warranty number I called, I removed the top cove r(glued on by spray in insulation) and carved away the spray in insulation.

All the bosses/threaded fittings for the inlet outlet and anode rod were all leaking under the insulation where it could not be seen! I know for a fact this unit was leaking long before the warranty expired! But because of the way it is built it is impossible to see it!. I strongly feel this was a manufacturing defect and there are hundreds if not thousands of these units in people houses all over the country!

I bought new hot water heater. I installed it did and it did not work. I called them, and they sent a new part. A service man installed it, and it still did not work - he was unable to get it working. They said my gas supply line 1/2 od was too small. I had it replaced to 5/8 od 1/2id, and it still did not work. I called them again. They offered to send more parts and try again.

This is a brand new water heater, never fired. I asked if they would give me a ra number so I could return it to the store. He would not give it to me. He insisted he send some one out to try to repair it. Meanwhile I have had no hot water for 2 days. He told me do what I have to do and hung up on me. So I removed the heater and took it back to Lowes, where they were glad to give my money back. But still, I lost a day of work and paid the gas yo bring it back. I went to home depot bought a GE hot water heater. I had it installed in about 15 minutes and it is working fine.

I have purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater on May 21, 2005 from Lowe's Model number FG1F4040S3NOV, Product number 0730261, Serial number 05181291061. It is one of the Flame Lock heaters that was part of a class action law suit. The lawsuit has been settled however. I have had three thermocouples to date installed and each time the heater has gone out after three to four days. The technicians I have contacted at Whirlpool all have stated something else is wrong with the heater even knowing that this model has been seriously defective from the beginning. They always tell me to do this and that to repair it. I do not have hot water as of the date of this writing. The original problem began June 19, 2011.

My water heater stopped lighting. I found out that I needed to replace the thermocouple. I wasn't able to find the right one anywhere. I called whirlpool and they sent me the parts I needed totally free. I was so happy to get it in the mail the next day cause I have gone 1 week without hot water.

I went to work and got a call that my kids are dizzy and throwing up. The house had filled with carbon monoxide. The only thing that saved us was the fact that my AC unit for the downstairs was broken, so it could spread the carbon monoxide to where we slept. The gas company said that we most definitely would have not woken up. I now have a notice for hazardous material on my house. I thought we all just caught the flu. I had no idea that we were being poisoned because of this damn water heater. I could scream. I'm a single mother with four kids and a sick mother and cannot afford a plumber for this madness.

Warning: Whirlpool water heaters are junk! Spent $553.00 for a high quality ( lmao ) water heater that had a 6 year warranty. Started leaking internally and rusted through, then rusted a hole in the bottom. 6 years and 3 months later they said you are S.O.L. Leak occurred well over 3 months ago, but they said it has to be reported before the 6 years. Do not waist your money on this junk!

My water heater was installed in 2007 (model BFG2J5040T3NOV). It has required 3 repairs in 4 years because part failures make the pilot light shut off. The gas controller was replaced in 2008. The manifold/burner assembly was replaced in 2010. This month (August 2011), I have replaced the thermocouple, which did not fix the problem. Now I am having to replace the gas controller again. The part is failing, but not completely inoperable, so occasionally when on the phone with customer support, the pilot light would stay lit. When this happened, the tech would act as if the problem was solved and tell me to call back if the pilot light went out again. The next day, the pilot light would go out again. Thus, I have spent several hours on the phone with customer support running the same tests and answering the same questions over and over again.

This is a followup complaint, I have talked to more people about our hot water heater reaching such high temps. We have had it set only on pilot for 2 weeks and the water coming out of the faucet is 130 degrees. It may be that the pilot light is keeping it this high, I have not seen it on at anytime and it is set on pilot .My complaint is that it is extremely dangerous for it to get this hot, and I want others to know that if you have small children in the house they could get burned very badly. I have already scalded my hands several times thinking that I had enough cold water on. DD

I purchased a Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's in October 2009. My husband and son installed the water heater on October 24, 2009. Beginning in November of 2010, the water heater pilot would not stay lit. We have cleaned the burners, and replaced the thermocouple four times since November 2010. As of today (July 22, 2011), we have no hot water again. I told Anne at Whirlpool that the gas company red flagged the water heater due to the placement of the pop-off valve (at the top), and the pipe not being long enough. So, Anne at Whirlpool told me that since the gas company red flagged the unit, she can't help me. The first time I called them (November 2010) I was looking for answers. All I have ever gotten from them is throwing the blame for the non-performance of their product back on me. I absolutely will never purchase another product from Whirlpool, nor wills any of my family.

I can not find parts for 50-gallon Whirlpool hot water heater. The left hand thread thermocouple quit functioning so I have no hot water. I have called every plumbing concern in a 50-mile radius and everyone said that it was some kind of class action suit because you can not replace the part of the thermocouple and that they only make right-hand thread couple now.

we bought a hotwater heater and it gets scalding hot set on the low setting, we had the gas valve replaced by a@e paid for by whirlpool. It still gets above 125 degrees,set on vacation with me using it all during the day.I have contacted them several times, they told me to let the hotwater run about 10 minutes everyday, or just turn the heater off and let it cool off. I bought a water heater to use not light the pilot everytime I need hot water.

We bought and installed a Whirlpool BFG1F5040T3PV 50 gallon Propane water heater from Lowes on 10/13/2003 one week after we bought and moved into our home. The pilot light went out last week and restarting it would only last until the burner would go off and then the pilot would extinguish. I know because I watched it. The warranty expired in Oct 2009. Ok, I've seen worse lifespans for products...So, figuring the themocouple (TC) had failed, I went to Lowes and happily paid $8.07 plus CA sales tax, for a new thermocouple. Got home and found it was a generic right hand thread TC and I have a left hand thread TC on this unit. Called Sears appliance repair and they wanted to charge me $216.00 for a new TC!! So, I looked on line here and found all these complaints on these units. Great...I have a piece of junk. From what I can tell though, I'm lucky it lasted 7 years.

I just called Whirlpool using the number on my instructions: 1-877-817-6750 and the very nice woman explained there was a problem with these TC's and they would send me a complete new door/manifold/TC assembly in two days FOR FREE. Sears was willing to let me spend 216 bucks for it, but Whirlpool is sending it out FREEEEEE! WHOOOHOOOO!! My luck is running strong again! Sears would let me spend half the price of a new heater for a thermocouple that's less than 10 bucks in most places. Unbelievable. Avoid Sears appliances. Their Craftsman tools are good though. Ok back to the Whirlpool heater topic.

It's Sunday afternoon as I write this and my friendly Whirlpool rep said I'll have the new manifold and TC assembly with some kind of Left-hand to Right hand adapter to screw into the regulator on Tuesday before noon. Reading some of the other blogs on this product isn't pretty, and I hope that my luck continues. If not, I won't mess with it long as I'm too addicted to daily hot showers for the last 50 plus years to give them up now. I think I'll do some research on the best friggin water heater on the planet in case this Whirlpool of mine is as flakey as all the others I'm seeing written about here. Good luck to all.

One week before the 6 year warranty was to expire the hot water heater started failing. It's not like it stopped working totally but was just going out after some hours of running. By the time I for sure knew there was a problem I was one day past the warranty. And for that I lose, what a way to learn that whirlpool is not whirlpool.

I purchased this water heater from Lowe's in 2007-2008. About 14 months after I bought it, it wasn't heating up the water. I had to replace the thermocouple because the pilot light wouldn't light. You can always tell when the water heats up, the sounds are loud popping, gurgling sounds like it may blow up! Anyway, aside from it sounding like it's going to blow up, I didn't have any problems until four days ago! Again, no hot water. So, I tried to light the pilot light and it wouldn't light.

Thinking it was the thermocouple again, I went to Lowe's to get another one! I spent 5 1/2 hours replacing it, again! After all that, thinking I could take a hot shower, the pilot light wouldn't light! So, I started to think maybe it wasn't getting any gas. I checked the gas lines and everything else was working. I looked at the regulator to see if gas was getting to the pilot! No gas is getting thru the regulator! So, I started to look online to see what needs to be done and I ran across at least 35 others on this do-it-yourself website that had the same problem with their Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater. I also found out that there was a class action suit against Whirlpool for the water heater I have, model numbers starting with FG.

I am so angry that I have spent so much time with this water heater and so much time without hot water. I will never, ever buy another Whirlpool appliance again and I will be sure to share my experience with all who will listen. I have just found this information out and tried to call their 800 number. They are closed till tomorrow, but I will call. I want them to send me a replacement for the gas control valve/thermostat!

I wasted time and energy and lost work wages for having to try to fix this faulty water heater! Had I known all of these things, I would have spent my money on a heater that would have given me years of service like the one I had to replace! Whirlpool should have to buy all of us a brand new water heater of our choice!

We bought a Whirlpool Flamelock BFG1F3030S3NOV Water Heater at Lowe's in May 10 2007 that just turned 4 years old. I was in the shower when suddenly, no hot water. Checked the water heater it; had gone out and I could not restart. After several hours of research and troubleshooting, it appears the gas control valve/thermostat is a defect. Even though it still has almost 2 years left on parts warranty I feel the time and trouble is not worth it. I'm headed to Home Depot to purchase a new heater like my neighbor's which he has owned 6 plus years with no problems. I will never buy Whirlpool again.

I purchased a Whirlpool flame lock, model #BFG1F4034T3NOV. Over the last year and a half, I have replaced parts twice. Today, 05/12/2011, the pilot light is out again! I am really considering purchasing a non-Whirlpool water heater simply because of the inconvenience. I believe they, Whirlpool, should refund the money or correct the problem! They just have you replace with more faulty equipment! I thought they were a good American brand! And people wonder why we buy foreign stuff, because they are better built! American companies and their profits, to hell with the consumers! I will not purchase anything from Whirlpool again!

I purchased a Whirlpool flamelock water heater and have had nothing but problems with the unit ever since.

The first time I called, it was diagnosed with a bad thermocouple and I replaced it. After I was told that it was my fault and I didn't keep it clean. Well, I have replaced over a dozen thermocouples and the whole burner unit twice. I even made a special brush to clean underneath the heater.

Today I found out it's now out of warranty. I purchased a Whirlpool because I thought they were good products and would last a long time. Boy was I an idiot.

Under any circumstance do not purchase a water heater from Whirlpool. They don't even make the product; it's made by American water heaters of Tennessee and they obviously have a problem and they won't admit it. They had a class action lawsuit a couple years back but would only reimburse you with maximum of $30. Their water heaters suck, period.

In 9/13/07, I purchased a water heater (Model: BFG1F3030T3NOV / Serial Number: 0735139532). In December 2010, the pilot went out and would not relight. In April 2011, the same thing happened! I heard that there was a recall and class action suit!

My fairly new Whirlpool water heater stopped working last week. It was identified that the control valve did not work. I called Whirlpool and was told that the warranty does not cover it as I am not the original owner. I bought the house with the water heater which looks pretty new. I will not purchase any Whirlpool water heaters in the future. The quality sucks and the warranty sucks! As a result, I had no hot water for over a week. I plan to replace the water heater entirely for about $700 installed! No more Whirlpool!

Purchased a 50-gallon electric hot water heater from Lowe's on October 2005, model # ee3250rd055v with a "lifetime" warranty.. I did a self installation to replace an existing hot water heater that began leaking after 20 years of service. After installation, the hot water heater would not work and after some diagnostic work, I discovered that the control board was out. I called Lowe's and was told that I needed to contact Whirlpool. My response was that I didn't buy the hot water heater from Whirlpool, I bought it from Lowe's, and that I expected Lowe's to fix it. Lowe's did step up to the plate and sent a repairman out to verify that the board was bad and ordered another one. When the replacement board was installed it was bad as well!

The next replacement board was good and lasted until August 2006 (11 months). Same scenario as the first time, and Lowe's sent a repair man to fix it. This must have been a good board because it lasted for almost 5 years until March 2011 then it went out again. Now my "lifetime" warranty only covers parts. Of course it went out on a Saturday and had to wait until Tuesday to receive another board. It was not giving any codes just power going into the board and no power was coming out. I told them I wanted a spare board and was told I could purchase one for $70.00 but I didn't really need to because I had a "lifetime" warranty and Whirlpool would send me another board if this one went out. I told them that I wanted a spare board for the same reason I keep a spare tire in my trunk.

Six weeks later the board goes out again (on a Friday night), same problem, no codes just a green light with power going into the board and none coming out. Back to whirlpool service and when I told them I had used my spare board that I had purchased, the first response was they could not send me a board if I had a working board in the heater and I should have called them to trouble shoot the board before replacing it. I told them I could send them the old board or put it back in the unit for diagnosis. The person told me that that would not be the same. When I told them that replacing the board every six weeks was unacceptable they said that they could not replace a unit that was repairable and I also needed to check the breaker and wiring to make sure it was properly sized.

When I called back and told them that I had 30-amp breakers in the panel and a 30-amp plug at the heater I was quickly told that if the unit was plugged into an outlet that the warranty was void. I asked the person to explain to me the difference a 30-amp plug would make over a 30-amp disconnect to the circuit board and he told me I would have to get a licensed electrician to explain that to me. Now to get my "lifetime" warranty reinstated, I have to get an electrician to come out and remove the plug and install a disconnect then type a letter on his business letter head along with name and license number stating the the heater is properly installed.

I have never had to talk to India. I was given a number to a center in Tennessee 877-817-6750 and although these people are very nice I have now come to believe they are trained to give you the run around until you get tired of fooling with them. I think I have found a solution to my problem, a "lifetime" is too short to put up with this misery. I am going to free myself from this "lifetime" warranty by jerking the sorry ** out and install a Rudd. Then once I get it out to the road and paint lemon on it, I will take a vow to never purchase another whirlpool product for as long as I live; and I will try to influence everyone I know to do the same. Add me to the list, another disgruntled Whirlpool owner, free at last!

We bought a Whirlpool Flame Lock Water Heater at Lowe's in June 2007. The problem is that it no longer heats water. No kidding! It was not even 4 years old and yet it was dead as a doornail. After nine days and many calls later, there was still no hot water. Go online and pick your choice as to which problem affects the heater. The bottom line is that it's a dud. A plumber will be coming over tomorrow to fix it for $200, which is outrageous!

I called the customer service warranty line today at 8 am and spoke with customer service representative named Igor. I was calling in reference to a Whirlpool Flame Lock Gas Hot Water Heater. I purchased this at Lowe's in Wichita, KS on 10-30-04. It has a 12 year warranty on all parts and the heater itself. I have replaced the same parts numerous times, have had to wait for Whirlpool to ship the parts to me, and then pay for the high priced postage on something that is under warranty.

I called on 3-23-11 and spoke with Forest. He gave me an authorization number to get a free thermal couple at Lowe's, which I did on 3-22-11. The plumber installed it on 3-23-11, and the pilot still would not stay lit or come on. The plumber said that the bottom of the tank is leaking and the insulation above the pilot light is all wet (probably rusting out), so this did not fix the problem. I am now on day number 3 with no hot water.

I have replaced the following parts on this heater:

The thermal couple 4 times, 5 including this week and the manifold assembly kit on 8-31-07 which was defective from the factory. They shipped it to me since you could not purchase the part at a store and then, charged me for the shipping, plus gave me the inconvenience of no hot water for a week.

The gas thermostat was replaced on 11-10-09 (I purchased at Lowe's and I had to wait for Whirlpool to reimburse me), as well as the piezoelectric igniter, drain and pop off valve, and burner. The hot water heater is not yet 6 years old and has now rusted out. I purchased a new hot water heater on 3-23-11 at The Tap in Wichita, KS in the amount of $374.69. Needless to say, it was not another problematic Whirlpool product. I called customer service this morning, spoke with Igor and requested that I be reimbursed for the new hot water heater and labor charges for installation.

He said that they could only replace it with another Whirlpool model. I said, "No way. With all the nightmares I have encountered with this one, I will never have another one." I requested to speak with his manager and there was none available. He said that he will have one call me back within 2 hours. That did not happen either. It is now 12:34 pm CST. I feel that it is only right that they reimburse me for the new hot water heater and the labor.

Several years ago, I bought a Whirlpool water heater. I did not suspect that I was buying such a big nightmare. For years, I kept changing the thermocouple with the hope that I will not have to do it again next month. I was wrong. The flame in the pilot went off every two months. Finally, a representative from Whirlpool told me that I should install some kind of conversion kit that should resolve my problem. Everything was fine for two more months. I was lucky that my house did not burn out. The miracle kit exploded to the point that the burner got sold to the body of the water heater. My nightmare continued when Whirlpool agreed to replace my FG model water heater for a newer one.

So far, I have changed the thermocouple of my new BF model many times. The flame continues to go off. It will only work for about two months. And then, you will have to change the thermocouple to make it work again. I have talked to representatives and supervisors. But they do not recognize the problem. I explained to them that I was a plumber, that they should not waste any time walking me through their troubleshooting chart. I could fix the problem if they knew what it was, but they don't seem to know it. I refused any warranty consolation from the company. I am in the process of erasing Whirlpool name from my house. I will recommend Whirlpool only to my enemies and I don't have many.

I replaced my old hot water heater with what I thought was going to be a better product, a Whirlpool. It's a 30-gal. and is the worst investment I have ever made. Within three months, we had to replace the thermocouple. Not even three months later, we were told we had a bad gas valve, imagine that! It has been about two years since we purchased it. The gas valve has been replaced twice and have gone through four thermocouples. Whirlpool was nice enough to pick up the tab on only one! We have invested way too much money into a product that's not even worth the scrap metal.

I purchased a 50-gal. Ultra Low Nox Whirlpool water heater with the Flame Lock system in June 2008 from Lowes. After a few months, the pilot light began extinguishing unexpectedly. Calls to customer service inquiries revealed a bad gas control valve/thermostat. It was still under warranty and Whirlpool paid for the part and service.

Last week, the problem arose again and I did the usual cleaning of the air intake beneath the heater, but that did not work. I called Whirlpool and they agreed that the problem is again with the gas control. The problem is that there is only a one-year warranty on service. So, while I will get a replacement gas control, I have to pay the $200 service call. Whirlpool has known of its faulty control valve, but continues to sell heaters with these controls. Now, they should stand behind them and pay for service as well as part for the entire 12-year warranty period.

We purchased a 40 gallon Whirlpool gas heater with the flame lock. It was purchased at Lowe's, model no. BFGIF4040S3NOV. It was installed on 9-1-09. We called Whirlpool on 4-13-10. They did send someone out to check it. They found a faulty gas valve. Whirlpool did pay for the service call and repair. This gas water heater has been nothing but problems ever since it has been installed. Do not buy a Whirlpool gas water heater with the flame lock. The water does not stay hot and needs reset like everyday. It is a piece of junk. My old gas water heater was very old, but it didn't cause me any problems. It kept the water hot and had no problems. I wanted an energy saver. My old gas water heater was a Montgomery Ward.

I bought a Whirlpool 30 gallon gas water heater 03FG1F3030T3NOV in 2003. My water heater went out on New Year's day, 2011. I called Whirlpool and they told me to go to Lowe's to get a thermo cubelet kit that was free. I had it installed and the heater went back out in a couple days. I called them back and they told me that I probably need the gas valve, it cost $62. I had it installed, the heater wouldn't stay light. They know that these heaters are problems.

Like numerous others, I have a problem with my Whirlpool 40 gallons, gas water heater. The pilot light won't stay lit. It is on a 12-year warranty and they already sent me a replacement part that I had to pay to have installed. The problem persists and now they want me to get a voltage meter to test the new part (installed four months ago). It's not reasonable to expect me to continually check and pay to install new, faulty parts. They should be fixing the problems that they know exist the first time. I have lost trust in Whirlpool, and will no longer purchase any of their products. It is just unfortunate that such a widely known issue is still being handled so poorly by Whirlpool, and that they are not being forced to right their wrongs. There should be a class action as others have stated. Consumers are getting the short end of the stick on this one and it's shameful.

I purchased a Whirlpool energy smart gas water heater (Model: SG1J5040T3NOV / Serial Number: 10l5T422354). Our house was built in 1993. On 11/23/10, we replaced our original gas water heater that came with our house after 17 years. With confidence, we had a 50 gallons, 12-year warranty, Whirlpool energy smart with flame lock safety system gas hot water heater professionally installed. We're not "greenies" by any means, but thought that we could reduce our energy bills by buying the "energy smart" water heater.

PROBLEM: The first two weeks were great. It worked as advertised. Since then, we've had constant pilot light issues. It will not stay lit. We've had to re-light it at least 20 times. It will re-light, engage the thermocouple and burner, heat water, but then extinguish itself. It is a random problem that does not happen every time; however, it is a very big problem when we don't have hot water in the morning to take a shower before work or wash dishes and do laundry after work.

I sent Whirlpool an e-mail this morning letting them know of the problem. I made it quite clear that they send a qualified technician to our house and get the problem resolved at their expense. I will return this water heater to Lowe's if they don't fix the problem. I, in no way, hold Lowe's responsible for this. They only sell products. I do feel, however, that Lowe's needs to know about the problem. They need to make the decision to continue selling these water heaters or not. I am sure that they don't want to sell an inferior quality product which has so many people frustrated. I will follow up when I hear from Whirlpool. I know they want me to be happy.

UPDATE: Less than two hours ago, I submitted an email to Whirlpool Customer Service. Just now, Jonathan with Whirlpool Customer Service called to resolve the problems that we are having. He was professional, regretful, and seemed to truly want to fix the problem. I think that he cared. Thank you, Jonathan.

Anyway, Whirlpool is going to overnight a new heater control valve to me. They gave me the name and number of a qualified service tech in Lee's Summit along with a Service Authorization Code for the tech to come to our house to change the control valve out at no cost to us. I think this is stellar customer service. Jonathan said that if this doesn't correct the problem, they will continue to work to resolve the problem at no expense to us, even if it means replacing the entire new water heater with another one. I will update later.

I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater flame lock (Model: fgif404053nov) on 12/12/03 and keep replacing the thermocouples. Whirlpool replaced the first thermocouple and I have had to buy eight thermocouples since. I entered into the Bowen, et al. vs. Whirlpool Corporation in 2008 and was supposed to have gotten a free manifold door assembly kit but I never did.

I am now sitting again without hot water and will have to go purchase a new one tomorrow. Did Bowen sell out to Whirlpool that's why we can't get the repair kit as promised? Will anyone ever hold Whirlpool and American water heater to the agreement or did we get stuck again? Until recently, I work for Lowe's where I bought the water heater from. I got into trouble at Lowe's for "bad-mouthing" Whirlpool while I worked there. I refused to buy any products made by Whirlpool and I let everyone know about it.

Our 50-gallon Whirlpool gas water-heater just broke down, conveniently, after the 1-year warranty. We are experiencing the same issues as many other consumers have had with the pilot light not staying lit. We just paid a plumber to install a new thermo-coupler yesterday (Dec. 31, 2010) and today (Jan. 1, 2011) we are still having the same problem.

First and foremost, I have been in the real estate business for 7 years and I have never heard of such nonsense. I purchased my home on Sept. 5, 2007 from a Remax Realtor Randy ** (**). Prior to my purchase, a new roof, carpet and water heater were installed. Three years later, I am having a leak at the top of my unit, so I called the number listed alongside the text that says there is a 6-year warranty! I spoke to a representative on 12/28/2010 who proceeded to give me a difficult time, stating that I had to provide her with a copy of my settlement statement showing that the water heater was part of the sell. I proceeded to call back and spoke to another representative, who then read the notes and coincided with the first representative.

The following day, I have Sears and Rooter come out to look at the unit and both agreed that there should be a 6-year warranty and that the representatives' request were ridiculous. I then returned to work on 12/30/10, I called to speak to another representative only to be read some of the notes and have my request to speak to a supervisor put on hold so that my name can go on a list. All of these while my unit is still leaking!

After purchasing the new 40-gallon gas water heater from Lowe's, the pilot light went out and would not stay lit. I found out that there were a lot of problems with this particular manufacturer and that they would provide me a new thermocouple to solve the problem. I picked one up at Lowe's and it was installed and seemed to work fine for a year or so. Then, it started all over again and I am now facing the same problems. I am tired of dealing with this product that obviously suffers from inferior design and/or manufacturing process.

This is my 2nd Whirlpool Water Heater in several years. This latest, a replacement purchased 3/09 from Lowes for a 3 yr old Whirlpool water heater purchased from Lowes-due to the pilot light continually going out. Now this 1 1/2 yr old Whirlpool water heater Mod# UG2F4040T3NV is having the same problem! A Class Action lawsuit is called for! Lowes has no business selling this Whirlpool product knowing its bad history!

My Whirlpool water heater (gas) stopped working; I tried to light up, but it didn't work. I called the gas co. and I was told that it needed service due to the pilot unlit. I went to Lowe's to get the part, they didn't have it. I was told to call the manufacturer, Whirlpool. When I called, I explained what I was told by the gas company. I spoke with Missy. She said that they have to void the warranty due to my property was on flow zone. I told her that was not true, that I have the papers from Escrow when I bought the property six years ago.

She put me on hold; then, she was back and forth for about 40 minutes. Finally, I was told to call back when a professional was present and let them know for sure what was wrong. I made the appointment for the next available day (next morning). When the plumber came, I called Whirlpool again. This time, the person from Whirlpool told the plumber to test the sensor, which didn't work. They will send a new part which will arrive on Tuesday next week (from the day of first call to Whirlpool until the day of the part arrival, Tuesday will be six days that my tenant won't have hot water; I talked to the tenant and we agreed that I will reimburse one week rent).

I asked the person from Whirlpool, if I can pay the Fedex or UPS to arrive next day, but he said that was impossible. Two years ago, I replaced all 5 water heaters on this property (five units),and now I'm afraid that I will have the same problem with the other 4 water heaters. Also on top of that, the labor to change it will be $160.00 plus $39.00 inspection. Can someone advise me if this is correct? Thank you.

Hot water heater that never works. First unit failed multiple times with replacement parts - Thanksgiving 2009. Whirlpool repalced unit (install at our cost), which promptly failed less than six weeks from installation on Christmas Eve (serviced) only to fail again less than 24 hours later. I'll never purchase a Whirlpool (is that GE) appliance again!

My husband & I bought our house & it had the original water heater which lasted for 30 years. Sadly, I don't recall what kind the original one was. It went out & was replaced in 2007 with a Whirlpool. Big mistake. Here we are only a few years later & we have no hot water. A repairman came out today & said it was not fixable. It's leaking & the pilot light wont stay lit. He said we needed to replace it. We got it at Lowe's & thank God, the store was willing to replace it for us. So, as of tomorrow, we will have a new one. I can only hope it will be a better one than this one has been. What has happened? It used to be that brand names were reliable. But not any more. We've been through 2 new microwaves in a matter of a few years.

Our old counter top model that was huge & one of the very first ones made still works just fine! But the ** they produce now is done for in a couple of years? That's insane. At least we're getting this worthless water heater replaced free of charge so I have to give Lowe's credit for that. Thank you, Lowe's. Now if only you'd stop selling these pieces of junk. And if only they'd take pride in things these days but nothing is made to last any longer. How sad is that? Our old second hand fridge that our parents bought for us as new home owners in '89 worked up until a power surge killed it about 4 years ago. We bought a new fridge & the ice maker quit within about a year. Nice. They just don't make anything like they used to. How sad. But so little is made in America any longer. That's sad too.

Whirlpool water heater (model 044212630nov) will not stay lit. You can light the pilot. Sometimes, however, once the burner goes off, the pilot goes out also. I contact Whirlpool and they replaced the thermocouple assembly (they shipped it to me and I installed it) and gas valve. However, this has not fixed the problem. I also cleaned the screen at the bottom of the heater ,even though it wasn't dirty, and this has had no affect.

Whirlpool says they cannot do anything else. So, I have to replace the heater. It will cost me $816.00.

This is about the resolution to my Whirlpool water heater issue. It had pilot light that would not stay lit. Whirlpool sent a replacement burner assembly that never worked. Four months later, we are still manually lighting the pilot and it would only stay lit for a couple of days at most then finally stopped working altogether. Two weeks without hot water in December is too much!

Whirlpool called me this morning and not only gave us a return authorization # to take to Lowes for an exchange, but also reimbursed the $150 paid to a plumber to install the replacement burner assembly. I'm very with their response and service.

I purchased at Lowe's a Whirpool 40 gal Natural Gas Hot Water Heater mfg'd by American Water Heater Company (Johnson City, TN) in July 2004. Exactly 6 years later, just before the warranty expired, the pilot light went out and we couldn't get it back on. I called Whirlpool customer service and they sent a replacement thermocouple unit, stating that it was easy for anyone to replace. I am a seasoned DIY-er and this was no simple task. We called in a licensed (Georgia State) plumber to install the unit which cost us $150. The plumber told us that he was very familiar with this unit and that the problem would return even with the new part. He said there was a problem with the burner assembly plus the threading was not industry standard, making it impossible for any professional plumber to adapt and fix the issue.

About 6 weeks later, the pilot light went out on the new part, and this time, my Whirlpool warranty had expired. So, we called our home warranty company who promptly sent out a different licensed plumber. This plumber said the exact same thing that the first one said, adding that this is an industry known recalled part, which means that our home warranty would not pay for it. He asked me to call Whirpool CS while he was there. While on hold, his partner got the pilot light lit and so we hung up with Whirlpool before a CS representative came on. The plumber showed me how to light the pilot light and turn the unit back on but said that this would eventually just stop working altogether as he had many dealings with this model. It has since been re-lit by me 3 times.

Sure enough, the pilot light went out again about a week ago and will not come back on. I have been on the phone with Whirlpool twice now with ridiculous runaround excuses, "There must be dust in the flame trap" and "Do you have a voltage meter to check the power? The average household owns a voltage meter" These are exact quotes from my notes.

I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater model #BFG1F5040T3NOV Serial # **Product # ** last January 2010. Just 10 months after installation, the thermal couple had to be replaced. I also noticed the thermostat gradually moves to hotter settings until it is so hot then auto safety shuts off the water heater. This water heater has manufacturer defects and could potentially result to very serious burns.

Water heater was just three years old Whirlpool Model# BFG2F4040T3NOV and would not stay lit. Called Whirlpool. They said warranty on parts but labor expired at 1 year. I was told by WP to take the burner out and take it back to Lowe's. Burner contains the thermal couple. Okay. This is a one hour job on the floor and I'm not getting any younger! Lowe's gives me a new burner, three hours labor I have it back together and running. Now six months later thermalcoupler is bad, no millivolts output. Called Whirlpool back to inform them of the test and they say go to Lowe's with this case number and they will give you a new $10 thermalcoupler. And also vacuum out the bottom grill as this makes the thremalcoupler go bad if it's clogged (**). Spent four hours putting it in and back together. My aching back! This thing is unreliable, cheaply made. With all the complaints om line there should be a class action suit or an extension of the labor warranty to a full six years. I'll bet that in six months I will be back on the floor replacing the parts again.

Less than two year-old, Whirlpool Model #BFG1F4040T3NOV, 40 gallon Hot Water Heater kept releasing hot water at the pressure relief valve. I was told by our local plumber that it was either the thermocoupler or the gas valve/thermostat that was bad since he had received many complaints of the same type - so much so that they no longer carried or installed Whirlpool water heaters. Checking online I saw why. Nothing but complaints. Most for a pilot light that would continually extinguish and for which none of the suggested repairs by Whirlpool worked.

With the help of a Lowe's water heater installer, the problem was isolated as the gas valve/thermostat. He reached this opinion because no matter how low I turned the thermostat, the water was scalding hot when I chose to open the lines and run some hot water. So, called Whirlpool. They quickly gave me the part # and and authorization code to pick up a new gas valve/thermostat at Lowe's. I did that, but when my local plumber once again showed up to do the repair, he warned me that he had done this on several other Whirlpools and all failed within a short time. So, I took his advice and am now purchasing another water heater. This one is an AO Smith model.

I purchased a Whirlpool Hot Water Tank and since I have had it, I have had nothing but problems. The thermal couple keeps going out on it. That's is and that's all I wish; that they were made to replace everyone's hot water tanks because I have heard nothing but negative things about this brand and all the problems that it's been causing consumers. They came out with a conversion kit. Well, I got that and it still doesn't work. It won't stay lit, so what now?

I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater with Flame Lock System in January 2008. I had to have repairs or replacements on the thermocoupler done in April 2008, Sept 2008, May 2009, Oct 2010 and now it is Nov 26, 2010 & it's out again! This is definitely a defect in their design or I would not have had the same problem 5 times in 2 years! What can be done? I'm tired of dealing with this mess and taking cold showers!

I purchased my home in June 2010 and as part of my contract I was given a home warranty through Fidelity. In September 2010, we began having issues with the water heater pilot going out. When we would re-light it, it would stay lit for a few days to a couple weeks, then go out again and need to be re-lit. The warranty company sent out a repairman from their contracted plumbing company, who stated he could not find anything wrong with the water heater. Several weeks later, the exact same situation occurred, with a different repairman giving us the same story. Several times, the same issue has occurred, but we have simply re-lit the pilot light ourselves since we needed the hot water and didn't have time to wait for someone to come out and tell us the exact same thing; that they couldn't find anything wrong with the water heater.

Fast forward to November, I am tired of the water heater failing and having to constantly re-light the pilot. The way I always have discovered that the pilot is out is by taking a shower that becomes cold approximately one minute into the shower, at which point I am covered in soap and shampoo and cannot simply get out, go to the garage to light the pilot, wait 20 to 30 minutes for the water to reheat, and take a hot shower. At this point I have had enough of contacting the home warranty company, waiting for a call back and authorization from them to have the repairman come out, etc. So I called Whirlpool, the manufacturer of the water heater.

They stated that they would send a new part, which they would cover under warranty, but labor would not be covered. So I called the home warranty company, which agreed to cover the cost of labor. They sent their repairman out who proceeded to tell us that Whirlpool had sent out the wrong part. I then contacted Whirlpool, who agreed to overnight the correct part which the repairman stated we needed. In the meantime, the technician from the water heater company disconnected the water heater completely, stating that there was a leaky valve and this was potentially dangerous, so he would not re-light the pilot as we had done in the past.

The other technicians who had come to our house failed to mention this or diagnose this as the issue with the water heater. Somehow, the part (burner assembly) never arrived at our house, although UPS stated they dropped the package off at the front door when I was home all day preparing food ahead of time for Thanksgiving, and there is no way anyone ever came to the door. I called Whirlpool and explained my situation and at this point they stated they would simply replace the entire water heater. This should have sent up a red flag, but I agreed to the process. Again, Whirlpool stated that they would cover the cost of the parts, but not labor. So again it was up to me to contact the home warranty company to ensure that labor would also be covered.

After being on the phone with both Whirlpool and Fidelity for three hours, we came to the conclusion that the company which had previously been sending technicians out to our house to investigate our water heater issues was unwilling to uninstall the old water heater, return it to its place of purchase (Lowe's) and reinstall the new water heater, as directed by Whirlpool. By the time I went to the gym so as to have a place to shower and then returned home for the evening, Fidelity's office was closed. I had to wait until the next day to call Fidelity again about the issue, as it was the fourth day with no hot water. I finally heard back from an agent at Fidelity who was able to locate a company willing to complete the process suggested by Whirlpool.

Keep in mind at this point, it is the day before Thanksgiving and I am planning on hosting Thanksgiving dinner. I have no hot water with which to bathe or wash my dishes. I am also scheduled to work 12pm-12am, and it is now 8am. I still have not heard from the company who was contracted by Fidelity to replace the water heater, so I have no idea when they will be at my house to install the new heater. At 2:30PM, two technicians from the water heater company arrive at my house, disconnected the old heater, exchanged it for the new one at Lowe's and installed the new water heater. This process is finally complete at 5:30pm; I am now five and a half hours late to work. Luckily, my supervisor is understanding. When the technicians leave my house, they make it clear that they have no confidence in this Whirlpool product and fully expect that it will have to be replaced again because it is a "crappy product" and "will probably get you through Thanksgiving, but we'll probably have to come back out Friday".

Okay, that inspires a lot of confidence in me. Unfortunately, I cannot stick around to see if the water heater is actually going to work, since it takes about a half hour for it to fill and provide hot water to the house. I must go into work as promised for the remainder of my shift. Imagine my "surprise" when I arrived home at 12:30am early Thanksgiving morning and discovered a non-functioning water heater! The pilot, which was lit when I left, was 'shockingly' no longer lit and there was no hot water. So we are arriving on day five without hot water, which also happens to be Thanksgiving, which I also happen to be hosting at my hot-waterless house. In closing, as I sit here on Thanksgiving morning writing this vent/complaint, I am still without hot water, it is a holiday and a holiday weekend naturally follows.

Unfortunately for me, as a person with a job that cannot simply "close for the holidays" and observe a nice long holiday weekend, I am stuck with no hot water for the long holiday weekend as the people in the Whirlpool and Fidelity offices enjoy their weekend off, bathing in their nice hot showers. I am probably going to drag my shower supplies to the hospital where I work so that I can avoid offending my Thanksgiving dinner guests with less than optimal body scent. However, I remain incensed after reading multiple complaints on the internet about a problem that is obviously known to Whirlpool, yet they continue to replace their faulty water heaters with other newer faulty water heaters. I blame Whirlpool for my troubles since they have manufactured an inferior product and continue to do so without regard to the needs of their customers.

I have replaced three times the thermocouple on our Whirlpool water heater that is still under warranty. This is habitual and absurd that they have this happen to everyone with these water heaters.

Whirlpool 50 gl hot water heater purchased new at Lowes Home Improvement store (model no. FG2J5040T3NOV UNIT) turned into a lemon last week. Pilot lite went out. I got a free change-out kit and put it in. It worked for three days. Today the lite was out, turned it on and the water heated up but then the pilot lite went out. I turned on the pilot lite but then the burner would not go on. They told me to clean the fire trap, which I did. They said I could get a new temperature valve at Lowes. Lowes did not have it. I called Whirlpool. They are sending out a part. A plumber came by and said he could fix it for $250 once he got the part. I gave up and got a new water heater. This was only four years old with a 12-year warranty. Give me a break.

Issues with Whirlpool Hot Water Heaters made by American Water Heaters continue. And Lowe's continues to sell them. I purchased a 40-gallon gas Whirlpool water heater (BFG1J4040T3NOV) from Lowe's on 11/18/08 for a rental unit I owned and had it installed the same day (12-year tank and parts warranty). I thought purchasing a Whirlpool water heater with 12-year warranty would provide me with trouble-free problems.

However, it was a questionable decision from the start. Over a period of several frustrating days after the initial installation, the plumber had to replace the pressure relief valve, the gas control/temperature control unit, and finally install a thermo-expansion tank, all to prevent the pressure relief valve from dripping all over the floor. I never had that problem with the old water heater. Now two years later, I have experienced the problem a multitude of consumers have had and continue to have, such as, the pilot light issue. It went out (for who knows what reason) and I could not get it to light and stay on.

After reading these posts, I was alarmed and knew I might have a real problem on my hands as I prepared to try to resolve the issue. First, the plumber replaced the thermo-couple (obtained from Lowe's) with no success. I decided to clean the screen/filter in the bottom of the tank to ensure good intake air movement (it was not clogged or very dirty). I tried to light the pilot again, but with no success. Next, the plumber replaced the gas control/thermostat unit we obtained from Lowes, (remember this is the second replacement) all with no success. The pilot light would not stay on. When you release the red button, the flame goes out.

Now, the plumber has no other answers for a fix. This complicated with the frustration of tenets not having hot water for several days. Plus, the water is being completely shut off for 6 hours while the plumber has been obtaining and replacing parts. His recommendation—replace the unit with a different one. So, we replaced the two-year old unit that has 10 more years of warranty and cost me over $700 with installation for a GE gas water heater from Home Depot. What a disappointing and frustrating purchase from Whirlpool (American) and Lowe's. Like most on this post, I will never purchase another Whirlpool and I hope a class action lawsuit will result to reimburse so many that have been sold such worthless water heaters.

In the meantime, I have been without hot water for showers or dishes for a minimum of 3 days and counting.

We bought a water heater in 2003 and this is the second time we have had to replace the thermal coupling. We've had unexpected cold showers, replacing the coupling and having to pay someone to replace the coupling.

Purchased hot water heater FG1F404053NOV in 2005. Pilot light would not stay lit. I called a technician that I have a repair contract with and was told I needed to order a part from Whirlpool. I actually got the part from Lowe's for free, so I didn't have to wait for the part but the technician charged me $123.50 because he said the contract only covers normal wear and tear, and this is a manufacture defect.

I called Whirlpool and they say that it is not a manufacture defect, that it is normal wear and tear. After searching the internet, it seems to me Whirlpool is at fault for all the complaints I have found on this particular water heater and sounds like it just keeps breaking. I guess next time it stops working, I will save myself some money by buying a new hot water heater not manufactured by Whirlpool. Whirlpool should be held liable and required to not only provide the parts for free but the installation as well. They hso many complaints and the customer gets stuck paying the hefty installation fees.

It will be 5 years since we moved into our house and bought a Whirlpool Hot Water heater. It seems that every six months we are replacing the thermocouple. This water heater is defective and something needs to be done about it. I am tired of not having hot water.

I bought a Whirlpool hot water heater 3 years ago. Heater had a 6 year warranty. I called Whirlpool to get return authorization. Whirlpool representative insisted that I remove the heating element from the heater, wrap Teflon sealing tape around the threads of the element, reinstall the element, and then recheck for leaks. I informed the rep that the tank was leaking, not the seal around the element. The water was streaming from the heater and I could clearly see it was not coming from the element locations. The rep insisted that I perform this "repair" before a return authorization would be granted. I told the rep that I would not waste my time doing this as the leak was due to a rusted through tank, not the element seals.

At this point the rep informed me a return authorization would not be issued. I went to Lowes and purchased the exact same water heater. After installing the new heater, I took apart the old heater. I wanted to know where the leak from the tank actually was. It is difficult to see this as the tank is encased in expanded foam insulation which I had to break away from the tank in order to find the hole. The rusted through hole was located in the upper portion of the tank near the Temperature/Pressure relief valve.

Hot water went out. I called a repairman. He told me to call Whirlpool. They said I could pick it up at Lowes. I tried seven different Lowes and none of them had part. I called Whirlpool again and they overnighted the part. Now a repairman can't come to fix it. I am without hot water for over a week now.

I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater model FG1F40400S3NOV in 2005. This is the third time I am having trouble with this. It seems like the thermal couple keeps going. December 09 the whole burner unit had to be changed due to the left handed thread that was used. If somebody wants to give me a Whirlpool product I will have to pass. This product is junk. I have replaced the thermal couple but there appears to be a gas leak inside of the unit.

I am going on my 2nd water heater in 5 yrs. We bought our home in 2005, in which a Whirlpool water heater was already installed brand new. Within 6 mos., the water heater stopped working. We contacted Whirlpool customer service and was told the thermal coupler had to be replaced. They sent us the part and we installed. 5 mos. later, the water heater stopped working. We were so fed up at this point, that we just bought a new one. Within 1yr, it stopped working. I again contacted customer service and was told again that the thermal coupler had to be replaced. Again, we replaced and it worked for another year. It has yet again stopped working. I have had it with Whirlpool water heaters. I will never ever buy a Whirlpool product again.

On Aug 15, 2010, I ordered a Whirlpool LP water heater from Lowe's. After installation and inspection by a county inspector, I noticed that the water was very hot even though the thermostat was set to warm. I rotated the thermostat clockwise to see where the thermostat switched and it was slightly above the Hot setting, very near the mechanical stop. I notified Lowe's about this condition and they sent a technician who also verified that the water was too hot and suggested that I contact American Water Heater Company directly for further instructions.

During my conversation with the AWHC customer service representative, I was told that the pilot light "might" be heating the water and they recommended a test. They asked me to change the pilot control from On to Pilot. This would prevent the burner from coming on, but would still allow the pilot flame to burn as usual. I could then run enough hot water out of the system to reduce the temperature in the tank to a moderate level. I did this and verified that the hot water was just on the warm side of tepid. I then rotated the thermostat from the lowest temperature setting, clockwise until I heard the thermostat switch. This occurred at the first mark below Warm. Twenty four hours later, I repeated the test of the thermostat and noticed that it now switched half way between warm and hot. Another twenty four hours later, the temperature was one mark below Hot. Clearly, if I wait much longer, the temperature will continue to rise until the heat losses from the tank balance the heat from the pilot or the over-temperature switch turns off the gas to the pilot.

I believe that many of the complaints about the pilot light going out may be the result of this condition. The water actually exceeds the over-temperature set point (which is a safety backup for a failed thermostat) and shuts off the gas to the pilot. The pilot can only be re-ignited when the water has cooled sufficiently.

AWHC sent me an undated technical bulletin that has been carefully worded to make it sound like high ambient temperature and the warming effect of the pilot may result in the water temperature being "higher than expected" and recommends running hot water for about ten minutes.

AWHC should tell the truth and say that their gas water heaters have a design flaw that permits the water temperature to reach dangerously high temperatures regardless of the thermostat setting (which could injure or kill you) and may result in an over-temperature condition that will automatically shut off the gas to the pilot light.

As you know, injury and death from scalding is a serious problem. Most of these cases are attributed to setting the thermostat too high or having a thermostat fail to operate. The condition I described above is a design flaw because the heat from the pilot is not isolated from the water heater tank and there is no means to regulate the pilot to stay within the temperature set by the thermostat.

Since this observation has shaken my confidence in the ability of AWHC to design a safe water heater, I have filed a report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and, in the interest of safety, I am willing to pursue this matter until I am satisfied with the result.

Toddlers and young children are at the highest risk of being scalded by hot water. It is easy to receive third degree burns from exposure to hot tap water, which comes from not only hot drinks and pots cooking on the stove, but from bath water. An approximate one-second exposure to 160 F water will result in third degree burns.1 Where the water is 130 F, an approximate half-minute exposure will result in third degree burns.2 This is the reason that the Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that water heaters be set to a maximum temperature of 120 F, even though an approximate ten minute exposure to water heated to this temperature can result in third degree burns.

A safe temperature for hot water is 110 F, which exposure to results in third degree burns in approximately ten hours.3 Even though this is a 'relatively-safe' temperature, exposure to water set at 110 F is painful; the human pain threshold is around 106-108 F. It is important to remember that 212 F is the boiling point of water, meaning that the temperatures at which exposure to water will result in burns is much less than the boiling point of water. - Consumer Product Safety Commission.

On 11-09-07 I bought a whirlpool gas water heater that we had installed by a friend. On 11-15-07 our water heater stopped working. I called whirlpool and they said it was the gas control valve and thermostat that's was bad. On 12-01-07 someone finally came to fix it. On 4-10-08 my water heater went out again and I called whirlpool, they said the thermo coupling was bad so the sent someone out on 4-25-08, the man wasn't gone for 2hrs and it was out again. I had some out to work on my tank a total of 14 times since I bought the tank and finally last month I said I was calling a lawyer and they told me to return it to Lowes and they would replace it.

I bought my home in June 2008 and as a condition of purchase, the previous owner replaced the water heater before I closed on the house. He purchased a Whirlpool model # BFG1F4030T3NOV, a 40 gallon water heater from Lowe's and had it installed by a local plumber. In June 2010, this unit needed a new thermocouple replaced so I bought and installed one from Home Depot and thought nothing more about it. Last week the thermocouple went out again, so I called 1-877-817-6750 which was the number listed on my manual. The guy I talked to advised that there was a known problem with the gas valve in that unit and immediately offered several options to correct the problem.

I opted to have the part shipped to me, via overnight UPS. I just installed it and it was kind of a pain in the butt due to having to drain the tank. I really can't gripe about the manufacturer because they immediately rectified the problem for me, but I am a little skeptical because I have also read many posts that refer to the problem being caused by a design flaw with the flame-trap getting dirty too quickly. Time will tell whether the problem is really fixed. I spent about $22 for three different thermocouple parts.

Product: Whirlpool gas hot water heater, Model BFGIF4034T3NOV, 30 gallon Purchased: December 2007 [2 years 9 months old today] Retailer: Lowes [They only carry Whirlpool] Problem: Pilot would not stay lit and was very hard to light and overflow pressure valve leaked. Diagnosis: Gas control unit faulty. Electronic pilot igniter was OK. Solution: Throw the Whirlpool on the curb and go to Home Depot which carries both Hotpoint and GE [both are made in Mexico, probably in the same factory].

Prices vary wildly depending on the length of warranty [2, 6, 9, 12 years]. I paid $327 for a 40 gallon Hotpoint gas hot water heater. Comment: After I read all the negative comments on Whirlpool [my model], I was concerned. I see how the manufacturer handled the customers under warranty poorly. Clearly the best action was to toss the defective Whirlpool unit on the curb. Final Comment: Corpus Christi city water is very alkaline and dangerously high in total dissolved solids [typically measures over 600 ppm tds]. This clogs up everything and is corrosive leaving mineral deposits in all appliances. My next appliance will have to be a very large total house filter. [Old term for condition here is "hard water"]. The dead Whirlpool was within warranty for parts. Blog writers indicate replacement parts that are defective or no better than OEM parts, fail again soon.

I purchased from Lowe's, in late 2008, a Gas Water Heater with Flame Lock Model BFG1F404053NOV and keep having problems with the pilot light. Now, I have to wait another two days for the repair to come out. No hot water. I am a breast cancer patient and don't need this further aggravation. So many people with so many problems with this gas heater. Something needs to be done for all of us. This is just not right.

We purchased a Whirlpool model #FGIJ5040 T3NOV in November 2005, but I will never buy a Whirlpool product again. This is the 3rd time we have had to repair this water heater in 5 years. Nothing but problems. We just paid $93.97 a year ago and it needs to be fixed again. We ordered this part from American Water Heater. We have been without hot water too many times with this thing.

I bought a Whirlpool model FG1F4040S3PV water heater approximately 3 1/2 years ago. One day the pilot light would not light so I called the toll free warranty number in the owner's man. And I was told that they would have to ship the whole ther. unit because it had left handed threads. After waiting 3 days, received and replaced the unit. It fixed the problem until now. Now the pilot light will light but will go out 1 to 2 times a day. Whirlpool has definitely gone in the wrong direction with quality. All of my appliances in the past have been Whirlpool. I will be changing that in the very near future.

This past Feb. or Mar. time frame, we had to buy a new hot water heater because we were having problems with the one that was bought before we bought our home. About six months after we bought this house, we had to replace the thermal coupling and it was one of your reverse thread type which none of the dealers have on hand. We had to order it and I ended up having to pay the shipping charges, which I think is not right. Six (6) months after this, we had to replace the hot water heater because it was not holding the water and wouldn't warm up even if we had it all the way on high. So we had to buy a new one and again we had to pay for it.

It has now been approximately eight months with this new heater and the coupling needs to be replaced again. What will be next? Will we have to buy a new hot water heater again? Your company is legally stealing from the customers you have.

We went to Lowes and they told us we would have to call you again to get a replacement part. Your products are not what they were when I was a child. Now, I don't believe in your products or your company. I need someone to contact me and let me know if, how, or when you will ever back up any products. My complaint is with your company and not with any dealers who sell them. They only sell what you send them and so far it's nothing but "crap".

I bought an FG model Whirlpool Water Heater from Lowe's like a lot of other people who have posted here. I have had it for about 5-6 yrs, I can't remember exactly, and I have not had trouble until last night. The pilot light went out and would not reignite. I went out to Lowe's to pick up a new thermocouple for it. I know quite a bit about home repairs and I could not find the left hand threaded one that this particular model had. Obviously, the universal ones will not work.

I called the 877 number on the water heater and I spoke with a very nice lady from Whirlpool. She told me about the update kit that converts these models to a newer style. She told me to go to my Lowe's location and ask them for update kit "A" and it would not cost me a thing. I went into Lowe's and I told the guy what I needed. He gave me the box and out the door I went with not a dollar out of my pocket. It was an easy update fix and it took less than an hour. If more people would call and be courteous to the individual on the other end of the phone, they would not make your product quit working. Instead, they would get more help. I will buy nothing but Whirlpool in the future. Thanks Whirlpool and Lowe's!

Our thermal coupler went out and we went days without hot water as we did not have the money to hire a plumber. My husband was trying to learn how to fix the problem on his own. We are very dissatisfied because the hot water heater is only about 4 years old.

In May 2007, I purchased a Whirlpool model SG1J4040T3NOV 40-gallon water heater from Lowe's with a supposed eight-year warranty. There are only two of us in the home and I've had nothing but problems with it. I just finished replacing the control valve and the lighting is still sporadic. No more Whirlpools for me.

Whirlpool has been responsive in getting the replacement parts, but this is getting old. We purchased PN fdih4040t3nov back in February 2005. The TSTAT went out in 9/2008. It started having problems with the pilot lite. The gas valve then had to be replaced in 4/2009. Restarting the pilot is quite a process now with this heater and now it is taking longer to heat the water in the tank. I'm not sure what that is. Other water heaters I have had lasted 15 years with no problems until they just stopped working. This has been the worst.

I have a Whirlpool gas water heater purchased from Lowes with model number 1F3030T3NOHV and I have had nothing but problems with it. It's been going out the past two years. It had the gas valve replaced in January of 2010 and has gone out this week for the third time. I have had it up to here with them. There should definitely be a recall or class action lawsuit. I am writing this to further that cause and encourage someone with similar problems to make them known. Whirlpool, never ever again!

I bought two water heaters from American Water Heaters a few years ago. One pilot went out and would not light. I couldn't get to relight. I ordered parts. They worked for about a week and it started doing the same thing. I decided to check on the internet and found lots of people having the same issues with pilots, thermocouple units and a class action lawsuit. I decided to forgo fixing it and bought a Whirlpool from Lowes.

I got it home, opened the box and, lo and behold, it has the same manufacturer—American Water Heaters—as my old problematic one. It had the same manufacture address but a different company name. Yet the warranty card says American Water Heaters. There's also something very rare in a water heater box, an instruction page with color pictures on how to diagnose and replace thermocouple assembly. I packaged it back up and I am returning it today. So, basically, Whirlpool decided to use a product that they have had problems with in the past. I am not sure they have really fixed them if they have to include color pictures to repair the thermocouple assembly. Going to a Maytag.

My complaints are only starting. It first started with our Whirlpool water heater going out and discharging cold water. We followed the instructions on relighting, it would heat for a few minutes then cut out again. We continued the same progress on lighting and more and more, the pilot light would not remain lit after releasing the red button. We then were told the thermocouple was out. So we replaced it by buying a new one. During installation, we found out that the threads that hook up to the control panel were threaded for a left-handed unit. We then made several trips to 2 appliance stores in our area, with no luck. Then we were told Lowe's had them.

Well, no luck. They said they were out so they called another 2 stores and they were out. We went to Home Depot and no luck there either. We have now went without hot water for 5 days and still no luck. Then I did some research and could not find any information on Lowe's or Whirlpools' sites about these problems. It seems that you may have to buy the whole control panel just to get the right-handed thermocouple to work right. Also, by reading the messages on here, I found out several other problems seem to grow after one year. I've read where some have seek other brands such as GE. I talked to my wife about this and she is still wanting to go the same route. I want this problem to be fixed now. I'm game on any lawsuit about this situation. We live near the last Whirlpool Industry that has just moved to Mexico within the last year, leaving over 1500 Americans jobless. PS: My water heater was built in Mexico.

I have a Whirlpool Flame Lock gas water heater, which I purchased from Lowes in 2006. This is sold only by Lowes. Class Action settled on thermocouple. Two have been replaced on this water heater. I am under mental anguish.

Water heater is only 4 years old. The pilot light won't stay lit. I called Whirlpool twice, and replaced their class action part twice. This is a defective product that is being repaired with defective parts. Numerous complaints can be found all over the internet, regarding the same problem. I spent over $600 to purchase this water heater. This product should not be sold to the consumers.

Anyone looking for a water heater should steer well clear of anything Whirlpool offers. I bought one five years ago and have had nothing but problems with it. While the tank still holds water, the tank destroys thermocouples like they are going out of style. When these things go out, they are dead forever. For models with the flame lock system, thermocouples will cost 3 or 4 times what a normal thermocouples costs and they are left hand threaded. So you can't just put on a regular thermocouples without changing the entire thermostat. I finally broke down and replaced the thermostat (over $50.00 American currency) after the ** thing went through 3 in 2 weeks.

Now, there is a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool and their faulty, overpriced flame lock thermocouples. Unfortunately, I could not find my receipts to participate. I hope no one ever buys Whirlpool products again and they go bankrupt. They should be ashamed to be taking Americans' hard-earned money for their junk. Maybe they should turn their attention to manufacturing doorstops or paperweights, they might be able to do that. Now, we are having problems with the electronic igniter, probably from all the time having to relight the tank. I can't even find the part to repair it on Whirlpool's own website. Take my advice and don't buy a Whirlpool water heater. They are absolute **. For that matter, this will be the last Whirlpool product of any kind that I will ever buy.

Around the end of June 2010, the same thing happened to our Whirlpool Flame Guard water heater built by American Water Heaters. The lack of air circulation due to the tiny vent caused the flame to starve for oxygen making it flare out and trip the thermal fuse. When this happens, the thermocouple stops working and the pilot light goes out. No replacement parts were available. Only by requesting and receiving the burner upgrade assembly were we able to get the water heater working again. Luckily, I'm a bit handy with a wrench, otherwise, it would have cost us money to have it installed. Needless to say, no more Whirlpool for me, period.

My FG1H5040T3NOV water heater pilot lite went out. Whirlpool sent a new valve; it's still out. Then I was informed that I should have a retrofit kit with new thermocouple set up. So I'm on my third day with no hot water; I sit and wait.

I purchased a 40-gallon Whirlpool water heater (bfg2f4040t3nov) from Lowes about 4 years ago. That's pretty ancient for this model so I wasn't too surprised when the little plastic thermal switch that was attached to the base crumbled off while I was performing standard maintenance (i.e. replacing the thermocouple assembly unit). I'm not sure if this is dangerous, so I initially didn't turn it on. But, I changed my mind during yet another freezing cold shower and went down and turned on the gas. Fortunately, the pilot light wouldn't stay on, allowing me to come to my senses. I do hope my next water heater won't encourage me to risk my life. So far just a week of cold showers, parts, and time spent performing life-threatening repairs.

My 87 year old mother, has had repeated repairs done on her hot water tank. 6 times in a year and a half, and twice this week already. Labor is killing us, parts you might pay for, but that's a problem too. I know she is tired of the stress, and will never buy another Whirlpool product. It must be a lemon. All I hear is one thing or another. I have incurred t of pocket expenses amounting to $200 or more, for all the times she has called a plumber.

Purchased a 50-gallon Whirlpool hot water heater three years ago and have had to replace the ignition/thermocouple assembly twice. This last time, Lowe's gave me the part for free but it cost (again) $150 to have it installed. Cold showers and unnecessary work lost having to wait for repairmen. This shouldn't happen unless they are 10 years old.

I am on my third Whirlpool gas hot water heater in 7 years. I have also replaced the thermocoupler in one twice. I have bought the hot water heaters from Lowe's and do not blame them but Whirlpool is no longer one of the better brands to buy.

We bought our Whirlpool Gas water heater from Lowes in 2004. We have had to replace the thermocoupler three times. The warranty service supplied one of the thermocouplers, but we had to pay overnight postage. Now, the water heater is leaking. The six year warranty expires next month. I would not ever try contacting Whirlpool service again. It is not worth the frustration. My choice is to never buy any Whirlpool appliance, and to stop shopping at Lowes.

I am another victim of a Whirlpool junk water heater! I have a fg1h5040t3nov model. First off, I have had nothing but trouble with the pressure relief valve. I call Whirlpool, the water tank dept. "Oh,your temp is set to high." It's only on medium so I turned it down a number of times until the valve stopped leaking/dripping. Then I got to clean up all the mess created by the leak! Now the thermocouple went bad. There's no hot water for 3 days while I waited for the "retrofit kit" to arrive.. I replaced it according to the instructions and guess who started leaking again? You guessed it, the relief valve(!) which by the way is set to vacation. I called the Whirlpool 877 number again and got another incompetent ** asking "are you sure the setting is on vacation?"

I bought the first Flame Lock, Whirlpool hot water heater in Dec.2003,model # FG1H4040T3NOV and had to replace it in Aug. 2005 because the pilot light would not stay lit. Whirlpool did give me an RA # for this one. In Nov. 2007 pilot light again would not stay lit, contacted the customer service # again and Whirlpool sent me a kit for the burner assembly. Thank God I can do my own repair work! Then in Oct. 2008, same problem pilot would not stay lit.Whirlpool sent me a improved burner assembly kit. Of course I am having to pay postage on all of this!

In April of 2009, same problem occurs. Whirlpool will not give me a RA # to replace this. They sent a new gas valve and that didn't work. I had to buy another thermocouple and that got me going again. Oct 2009, the pilot light goes out but will relight if I push the reset button on the new little white door switch that is part of the new burner assembly. In Nov of 2009, I had to replace the thermocouple again. Come July 2010 pilot light is again going out, I will contact Whirlpool in the morning and request another Hot water heater! I forgot to mention, this is a 12-year warranty hot water heater, yea right! Had I not been technically able to do my own repair work, I would be out several hundred maybe a thousand dollars in keeping this working. Whirlpool has ruined their name with me.

I bought a Whirlpool water heater from Lowes in 2005. I had the KIT-Termalstat replaced in 2008. In July of 2010, it broke again. They offered to give me a certificate for replacement if you take it out, and return it to Lowes. I had to pay someone to install it, last time. They refused to pay for the installation. This is stupid. Do not buy from American Water Heaters or Lowes

I purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater, G1J5040T3NOV from Lowes. I have done the recall on thermo coupler myself. No one would work on it. It's been a pain in the ass since I bought it. I will have to buy a new one. Definitely, it will not be at Lowes or Whirlpool!

I have several Whirlpool water heaters and have had terrible problems with every single one of them! I have rental properties and I have had to hire multiple service technicians many times for each unit. I have tenants who have been so frustrated that they have moved! I have trouble dealing with Whirlpool. The last time I talked with them, being very frustrated, they hung up on me. I have easily spent enough on technicians that I could have installed brand new units!

I am a person that researches everything and it happened upon this site as I was attempting to learn about the problem we were having with our Whirlpool/Envirotemp water heater. I would just like to share my experience, as it was a good one. I dialed the toll free number on Whirlpool site and was directed to contact **** for replacement parts for the water heater. Let me back up a step. We first had Burton Plumbing come out for a charge of $59 just to tell us what supposedly was wrong and leave an estimate to replace those items, $296.26 for the burner assembly, etc. and $498.59 for the main gas valve/thermostat.

To make the long story short, when I contacted the toll free number, a gentleman named Kelsey answered and walked me through step by step, the tests that should have been done to determine what parts were needed and also stated that it would take no more than 30 to 40 minutes to replace both if needed. That being stated, I would say a big thank you to Kelsey at Whirlpool who did send me the replacement parts and directed me to a video online that would walk me through the simple process of replacing these and not getting totally raked over the coals by Burton. Kelsey stated that this could all be done for, at the most, $150. Thanks Whirlpool and Kelsey. You make me feel like there are still great people out there that just want to do the right thing!

My complaint is about a Whirlpool gas water heater with the flame lock safety system that I purchased at Lowes in Clinton, Utah on September 2008. In November 2008, a couple of days before Thanksgiving, the pilot light went out and would not stay on. I contacted Whirlpool; they gave me a case number and said they would send me a new control overnight delivery. I called everyday throughout the weekend waiting for the part to get deliver and finally after some research they found the part was never picked or sent. I was really upset because with a family of 6, we had to boil water every day for at least 6 days due to the Holiday.

When I found the part was not delivered, I went to Lowe's and complained and explained to them if they did not correct the problem, I was going to the newspaper and error my complaint. Lowe's immediately gave me a replacement part (control). I then called Whirlpool and they scheduled a Sears repairman to come and install the part. He not only found the original control was bad, the one Lowe's gave me was bad. He also found the burner unit was not functioning also. After replacing the parts with what was suppose to be good, the water heater worked good until today June 23, 2010--20 months later. The pilot light again will not stay lit (model # BFG144040T3NoV).

Today, a repairman is coming to check out the unit. Do I have any chance of any reimbursements for repairs or if I need to purchase a new water heater? This is supposed to be a 9 year warrantee. What a bunch of junk this unit is. I wish Lowe's would have told us about the problems these Whirlpools are. Me and my wife are both retired and supporting my daughter and 3 grandkids. How can companies selling junk expect us to fork out $400 plus every two years for a heater that should at least last 9 years.

Lowe's sold defective hot water heater from Whirlpool 50 gallon SG1J5040T3NOV, Model # 0733156. I have been the subject of class action lawsuits in the past but Lowe's continues to sell them to unsuspecting people who don't know until they check troubleshooting information on them. Nothing comes up but bad things about the water heaters and the fact that Whirlpool and Lowe's knows about it.

** 2 1/2 year old water heater that is not working again. I am sitting here waiting for a plumber to show up right now. This cost too much money to be going without hot water again. About $500 for the water heater and $650 for installation. This guy is going to tell me he can't work on it again and that I have to buy a new one. I already heard it on the phone. I should discuss that in person.

I bought a Whirlpool hot water heater and came to find out it's the one with all the problems. I contacted customer service, and they overnighted a new burner and pilot and gas valve and it works so far. I just got it back in service tonight--gas pilot is still on! Hopefully, this will fix it.

We purchased an electric hot water heater 7 years ago. It was an Energy Smart with the self-diagnostic control system. We are lucky to be alive. The hot water heater is in a closet in the bedroom. The wires shorted out and melted. They melted the cover where they came out of the control box and they scorched the shelf above. If there had been anything above, it would have caught fire and killed us. My husband took it out and bought a basic hot water heater without a computer board. It was not from Lowe's and it was not a Whirlpool. We had to purchase a new hot water heater. It was an inconvenience and frankly scary as hell to realize how close we came to being crispy critters.

I have replaced the thermo coupling 3 times on this water heater. The last one has worked for 2 years. Beware, last night my house filled with carbon monoxide from the water heater. These hot water heaters do not work well in a small room. I replaced a hot water heater with this one and used the same flue. If you have one of these hot water heaters, buy a carbon monoxide detector. I am going to buy an electric hot water heater and trash the Whirlpool Gold.

I was afraid to go to sleep last night. I have to purchase a new water heater and have it wired for electric. I missed work today to handle this problem.

Whirlpool flame lock water heater. I have replaced thermocouple 3 times in 4 years. Very poorly designed and extremely hard to fit new thermocouple. Unit sucks. I wish I could get Lowe's to come out and replace it.

Water heater purchased in 11/05 with 6-year warranty. In the past 3 months, there are two defective parts. Parts unavailable locally and must be shipped. No hot water during this time. No service available. I must pay my own plumber. Whirlpool refuses to honor warranty. I'm paying a plumber out of my own pocket.

I purchased in 2005 at Lowe's a Whirlpool gas hot water heater with flame lock. In addition, it came with a 9-year warranty. It started Christmas Eve 2009. I had people coming over that night and about 1 pm we found out the hot water heater was not working; my husband spend several hours trying to re-light it. We then decided we would try to contact a qualified plumber. We were lucky to get someone who was on his way home and going past our house. He was there for 3 hours giving up time with his family.

However, he said we needed the replace the "thermal coupler"; he placed the order but we would have to go without hot water until after Christmas. That total cost was $150, plus a great tip for his efforts. Now it is June and my husband has been in contact with the Service Center so many times he does not even have to give his name. After reading the "warranty", speaking with the Service Center and reading the issues incurred by others on this exact same appliance, I am about to give up. Whirlpool can chalk up another win for them because I can't fight anymore, and no one seems to be getting the help and support they should from Whirlpool or the sole distributor of this product, Lowe's. Paid over $400 for the water heater, almost $200 to have it installed from companies I thought I trusted, only to find out 5 years into a 9-year warranty, "too bad, so sad" and I have to now shell out the cost of a new one. Who is making them accountable for us little guys who work hard for our money?

Whirlpool Hot Water Heaters. Within the last few weeks, I have had to replace the the complete thermocouple assembly kit. Yes, I had to go to Lowe's to get the parts because this part has caused me a hardship. Lowe's does not stock this item in all the stores. I had to travel 62 miles in order to get the unit. This alone was bad enough. Now let's take the price of gas, the wear and tear on my truck and tires. The time it took was about three hours give or take. Now, we come down to the fact that I could not charge the customer for time and labor.

I have been having problems with my Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's. I keep getting parts for the water heater at the request from Whirlpool customer service from Lowe's and it still doesn't work. I called the gas company and they came out and checked it, the gas tech explained to me that these water heaters are always having problems. Doing research on the internet, these water heaters are a major problem. They don't work. Is there a way to get my money back or a replacement water heater? Is there a lawsuit or anything because of these water heaters? Please help. No hot water for five days and counting.

I started having the pilot light issue in our 7-year old Whirlpool water heater a few months ago, but had been able to relight the pilot each time until yesterday. After reading about the ongoing problems and class action suit against Whirlpool, I called Lowe's and if they had any of the repair kits. The person I spoke to said they needed the repair kit letter so I called Whirlpool directly. They told me I needed kit C and that they would overnight it to me free of charge if Lowe's didn't have one. I called Lowe's back and they were out, but said they would call Whirlpool and call me back. 10 minutes later, they called back and said that they would receive more in tomorrow, but that another store nearby had one and they were holding it for me.

I picked it up and after carefully following the installation instructions, we now have hot water again. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be, it only took about 45 minutes and didn't cost me a thing. If you are still dealing with this problem, contact either Lowe's or Whirlpool and ask for the repair kit. If you can follow directions, you can probably install it yourself.

I have a gas water heater from Whirlpool. After replacing the same parts at least twice (which had to cost more than the water heater), I got an RA# and replaced the water heater. That was less than a year ago. Now, the same *** thing is happening! The pilot light will not stay lit. This has been inconvenient. Having already dealt with this company for months to get things fixed. Them wanting to make me redo the troubleshooting. Time is a commodity not many of us have and when I spend hundreds of dollars on something, I expect it to work! I will never buy anything Whirlpool again and will make my opinion be heard to as many people as I can reach! The internet and word of mouth are the best advertising tools! Going without hot water because an appliance is made crappy is horrible, especially when you are buying a brand that should be trusted. Too bad. They used to be a wonderful company.

This is an update to an earlier posting about my Whirlpool hot water model #BFG1F404053NOV. As I said before, this all started on 11/7/08. Every month or two having to replace the thermocouple and always the gas control/flame guard. This is very costly for a single mother. Sometimes, the company will ship the gas control to me for free but then I'm waiting 3 days or more for hot water. I can't afford the cost of having it taken out and the new one installed anymore. The guy was even giving my a discount. He had to do it so much, but for me $75.00 is a lot but it's the cheapest I found! So since my last posting, I'm on my 2nd gas control.

It's May 23, 2010. The last one was installed on May 2, not even 1 month ago. Also, in between the gas control, I had to have a thermocouple installed. When I called the company, the only response I got was "Okay were sorry, we'll send you a new gas control". Anyone who has any suggestions? I can't return it. I've been trying since I first bought it from Lowe's. I have to have an RA# from Whirlpool to return, but Lowe's has been great through this. They even tried to talk to Whirlpool. Please help! I can't afford to buy a new one either. Single mom on med leave, having to pay to install, an uninstall $75.00 a pop. We are also going days without hot water. It has got my nerves so bad knowing it's only going be about 1 month before I go through this again.

I contacted US/ Craftmasters Water Heater Comp. They are being answered by Whirlpool. I have a FG1F4034T3NOV and am having the same problems as others listed here where the flame won't stay on. I contacted them today and found that they have a replacement burner assembly that they are "overnighting" to me to resolve this issue. This is not a complaint but a resolution to posted issues listed here.

I purchased the Whirlpool gas water heater in 04/06 at Lowe's. We have had to replace the thermocouple twice and it's out again. This time within a month apart. This was the second Whirpool water heater we have purchased within a 6 year period. When the first one went out, I didn't think about checking for recalls. I have decided to replace the water heater with a GE from Home Depot. This time I will purchase the full replacement warranty. I have all Whirpool appliances in my house presently, but will never buy another one of their products.

We bought a Whirlpool water heater less than 2 years ago. About 2 days ago, the pilot light went out. My husband kept lighting it. It continued to go out. Then he couldn't light it. We went to Lowe's to get the part and they told us that this is an ongoing problem with the thermal coupler and that they would give us one for free but they didn't have the one that we need. We will have to go to Reno to get one, and again no hot water, nice cold shower.

Now I read online that this problem has been going on this years and it has not been fixed. They even settled a class action suit but that doesn't help us because that was back in 2008. You would think that this continues to be a problem, complaint after complaint after complaint that something would be done. I have basically been told that even if I replace the coupler, that it will last maybe 3 months. Whirlpool needs to refund the money. This is ridiculous. Cold showers, dishes aren't getting washed, having to boil water to do dishes or wash hair or take a bath. I will have to spend money to replace the hot water heater that I don't have. I have a son in college. This is absurd that it has gone one for a minimum of 5 years and nothing has been done.

Water stopped lighting up, so call the gas company out to fix it. They told me that my model was a recall, and to call whirlpool so I did. They said that the Gas control valve thermostat needed to be replaced so they shipped it out and sear came out to install it. A day later, the water heater went out again, so called Whirlpool and they said there was nothing that they can do.

I needed to clean my water heater sensor. So, I did no improvement so I continued to light my water heater everyday. Call whirlpool today and Sears came out again and said my water heater is a recall. And there was nothing that they can do. So, I called back whirlpool now they say that the store assembly needs to be replaced. Called Sears and scheduled an appointment to come replace that part as a courtesy they will come back out know that the water heater is not replaceable.

I called Whirlpool due to a bad thermocouple in my Water Heater. The Water Heater was still under its 6 year warranty which says parts and labor. Whirlpool shipped me new parts which I had my local plumbing company install. Although the parts were free, I had to pay the plumber $247.50. When I called Whirlpool to complain and inform them of the cost they could care less said to write the corporate office Whirlpool.

I was out of hot water for 3 days. I was forced to pay $247.50 for a plumber to install the replacement parts which Whirlpool sent to me in order for me to have hot water again in my home. I have had nothing but problems with this water heater. There is no guarantee that this will not continue to occure as there have been class action law suits against Whirlpool for the faulty water heaters they continue to sell.

Hot water heater was purchased in 11/06. It broke down twice in 2007. It then broke down every couple of months in 2008 + 2009. There was always a recall on it, so just kept going to Lowe's and they would just give me a brand new heater assembly unit. When it broke last, I heard a loud popping, saw smoke and smelled electrical burning, so I just went and turned off the gas and shut off the breaker. I immediately called the next day and got up to level 1 service who then blamed the situation on me.

I made a complaint with the Arkansas A.G.'s office the next day and then went out and bought a new G.E. water heater. I have just made my 2nd complaint to the Arkansas A.G's office since the 1st went unanswered. Then, I just did a search online and found out about the class action lawsuit and it being settled. Obviously I did not know about this lawsuit and never filed a member claim. So, now what do I do? What is my recourse since I have spent $450.00 buying this piece of garbage which is sitting in my back yard and i have now spent another $450.00 in 11/09 on my new G.E.? Please help me. How come I was never notified about this lawsuit by Whirlpool? Well, my house almost blew up and I paid $450.00 for the Whirlpool in 11/06, and now I just spent another $450.00 in 11/09. I want some sort of compensation!

I bought a Whirlpool gas hot water heater in 2003. I just paid $153.76. to have the thermocouple replaced. My serviceman warned me about these heaters. I am on a fixed income and cannot continue to pay for repairs.

I'm a single mother with a limited income, so when my hot water heater went out I thought Whirlpool. Right, there-- a good name. Wrong! I bought mine 11/7/08. I had to pay to have my old one taken out, and now this one installed. So once installed, he goes to light it and guess what, the orange igniter wire's missing. Just not there. So, the store let me exchange it and again I had to pay to have it installed. Then more problems 1/09, replaced thermocoupler, same on 4/09.

Then 7/09, the gas control goes out, had to buy new one and remember all this has to be installed. Still more. 12/09 thermocouple. 12/27/09 gas control again. 1/25/10, therm. 3/2/10, gas control and now 5/1/10 gas control again. Can you believe this? And every time (from the start) I tried to get a return # from Whirlpool. No luck. This company doesn't care about cost or people's struggles. And good luck if you can understand what the person on the line is saying! Please, please, please never buy a Whirlpool! I know they used to be a good name but not any longer. If I had the money this would be in the landfill, an I'd by a different name.

I had an electric water heater which is less than 2 years old that burst apart at the seam when I wasn't home. My home had almost $20000 in damage from flooding. The insurance company pursued this claim through arbitration and they said it was faulty installation. We installed it ourselves and made no alterations. They did not even see how it was installed, so how can they rule it as such. The insurance company said they had several from Whirlpool with these issues.

We own a 40-gallon gas Whirlpool water heater. After 4 years, we started having problems with the pilot light; it would not stay lit. I received several replacement parts to make the repairs according to Whirlpool's support service. After months of frustration, today we were finally given an authorization code to replace the water heater. Unfortunately, we'll have to replace it with another Whirlpool water heater.

I have a Whirlpool water heater 40 gallon tank, almost exactly 3 years old. It has a 9 year warranty for tank and parts. The pilot will not stay lit. We have been without hot water since Saturday, April 24th. Today is Tuesday, April 27th (4 days later). My 76-year old mother lives with us. I was told I needed a universal igniter switch by Whirlpool's Customer Service Dept (in India) and it could be purchased at Lowe's or any plumbing supply store, not true. After running to multiple stores, I called them back and they promptly mailed out a replacement igniter switch. I replaced the igniter switch. The pilot lit after some repeated tries. I checked on it one hour later and the pilot was out again.

I decided to research this on the internet, only to find multiple complaints about the same issue. Whirlpool needs to recall these water heaters and send refunds to every customer who is having this problem. It is frightening because gas leaks cause explosions. Whirlpool needs to take responsibility for this issue and not be so cavalier about it. I am sure I will have to have the water heater replaced. I cannot risk my family's safety. Going forward, there will be no Whirlpool product in my home.

As soon as it was installed the top valve has leaked water, then the thermocuple went bad, only 4 years old and it is left hand threaded stupid when all others are right hand threaded my old one was over 25 years old before it ever had a problem. Guess I am done buying Whirlpool products. Total inconvenience and expense for repair man to put convertor on. [No] thanks for all the trouble Whirlpool!

I purchased a home that has a Whirlpool electric water heater. It was purchased in 2001 with a "Lifetime Warranty" by the previous home owner and now Whirlpool won't honor the "Lifetime warranty". They told me it is non-transferable. How can a "lifetime warranty" be non-transferable. I have to purchase another water heater in a house I just bought even though when I bought the house the water heater said life time warranty.

I purchased a gas water heater from Lowe's in Sept., 2004. Just last week, 4-18-10, the pilot light went out, and I could not get it to re-ignite. I called Whirlpool and they sent me a new "kit" to replace the burner. I think it included the thermocouple. After paying $125 to have that installed, the plumber told me that it still was not igniting. I called several plumbers after that. All of them told me that Whirlpool water heaters were inferior products. Some said that they would not touch a Whirlpool water heater or any replacement parts because most of the time, the new parts do not fix the problem. After putting the new parts that Whirlpool sends out, they have customers calling back very upset at the plumbers, thinking that it's their fault.

Their advice is to get rid of the Whirlpool water heater. For a week I was without hot water. I could not do dishes or wash clothes during that time. I did take one ice-cold shower and that was enough for me! I had to use a pan to heat some water on the stove to make some soapy water to wash with, but rinsing? That could only be done with the freezing cold water. I explained all this to someone at Whirlpool, who apologized for my suffering. They finally agreed to let me exchange my old water heater for a new one at Lowe's. Yes, that meant getting yet another inferior product. I am probably, at this point, going to go ahead and do that because I don't have the cash to go buy a new one of another brand. Whirlpool, by the way, refused to pay the $125 I had to pay to have the plumber install their replacement kit that did not work.

I have had the water heater for a little less than two years. I keep having to replace the thermocouple, ignition, and gas control valve. I have read a lot about the air flow problems, and I wire brush the screen monthly. It just quit working again, and the pilot light won't ignite.

I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater about 5 years ago (which is still under warranty). The pilot light started going out all the time. I contacted Whirlpool and they did send me a replacement part that lasted 5 minutes. I ended up going out and purchasing a new hot water heater. I'm spending $600 that wasn't expected.

I purchased Whirlpool model **** energy smart water heater with flame lock safety system from Lowes. Do not purchase this product! If it goes bad as mine did, it will cost you dollars. I owned this product for 4 years. At the end of that time, I began having problems with the pilot staying lit. I called a service technician to look at it. He replaced a part that he felt would fix it and I got a bill for $145.00. The very next day, the same problem with the pilot was back. This time I called the customer service number on the installation booklet. This is the only contact information listed. My call was promptly sent on to India where I spent most of the call trying to understand what was being said.

Finally, Danny, my service person said they were going to send a pilot guard which should help prevent the water condensation from putting out the pilot. After installing the guard, there was no improvement. No pilot and a bill for me of $145.00. I called India again to express my dissatisfaction with how this was being handled and I demanded a refund. This tank has a 12-year warranty. The service person refused to do so and I argued and insisted that I needed a new gas valve installed, of course at my expense of $145.00. The gas valve was installed and proved to be defective. Now, my house smelled like gas. I called India again and they finally relented after much anger on my part to issue an RA number to return to Lowes for a refund. Lowes allowed me to return the water heater but would not refund my money. All they will authorize is a store credit. I took it and decided to buy a water heater at another place of business. At a cost of $430.00 + $200.00 for installation.

At this point, I finally have a proper working unit. I will never buy another Whirlpool product ever again! Ever! I will never shop at Lowes again. My only conclusion is Whirlpool wants nothing to do with their customers once they've made a purchase. Your only recourse is to talk to some poorly trained third world folks that have every intention of not doing a thing to help and if they do, it's at your cost. Remember the warranty? It is useless! I hope to spread the word via this article to prevent this mess from happening to others. Please take heed. Shop around before you buy. Once you buy it, you are stuck with it. I guess the idea is to make it as difficult for the customer as possible so that they give up.

My Whirlpool hot water heater went out after 6 years. I did not know about the Class Action Suit against Whirlpool for this water heater. The heater also leaked ruining the carpet. I now have to replace the hot water heater and have it installed for $980.

I have the same problem as everyone else with this item. I am replacing the thermocouple for the second time in 3 months. What needs to happen is they need to replace the heaters with one that works.

Like many other people, I have had to replace the thermocouple on my Whirlpool gas water heater several times. In the past, this had been an inconvenience, but at least I was able to obtain the replacement part and get it installed. This time, however, I can't find the part anywhere. I tried the retailer, Lowe's, where I had found it before, but they didn't have it. I tried Lowe's parts hotline, and they didn't have it. Whirlpool doesn't offer it. Independent Whirlpool parts dealers don't recognize the model number on the side of my heater. As a result, I'm having to replace a perfectly good water heater for the sake of a twenty dollar replacement part. It's as though Whirlpool and Lowe's are washing their hands of a problem by forcing an unreliable product to the junk pile.

We purchased a water heater approximately 2 years ago. Whirlpool 50-gallon gas (model # BFG1F5040T3NOV; serial # 0651101371). We began having problems on Sunday, April 4, 2010. There's no hot water. We had a plumber check it out on Monday, April 5, 2010. It was the thermocouple unit. We contacted Whirlpool and they had the whole unit sent--the gas control valve, the thermocouple unit and all its components. It was installed on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, and the pilot went out again on Thursday, April 8, 2010. We have scheduled an appointment for Friday, April 9, 2010, for the plumber to come out again. We have already spent $195 for these services and probably will have to replace the unit since I have read there are numerous complaints on the Whirlpool water heaters. This water heater was purchased from Lowe's. We have spent $195 so far for the plumber to install the parts and now we probably will have to pay for a new unit since there seems to be a massive defect in these units.

I bought a house recently with a 16-month old 50-gal all gas water heater from Whirlpool. I didn't get hot water, so I called Whirlpool. They gave me several numbers, which I ended up holding for 30 minutes each. Finally got them on the line and they told me I need to replace thermocouple but never said they would send any. So I, without being informed about warranty, go into Lowe's and buy one. It was only $7.99. Whatever. I called the plumber and installed it. Still don't get hot water. I called them again--now they say it's the gas valve. On top of that, they're saying the 12-year warranty that was on the heater was voided when the original owner moved out and I moved in. I say the warranty has to go with the house not the person and that's ridiculous. They say they will send the part free of charge only this time. I hate Whirlpool.

We have a water heater that was purchased approximately 4 years ago which came with a 12-year warranty. A few months ago, the water heater started making these cracking, popping sounds at any given time of the day, including at night. The water heater has regularly been drained. After raising the issue with Whirlpool, we were told we had to drain the water heater, pour a gallon of white vinegar down the cold water pipe into the heater and let it stand for 6 hours. After which the heater had to be drained of the vinegar and refilled with water. This was done twice and the cracking, popping sound continues. We informed Whirlpool and they sent a thermocouple part to replace, which we feel has nothing to do with the problem.

We contacted Whirlpool again about this and now they are saying we have to drain the water heater again and instead of using white vinegar, we are supposed to use apple vinegar. Who is going to pay for the water bill for draining the water heater so often? And now they are saying cracking sound does not fall under the warranty. They are saying it is due to hard water and sediment. We've informed them the heater has been drained on a regular basis but they are claiming that it hasn't. Economically, the water bill rises because of constantly draining the water heater.

I bought a Whirlpool 40-gallon gas water heater in 2005 and installed it myself. I've had to replace the thermocouple sometimes twice a year. Now it's out again, and of course it's left hand thread and Lowe's only sells right hand thread. I can't find a left hand thread anywhere. I didn't even think it might be covered under warrant until I read some of the post on here. I just wanted to post my problems, too.

I do not have exact dates at the moment, but around 16 months ago we purchased a water heater from Lowes. It was a Whirlpool. In early March the pilot light would not stay lit. After research I found this is a common issue and eventually Whirlpool sent a plumber out free of charge who said I needed a new thermocouple which was sent U.P.S. in a day or so. I then was told that I would have to wait for the tech to come back and install it. My other option was to install it myself which is what I did. It was a simple procedure considering I'm quite mechanically inclined. Well, that did not solve the issue of the pilot light not staying lit.

They then said it was the fuel valve and sent me one of those. Same story: I installed it and pilot light would not stay lit. 7 days still no hot water; finally I was given a return authorization number to receive a new water heater. Surprisingly, they only exchanged it for the same exact model with the same exact issues. I relight this one not as often but have realized today, March 26, 2010, the fuel valve has a small leak, which explains a lot of issues that my family has been having, I'm assuming. Headaches, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms.

What really shocks me is Whirlpool sends out these replacement parts with instructions for the consumer to engage in a skilled trade that they most likely are not qualified to perform. They also told me that they would not cover installation of the replacement heater. Since I can't afford a plumber, I was left with no choice than to do it myself. What if someone did not know what they were doing and killed themselves or their family. I just came back from working out of town and walked into a house full of carbon monoxide--am I responsible for purchasing and installing a new water heater? What are my options? Any advice or help is greatly appreciated. I wonder why Lowes is still selling these items that have already been involved in a class action lawsuit. I had to take work off for repairs and to wait for service man. We ended up getting a hotel to shower. I am not a plumber and may have caused some damage to piping behind the drywall "natural gas piping".

I bought a Whirlpool gas water heater in September of 2009. After the plumber installed it, the thermocouple had to be replaced on the spot (first one). We did call American Water Heater and got the thermocouple replaced and our bill for the plumber. Then in November of 2009, we had to get another one which was free of charge via Lowe's. It is now March 2010 and now it needs replaced again. We will get a new one again via American Water Heater but the plumber is on us or they tell us we can do it ourselves. Now, they tell us this is that last one they can give us because of the warranty so that is three thermocouples in a six-month time frame.

I bought my condo in 2006. The water heater was from after 2004 and is a 36000 BTU/40 gal. It looks like it lasted longer then the rest but still followed the same failure pattern. Now, I'm not sure what % of their sales the 397 pages of complaints listed here, combined with the countless others that have not been reported or reported elsewhere represent from the total number of units they made but there has to be some threshold where as nearly a thousand complaints of the same problem can be channeled in a way that produces a reaction. Aren't they bound by some expectation of quality by which they would be required to correct such an obvious of a defect?

I hope the Consumer Affairs administrator puts this as an addendum or close to the issues I wrote recently about the problem I have had with the 50 gallon Whirlpool gas water heater which kept shutting itself off and leaving us with cold water for days on end. I wrote a complaint to American Water Heater Company and personally went to Lowe's initially to purchase the correct thermocoupler because it's apparently a proprietary part that's left threaded rather than the usual right thread. I showed them the complaint I had written to American water heater, but they didn't have the part I needed in stock.

Lowe's staff was most helpful and called the manufacturer for me and arranged for an overnight UPS "fix" to be sent at no cost to me. I expressed some dissatisfaction with Whirlpool products and asked if I could just return the water heater and use the money towards another brand not manufactured by AWHC. I was a bit apprehensive over the replacement part they intended to send because there are all sorts of complaints about the part (usually the thermocoupler) failing again and again after a couple hours or days/weeks. I was surprised to receive a package that included the complete setup for the whole front panel including the panel that included the thermocoupler, igniter, pilot light, and gas tube. All I had to do was take the burner plate off the old one and attach it to the new one but the new "fix" also contains some new adapters and an additional thermal sensor that the old one didn't have....so apparently there's been some new design and engineering put into the replacement part(s).

I would encourage any of you having problems to tell whoever you are talking to (Lowe's, Whirlpool, or American Water Heater) that you want the "new fix" which contains a complete setup as well as an additional sensor with wires that connect to the adapter added on the connection tube for the red push button on the restart for the thermocoupler. If you end up with just the thermocoupler, I think you're going to have an intermittent and recurring failure problem as has been discussed in other contributions to this Consumer website. Perhaps this new replacement package is the result of the class action lawsuits or consumer complaints, but so far, it's working just fine.

The acid test is going to be how far down the road it keeps working, so in the mean time I'll hold my breath. If it breaks again, I'm going to toss out the Whirlpool and buy a Rheem. Be aware that American Water Heater Company (AWHC) makes gas water heaters for a number of outlets like Sears and others. Make sure you aren't buying another AWHC product that's just been labeled by another another company. Purchased universal thermocoupler that wouldn't work. Heater requires a proprietary left threaded thermocoupler. Four days without hot water, cost of plumber to come out and troubleshoot the problem but unable to fix it because of parts needed. Fixed it myself once I received the parts from AWHC, not Whirlpool.

My complaint is with Lowe's for recommending a 50 gallon Whirlpool gas hot water heater. Evidently, I am in good company after reading all the complaints that are basically exactly to mine: a 14 month old hot water heater, the pilot does not stay lit. It is Saturday. I have a four-hour window on Monday to wait for a Sears service person to make my hot water heater operable. Clearly, this problem is not unique to me. Clearly, Lowe's knew 14 months ago that particular hot water heater had been plagued with complaints and problems from consumers.

At the same time, I bought a front loading GE washing machine which has never worked properly. Had multiple service calls while it was under warranty and was told there was nothing wrong. Well, wrong! It is with 100% unpredictability the outcome of turning it on. Sometimes clothes are washed, some times not, sometimes it does not wring the water out, sometimes the clothes are damp and soapy. I have an expensive and time consuming lemon! I hate this machine. I wish I had my 25 year old washer that had one cycle, however, that one choice is better than never knowing the outcome. My desire was to have an energy efficient/environmentally positive machine and instead, I typically have to re-set, or do an extra 13 minutes of "spin." I too will never darken the door of Lowe's.

My water heater stop working, and I call Whirlpool service, they told me is not in warranty (I had buy this unit three years ago) the warranty said 9 years for inner tank and parts also for 9 years. It was frustrating, I type the model number so many times and all the time said (match not found) is like my unit wasn't ever made. I found help through Yahoo help forum, they told me big chances are the thermocouple. I went to home depot and buy the universal.

When I change it, I realized it was left handed thread, it was last night 10:45 pm. So, all my family has to deal with boiling some water and face that very cool bath, it is Winter for sake. It is freezing. Bottom line, I'll never buy or recommend a Whirlpool brand ever. I've been having this problem for about 5 weeks, but, it took me several attempts to make it work, until two days ago stop working at all, and never heat up again, so that's why I decided take action for myself.

I bought a 50 gallon gas water heater from Lowes about two years ago as a replacement for my original that lasted since 1987. The pilot light began going out and initially I thought it was the wind blowing down the roof vent. I kept having to go out and relight it and eventually it refused to restart. I've researched this issue and found that hundreds of complaints have been lodged against Whirlpool and Lowe's for the exact same problem. I found that California (where I live) filed a class action suit against Whirlpool, Lowes, and American Water Heater. American makes heaters for Sears, Whirlpool, and other brands that put their logos on these same heaters.

Although Lowe's was extremely helpful and ordered me a new thermocoupling, I see that numerous people have gone through repeated temporary "fixes" at considerable cost for plumbers and repairmen, lost time off work, taking cold showers for days and even a week, and in spite of all this, the problem continues. I see complaints going back to 2007. I guess my take on this is how does a person initiate a class action lawsuit.

This is ridiculous having hundreds of people spend time, money, effort, and inconvenience in dealing what is obviously a recall problem for a faulty design. How does one initiate another class action lawsuit? This needs to be done again because apparently Whirlpool and American Water Heater didn't get the message the first time around and haven't been hit hard enough in the profit pocket to make them take positive action. They've placated people by sending out individual fixes that don't last or reimbursing people for $100 or so out-of-pocket expenses.

This isn't the way to handle this ongoing problem Lowes continues to sell a known and documented defective product, and American Water Heaters continues to build the same heaters with the same defects. I wonder how many Sears service calls have gone out for this problem? How many thousands of dollars have people put out not only for the cost of the water heater, but for repeated and costly repairs only to have the problem repeat itself sometimes only hours after the new part or parts were installed. The various states Attorneys General offices have Consumer Protection sections that should be taking note of this problem on behalf of the citizens and taxpayers of those states who pay for protection from just this sort of thing.

We bought a whirlpool water heater. We had the thermal coupling and the door replaced about a few months ago. We are once again out of hot water. Our plumber can't fix it because whirlpool will not send them the parts. We called whirlpool and got no where. We are giving up and going and purchasing a new water heater. I do hope that enough people complain and a lawsuit is filed. It [is bad] not having hot water. We have to heat water on the stove for all of our needs.

I called the Whirlpool customer service number and spoke to Chris. I advised that the pilot light keeps going out and I checked the gas supply line and have enough gas pressure going to the control valve. He stated I would need to pay for shipping of a retrofit replacement part to replace the left hand threaded setup as originally manufactured. I decided to call my local Lowe's store and was advised they have the replacement part too which saved my waiting for the shipped part to arrive.

I decided to log on and search for information on replacing the part and was amazed by the outcry of others in the same situation. I too have always thought of Whirlpool as being credible company until I had to speak with someone from India who asked me to spell out my name. That's encouraging and speaks volumes about customer service and satisfaction. Model no. FG1H4040T3NV AKA Junk!

My Whirlpool water heater purchased and installed on August 2008 has had one service call in 2009 (pilot will not stay lit) and again tomorrow, 3/5/10 because of the same problem. This time, Whirlpool will pay for the parts, but not the labor. I'm retired and if this is going to happen every year, I feel Whirlpool should replace the water heater. I cannot afford to keep paying for labor to repair this piece of junk. It has been 2 days now without hot water. The Rheem water heater that was installed in this home in 1999 had not one problem, no one ever had to come out and fix anything on that product. I was advised that I should replace it because of it's age (so sorry I did). I spent good money on this Whirlpool and feel that it has not lived up to Whirlpool's once great reputation.

I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater from Lowe's in February 2008 and it quit working. Pilot won't stay lit. See numerous problems with this product on this site including successful class action lawsuit. However, my newer model still has the defect! Model No. BFG1F4040S3NOV.

My Whirlpool hot water heater went out, my plumber had to order the part directly from Whirlpool and we got it overnight. He put the replacement part the next day which seemed to have fixed the problem until I awoke to no hot water again this morning. This is an on going problem with Whirlpool from what I have read. So now, I'm stuck with the $150 labor bill and also having to buy a new water heater. Don't buy Whirlpool. Make sure you research water heater brand names. Bradford and White has the best reputation. You might pay a little more upfront but you'll be glad you did.

Whirlpool 50 gallon gas (propane) tank purchased 12/2006 tanks pilot light continues to go out. We found through our local plumber that the tank leaks within (inside) and drips on the thermal coupler. The safety shuts the gas off because of too much water leaking. We have four kids and two adults in the house. No hot water! We have no family close by. We are considering buying a new hot water heater. Not Whirlpool! (I have all whirlpool gold appliances, because I thought they were the best and stood by their product. No more! And Lowes will not get my business ever again!

We have a Whirlpool water heater and have replaced the thermocoupler multiple times and am truly so sick of having to replace the part and you at Whirlpool should have to replace the water heater. I will go up the ladder as far as I have to.

I filed a complaint on Monday, March 2, 2010, about Whirlpool's Flame Lock Gas Water Heaters, after reading numerous complaints on this unit. I called Whirlpool Monday morning and they had a Sear's tech out to my house on Monday at 1 pm. He was able to resolve the issue. He replaced the control box and so far so good. I did not have to pay for any parts since my water heater is covered for six years. I thought I would have to pay for the labor but that was free of charge since the unit was defective. So at this time, I am please with the outcome since I did not have to pay for any services.

Less than a year ago, I replaced my water heater with the Whirlpool Flame Lock Gas Water Heater. The pilot light will not stay lit. We have replaced the sensor and it still is not working. I should not have to replace anything with only a year into the new product. I have read numerous complaints on this model and was wondering if there had been a recall. I do not have money to spend out of pocket for such repairs. I have contacted Whirlpool and I am awaiting a reply.

Bought a water heater from Lowes 3 years ago. It decided to stop working. Tried to light the pilot with no luck. Called my plumber. When the name "Whirlpool" was mentioned, he knew exactly what the problem was. He told me to call Lowes, where it was bought, and they would supply a free burner and thermocouple. Made the call. Smart alek in plumbing advised me that the parts were on back order. He did, however, have a temporary fix I could buy, pay my plumber to install and Lowes would call me when the parts came in. At that point, I could pay my plumber again to install the parts. Needless to say, I purchased a Rheem and had it installed.

This American will never, ever, buy another product from Whirlpool and will never visit Lowe's again. I know that whirlpool makes, or more accurately imports, all types of appliances with all types of company names on them. I will make the effort to find out if Whirlpool has had anything to do with anything I buy in the future. Any with any Whirlpool history will not be bought. I have and will continue to urge everybody I know to not buy any product from Whirlpool. Please, when buying from Sears or anywhere else, get the manufacturers name in writing from the salesperson and do not by Whirlpool. 3 days without hot water, a day off work; and $800.00 to replace a 3 year old water heater.

The water heater continues to malfunction and not stay lit. Whirlpool sent me replacement parts which actually made the problem worse. They are sending more replacement parts which they say will certainly fix the problem, but if it doesn't, I will call back. I have discovered that I am not the only person experiencing this problem. It is in fact very common with the Whirlpool Flame Lock series. Me and my family are unable to bath, clean, or cook properly due to the lack of hot water in our house.

I am writing this for my mother. She had work done on her house by a government agency and they installed a Whirlpool hot water heater. The heater's pilot light has gone out several times since it was installed in 2007. It is under a six year warranty. When she called, she is told to uninstall the water heater, take it to Lowe's, exchange it and then on her own dime have it re-installed.

They aren't customer service friendly at all. Boiling water is something you did before I was born. Besides, that is dangerous. She is so disgusted! My father isn't physically able to carry hot water and it is all on my mother. This is stupid. Why do they have a warranty of customer service? They are constantly spending money to have the pilot re-lit.

We had been experiencing problems with a water heater from Whirlpool. They finally had a recall and replaced it in 2008. We are now having the same issue with the replacement water heater. Of course we had to pay for the cost of the second install because they would not cover it, only the water heater. So we actually had to pay twice to get a water heater installed. The first time we chose to have it installed (not a problem). The second time, Whirlpool gave us no choice. If we wanted it replaced, we had to pay for installation. It was not our fault they had a defective product, yet we had to pay.

We are now experiencing the same issue with the replacement. I do not want to go through months of replacing parts and without hot water at any given time due to their inability to produce a quality product. We did all they asked last time, even paying for the second install. This is not their first problem with water heaters. $200 or $300 for installation may not sound like much to some. However, we now have invested double. We want our money back from install and water heater. I do not want another whirlpool product. I want one from a company that stands behind their product and will not make a customer pay for problems the company created. I have spoken to customer service they want to send someone out to fix it, and if necessary, replace it. I do not want another product from them! This is wrong. The company is selling defective products. They know they are defective and they are getting by with it. It is not only an inconvenience, it is also dangerous. It needs to stop.

I rent a home and am currently on second water heater since I have lived here for 5 years. This one was installed 2 years ago and the same exact problem is occurring as with the first one. This is also an exchange from Lowe's, who are also responsible for this problem continuing on as the last line of sellers to the public. I have lit the pilot so many times. I'm surprised nothing has exploded. Total hazard no matter who you are; and lukewarm showers and dishwasher, too. We're a pretty easy going family. What, with power outages and cold showers, but it's crazy to know that a scam like this occurs and nobody has our unwashed backs.

I have just received the fifth and final Gas regulator valve for my 40 gallon hot water tank that is 13 months old. This is absolutely ridiculous and by the sounds of it, very popular. How can a major corporation have such shotty workmanship that the tank doesn't even function for a year? Where is the integrity that use to belong to Whirlpool? I am very disturbed by their lack of interest in fixing the ongoing problem as now my warranty only covers parts. This is it for me and Whirlpool, they can take their low quality products and sell them over seas. Maybe they will appreciate the poor workmanship.

As a plumber, I've interceded for quite a few people and got satisfaction. Your plumber must clean the flame lock screen from above and below or the replacement parts will not work. That is what makes the thermocouple quit; too much heat due to poor air flow. Bug Whirlpool for their proprietary vacuum attachment, for free, by the way.

We had this problem with the Whirlpool water heater, needless to say, same situation. What I don't understand is why Whirlpool sends a defective part to replace another defective part. This is the third time that I changed the part in less than 8 months. I would like to know if all of us can get a new water heater at no charge for all the inconvenience. We have no hot water to bath or wash clothes.

The Whirlpool 50 gl. Hot water heater was purchased new at Lowe's home improvement store. Model # fg2j5040t3nov unit has been repaired three times for the same concern, pilot will not stay lit. I have no hot water.

I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater through Lowes 1.25 years ago. A $5 part went out and Whirlpool operators in India proceeded to tell me that I would have to call a repair technician and they will replace the part. After 3 service calls, incorrectly shipped parts and lack of understanding basic English, my service bill for my water heater with warranty came to a whopping $350!

Purchased water heater five years ago. It's warranted for six yrs. Thermocouple is defective. When I bought the product, I had asked my plumber to recommend a good brand. I have called Whirlpool because plumber has passed the buck to them. They are shipping my replacement part overnight, good news. Bad news my UPS does not deliver until 6pm my time. So now three days of no hot water. My beef is that Whirlpool did not notify anyone of this defect via a notice.

I happened to google this on the internet and found out about the issue. I got sold a bill of goods not only by the plumber but Whirlpool. To add insult to injury, the customer service rep I talked to was not from this country. No wonder this country is in bad shape when they cannot even produce a quality product and I have to talk to someone in another country. Bottom line: I will never buy another Whirlpool product and will make sure I let as many people I know about their shoddy product.

My Whirlpool 40 Gallon Hot Water Tank is in need of a new thermocouple. By the looks of the other comments, I should be glad it lasted this long. Whirlpool is sending me the parts but I've decided to cut bait and put in a Rheem. I'm done with Whirlpool and Lowe's. Home Depot is now going to get my business.

I have recently gone through the horrendous experience known as the Whirlpool hot water tank disaster. I purchased my 50-gallon flame lock Whirlpool hot water tank in June 2005. I purchased the hot water tank based on the premise that Whirlpool is a well-respected company that will honor its product's warranty should its product fail. Wow, how wrong that statement is from being truthful. I am one of the lucky ones as my hot water tank almost lasted 5 whole years. It started as routine with the pilot light going out and not restarting with the attached igniter.

The plumber was called, the igniter was replaced and $119.00 was spent. In less than 24 hours, the pilot went out again. This time, not knowing about the 2005 class action lawsuit against Whirlpool, I called Whirlpool, spoke with Sam and before I could even finish my story with him I was informed that the burner assembly and thermocouple were bad, needed replaced and would be sent the next day air to me free of charge. I thought that was really strange but I went with it. The plumber was called, components were installed and $96.00 was spent.

In less then 3 hours later, the pilot went out again. This time, it was the result of the plumber not taking the orifice off the old burner assembly and connecting it to the new burner assembly. The plumber told me that in the 40 years that he has been in business, he has never heard of a situation where the old components parts were needed for the new assembly. I didn't have to spend money this time but I still haven't had hot water for 5 days and have missed two days of work.

Less than 6 hours later, the pilot was out again. I called Whirlpool, spoke with Chris and this time, I was told that the gas control valve needed to be replaced. After an intense discussion, Chris agreed to send the part for free the next day. The plumber was called, component was installed and $96.00 was spent. After 8 days of no hot water, $311.00 in plumber bills and 3 days of missed work, my family was able to finally take a hot shower. We'll see if it is still working when I get home from work. I will never ever buy another Whirlpool appliance as long as I live. The next hot water tank will be A.O. Smith. After all the years of having to deal with this issue, I can't understand why a full recall was never done.

Our water heater model starting with "FG" pilot light stopped working after five years. Had a company out to check the problem. He informed us that our water heater has had this problem for awhile. We called Whirlpool and they sent out an adapter for the left handed thermal coupler. After installation, it worked only work six days then same symptoms as before. There is plenty of air flow and no other blockages to case this problem. Call center personnel are rude when dealing with this issue.

I have to press the reset button on my Whirlpool gas hot water heater and then it only lasts 15-30 minutes. I complained to Lowes and they said that I need an RA number to give me the replacement upgrade. The model number is **** with product number ****. There is a total inconvenience when it comes to using hot water at any time. I am always pressing the reset-lighting pilot-wait for hot water before use.