Whirlpool Water Heaters

I purchased an 80-gallon electric water heater in 2009 with a 'Lifetime' warranty. When the unit failed in 2021, I was told that Whirlpool no longer manufactures an 80-gallon tank. I was provided an R/A# and was told that Lowe's should honor it with a 'like-kind' replacement unit. Lowe's originally suggested I order an AO Smith Hybrid online, (at my expense), return my old tank, and they would reimburse my account. When I went back to confirm this offer, it was adjusted to a $200 credit (suggesting that was the value at the time of purchase). Later, Lowe's again adjusted their offer to cover $650 toward a replacement 50-gallon tank with a 6-year warranty and 30-gallons less capacity. Other manufactures do produce 80-gallon tanks and Lowe's does have AO Smith tanks available online only. I would have to pay the difference beyond the $650 offer.

Our Whirlpool water heater needs a burner assembly replaced. Second time within the warranty period of six years. Parts have to be ordered, so you will be without hot water for several days to a week. The worst part is reaching them. Between my wife and I, we have almost 4 hours invested in sitting on hold waiting for someone in three different calls. They never answer the phone. They give an option to call back. They never call back. I'm so frustrated. No Whirlpool products ever again. I'm sitting at my desk, hoping someone will eventually answer the Whirlpool line. I don't even have the part ordered yet after two days of no hot water. Who knows how many more hours I will need to sit here and listen to this music on hold. It is incredible in 2021 a company can remain open while offering this kind of customer experience.

Owner of 20 apartments, 16 of them have electric water heaters and 4 have natural gas units. Have replaced over the years all 20 water heaters. 19 of them were replaced with Whirlpool units bought at our local Lowe's. It is my opinion that they are very unreliable. The tanks rust out in NO time. The electric units last just a little better than the gas units but still terrible. Of the 4 gas units so far I have had to replace 3 of them and the longest one lasted 6 years and 7 months!! One of them was just over 6 years and the other was 9 days away from warranty expiring. They replaced that one. If you have no other choice make sure to buy extended warranty if available. They just don't last!!

I purchased a 12 year warranty, high end Whirlpool WATER HEATER (OR SO I THOUGHT AT THE TIME) through Lowe's in 2014. Model ND50T122-403. Six years and multiple service calls later it is broken again, this time for the final time. I am ripping this garbage out. So livid with this company that could give a rip about their customers. Three years in to my "12 year warranty" it started giving me problems. Horrible HORRIBLE customer service. They will insult your intelligence. Whirlpool will not honor the warranty or stand behind their product. They just take your money and basically give a shrug of the shoulders or worse blame you for THEIR TERRIBLE product failing. It may be unscrupulous and unethical but I guess saves them a pile of money which is what they seem to only be out.

Having multiple apartments I have some experience with water heaters, with that being said, old school water heaters would last 30 years with basically no maintenance. Since those old, manual no BS flashing light codes were replaced with Whirlpool brand, I see constant problems. Honeywell valve/motherboards was the worst thing that could have been put on any equipment. More or less they all failed within few months past warranty expiration date. Replacement part is cost almost half of what brand new product costs. When called customer service, they are aware of said problem but will not help, or recall above product. There are plenty of videos and forums of people complaining about the same issue. Being poorly treated by customer service, I know that I will no longer be spending my money on whirlpool brand. 3 years off of the water heater is a joke.

Bought a propane hot water heater and 2 years after buying it pilot wouldn't light. Had to buy a conversion kit because they didn't make the part anymore. Now had to buy a gas valve and it didn't work so went to Locke's and bought a new water heater and now they won't refund my money for the part $300.00 with shipping. They said they could only replace it. Well I don't need it now because I bought a better product. Whirlpool is junk and you have to buy the parts from them and RIP you off. Way to take care of your customers Whirlpool. Buy something else with your money.

This product is unsafe and should be recalled. It has aluminium wires that connect the unit to the 220 Vol Power source. Aluminium and copper wire don't mix. I took a shower and was getting ready to leave for the day when I went into my garage to smell burning plastic and wires. I traced it to the hot water heater and discovered the wires in the Energy Smart were melted and burned. I checked with Two Electricians who told me that the wires in the unit can not handle the high heat and melt. If you have one get rid of it. Had I left for the day I would have lost my home, cars and pets. If anyone would like to see this unit I still have it and photos.

Replaced the “brain” twice. No hot water for 2-4 days each time, waiting for part to arrive. Now I have to replace the nylon drain valve because it won’t shut off. Gonna use brass replacement. Fortunately I have it drain to a sump pump so house isn’t flooding. Don’t buy Whirlpool water heater from Lowe’s unless you enjoy this kind of thing. Consolation: the folks at the help line always answer the phone and are knowledgeable. And they’ve heard these same complaints over and over. One guy even said to buy AO Smith as they are made in Tennessee instead of China.

I had a Whirlpool Natural Gas Water Heater professionally installed on 2-27-2107. This unit came with a Honeywell controller and thermopile assembly. Today is 05-18-2019 and the unit is not inoperative. The pilot is lit but the burner won't light. Here are the issues that I have come across so far: When I go to the Whirlpool site there is no direct link to Whirlpool water heaters, just kitchen appliances and washer/dryers. When I click on parts and accessories link it gives links to washers, dryers or pedestals. Again... No information about water heaters. I scroll down to the bottom of this page and I see a link to "All Replacement Parts" When I click that it takes me to another site managed by "RepairClinic". When I enter the model number for the water heater it says Not Found. I entered the part number for the thermopile on the tag on the orange wire #321165-002 and 100078039 and again it returns as Part Not Found.

This has been our second Whirlpool Hot Water Tank in our home in the past 14 years. The first was installed by the builder, when it went out we purchased a larger capacity one from Lowe's. It was professionally installed and now, after the extended warranty coverage period is expired, it's expired as well. I would think you should be able to get more than 7 years out of not one, but two Whirlpool hot water tanks. No wonder they are no longer manufacturing hot water tanks - they sucked at it. Also, if you do have one, you have to get parts from Whirlpool and pay $30 shipping. No thanks, for the cost of parts to replace everything you're better off getting a whole new unit.