Whirlpool Water Heaters Reviews

I purchased a whirlpool energy smart residential electric water heater from Lowe's on 3/11/06. On 6/5/08 my water heater quit. The water heater has 9 yr warranty. When I called Lowe's on 6/6/08 I was told I had to call Whirlpool service assistant phone #. When I called this # I had to trouble shoot with the customer rep. and they said the problem was the electronic mod board(at least that is what it sounded like.

MY hot water heater guit workig pilot light would not stay on and could not get hot water

I have a 40 gal hot water heater and we bought in April 5, 2003 in July of 2003 we had to replace the thermocoupler and now here it is June of 2008 and the thermocoupler has been replaced 9 times and Whirlpool and Lowes will do nothing about this. I will never buy another thing with the Whirlpool name. Thank you

BOught the Whirlpool water heater at Lowes in 06 and already having trouble with it not lighting! Wish I would have came here before buying it!

the coupler died and it is on order from Lowe's. no hot water for one week. boiled the dish water and kids took a sponge bath in tub with boiled waer.

Bought a whirlpool flame lock water sep. 10, 2005 from lowe,s it worked until the 29 of may 2008 , on the night of the 29 may my wife smelled natural gas. we could'nt find were it was comeing from. Until the next morning, she ran out of hot water. tried relighting, it would stay let for about fifteen minutes and go out,on and on. then I got the vacum and cleaned under it, but the same old thing Went to lowe's sales person sold me a thermocouple but it would not fit, it had right handed threads. after hearing all the trouble other people has been haveing not going to mess with whirpool products, hope I can find one that last 15 years like the last one.

Three year old water heater won't stay lite. Same complain as everyone, bad thermocouple

We purchased a Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater from Lowes in November 2007, and the pilot light stopped working May 29th 2008. We replaced the thermo couple and the problem still exists. I am disapointed to see that a company of Whirlpools caliber seems to be ignoring what appears to be an apparent design flaw, as evidenced by the number of reports on this product.

My Flame Lock Gas Water Heater purchased from Lowe's went belly up for the last time on memorial day 2008. No hope of getting it fixed that day, but on Tuesday the plumber was on it. One half day later and there were no parts to be found, except on E-Bay, and I had to bid on those, with no guarantee they would work. With a family of five I had to give in and purchase a new unit, from a different manufacturer. The next day, Wednesday, stayed home from work, again, and installed the new unit. Total cost 775.00 for new unit with instolation and two days lost pay.

Two years ago, I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater. On May 29, 2008, the hot water was non-existent. I called Roto Roter for assistance. It turns out that this particular model is involved in a class action lawsuit for a replacement thermocoupler and the part is unable to be purchased at Lowe's where the original hot water heater was purchased. This necessitated Roto Rooter installing a brand new hot water heater totaling $1,015.00

I was about to go to Lowe's to purchase a Whirlpool gas water heater. I am so happy to read all these complaints about the product, I changed my mind to buy the Whirlpool brand. If the manufacturure does not stand behind the product, I would think the prestige of the dealer should be at stake and also should held accountable for selling unreliable procucts.

Purchased a Whirlpool water heater from Lowes in 2004 with a 12 year warrantee. I was luckier than most as my Thermocouple went out 3.5 years after install. Aside from the inconvenience of not having hot water for 5 days, it is amazing that this company has not taken action to mitigate the problem from a faulty product. Thermocouples go out.

whirlpool water heater purchased on 11/25/07.broke on 5/23/08.same problems as all the others,pilot wont stay lit and dripping water puts it out.contacted lowes where the item was purchased and was told that there is nothing they could do,call whirlpool.

hot water heater with thermacouple will not work the heater is only three years old.

the thermal couple went out and I have had hell trying to replace it. I have spent hours trying to replace it and lot of gas driving around trying to find the part. This is the second time it has went out in the past 6 months. I have been sick, and I have had to take cold showers, also I have had to turn down overtime at my work to take time to fix the water heater.

I purchased a Whirlpool Flame Lock Gas water heater (model #FG1H5040T3NV) from Lowe's on 1/11/03. I started having problems with the water heater in March, 2008. The water heater flame went out and when re-lit, would go out again the next day or a few days later. I called Whirlpool's service department and was told to go on-line to Whirlpool's website to troubleshoot why the water heater would not stay lit, and the rep also said he would mail me a replacement thermocouple part. After removing the old thermocouple part, a service technician determined that the heater plate was rusted and full of water. I tld the technician, I had also heard water dripping inside the tank when it was re-lit.

Whirlpool Flame Lock Water Heater with 12 year warranty purchased in April 2004. Heater stopped heating water. Pilot would not stay on. Called Whirlpool and they sent new Thermocouple kit. Pilot still would not stay on. Called again and they sent new Gas Valve/Thermostat. Pilot still would not stay on. Called Plumber but they wouldn't come out because of problems in the past with Whirlpool. After almost a week with no hot water I replaced the Hot Water Heater with one made by General Electric.

Another Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater victim. On my 3rd thermocoupler in 3 years. I have spent more on repairs than on the original unit.

thermocouple went out on our water heater. we were mailed a flame lock replacement part which we were told would take 5 minutes to install. it took us an hour and a half and it still did not work. we called the service number for assistance but it was not in business hours. we are left without hot water for yet another day and no assistance at all.

Purchased a Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater from Lowe's in January 2007. The pilot lite started going out after about six weeks. Whirlpool shipped a new control module which I replaced, the problem returned after a couple of weeks. On separate occasions they dispatched a service technician to replace the pilot assembly, the gas control valve, and to install a special manufactured part called a pilot shield along with a second replacement of the pilot assembly.

I guess i'm another statistic/victim of Whirlpool's water heater pilot-light problem. I'll start off by saying that i've had the product a little over one year. When i wasn't getting hot water, my first reaction was to replace the thermal couple. I purchased one only to find out that the water heater required an odd ball, left-handed thread pattern,thermal couple! No business or independent plumber within 100 miles of me carried the product; which left me to contact whirlpool. They shipped me the new thermal couple along with the flame lock system converter. I only had to pay the $18 overnight shipment fee; however after i installed the new parts including the new thermal couple, i was back to square one! Square one being the pilot light would not stay lit.

We are on our second Whirlpool water heater. The first one leaked after 2 years and we replaced it with another under warranty. I had a nice plumber who replaced it free. The second one lasted 2 years and 3 months and the thermocouple is gone. Thanks to this website I'm not going to fix the thing as it seems to happen again and again. We are never buying Whirlpool again. The new water heater is $750.

I purchased a flame guard hot water heater from lowes in 2005 the thermocouple went out 4 times my husband replaced them each time. the last time after fussing with whirlpool and lowes on the phone for hours i got a new one in november of 2006 now the thing is out.

wow i just cannot belive this company is getting away with this 7days of boiling water on the stove thanks wirlpool for saveing me money

I bought a waterheater about two and half years ago and now having problems. No hot water. Model FG1J5040T3NOV made from Whirlpool Company. The pilot wont stay lit. I would like a new replacement.

I bought a whirlpool water heater in 2003. This is the 3rd time the thermocoupler has quit working. And this is 2008.

We purchased a house about three years ago with a Whirlpool water heater. The heater was purchased in 2004. The thermocouple has just died and we called Whirlpool to fix it under the warranty. Here are the scams that Whirlpool is pulling:

changed thermocouple three times. then got the kit and i payed for it or payed shipping now it dont work please help i cant get the reset to work

Purchased the, apparently famous, Whirlpool Hot Water Heater from Lowes on 5/8/08. Finished installing 5/9/08. Spent 2 hours trying to light the pilot. Plumber is on the way. If he gets it lit, I will use it to shower in the morning, then I will remove the unit, return it to Lowes, and purchase a new one elsewhere. That doesn't work I'll deal with it the way we do in America. I'll sue!

I've bought a Whirlpool water heater too.and thats was a couple of years..and now it has a leak.This time its inside the tank..cuz u can here the water sizzing the flames on the burner...and I think Its still has warrenty. LIttle confuse..need Help os my kids can take a warm shower can.

Joining the chorus of complaints against Whirlpool water heaters and Lowe's. We haven't had hot water for a week and need to replace the water heater for $700. Same story: No pilot light. Pilot won't stay lit. THE WATER HEATER IS THREE MONTHS OLD! Called Lowe's. They blamed us (!), saying the thermocouple burned out b/c the water heater was on too high of a temp. That's total BS. Bought a thermocouple from Lowe's. It didn't work. I had a plumber come and he said the tank is faulty. Water is dripping down onto the pilot, which explains why it won't stay lit. It reeks of gas, too, b/c it's not working properly. Don't always believe them when they say the thermocouple is shot! It could be something bigger and un-fixable.

whirlpool water heater keeps shuting off they send a replacement part called bfg manifold so no hot water 4 kids this sucks so please do something about this company riping off the comsumer gas prices are enough as it is

I bought a WHILPOOL hot water heater July 2004 from LOWES and I have had the thermocouple replaced 3 times since I have had it. I am now waiting to have it replaced again and this last one that doesn't work now was replace 4 MONTHS ago. I have 2 kids at home with no hot water and waiting for the plumber once again. I am so tired of this and the money it is costing me.

Purchased the Whirlpool 40 gallon Gas Water Heater with Flame Lock Safety System on 03-02-05 from Lowes, the pilot light went out and won't relight. Called the toll free Whirlpool number and waited 22 minutes for technical support at which time I was told there was a pending lawsuit in regards to this matter, but, for $18.00 shipping they would overnight the part to correct this malfunction and I could hire a plumber at my expense to install the unit.

I purchased the infamous 40 gallon Whirlpool water heater probably around two years ago and have found it to be sporadic of late. About 5 days ago I kept hearing a tzzz sound like a drop of water hitting an open flame. Further investigation revealed it to be coming from the water heater. I figured water drops were leaking on the pilot light.

In January of 2008, my water heater gave out. That part was okay - afterall, I had lived there for over 13 years and never once had to even relight the pilot light. The nightmare began when I went to Lowe's and purchased a new Whirlpool 50 gallon gas water heater. It was installed and worked fine----- for about 3 and 1/2 monthes. Then the pilot light went out. I got it relit -yeah me. Then it went out again and again and again.

Whirlpool Flamelock Water heater. The thermo couple and reset went bad. I'm going to be without hot water for 5 days because they don't carry spare parts at plumbing stores. I have to order it and then pay to expedite it here. Pay a plumber to install it. Heater is 4 years old. It looks as I'm defintily not the only one having the same issue. Why has'nt there been a recall on this merchandise if they know there having a defective part? Why isn't this part sold to Lowe's where the heater was purchased from? Please put me on the class action suit.

I have written before about my outrage with Whirlpool and their Flame Lock water heater but let me let all of you know who think their problems will be solved with the replacement thermocouple, the problems only stop for a short time. My water heaters pilot light is constantly going out and mine was replaced with the new one about a year ago. Whirlpool should replace all of our heaters with another companies as far as I am concerned.

Water heater won't stay lit. We have to manually turn the thing on. And we can't get anyone to install the replacement part they sent us, which of course we had to pay $10 in shipping for. Yes we bought it at Lowes did you guess. It's not Lowes fault..

Have replaced the thermocoupler (left hand thread) now for the fourth time. They seem to last about 1 year. Found out Lowe's no longer carries them and was able to find the last one in town for $25. wondered why and found out through this site that there are a lot of problems with these water heaters from Whirlpool. Noticed on this last replacement that the flame reflector was also cracked about three quarters of the way around. There are a lot of mentions about a class action law suit. Who is handling and what information is needed?

The water heater wouldn't stay lit. I now find that they are being sued about it.

New whirlpool gas water 11/13/06.Pilot light went out 4/27/08 Call plumper. paid $150.00 for service call & Thermal coupler. Plumber found water leakage in flu when flu heats up.

My Whirlpool water heater has the same problem a lot of people are complaining about. The thermocoupler and ignitor are bad.

Purchased a whirlpool 30 gal. water heater in 2006. A little over a year later the pilot light kept going out. After 3 weeks of lighting and relighting it finally could no longer be lit. When I called the service number on the heater I waited a good 45 minutes for someone to answer my call. After being transfered again a woman told me that the thermocupl. had gone bad and that the conpany had tried a new kind of left coupl. and now they are not staying lit. She first sid that they get dirty easily and to check under the waterheater with a mirror to clean it. ( it was clean) She told me that they would send a conversion right coupl. that should fix the problem. (No one to install it; and extra $18.00 to send it so it would be there on Tues.)

I have been reading all the reports from unsatisfied individuals who have purchased a flame lock hot water heater from Lowes. My experience has been quit different. I purchased my water heater in 04 to 05. It has been excellent until the 2nd week of April 08... I'm a truck driver so I really don't know when it died. I returned home to a cold shower and began to investigate the problem. Sure enough it was a blown thermocouple. I though to myself, no problem. I called up lowes to find out that that left hand threaded thermocouple was no longer in production. They didn't have a conversion kit either. After hanging up the phone with Lowes I called the # on the side of the hot water heater. It was a whirlpool representative that answered. I explained the situation. She asked for the model and serial. She said they would send the parts to fix it right out. She gave me an option to purchase overnight for $18. She in no way tried to force me as previous reviewers have led me to believe.

I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater on January 30th, 2008. On April 23rd, the pilot went out. It went out the next three days also. When I called customer support, I was disconnected three times. Then after 14 minutes and 54 seconds, I finally talked to "Chris". I was obviously bothering him. He asked me if I ever had to push the little white button. He never explained what this button was for. When I said I didn't know what that was, he said I needed a new part that would be there Tuesday.

just as everyone stated: the short version: whirlpool waterheaters are junk and they know it, but could care less about the consumer...third coupler, im not going to do it.

I am only just adding to the litany of complaints about the thermocouple system on the Whirpool gas water heater. Purchased in 2004 or 2005; Thermocouple started acting up in February of 2008.

Its about a water heater made my whirlpool and sold at lowes. The thermocouple has gone out twice and now i cant find the part to replace it. Cold showers have to be taken and to find out the part is not sold any more. what is a man to do ? i heard that their is a lawsuit going on please help

This is now the third time that we have to deal with this thermocouple problem since we had this Whirlpool water heater. The first time it happened, last year (10-30-07) was really a nightmare. We didnt know what to do at first trying to figure out and even asking friends and finally after calling the 800 number, was adviced to buy the thermocouple part and pay the $18 shipping. And when it arrived, the plumber that installed it broke the Aluminum converter that came with the thermocouple. And so we had to reorder again.

Purchased a home 10/2005 with a flame lock Whirlpool Water Heater. It was has been necessary to relight the pilot light many times. This past week, the unit failed completely. As so as the plumber saw the Whirlpool markings he stopped dead in his tracks and started telling about all the horror stories about the problems with Lowe's and Whirlpool he has had. He could not find the thermal couple in town.

ter Heater with Flame Lock, Model BFG1H5040T3NOV Serial# 0741118093 Purchase at Lowes 11/10/07 PS. Sears has been [expletive] about this and Lowes said they will take it back and give me another one. Don't think I want to do that now. Very desperate to get hot water. I may go to Lowes and purchase another model but hate to lose all the money. The above unit was purchase 11/9/07 and installed 11/10/07.

No hot water on a unit that was less than 18 months old - Whirlpool 40 gal unit purchased/installed by Lowes. Pilot light difficult to re-light, and then would not stay lit. Thermocouple device needed replacing. Whirlpool couldn't set the part. Lowes didn't have the part. Denver-area plumbers and parts stores don't carry this left-threaded device - was told by 2 parts places and several plumbing services - these devices are now involved in a class-action lawsuit.

I purchased a Whirlpool electric water heater from Lowes Home Improvement center. S/n 0518138604, after numerous problems with the sensor, control board,sensors, I asked Whirlpool customer service how long I was going to have to experience this problem with the unit. They immediately requested me to contact Lowes for a replacement.

We bought a Whirpool Flame-lock gas water heater from Lowe's in 2004. The thermocoupler went out in it a year ago. I called Whirpool @ that time & they told me that ONLY Lowe's carried the one to fit it, or we could wait for Whirpool to send the replacement part, at out expense, of course. I have a family & can't do without hot water for 5-7 days.

We have been without hot water for 3 day's now due to a faulty theromcouple. The problem is you can't find one with left hand threads although Lowes still sales the hot water heater with left hand thread couplers but they dont sale the couplers. So they told us to call a 800 number in which we did and the part was free but the shipping cost $18.00.

I am not going to get into all the problem I have had with the Whirlpool Water Heater because I have done it several time and there is no help coming. Besides all the money and time off work it has cost me in the past because of the defective thermal coupler I now have to find someone to light the pilot light a few times a week for me. I often jump out of bed to cold water......I hate this product..

Bought a Whirlpool gas hot water heater from Lowes in 2006. It immediately went bad. They replaced it. The second one started failing after a few months. After trying to deal with Whirlpool,I chose to replace the thermal coupler at my expense. I've done it three times in less than two years. This part is triple the price of a normal thermal coupler but you are forced to buy it ... they put left handed threads on it. Now it's failed again.

If I had only read these comments first I would not be without hot water now. I purchased the Flame Lock Gas Water Heater from Lowes December 14, 2007 one day before my childs birthday and that close to Christmas. On Thursday April 10 2008 our pilot started going out. Sunday we still have no hot water and I am about to go buy a new water heater no a Whirlpool.

purchased 11-11-07 pilot light keeps going out.

I bought a house in Feb. of 04 the previous owner had just put in a new whirlpool water heater model fg1f4040s3nov it had been in approximately a month when it went out Lowes did replace it with the same model. On 4/6/08 a Sunday the hater heater stopped working I called the whirlpool hot line of course they were closed. I called Lowes and they told me it sounded like the flame lock control valve so I bought it for $60 and put it in the pilot light would still not stay lit. I called whirlpool on Monday morning. that is when I found out about the litigation against the for my model. The said they would send me a conversion kit to fix the problem.

Purchased a Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's and have had nothing but problems. Lowe's won't back the product they sell and Whirlpool won't back the product they manufacture. It is a LP gas water heater and cost $600. Cost of replacement parts and labor costs have added an additional $275. Unbelievable!

I bought a water in 2004, 1 year later the thermacoupler went bad. I back to Lowe's and they gave me another. 3 years later same part went bad again. I went to Lowe's to get the part once again only to be told You will have to order it from whirpool and wait 7 days. Rather than wait I just bought a new water heater, another Whirpool. It was 10 pm during the work week, I was tired from working and the last thing I wanted to do was fool with the water heater.

I bought a whirlpool 40 gallon flame lock water heater and less than a year later I had to replace the thermal couple, it took me about 3 hours to figure out that the thermal couple was the problem, oh by the way it was saturday night, just before I'm going to take a shower that I realized that there was no hot water.

We purchased a gas water tank three years ago. The pilot light went out and replaced a thermo-couple and flame lock valve, at my exspense. Also not to mention my gas for searching for parts, plus a plumber on a Saturday!

we purchased a whirlpool water heater 3 years ago, within 10 months we replaced the thermocouple. 2 years later we had the same problem. after going to lowes and speaking with a manager we discovered that the part was discntinued, we had to buy a retro kit in order to fix the problem. luckily the manager we spoke with had had the same problems with her whirlpool water heater and was kind enough to replace the whole unit.

Purchased new Whirlpool waterheater 2 years ago, Had trouble for a year with it not heating correctly, then it quit completely. Called plumber who could not lovate thermocouple for it. Contacted helpline who sent me one but charged me shipping. Installed new thermo but didn't fix problem, called again and was sent a gas valve/thermostat. Installed but still isn't working. Having plumber come again to see what is wrong, nothing seems to be working. This has a 12 year warranty but they only cover the first parts.

whirlpool water heater nOthing but trouble GRRRRRR!!!

I purchased Whirlpool Gas Water Heater with the Flame Lock Safety System from Lowe's in Watertown, NY on April 8 of 2005. I had it installed by my handyman on the same day. At some point (maybe just after a year of installation) the pilot started going off. It would refuse to stay on. Upon consultation with GE tech support using their toll free number I was told that the days of maintenance free days are over. The tech support mentioned some new government regulation that keeps them from making heaters the way they used to. He further mentioned that the area under the furnace needs to be kept super clean and needs to be cleaned on a weekly basis.

When will Whirlpool stand behind their products? Now I am a part of this class action lawsuit and I just want HOT WATER! I'm another victim of the bad thermocouple situation. My hot water heater went out 2 days ago. So, no bath for myself, 5 year old and 7 year old for going on 3 days now. Lowe's is no help and the 800 number I called told me I had to pay $18 to get the part (for free, because they KNOW it's bad?) sent to me overnight. This is absurd. What will it cost me to have it put in? I'm a single mother with 2 children. Their ineffective part should NOT cost me to ship. They should also eat the cost of sending it!

We purchased a Whirlpool 40 gallon water heater in January of 2006. Since then the thermocouple has gone out twice leaving us with no hot water and about $350.00 in repair bills. We should have never skimped on buying a water heater but the previous water heater went out and we didn't have much choice at the time.

I bought a Whirlpool water heater 2 years ago. We have replaced the thermo coupler twice. At that time Lowes has always had them in stock. Now I am on my third coupler and Lowes has told me they don't carry that thermo coupler. I couldn't understand why until now after reading all the complaints.

Bought a new 40 gallon propane water heater and the thermal coupling went out and I have been without water off and on for a week and was have told the parts needed to be ordered. This is unacceptable.

I am a plumber and I have replaced many thermocouples on many different makes of water heaters, although the Americian/Whirlpool water heaters do have a serious problem. There is supposed to be a kit that Americian is going to provide for a price. I have dealt with upgraded parts and truthfully the customer is just going to pour more money into the old water heater.

Whirlpool Gas Water Heater Product Number 0733011 Serial Number 0702109204 Model Number BFG1H4040T3NOV Lowes Item Number 188418 Purchased at Lowes located in Ventura California February 15th 2007 Date of installation at our home in Oxnard California February 21st 2007 On March 24th 2008 we had no hot water. Pilot light was out and would not stay lit. Telephoned Whirlpool March 25th 2008 who asked for the serial number which we were not able to get to because the heater was wrapped with a blanket. Lowes invoice did not list the serial number of the unit therefore we had to telephone a plumber on March 26th 2008 to remove the blanket for us to get to the serial number our cost $65.00 .

Water heater pilot light keeps going out, now it will not light.

Thermo couples are no good, can't get parts, we have no hot water. We need to put 3rd one in in 4 years! Want a settlement NOW!

Was advised that the part is not available anymore and that we would have to get a replacement system. Upon talking to my repairman, I was advised that Whirlpool is still having problems with the system breaking down. I have had to replace Whirlpool with another product. My hot water heater is only 4 years old and should not have broken down this early.

I bought a Whirlpool Flame Lock Water Heater At Lowe's. I replaced Thermocouples 2 times and got replacement parts at Lowe's. The thermocouple went bad a 3rd time; Lowe's does not carry the part, saying I have to get a part from Whirlpool as there is Class Action Suit against Whirlpool. I need to get on that list.

After 2 days without hot water, I found the whirlpool hot water heater (support) 800 number. I contacted them, they sent a new thermo couple and manifold door assembly. They made me pay the $18 dollars to 2-day ship the part (ridiculous). So now, by the time I get the part, we will have been without hot water for 6 days, AND MY WIFE IS 7 MONTHS PREGNANT! Then I paid $70 to have the part replaced. THE WATER HEATER STILL MALFUNCTIONED AFTER ALL THIS! I contacted whirlpool AGAIN, and they told me that the orifice nut was not installed. So I called the plumber back. He came back, replaced the part; and the WATER HEATER STILL DID NOT WORK. I contacted whirlpool AGAIN, and now they said that the entire gas valve needed replaced. I was to go purchase the valve, WITH MORE MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET--AND PAY FOR THE INSTALLATION.

flamelock hot water tank is junk and they know it. put left handed thread thermal coupler that cant be gotten! no reason to put left handed threads on coupler. overnited my part and did not recieve.

Our hot water tank quit. The thermocouple went bad after 2 years. It is a left handed thread which you can find nowhere in mansfield ohio. We could not find anyone at lowes who was aware of this problem. We called a number, they sent a part overnight, which we had to pay $18.00 for. The part arrived the next day, but it would not stay lit. We and our tenants have now been without hot water for 6 days and to make things worse we have had a snow blizzard here. There is a baby in the house and we are all MISERABLE. What to do now?

I called Lowes about my hot water heater problem, and they told me to call an 800 number, which I did, and these people told me to call a different 800#. I talked to a person that could speak very little English. He told me that he would send me the part to fix my hot water heater, but I would have to do it myself. Or I would have to pay someone to do it because I had said I did not feel safe on installing the new part. He also said that if I would like the part faster than a week I could pay $18.00 for freight and get it the next day.

I bought my water heater a few months ago. Got up today and no hot water. I tried to reignite it but the pilot goes out each time you release the button. Guess I should have researched a little more before buying a whirlpool.

I have purchased 3 thermocouples for my Whirlpool Flame Guard hot water heater. Now, after 3 weeks, I do not have hot water.

We installed a hot water heater on Jan. 4th. It did not work and keep turning off. We have called a number of time and just get the run around.

Looks like I'm officially a member of the Whirlpool "I got screwed over club". The thermocouple went out just as described by countless consumers on this web page.

Hot water heater purchased 12/30/04. This is the 4th time thermocouple went out. This time not able to locate one since the lawsuit. Lowe's said they didn't have any in stock and didn't know when they would have any. My family has been without hot water now for 2 days. Now what do I do? I purchased a Whirlpool to begin with since I thought whirlpool would stand behind their products. How long do I have to go without hot water? Please let me know how I can get one.

Starting last August my water heater was going out. Odd I thought but and new coupler seemed to be a quick easy fix and only lost one afternoon of hot water. Well about 2 more couplers later it was not something to be shrugged off. After going with out hot water for a few days and trying different things, I called the plumber. He walks in and takes one look at it and shakes his head. Says he knows what's wrong by just reading the name whirlpool.

Twice in the past four months, my Whirlpool Water Heater has required extensive and expensive repairs. Yesterday, 3/6/08, I spent another $358.00 to repair my Whirlpool W.H. Today I Googled Whirlpool Lawsuit for any information. I see by the volumes of unhappy consumers that I am not alone. I would like to be included in this class action lawsuit in order to recover some of my out of pocket expenses incurred by this faulty Whirlpool Hot Water Heater. Please Contact me for further details.

I purchased a Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's on 8/13/05 to replace a 15 year old Sears water heater. I had to replace the thermocouple about every six months until 12/2/07, when I was told by Lowe's that they no longer sold this thermocouple. Lowe's told me that I had to contact Whirlpool and they would send a replacement. I then spent a day trying to contact Whirlpool and never got through. I then called Lowe's and asked if they could help me contact Whirlpool. They told me that they were having problems with Whirlpool water heaters and if I would remove the water heater and return it to the store they would give me a replacement. I installed the replacement on 12/4/07 and it worked fine for 60 days. I called a local plumber and for $227.85 I was told the thermocoupler was bad. The $227.85 was just for diagnostics, I was told to replace the thermocouple would cost $373.54. I now have a lot of experience replacing thermocouplers. I paid him the $227.85 and went to Lowe's and purchased two thermocouples on 2/22/08, returned home and installed the thermocouple. That lasted two days. I finely realized that Whirlpool makes junk and doesn't care and Lowe's knowingly sells junk and doesn't care. I had a good water heater installed for $883.20. Don't buy Whirlpool water heaters from Lowe's!

Our Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater has had several thermocouple failures. Whenever I called, I often got someone in India who didn't understand me, and I them. Whirlpool has always given me the runaround on the warranty, so I just paid for new ones from Lowe's and replaced them myself. They were all of equally poor quality, and did not last very long. Now, Thursday noon, I am informed that they will send me a new assembly by Snail Mail in about ten days. Or, I can pay $18 for Next Day delivery.

I bought a new 40 gallon water heater from Lowe's less than one year ago ($310). It was installed by Lowe's certified specialists ($195). The thermocouple went bad about a few days ago. I hired a repair man to replace it ($150). The warranty covered the cost of the parts, but the cost of next day shipping was $20. The part I think costs about $35 if I were to pay for it. Once he fixed it, the thermocouple went bad again the next day. Whirlpool gave me the run around wanting me to call another repairman. I refused because Whirlpool is not paying for any repairs. I talked to them for hours just so they can find one reason not to pay anymore. I contacted them several times, with each time on hold for at least 30 min. Lastly, I called Lowe's, and the man told me, "If I were you, I would tell them that it is leaking, and they would have to replace the whole thing."

I purchased a Whirlpool water heater in October 2003 and have had nothing but trouble with it. Have had to replace the thermalcouple several times at my own expense, and now have a new part to be installed this evening. The part was sent to me supposedly free, but cost $18.00 to have it sent overnight. The pilot went out on Thursday night, and this is Monday; so I have been all weekend with out hot water. Thank goodness I don't have any children living at home. I will have to pay a plumber out of my own pocket to install this new thing-a-ma-jig and just don't think this is right. I believe everyone who has had a bad experience with this Whirlpool water heater should be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses, plus the hardships they have had to suffer, which is no fault of their own.

The water heater went out so I tried to restart the pilot light, no go. Then I called PG&E hoping they could re-light, no go. PG&E did not have the left-handed thermocouple. He said call the manufacture and order the part. So I got on the phone thinking I was calling Whirlpool and ended up talking to some lady in India that knew nothing about water heaters. I told her I needed the left-handed thread thermocouple replacement part. Overnight shipping was $34 for a Saturday delivery. The deliver came, I went to install it and found out they sent me the wrong part with a right handed thread. I tried calling them back and no answer. So now I have to wait till Monday to call back and order the right part which will not be here till Tuesday. I called Lowes to see if they had the part and I was notified that they took the left-handed thread thermocouple of the shelves.

Purchased Whirlpool Water Heater 07.01.06. On 02.26.08, the pilot went out. Attempted to follow the directions to get the light back on. I got it on, and it went out less than 24 hours later. Called Whirlpool and they proceeded to walk me through the process. I was told to disconnect wires and use electrical tape and other things that someone without an electrical background should not be doing. I felt as though the representative was reading from a script, this concerned me.

Tuesday evening, 2/26/08, we discovered that the pilot light on our Whirlpool water heater, purchased 10/09/2007 from Lowe's, was not staying lit. I promptly called Lowe's number, 888.777LOWES and felt great comfort when I noticed their tag line below the number which read Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for service or repairs. I was sure that calling at just a little after 6 pm would get service for us some time that evening. I've seen tons of the stories about Whirlpool on your site dating back to 2005. What is most aggravating to me is that I purchased this from Lowe's because, as a divorced mother of two small children of my own, I felt confident in their commercials and their written tag line; both lies. You cannot get service or repairs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. My family has done without hot water for 3 days and cannot get manufacturer service any sooner than Monday which will total 6 days without hot water.

Our whirlpool water heater keeps on going out on us and we only bought it two years ago. It makes us a little mad to take a cold shower once or twice a month before we pay to get it fixed.

DO NOT PURCHASE A WHIRLPOOL WATER HEATER OR TAKE ANOTHER ONE IF AND WHEN THEY OFFER A NEW IMPROVED REPLACEMENT MODEL. YOU WILL BE WASTING TIME AND MONEY ON INSTALLATION, PARTS AND UNIT RE-INSTALLATION, YOUR LABOR OR PAID LABOR, PICKING UP THE REPLACEMENT AND PARTS SHIPPING. I purchased a new home and new lp water heater in 2005. The trouble starts: several thermocouples, new regulator, new manifold assembly with a normal thermocouple and reset button and thermocouple bypass to light when needed. After 1.5 yrs they get tired of me and finally replaced it with a new, "improved" model with built in reset/bypass button. Six months later - problems with the new improved model. Sometimes the pilot stays lit for days, sometimes for hours. I'm about to wear out the reset button and ignition switch. Their answer: not the thermocouple but overheating and throwing the kill switch; their reasoning: not vented properly. This is untrue.

Our 3.5 year old 50gal gas hot water heater would not hold a pilot light. When I called a repairman they said it was under warranty but the thermocouple would take a week + to arrive. I did call the company but they said the same thing. I could not go a week without a water heater as I have an ill wife. I opted to have it replaced at a cost of $618.00.

I purchased a Whirlpool flame lock hot water heater from Lowes 2yrs ago and the thermalcouple went out. After paying for overnight shipping the part came and the plumber charged me $213.00 to install it and guess what, I still don't have hot water. When I called Whirlpool they tell me they can trouble shoot but that does me no good because I don't know about such things. So this means I have to call a plumber back out and try to resolve it. Whirlpool said they wont replace the water heater and they wont reimburse me for the expenses I have incurred thus far. And were actually down right rude about the matter. The plumber told me that the likely hood of this problem resurfacing even after replacing the part is high and Whirlpool does not seem to care. I am hot unfortunately my water heater isn't. I have no idea what this will end up costing me and it's all because I trusted a brand name to make a decent product.

I purchased my Whirlpool hot water heater (gas flamelock) from Lowes. I have replaced the thermocouple at least once a year, and four times in the last 2 years. Here is the bad news folks- three weeks ago, they sent me a whole new thermostat and thermocouple housing w/ new thermocouple already installed. That means practically everything is new except the tank. Oh, and you can install all of this yourself they told me. I did, and it worked for about three weeks. Now, it is like I never did a thing. Pilot won't light, and I am fuming.

I purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater about two years ago, and have replaced the thermocouple already once before the recall. I now am in the same position of having to replace the thermocouple once again. I went to price another water heater at Lowes, and found another person who was in the same boat I'm in with my water heater. I wish the best for everyone who has one of these water heaters. My model #FG1F3030T3Nov, ser# 0434121794.

Purchased Whirlpool flame lock gas water heater approximately 5 yrs ago. Have replaced the thermo couple an average of 3 times a year since I purchased, approximately 15 times. Now its out again & Lowes tells me there is a recall. I have now been on the line to Whirlpool approximately 2 hours to try and get to talk to a representative, this is not helping me get hot water into the house during freezing weather. Very unprofessional. model # fg1h4040t3nv, serial # 0228113599, product # 0730138 natural gas 9yr warranty [don't think so] VERY, VERY FRUSTRATING.

I purchased a Whirlpool Flamelock water heater about three years ago. I have had trouble with the pilot light going out. This latest instance, it was impossible for me or my plumber to get into the unit to access the thermocoupler. I spoke to the people at Lowe's and they told me to contact Whirlpool as my unit is under warranty. I have made calls to Whirlpool and always receive a busy signal, with a recorded voice that tells me to try back later. I have since had to purchase a new hot water heater and am out another $1,000. I plan on submitting my receipt, etc. to Whirlpool and expect to be reimbursed. If there is no plan for a class action lawsuit, does anyone know if we can submit a claim in small claims court?

We purchased a Whirlpool FG1F4034T3NOV Hot Water Heater in August of 2005 and the Thermocouple device no longer works. The Pilot won't stay lit. I called whirlpool water heater support and they asked me to call the place of purchase. I contacted Lowe's and they referred me to Lowe's Service Advantage with no luck. This issue is already 3 months old, and as of today 02/09/2008 it has been very frustrating, I've try calling different places to buy the part with no luck. Whirlpool doesn't carry left hand thread heads, I do not know why they do that.

We bought a Whirlpool water heater about 4 months ago from Lowe's. We paid $400.00 for it. We then paid another $250.00 to have someone install it. Now, the pilot light won't stay lit anymore. We researched and replaced the thermocouple, and it still will not stay lit. It is Sunday, and our only option is to pay $150.00 to the gas company to come out and look at our water heater. We took cold showers yesterday, and haven't showered yet today because of this water heater issue! The unit was 4 months old! I will never buy a Whirlpool again, as this apparently is a common problem with these units!

I bought a FlameLoc FG1J4040T3NOV a few years ago and have had to replace the Thermostat twice and the thermocouple at least 8 times. The first two times, American Water heater sent someone but the rest I did myself. Now it's out again and whirlpool is sending a new one with an adaptor. I was just wondering will this fix the problem or will I continue to have Thermocouples going out?

We purchased a Whirlpool (Gas)Model#FG1F4034T3NOV (supposed) hot water heater on 6-11-05 At Lowes. We've had to replace the thermo coupler twice. The second time they sent the whole assembly. It takes 5 to 10 days to receive the part. Whirlpool's customer service seems it could care less if you have hot water. I refused to pay the extra shipping to send it faster. Now its been 2 days since the new parts were installed. And the pilot light is still going out and doesn't want to light. I guess we will have to buy a new one. But I feel Whirlpool should reimburse those who bought these JUNK water heaters. Thermo couplers are clearly not the only problems. I will never buy another Whirlpool product. And will be sure to inform everyone I encounter about my problems with Whirlpool.

We purchased a Whirlpool FG1F4034T3NOV Hot Water Heater in 2005 and the device no longer works. The unit will not stay lit, and it clearly seems to be rusting away. The Plumber advised it should be replaced but it has a 6 year warranty, I was like, "man this thing is a hunk of junk, replace it."

The water heater I purchased from Home Depot is a Whirlpool. The thermal couple went out. I cannot find any plumber that can find the part to make the repairs. It was suggested that I get a new water heater, which I will do.

Purchased a Whirlpool water heater at Lowes in 2006 (6 yr waranty if you call it that). Thermocuple failed. Called Whirlpool and they told me the FG model has a recall on the thermocuple. They transfered me to Customer Service. Person could not communicate in English. Hung up and called again. Better luck this time. Was told the part would arrive in 5 to 6 days. Next day would cost $18. Didn't say what normal shipping would cost. There is no guarantee the new TC would last, but if not it was under warranty. They probably make their profits from shipping. Whirlpool is sending paper work to describe litigation pertaining to TC failure. No more Whirlpool products for me. Their waranty stinks. Parts are only available through Whirlpool. Even the local plumbing contractor would need to order the special parts from Whirlpool.

When I purchased my hot water heater from Lowes in 2002, I immediately starting having problems. First of all it's a 35 gallons hot water heater, and I could not take a shower without running out of hot water. I called Lowe's and they referred me to Whirpool and after several attempts of trying to get a hold of them and put on hold for over an hour at a time, I felt like I just got the runaround. I tried for 3 months for them to take responsibility for the water heater and finally I gave up. Within six months the thermo coupler went out, since then I have replaced it 5 times, I'm about to throw the water heater out the door, I don't know who I'm more mad at Lowes' for not taking responsibility for selling it or whirlpool for making such a piece of junk and treating their customers so badly.

In March 2007 we purchased a Whirlpool 40 gallon hot water tank from Lowes. Three weeks after it was installed the pilot light went out and would not relight. After 4 days of having no hot water, Lowes replaced the tank. The tank worked well until November, 2007. The pilot began to go each day beginning November 26th. We were able to relight the pilot each day until December 1st.

Three years ago I purchased a Whirlpool Calypso top loader washer and dryer. Energy efficiency and water conservation are important to us, especially since we use well water and conditioned water.

Purchased Whirpool 50 gal gas water heater 03/08/06 from Lowes. On 1/21/08 the pilot light went out. We called Whirlpool customer service and we had the thermocouple shipped to us next day with $15 shipping charge. I found a business to install the part but it was going to cost $350 to install the part. We paid $378 for the water heater.

Well it appears that I am not the only one that now has a problem with our water heater, model #FG1H5040T3NOV. Our water heater will not stay on at all. At first we thought the vent on the roof was allowing air to blow out the pilot but that was not it. Only until now have I seen that when the water heater shuts off that it kills the pilot as well.

I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater Model #BFG1H4040T3NOV from Lowes in mid-November of 2007 to replace a 6 year Reliance model that leaked after 9 years of use. On 17 Jan 2008, (approximately 60 days later) the pilot went out and would not relight. Replaced the thermocouple and same problem existed. I called the Whirlpool warranty # 1-877-817-6750 repeatedly and finally, after 5 disconnects from their end, got through. I was then put on hold for 20 minutes, at which point I was connected to the warranty center in what I think was India. The gentleman, I could barely comprehend, informed me that the replacement gas valve (thermostat) would be replaced under warranty but there would be a $25 shipping fee for next day delivery, which I grudgingly agreed to. The gas valve arrived 3 days later. Installed new gas valve and water heater is currently operating correctly.

I purchaced a whirlpool 50 gal. water heater,FG1H5040T3NOV, on 4-2-05 at Lowe's. I contacted Whirlpool in 2007 after hearing about the class-action lawsuit.The water heater was working fine at the time, but I had them send me the repair kit just in case my heater quit working. Sure enough, my heater's pilot went out and would not re-light (Jan.2008). After installing the repair kit, it took many tries before the pilot would stay lit. Now we are lucky to get an 8 min. shower at low water volume. Before the heater quit, 120* water temp. was plenty. Now 130*+ is what we have it set on. It's like the whole tank of water doesn't get fully heated. I am very disappointed that Whirlpool has drawn out this issue for so long.

First thing, I cannot find the address of Whirlpool manufactures. Our water heater will not stay lit. I have called the service phone number and whirlpool will not pick up. I need hot water.

My Whirlpool Hot water was installed on March 2004 (Gas Flame Lock - 50 Gallon). I had to replace the thermocoupler within 6 months. I had several times since then when the pilot light would go out. I would relight it and everything seemed to work until several days ago. The pilot light went out and we got it to stay lit for one day. Since then, we can light the pilot light but it will not stay lit. I went to Lowe's where I bought it and they told me that Whirlpool pulled all of their parts from the shelf on that model since they were in a class action suit. I called Whirlpool today and tried to get a replacement part but they want to charge me shipping to overnight the part so I have to wait for the part to come ground which could take up to 10 days. Whirlpool does not seem to care about their customers and what they have to do to get their goods serviced.

We purchased a Whirlpool 40 gallon gas water heater less than a year ago. The thermal couple went out on our water heater on 1-10-07. My husband went to Lowe's and purchased a new one, took it home, and the part would not fit. It turns out that Whirlpool thermal couple parts have left threads and the parts available at Lowe's and Home Depot, only carries right threads. After my husband was on the phone with Whirlpool for 30 minutes, he found out that the part is only available through Whirlpool.

I purchased a Whirlpool FlameLock model #FG1H4040T3N0V on 09/09/06. Since then we had been without hot water numerous times. I complained to Whirlpool and Lowes (who were very helpful compared to Whirlpool). Whirlpool service help is very rude. After missing work, paying service workers and shipping charges for new parts, Whirlpool finally had a recall and had to provide new Thermocoupler parts to fix the problems. Don't think that ends the problems. I never have water at a consistant temperture even when it has an hour to warm up. If you turn the water heater up it comes on when it chooses. It used to automatically start heating if you turned it up. The water is never hot enough, it seems as it is just having more and more problems. Whirlpool should have replaced the whole water heater as the entire appliance is a Lemon.

I purchased a 30 gallon gas water heater in 2005. The pilot light will not stay lit. I don't think it is manufactored to last.

Purchased a Whirlpool Flamelock Water Heater, have replaced the thermal couple 3 times (at $15 each.) Went out once again. Called the company to get the replacement part directly from the company. Had to pay $18 for next day shipping -- since it wasn't realistic for my family to go without hot water for 5-7 days (but since it was Friday so had to wait until Monday.) Part came, paid professional to put it in -- LESS THAN 24 HOURS LATER --- SAME PROBLEM -- PILOT LIGHT WON'T STAY LIT. Another call into the repairman!

We purchased a Whirlpool Flame Lock 50 gal. hot water heater from Lowes in South Lyon, MI on July 16, 2007 and had it professionally installed. On January 6, 2008, we discovered we did not have any cold water. I found the pilot light was out on the water heater and also found that the unit was leaking from the bottom, so it was a defect in the product. I returned the unit to Lowes and installed the new unit myself. The pilot light will not light on the new unit. Time to make another trip.

My hot water heater stopped working, and I called my repairman. He walked in, looked at the heater and told me an element was under recall. He contacted the company and gave them the serial number and part number of the heater and let me talk to the company representative. I was told they would replace the part but would take 7-10 days shipping unless I paid ($18) for overnight shipment, to which I agreed. The part was delivered the next day and was replaced at a cost of $191.00 for service call and replacement. I thought I was getting an updated part that corrected the design of the old part ;now after researching the internet I find this part is a duplicate and could malfunction tomorrow.

I bought a gas hot water heater 5 months before and it is already giving me problems. At least 4 to 5 times a week the pilot goes off. I tried to contact customer care dept, but I have to stay on the phone more then 1 hr. If they can't solve the problems as soon as possible, I will have to return the heater and complain to BBC or to inform my attorney.

5/27/02 we purchased a Whirlpool water heater S/N#0218109546. The water heater would not stay lit, and we had no hot water for days. We contacted Customer Service, and a thermocouple replacement part was shipped in 8/26/03 and again in 05/05/04. This did not fix the problem.

I purchased a whirlpool gas water heater, and actually my tank lasted 4 or 5 years after installation. On Dec. 25, 2007, the tank would only allow the pilot to stay lit; if you put it to "on" it would go out. I called to find out there has been trouble with these tanks. Sears came out today (Dec. 31, 2007) and replaced the gas value and thermocouple; for now it seems okay. The tank itself is under warranty for 9 years, but the labor is not. I paid $127.00 for this service. Since there is a problem with these tanks is there any way of getting this labor cost money back?

Purchased top of the line Whirlpool hot water heater (Serial #0244115383-Model #FG1T504053NV) 50 Gallon tank, professionally installed and purchased through Lowe;s. We have been having problems with the hot water heater making loud noises for a few years, and now just before Christmas it went out. We are waiting for a thermocouple kit from Whirlpool and have been without hot water approximately seven days. We called Lowe's to see if we could purchase the thermocouple and was told a class action lawsuit is pending. We would like to be part of the lawsuit.

In April 2005 I purchased a Whirlpool Flamelock 40 gal gas waterheater model : FG1F4040S3NOV Serial : 0508131417. The unit worked fine until Christmas day, no hot water found pilot light out and would not re light. After finding this site I learned how shoddy this water heater is. Faulty thermocouple went to Lowes where I purchased it only to find out that you can not buy this left handed thread thermocouple you have to get it from Whirlpool.

We purchased our Water heater 5 years ago, model number fg1h5040t3. We started having a problem with it the day after Christmas 2007. It won't stay lit. We haven't had hot water for two days now. We first tried to call the customer service number and couldn't get through. Finally got though to a person named Helen, who was rude. She wanted us to wait a few more days for a part to fix it and charge us $18 for shipping. Upon me telling her that I can't wait two more days for hot water, we need it fixed or replaced now, she told me that she has no record previous to this so she doesn't even know if we are the orginal owners of this water heater. Now, she's calling me a liar. What kind of customer service is this? Do I need to show them my DEED? I told her I'm sure I still have my receipt. I told her I would like to speak to a manager, but he/she has yet to call me back. I did not buy the part, after reading that we would possibly not be part of the class action, we chose not to fix it. When we buy a water heater or any other appliances, it will surely not be Whirlpool brand! I will also be filing a complaint with BBB.

The notification by post card of the class action suit coincided with my tenant complaining about her water heater. I was surprised and skeptical at first because it is less than 2 years old. She complained the pilot kept going out. Called the number on the postcard and after confirming model and serial nos., they stated this new part (manifold door assembly) would fix the problem. With the holidays fast approaching, I didn't want my tenant to be without hot water. I paid the $18 for the expedited shipping, and scheduled installation. Whirlpool assured me that this would come with instructions and would be an easy fix. $200 later on Christmas eve the plumber, after trying everything, calls me to ask me what I want to do--that he cannot figure out what the problem is. He has fixed hot water heaters for years and never had this difficulty. He recommends I cut my losses and buy a new hot water heater: estimate additional $600--but he cannot do it until after Christmas.

Bought a Whirlpool flame lock water heater 15 months ago. Thermocouple lasted 4 months. Paid $189 to get it repaired. Now less then a year later I have the same problem.

I purchased one of the bad Whirlpool water heaters in '03 with a 12 year warranty. It has become obvious that the Whirlpool warranty is a fraud as noted from all the responses and apparent civil action. I contacted Lowe's (where purchased), and their reply was they just sell products; they do not honor any warranties. I generally got the same answer from Whirlpool.

I purchased a Gas Water Heater with the Flame Lock Safety system Model Number BFG1H4040T3NOV from Lowe's to replace an A.O. Smith water heater that had been in service 18 years trouble free until now. I tried to purchase another, but the hassle was too much. So I took the least path of resistance and went to Lowe's. The installed heater leaked immediately at the Anode. Whirlpool said take it back to Lowe's and get another. Second one installed at my expense. There was no hassle in getting a new one. After reading about the thermocouple history of problems, I would NEVER have purchased a Whirlpool water heater.

We bought a Whirlpool LP hot water heater 22 months ago and the thermocouple went out. We ordered the replacement part. It dosn't work either. I called Whirlpool and they said that it wasn't installed right or it would work. NO IT DOES NOT WORK. I asked to speak to someone who could help me, and why does the company willfully sell defaulty products? She told me she could not talk about it because of the class action law suit. I ask why we hadn't been notfied of this, and she said we aren't part of the suit because we ordered the replacement part. We can't afford to buy a water heater every 2 years. What do people do that buy these water heaters in good faith, that can't afford to replace them when something like this happens? We will not ever buy Whirlpool products again.

The thermocouple failed. Whirlpool sent an entire burner assembly but the threads on the thermocouple reversed from the gas valve on the water heater and it did not work. I went to Lowe's for the 5th time now and purchased replacement thermocouples at $20 each. Several calls to the service number has done no good.

I have a Whirlpool Flame Guard water heater (model# starting with FG) purchased in spring of 2004 and stopped working on 12/12/2007. The problem was found to be a faulty thermocouple and after contacting Whirlpool it looks like this is a known issue. They offered to send a replacement part but no help with the installation costs. Learning from all the similar complaints, the chance is great the issue will re-occur even after the installation of the replacement part. I have decided to go ahead and buy a new water heater if that happens rather than keep throwing away my hard earned money. As this is a design/quality issue, Whirpool should be responsible enough to cover the cost of repair/replacement especially if they are interested in satisfied / loyal customers. If not, they have lost one more customer.

I have one of the Whirlpool Flamelock water heaters with the useless 9 year warranty. The pilot wouldn't stay lit so I called the gas company to make sure I had gas. He chuckled when he saw the unit and told me I had purchased it at Lowe's, right? He said he has been going all over the area with the same problem and not to expect any help from Lowe's. Also, I'd better be handy because Whirlpool only sends the parts, they won't pay to install them. So I called Whirlpool. After opting for the $18.00 free part, I called Lowe's. The Manager I spoke with has not heard of this problem with these water heaters but unfortunately, there is nothing he could do to help. Needless to say, I will not be buying Whirlpool products ever again nor will I buy an appliance from Lowe's. I would love to be part of a recall of these units if there is one!

It only takes looking at this website to read complaints about this water heater. Thermocoupler failure--yes, I had to pay shipping for a new part. I'm on my fifth day without hot water. If a recall was needed why was I not notified? I'm afraid I'm going to have to buy a new heater now after reading the complaints. I don't want this piece of junk. Granted it has been faithful for 3 years--then no hot water. The replacement part has additional parts my original didn't even have. MODEL # FG1F404053NOV SERIAL # 0424133216--and was purchased at Lowes (8/1/04).

I have a new Whirlpool gas water heater that needs a thermal coupler and it is only 1yr old . You cannot go to Lowes to buy one, you must go to the factory. Warranty is 6yrs for parts and 6yrs for tank.I will never recommend anyone to buy a WHIRLPOOL again.

My whirlpool electric hot water heater broke. I used the troubleshooting guide and determined the electronic control board to be faulty. I called Whirlpool and they will ship new one, and it will take 2 days. Lowes refuses to stock this part.

My 50 gal. Whirlpool Flame Lock started having problems with the pilot staying lit lately. The class action lawsuit settlement seems to be inadequate. I'm just learning of these issues, and now I don't even have the choice of opting out of the lawsuit. The settlement is ridiculous: a replacement part that won't work in the long run, customer pays shipping, and that's only after you manage to get hold of anybody at Whirlpool. I'm going out to purchase a Bradford White from a contractor friend of mine. I will take pictures of the installation, keep all my receipts, and hope someone else (like the Texas Attorney General) comes along in the future and takes Whirlpool to court. It's hard to imagine this is all the compensation people are going to get from having to deal with this poor product that should have been pulled from the market years ago. I see recent stories of people still buying them.

The thermocoupler on my water heater has gone out 3 times in 4 years. The company keeps telling me all they will do is replace the part. What good is this if the part keeps breaking?

I bought my water heater in 2002. Two years later, the water heater stop working. I called Whirlpool and found out the thermocoupler needed to be replaced. The thermocoupler has been replaced about 8 times since 2004.

We bought a 40 gallon gas Whirlpool water heater and have changed the thermocontrol valve 3 times now and continue to have problems. The hot water heater is under warranty but we can't get a hold of someone to help us. Do you know who we would contact? We have tried calling Whirlpool directly but get no answer.

We bought a Whirlpool hot water heater from Lowe's about 5 years ago and we have had to replace the thermal coupler at least 8 times. We are now going to just replace the water heater all together and we will not buy a Whirlpool. I have never had a problem with Whirlpool appliances in the past and we have bought many. However, this experience will make me think twice about buying another Whirlpool product. How can this company knowingly sell something that is defective. This has been an inconvenience because I have now been two days with no hot water and will have to go a couple of more days until I can get someone in the replace the water heater. I am not exactly old but I have arthritis and it is hard for me to have to carry large pots of water that I have had to heat on the stove to the bathroom so that I can take a hot bath.

Model number FG1H4040T3Nov SN: 0416126050 Unit was purchased at LOWES 5-16-04 with a 9 year warranty. The thermal couple does not work now and the tank is dripping and does not heat any water now. This part is known to fail and the replacement as well. This part is not replaceable at department stores but only by Whirlpool. There is a class action lawsuit referring to this and I would like to be on board. They will not ship the part overnight and have requested I put out $18.00 for a $15.00 part unit. They will ship it free but the delivery time with be a week or so which is not acceptable. This thermal couple is a backward fitting screw like a Propane fitting. This is why nobody carries them anymore as they are uncommon. The other reason is that this model has been updated now and replaced with newer models. There is no need for this part to be available now at a department stores because all models are equipped with a newer part, the old part is now obsolete. I feel they should stand behind their product and offer a full replacement unit. LOWES is fine with this when asked; as long as I have the AR number issued by Whirlpool. They do not have a problem replacing it. Whirlpool should replace this unit. If I have to settle for an obsolete part it should be overnighted for free. I feel they are not standing behind their product and I will not purchase again from them unless they make this right.

I found out unknowingly about the class action lawsuit filed on Whirpool over their Flamelock water heaters. There is a sign posted in Lowes in Stow, Ohio about the left handed thread Thermal couples and the class action lawsuit and to contact Whirlpool for information. This is the second thermal couple I have had to replace in this water heater, and Whirlpool's quick fix stating to clean the vents and make sure the combustion chamber every six months is nonsense. I'll never buy another Whirpool product. I installed the flamelock water heater in Nov. '03 and is supposed to have a 6 year warranty.

My husband went to Lowes and purchased a 40 gallon Whirlpool gas water heater. Since the purchase and installation we discovered the error of our purchase. The water heater lasted about 20 months. In June 2007 the burner went out and would not light so of course we went to Lowes to see about repair or replacement. Lowes told us that since we did not purchase the extended service plan we would have to go back to Whirlpool Product Service. We then found the Consumer Affairs .com article on these water heaters. The article was right!

I've replaced the thermocouple 3 times on my Whirlpool water heater. An updated version was sent. Paid $30 for overnight delivery because of Thanksgiving. Part arrived 4 days later. India call center transferred me to US parts center. Shipping refund for overnight shipping was not received. As far as the upgraded thermocouple: Pilot flame goes out each time hot water is used. Water heater is 2 years old....

My Whirlpool water heater light went out. Went to Lowes and they did not have the part. I called phone # on the water heater. Got a message that Whirlpool would not talk to me unless I waived my right to the lawsuit. I hung up and called Lowes; they said there was not anything they could do. They were rude.

We bought a Whirlpool water heater two years ago, and it had a six year warranty on it. Now the thermal coupler has gone out, and we purchased a new one but it wont work either. I have found out that there is a new part that goes on there because they have faulty water heaters; but you have to buy the part from them because they have stopped making the parts for their water heaters

Purchased a Whirlpool 40 gal. water heater with the flame lock safety system from Lowes on 09/2003. The thermocoupler went out the day before Thanksgiving. Found out Lowes does not carry the replacement part for this and have been unable to speak to rep from Whirlpool to find out what to do. Sounds like a lot of these units are built with defective parts.

We've had our Whirlpool water heater for 1 year, 3 months--just over the warranty for labor. Parts are covered. The nearest repairman is 2-1/2 hours away; and he already said other people were calling, and Whirlpool won't pay his travel costs. I called Whirlpool back and was given repairmen 4-1/2 to 5 hours away. Whirlpool gave me a number where, after calling, said they don't do Whirlpool warranty work. I called back and the company is now closed--even though it is 3 p.m. my time, and they were supposed to stay open until 8 p.m. Don't buy a Whirlpool Water Heater! Go elsewhere! We now have to buy a new water heater.

The left hand thread thermocouple of Whirlpool Water Heater Model FG1H5040T3NOV is not available as a replacement item. NOBODY TELLS YOU WHY. So, one buys the LP thermocouple, as it is the only thing in the store that fits. It goes out in a month. THEN the people at the store tell you that there's some lawsuit/recall against Whirlpool, and it's impossible to fix. I called the people that sold the water heater in the first place, and their reaction was: We know about that. We have no responsibility on this; call Whirlpool. Oh,and don't buy a GE, they are junk, too. Have a nice day. (Click)

I have repeatedly replaced the thermocoupler on my water heater Model# FG1F4040S3NOV. It's broken again. Lowe's tells me to call Whirlpool. Whirlpool doesn't answer. Lowe's says I have to get the part from Whirlpool.

I purchased a Whirlpool Flame-lock hot water heater from Lowe's two years ago. During that time I have replaced the thermocouple 4 times including the original. The last one purchased lasted a total of 2 months. I have mailed receipts to Whirlpool along with a request for some sort of fix for the problem. To date I have not heard from the company. Here it is Thanksgiving day with a house full of family and NO hot water. Something must be done to help the consumer as it seems the company is just sitting on its hands. Thanks.

I brought a Whirlpool top of the line (or so I thought) hot water heater. After about a year the pilot light went out. I tried unsuccessfully five times to re-light it. Finally I turned it off for about an hour and then re-lit it without a problem. It ran fine for about 6 months. Then the problem reappeared. They knew the inherent problems with this particular model and Lowe's and Whirlpool sold it anyway. When I did call, I was directed to an operator that informed me of the defective part, that the part would be furnished at no cost to me, but that I would have to pay $18.00 for shipping.

I purchased a 50 gal. Whirlpool Gas Water Heater with the Flame Lock Safety System (9-year warranty) in 12/03. The flame stopped work a couple of days ago and failed to stay on after relighting the pilot. I called Whirlpool warranty department, and they determined the problem was the control system and offered to ship one at no cost. I had to pay $18 for a next-day delivery. Labor estimates to install the system were from $172 to $310. The attending plumbers did not deem the repair worthwhile due to the negative history of this particular water heater--and Whirlpool and it's warranty.

Lowe's wants me to exchange the Whirlpool water heater on a new BFG code heater (with new thermocoupler). Has anyone gotten a new heater recently with this BFG code 30-40-50 gal heater and had any problems like the previous heater?

I purchased a Whirlpool Flame Guard water heater in 2005 and have replaced the Thermocouple 3 times - twice in the same year. I called the company on the first and third occasions (the second time I called a plummer and he had to order the $9 part and install it for an additional $110). On the two occasions I called Whirlpool they told me that the thermocouple had to be upgraded and will send me the part as long as I paid $18 shipping charges. I asked why the part went out so quickly and they said, "we are aware of the problem, that is why I am sending you the upgrade along with a filter". Two repairs later and I am calling them again with no help or answers to getting the whole heater replaced rather than repaired again and again. I purchased it at Lowes and they are not carrying the replacement parts anymore. It just seems that no one at Whirlpool or Lowes is concerned with quality and safety.

I purchased the Whirlpool water heater M#FG1F4034T3NOV and had a plumber install this 2 yrs ago this month. Recently the pilot went out; after several attempts to re-light it, called the plumber only to find that there were problems with it. He could not get the flame lock part, and I'd have to go through Whirlpool. No one will answer; the VoiceMail shuts off before giving all options.We boiled water for cleaning/bathing/laundry.

I bought a 40 gallon Whirlpool water heater at Lowes, and the thermal couple went bad within 1 year.

I am on my second or third thermal coupler for my whirlpool hot water heater and went to Lowes to get a new coupler and was told that they no longer carry the coupler because of a law suit. They told me to contact whirlpool to find out what to do. It is Sunday and I am unable to reach anyone. I had to cut a day of vacation and use a full day to buy a new hot water heater and install it.

I've had to buy two thermocouples for our Whirlpool Water Heater, and now Whirlpool is tellingme there is another problem that requires replacing the bottom half of the water heater--something to do wtiht he safety shut-off.

I have a problem with Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater: the fuse in thermocouple blows. This part is unique to this product and no other thermocouple can be used. Lowes pulled replacement part off the shelf, forcing a person to search for this unique part elsewhere, or do without hot water.

I bought a new hot water tank on 7/28/07 from Lowes in Seekonk Ma. I brought the water tank home and I had a professional install it. I was told it was my option for delivery or not and that it would not affect the warranty. The week of October 26th I started getting brown water in the morning out of all faucets and tub. I called Lowes and they directed me to go to Whirlpool dba American Water Heater. After spending (3) hours on the phone back and forth between Lowes and American Water Heater, the representative from American Water Heater said it was the Anode Rod and that I would have to pay $47 for the part, shipping and to have this part installed.

I purchased this Whirlpool water heater from Lowes in June of 2004, and on 11-13-2007 our pilot light went out. We tried the trouble shooting steps in the manual and nothing worked. I then contacted Whirlpool and they informed me of a replacement part I would need to fix it. I asked them about the class-action suit, and Mike told me that a few people are complaining--but the water heater is safe and this part will fix it. I asked Mike if I needed to hire a plumber and he told me that as long as I could use a wrench and a screw driver there would not be a problem.

I bought a Whirlpool water heater that you need to repeatedly buy a thermocouple for, as others have complained on this website. These bad water heaters should be recalled.

I purchased a Whirlpool Natural gas water heater with flame lock safety system. It appears the system is not safe. We replaced the broken thermocouple assembly after it broke when we found out about the recall. After fixing, we still have a strong smell of gas coming from the waterheater internal parts. We had a plumber come out and verify all plumbing parts are not leaking. The plumber indicated the gas is leaking so badly from inside the unit that he recommended that we buy a new unit.

we purchased approximately 125 whirlpool flame lock water heaters from lowes. everyone developed problems between 6 months to a year. we were told to contact whirlpool about the problem at the toll free number listed on the water heater. all i ever got from whirlpool was their recorded messages or the run a round. we had to replace the thermocouples to keep our residents with hot water. now lowes has taken the thermocouples off their shelves and informed us that the part was faulty. they also told us that whirlpool had a new part that solved the problem. i was instructed to contact whirlpool. same phone recordings and no satisfaction. we have replaced the majority of the water heaters. we had no choice. we are out thousands of dollars and do not know how to remedy the problem.

I bought a Whirlpool Flamelock water heater from Lowes in Jan. 2003. It is now rusting out and needs to be replaced. Can I join the class? I am having a plumber install a Rheem water heater tomorrow, 11/6/07. I can't wait for any assistance or response from Lowes/Whirlpool before getting a new heater.

11 months ago we purchased a Whirlpool water heater. Yesterday it stopped working. Today Whirlpool told me the closest service provider was nearly an hour away (despite the fact that I live just outside St. Louis, MO) and I would have to pay for any extra charges. f

I purchased 2 Whirlpool Flamelock Water Heaters for rental properties starting in 2004. I had continued maintenance issues on both units, leading to the replacement of one in 2006. Lowes refunded the cost of the unit but no labor. The second water heater has had one Thermocouple replaced thus far.

I have a Whirlpool water heater that was new when I purchased my house. Three months later I had a problem with the Thermo coupler; it was replaced by a local plumber and cost me about $150.00. Last month it cost me $451.97 to have the complete assembly replaced. I used Ace, Leo's plumbing in Corsicana, and they said the threads were stripped and the complete assembly had to be replaced. I was with out hot water for almost 2 weeks. I have been in this house for less than 2 years.

I wrote to Whirlpool that my water heater was not working. Whirlpool knew exactly what the problem was (pilot light was not staying on). They sent me the parts. I received them 9 days later. After I paid a plumber $75 to put the new parts in, it worked for 3 days then went out again. The pilot light will not stay lit. What are they selling? The water heater is a piece of garbage and Whirlpool should be embarrassed to have their name on it. This is ridiculous, I thought Whirlpool stood behind their products; I guess I am wrong. I will go after Lowes, also, since I bought it from them. Maybe they will pull all Whirlpool products from their stores.

I bought a Whirlpool water heater 2 yrs. ago and have changed the Thermocouple twice, and it's out again. This is bad business, and I want Whirlpool to pay for a new water heater. They are not concerned with the consumer.

I purchased two Whirlpool Flamelock water heaters from Lowes about 5 years ago. I have replaced the thermocouple in one of the water heaters twice and also the gas valve once. I'm now without hot water in one water heater. With what I've gathered regarding this model and make, I'll be hard-pressed to find a replacement part that will last. I fear that the other water heater will have the same problem! I purchased the Whirlpool brand expecting quality, and now I'm thinking twice about purchasing anything with the Whirlpool name attached to it! This has caused a great deal of time and inconvenience; and may end up costing more money because the water heater parts are junk. What is being done to correct this? And is there any compensation for the lemon water heaters?

After Lowe's told me that all flamelock natural gas water heater thermocouples have been recalled, I called Whirlpool as they suggested: 1-877-817-6750. I spoke with someone there who said there is no recall. They said that because of the class action lawsuit, Lowe's sent them back! Funny thing is that the LP (propane) thermocouple is the same thing, just bent differently, but they are keeping those in the stores. For $18.00 shipping cost for next day air, Whirlpool is sending me a new manifold door assembly with a resettable thermal cut off switch. I went through three thermocouples and have gotten good at replacing those. Hopefully this won't be too bad to replace. Bad news is that if you own one of these, and there are a ton of these out there, you will be without warm water at least a couple days--*sigh*.

I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater that worked fine for about 3 years. Now the pilot won't light. I went to Lowes to get the thermocouple needed to fix it, and they knew exactly what the problem was. They don't carry the part because this is all tied up in a law suit. They referred me to someone else to get the part. I could not pick one up anywhere in my own area.

Can't find a replacement thermocouple for a Whirlpool natural gas water heater anymore. Lowe's doesn't carry replacement parts for the product they sell and employees don't know what they're talking about...tried to sell me a universal thermocouple even after I told them Whirlpool thermocouples were left-hand thread and not right-hand like the universal part. Where am I going to get this part? I haven't had hot water in days.

Water Heater Model # FG1H4040T3NOV thermal coupler doesn't work. I replaced it once already six months ago and cannot get a part.

I have a whirlpool water heater, and the thermal coupling has to be replaced every 4 to 5 months. This is ridiculous and should not be happening so often.

I bought a Whirlpool water heater about 2004-2005; model FGIG3030TS (NOV) with serial number 0335107827. I replaced pilot several months ago and paid the plumber $168 because of no hot water. The plumber got the replacement part from Lowes. Now the same problem happened again on 9/29/30-- no hot water. I am ready to junk this product.

Defective water heater thermo-coupler is not stocked by Lowe's, who represents their product. Part does not live up to the life expectancy and is hard to find.

Flame Lock Water heater thermocoupler went bad. Now Lowes does not even carry the replacement part. They said they were all recalled by Whirlpool and they were given no replacements. So what am I supposed to do?

Purchased a Whirlpool water heater and thermocouple is junk. It needs replacing every few months. I think they should do right and fix these water heaters free of charge.

Flame lock water heater...I was going to have to put my 5th thermocouple in in about 2 years. I threw the water heater out the back door.

In 2003 I purchased a 40 gal Whirlpool Hot Water Heater. Within 6 mos. the thermo coupler died. I put in another one. Now in the last 4 years I have installed 5 more.

Our Whirlpool Flamelock water heater quit working. We had a serviceman replace the thermocouple. The cost including service charge was $241.92.

Since 2004 I've replaced 3 thermocouplers at my expense. The last one made it 6 months. This time the nearest Lowes store that had any in stock was 1 1/2 hours away from my home.

I purchased & installed a Whirlpool water heater on 4/5/2003. It ran & operated fine until @18 months ago when it started making a knocking noise after someone used hot water. (washing clothes, washing dishes, taking a shower, etc.)When it is re-filling the tank the tank makes a knocking noise. It never made these noises before. Does anyone know what causes this and how to eliminate the knocking noises? The tank still heats water fine, it's just that the knocking noise is very aggravating.

suddenly no hot water, I purchased a new whirlpool hotwater heater from Lowe's about 2 years ago, it has a 6 year warranty, like everyone else, won't stay lit (thermocoupler malfuction).

I bought a Whirlpool water heater about 3 years ago. Right from the start I noticed that the water was no where near as hot as the noname brand heater I had previously even at its maximum setting.

I bought a Whirlpool water heater about 3 years a go. right from the start I noticed that the water was no where near as hot as the noname brand heater I had previously eve at its maximum setting. I have since replaced the thermo couple 5 times at my cost for various reasons (flame would not stay lit, the pilot would not stay lit etc.) The last time I replced the thermo couple was 3 months ago. Guess what, the damn thing went south again. I have had it. If I ever buy another Whirlpool product again it will be too soon.

I purchased a whirlpool flame lock hot water heater. The thermocouple has been replaced 4 times. I paid for shipping of the new thermocouple 2 times not to mention days without hot water and the cost to have it installed. It just went out again and the customer service department is closed. I wonder how much it will cost me this time and how long I will be without hot water.

My hot water heater started leaking three months later and now the pilot won't light. So I guess that Thermo gadget is out.