Whirlpool Water Heaters Reviews
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Whirlpool Water Heaters Reviews
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Reviewed Oct. 4, 2011
In 2007, I purchased two 30 gal. Whirlpool Flame Lock water heaters (Model: FG1F3030T3NOV) from Lowe's for two different homes that I own. I started having trouble with one of them after about two months. I replaced the thermocouple several times, with each one working only about a month. After that, Lowe's replaced the complete burner assembly and that, so far, fixed the problem.
Now, the second one has (1 Oct 11) gone out. The local Lowe's told me that they are out of the burner assembly for this water heater. I called them this evening and was told that they didn't know when they would have the part, but to call back about every other day to see if they had received the burner assembly for this water heater. They said that it could be from two days to two weeks before they may receive this part!
In 2008, I also purchased a 40 gal. Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater (Model: BFG1F4034T3NOV) for my house and no problems so far. In 2007, I even recommended that a friend of mine purchase and install one of these in a home that he owned. He did. I helped him install it and it later had the same problems! I am now needing a water heater for my workshop. What can I buy that's dependable?
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2011
This is my second water heater in three years. The problem is the thermocouple thermostat. Also, when I drain the water, it comes out of the heater black because of the corrosion in side. I spoke to people in the company, and they were nasty to me. This happened to my two heaters in 2 1/2 years. Please, do not buy a Whirlpool heater.
Reviewed Sept. 29, 2011
I purchased Whirlpool electric hot water tank in May 2011 (model no. EEZ80HD055V). The water tank was working fine for four months. It does not work anymore. I tried to get a hold of Whirlpool customer service. But I couldn’t get a hold of customer service at 877-817-6750. It is motel business without hot water. We could not open the business. We tried the best we could, but there is no contact or support from Lowe's or Whirlpool. We have no other choice other than replace the hot water tank. We tried to find the right phone number to explain the situation to Whirlpool customer service rep.
Reviewed Sept. 28, 2011
After filing the complaint, a very helpful rep contacted me and suggested I replace the gas valve. The rep gave me an RA #, so I could pick it up at Lowes. I bought it, installed it, and returned it for credit.
Reviewed Sept. 27, 2011
On May 25, 2008, I bought a Whirpool Model# BFG1J4040T3NOV 40 gallon natural gas hot water tank. The pilot light went out today, Sept. 26, 2011, and it will not re-light. This was bought at Lowes and was rated as a 12-year warranty on the tank and parts. This is premature failure of a product that is listed as 12 years. Due to all the other similar complaints of this Whirlpool hot water tank, I would like my money back ($455.81) plus installation or a new tank installed.
Reviewed Sept. 25, 2011
My Whirlpool gas hot water heater will not stay lit. The thermal coupling has been replaced by my plumber. It did not help. This tank is defective. The product details are as follows: model # FG1F4949S3NOV, product # B07330262, and serial # **.
Reviewed Sept. 23, 2011
I posted about our problem with the Whirlpool water heater on the 20th. Chris ** of Whirlpool called me back. He totally took care of the problem and got us back working. After 3 years, our problem is resolved. I am grateful to Chris for finally resolving the problem. He was professional, courteous and knowledgeable. Thank you.
Reviewed Sept. 21, 2011
Our water heater was defective. We called and they sent the wrong part to replace! When we called back, they told us to install it anyway. We did and it is not working. It is getting dangerous.
Reviewed Sept. 20, 2011
Purchased in 2007, put in the recall parts 3 months later, the heater pilot has been going out again. It happened maybe 6 times in the last 4 months.
Reviewed Sept. 19, 2011
I bought Whirlpool gas water heater on July 2009. It keeps going out. It is not working. I found out you can't even get parts for fixing it. The dealers told me it's junk. I was told to buy a new one. Then, I found out it's been in class action lawsuit. How did I get to buy it after it was recalled? I don't know what to do.
Reviewed Sept. 14, 2011
I bought a 40 gal. Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's. It was just outside the 6-year warranty when the pilot light went out and won't relight. I called Whirlpool. They are about as worthless as box of rocks. They refuse to replace the thermocoupling free of charge or at least no shipping charge, when they know in fact there is a problem. It was because no class action lawsuit was filed. It's too bad for the customers. I wished they would have just said: “lady, please take your business somewhere else.” It would have made things easier. Or, better yet, they should just put a sign on their water heaters in the store stating: “If you have problems with our product, sorry about your luck. ** you and have a nice day.”
Reviewed Sept. 6, 2011
I bought a new Whirlpool gas hot water 40 gal tank from Lowes. I Installed it, but the pilot light would not light. So Cal Gas Co came out and said they did not like the new design, but that was how they were now making them. Gas is shot out from a pipe into the tank, however it's fairly open. The pilot ignitor is similar to the one on barbarque's that often do not last. You cannot get to it to light it manually. Several calls were made to Whirlpool and they sent a repair man out to fix it. You can imagine buying a new hot water heater and having it work part time. The repair man explained that the unit needed a new thermopile, but he could not put one on until whirlpool authorized it, which they would not. After a rather heated conversation with whirlpool they agreed to FedEx a part overnight.
Of course the repairman could not wait for me to call and had to come back again. The pilot light still does not stay lit, and Whirlpool now wants to talk about how the tank is vented. This has nothing to do with the pilot light, nor did putting in a new 1/2" gas line and valve as per Whirlpool's request. Whirlpool has a problem and they refuse to acknowledge it. However, it is Lowes that chose to buy from whirlpool and they do little if anything to stand behind their product and gain consumer confidence. My suggestion would be don't buy whirlpool, and shop at Home Depot.
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2011
Purchased a whirlpool water heater 04/08/2005 and it worked for a short time. It had a 6 year warranty. I had to replace the thermocoupler assembly 1 time and it worked fine until last week. 09/02/1011, 4 months after warranty ran out, the unit started leaking severely from the top ? (Could of understood the bottom) here. After investigating further and being told to basically pound salt by the warranty number I called, I removed the top cove r(glued on by spray in insulation) and carved away the spray in insulation.
All the bosses/threaded fittings for the inlet outlet and anode rod were all leaking under the insulation where it could not be seen! I know for a fact this unit was leaking long before the warranty expired! But because of the way it is built it is impossible to see it!. I strongly feel this was a manufacturing defect and there are hundreds if not thousands of these units in people houses all over the country!
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2011
I bought new hot water heater. I installed it did and it did not work. I called them, and they sent a new part. A service man installed it, and it still did not work - he was unable to get it working. They said my gas supply line 1/2 od was too small. I had it replaced to 5/8 od 1/2id, and it still did not work. I called them again. They offered to send more parts and try again.
This is a brand new water heater, never fired. I asked if they would give me a ra number so I could return it to the store. He would not give it to me. He insisted he send some one out to try to repair it. Meanwhile I have had no hot water for 2 days. He told me do what I have to do and hung up on me. So I removed the heater and took it back to Lowes, where they were glad to give my money back. But still, I lost a day of work and paid the gas yo bring it back. I went to home depot bought a GE hot water heater. I had it installed in about 15 minutes and it is working fine.
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2011
I have purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater on May 21, 2005 from Lowe's Model number FG1F4040S3NOV, Product number 0730261, Serial number 05181291061. It is one of the Flame Lock heaters that was part of a class action law suit. The lawsuit has been settled however. I have had three thermocouples to date installed and each time the heater has gone out after three to four days. The technicians I have contacted at Whirlpool all have stated something else is wrong with the heater even knowing that this model has been seriously defective from the beginning. They always tell me to do this and that to repair it. I do not have hot water as of the date of this writing. The original problem began June 19, 2011.
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2011
My water heater stopped lighting. I found out that I needed to replace the thermocouple. I wasn't able to find the right one anywhere. I called whirlpool and they sent me the parts I needed totally free. I was so happy to get it in the mail the next day cause I have gone 1 week without hot water.
I went to work and got a call that my kids are dizzy and throwing up. The house had filled with carbon monoxide. The only thing that saved us was the fact that my AC unit for the downstairs was broken, so it could spread the carbon monoxide to where we slept. The gas company said that we most definitely would have not woken up. I now have a notice for hazardous material on my house. I thought we all just caught the flu. I had no idea that we were being poisoned because of this damn water heater. I could scream. I'm a single mother with four kids and a sick mother and cannot afford a plumber for this madness.
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2011
Warning: Whirlpool water heaters are junk! Spent $553.00 for a high quality ( lmao ) water heater that had a 6 year warranty. Started leaking internally and rusted through, then rusted a hole in the bottom. 6 years and 3 months later they said you are S.O.L. Leak occurred well over 3 months ago, but they said it has to be reported before the 6 years. Do not waist your money on this junk!
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2011
My water heater was installed in 2007 (model BFG2J5040T3NOV). It has required 3 repairs in 4 years because part failures make the pilot light shut off. The gas controller was replaced in 2008. The manifold/burner assembly was replaced in 2010. This month (August 2011), I have replaced the thermocouple, which did not fix the problem. Now I am having to replace the gas controller again. The part is failing, but not completely inoperable, so occasionally when on the phone with customer support, the pilot light would stay lit. When this happened, the tech would act as if the problem was solved and tell me to call back if the pilot light went out again. The next day, the pilot light would go out again. Thus, I have spent several hours on the phone with customer support running the same tests and answering the same questions over and over again.
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2011
This is a followup complaint, I have talked to more people about our hot water heater reaching such high temps. We have had it set only on pilot for 2 weeks and the water coming out of the faucet is 130 degrees. It may be that the pilot light is keeping it this high, I have not seen it on at anytime and it is set on pilot .My complaint is that it is extremely dangerous for it to get this hot, and I want others to know that if you have small children in the house they could get burned very badly. I have already scalded my hands several times thinking that I had enough cold water on. DD
Reviewed July 22, 2011
I purchased a Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's in October 2009. My husband and son installed the water heater on October 24, 2009. Beginning in November of 2010, the water heater pilot would not stay lit. We have cleaned the burners, and replaced the thermocouple four times since November 2010. As of today (July 22, 2011), we have no hot water again. I told Anne at Whirlpool that the gas company red flagged the water heater due to the placement of the pop-off valve (at the top), and the pipe not being long enough. So, Anne at Whirlpool told me that since the gas company red flagged the unit, she can't help me. The first time I called them (November 2010) I was looking for answers. All I have ever gotten from them is throwing the blame for the non-performance of their product back on me. I absolutely will never purchase another product from Whirlpool, nor wills any of my family.
Reviewed July 15, 2011
I can not find parts for 50-gallon Whirlpool hot water heater. The left hand thread thermocouple quit functioning so I have no hot water. I have called every plumbing concern in a 50-mile radius and everyone said that it was some kind of class action suit because you can not replace the part of the thermocouple and that they only make right-hand thread couple now.
Reviewed July 14, 2011
we bought a hotwater heater and it gets scalding hot set on the low setting, we had the gas valve replaced by a@e paid for by whirlpool. It still gets above 125 degrees,set on vacation with me using it all during the day.I have contacted them several times, they told me to let the hotwater run about 10 minutes everyday, or just turn the heater off and let it cool off. I bought a water heater to use not light the pilot everytime I need hot water.
Reviewed July 10, 2011
We bought and installed a Whirlpool BFG1F5040T3PV 50 gallon Propane water heater from Lowes on 10/13/2003 one week after we bought and moved into our home. The pilot light went out last week and restarting it would only last until the burner would go off and then the pilot would extinguish. I know because I watched it. The warranty expired in Oct 2009. Ok, I've seen worse lifespans for products...So, figuring the themocouple (TC) had failed, I went to Lowes and happily paid $8.07 plus CA sales tax, for a new thermocouple. Got home and found it was a generic right hand thread TC and I have a left hand thread TC on this unit. Called Sears appliance repair and they wanted to charge me $216.00 for a new TC!! So, I looked on line here and found all these complaints on these units. Great...I have a piece of junk. From what I can tell though, I'm lucky it lasted 7 years.
I just called Whirlpool using the number on my instructions: 1-877-817-6750 and the very nice woman explained there was a problem with these TC's and they would send me a complete new door/manifold/TC assembly in two days FOR FREE. Sears was willing to let me spend 216 bucks for it, but Whirlpool is sending it out FREEEEEE! WHOOOHOOOO!! My luck is running strong again! Sears would let me spend half the price of a new heater for a thermocouple that's less than 10 bucks in most places. Unbelievable. Avoid Sears appliances. Their Craftsman tools are good though. Ok back to the Whirlpool heater topic.
It's Sunday afternoon as I write this and my friendly Whirlpool rep said I'll have the new manifold and TC assembly with some kind of Left-hand to Right hand adapter to screw into the regulator on Tuesday before noon. Reading some of the other blogs on this product isn't pretty, and I hope that my luck continues. If not, I won't mess with it long as I'm too addicted to daily hot showers for the last 50 plus years to give them up now. I think I'll do some research on the best friggin water heater on the planet in case this Whirlpool of mine is as flakey as all the others I'm seeing written about here. Good luck to all.
Reviewed June 26, 2011
One week before the 6 year warranty was to expire the hot water heater started failing. It's not like it stopped working totally but was just going out after some hours of running. By the time I for sure knew there was a problem I was one day past the warranty. And for that I lose, what a way to learn that whirlpool is not whirlpool.
Reviewed June 10, 2011
I purchased this water heater from Lowe’s in 2007-2008. About 14 months after I bought it, it wasn’t heating up the water. I had to replace the thermocouple because the pilot light wouldn't light. You can always tell when the water heats up, the sounds are loud popping, gurgling sounds like it may blow up! Anyway, aside from it sounding like it's going to blow up, I didn't have any problems until four days ago! Again, no hot water. So, I tried to light the pilot light and it wouldn’t light.
Thinking it was the thermocouple again, I went to Lowe’s to get another one! I spent 5 1/2 hours replacing it, again! After all that, thinking I could take a hot shower, the pilot light wouldn’t light! So, I started to think maybe it wasn’t getting any gas. I checked the gas lines and everything else was working. I looked at the regulator to see if gas was getting to the pilot! No gas is getting thru the regulator! So, I started to look online to see what needs to be done and I ran across at least 35 others on this do-it-yourself website that had the same problem with their Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater. I also found out that there was a class action suit against Whirlpool for the water heater I have, model numbers starting with FG.
I am so angry that I have spent so much time with this water heater and so much time without hot water. I will never, ever buy another Whirlpool appliance again and I will be sure to share my experience with all who will listen. I have just found this information out and tried to call their 800 number. They are closed till tomorrow, but I will call. I want them to send me a replacement for the gas control valve/thermostat!
I wasted time and energy and lost work wages for having to try to fix this faulty water heater! Had I known all of these things, I would have spent my money on a heater that would have given me years of service like the one I had to replace! Whirlpool should have to buy all of us a brand new water heater of our choice!
Reviewed May 19, 2011
We bought a Whirlpool Flamelock BFG1F3030S3NOV Water Heater at Lowe's in May 10 2007 that just turned 4 years old. I was in the shower when suddenly, no hot water. Checked the water heater it; had gone out and I could not restart. After several hours of research and troubleshooting, it appears the gas control valve/thermostat is a defect. Even though it still has almost 2 years left on parts warranty I feel the time and trouble is not worth it. I'm headed to Home Depot to purchase a new heater like my neighbor's which he has owned 6 plus years with no problems. I will never buy Whirlpool again.
Reviewed May 12, 2011
I purchased a Whirlpool flame lock, model #BFG1F4034T3NOV. Over the last year and a half, I have replaced parts twice. Today, 05/12/2011, the pilot light is out again! I am really considering purchasing a non-Whirlpool water heater simply because of the inconvenience. I believe they, Whirlpool, should refund the money or correct the problem! They just have you replace with more faulty equipment! I thought they were a good American brand! And people wonder why we buy foreign stuff, because they are better built! American companies and their profits, to hell with the consumers! I will not purchase anything from Whirlpool again!
Reviewed May 11, 2011
I purchased a Whirlpool flamelock water heater and have had nothing but problems with the unit ever since.
The first time I called, it was diagnosed with a bad thermocouple and I replaced it. After I was told that it was my fault and I didn't keep it clean. Well, I have replaced over a dozen thermocouples and the whole burner unit twice. I even made a special brush to clean underneath the heater.
Today I found out it's now out of warranty. I purchased a Whirlpool because I thought they were good products and would last a long time. Boy was I an idiot.
Under any circumstance do not purchase a water heater from Whirlpool. They don't even make the product; it's made by American water heaters of Tennessee and they obviously have a problem and they won't admit it. They had a class action lawsuit a couple years back but would only reimburse you with maximum of $30. Their water heaters suck, period.
Reviewed May 6, 2011
In 9/13/07, I purchased a water heater (Model: BFG1F3030T3NOV / Serial Number: 0735139532). In December 2010, the pilot went out and would not relight. In April 2011, the same thing happened! I heard that there was a recall and class action suit!
Reviewed May 6, 2011
My fairly new Whirlpool water heater stopped working last week. It was identified that the control valve did not work. I called Whirlpool and was told that the warranty does not cover it as I am not the original owner. I bought the house with the water heater which looks pretty new. I will not purchase any Whirlpool water heaters in the future. The quality sucks and the warranty sucks! As a result, I had no hot water for over a week. I plan to replace the water heater entirely for about $700 installed! No more Whirlpool!
Reviewed May 3, 2011
Purchased a 50-gallon electric hot water heater from Lowe's on October 2005, model # ee3250rd055v with a "lifetime" warranty.. I did a self installation to replace an existing hot water heater that began leaking after 20 years of service. After installation, the hot water heater would not work and after some diagnostic work, I discovered that the control board was out. I called Lowe's and was told that I needed to contact Whirlpool. My response was that I didn't buy the hot water heater from Whirlpool, I bought it from Lowe's, and that I expected Lowe's to fix it. Lowe's did step up to the plate and sent a repairman out to verify that the board was bad and ordered another one. When the replacement board was installed it was bad as well!
The next replacement board was good and lasted until August 2006 (11 months). Same scenario as the first time, and Lowe's sent a repair man to fix it. This must have been a good board because it lasted for almost 5 years until March 2011 then it went out again. Now my "lifetime" warranty only covers parts. Of course it went out on a Saturday and had to wait until Tuesday to receive another board. It was not giving any codes just power going into the board and no power was coming out. I told them I wanted a spare board and was told I could purchase one for $70.00 but I didn't really need to because I had a "lifetime" warranty and Whirlpool would send me another board if this one went out. I told them that I wanted a spare board for the same reason I keep a spare tire in my trunk.
Six weeks later the board goes out again (on a Friday night), same problem, no codes just a green light with power going into the board and none coming out. Back to whirlpool service and when I told them I had used my spare board that I had purchased, the first response was they could not send me a board if I had a working board in the heater and I should have called them to trouble shoot the board before replacing it. I told them I could send them the old board or put it back in the unit for diagnosis. The person told me that that would not be the same. When I told them that replacing the board every six weeks was unacceptable they said that they could not replace a unit that was repairable and I also needed to check the breaker and wiring to make sure it was properly sized.
When I called back and told them that I had 30-amp breakers in the panel and a 30-amp plug at the heater I was quickly told that if the unit was plugged into an outlet that the warranty was void. I asked the person to explain to me the difference a 30-amp plug would make over a 30-amp disconnect to the circuit board and he told me I would have to get a licensed electrician to explain that to me. Now to get my "lifetime" warranty reinstated, I have to get an electrician to come out and remove the plug and install a disconnect then type a letter on his business letter head along with name and license number stating the the heater is properly installed.
I have never had to talk to India. I was given a number to a center in Tennessee 877-817-6750 and although these people are very nice I have now come to believe they are trained to give you the run around until you get tired of fooling with them. I think I have found a solution to my problem, a "lifetime" is too short to put up with this misery. I am going to free myself from this "lifetime" warranty by jerking the sorry ** out and install a Rudd. Then once I get it out to the road and paint lemon on it, I will take a vow to never purchase another whirlpool product for as long as I live; and I will try to influence everyone I know to do the same. Add me to the list, another disgruntled Whirlpool owner, free at last!
Reviewed April 21, 2011
We bought a Whirlpool Flame Lock Water Heater at Lowe's in June 2007. The problem is that it no longer heats water. No kidding! It was not even 4 years old and yet it was dead as a doornail. After nine days and many calls later, there was still no hot water. Go online and pick your choice as to which problem affects the heater. The bottom line is that it's a dud. A plumber will be coming over tomorrow to fix it for $200, which is outrageous!
Reviewed March 24, 2011
I called the customer service warranty line today at 8 am and spoke with customer service representative named Igor. I was calling in reference to a Whirlpool Flame Lock Gas Hot Water Heater. I purchased this at Lowe's in Wichita, KS on 10-30-04. It has a 12 year warranty on all parts and the heater itself. I have replaced the same parts numerous times, have had to wait for Whirlpool to ship the parts to me, and then pay for the high priced postage on something that is under warranty.
I called on 3-23-11 and spoke with Forest. He gave me an authorization number to get a free thermal couple at Lowe's, which I did on 3-22-11. The plumber installed it on 3-23-11, and the pilot still would not stay lit or come on. The plumber said that the bottom of the tank is leaking and the insulation above the pilot light is all wet (probably rusting out), so this did not fix the problem. I am now on day number 3 with no hot water.
I have replaced the following parts on this heater:
The thermal couple 4 times, 5 including this week and the manifold assembly kit on 8-31-07 which was defective from the factory. They shipped it to me since you could not purchase the part at a store and then, charged me for the shipping, plus gave me the inconvenience of no hot water for a week.
The gas thermostat was replaced on 11-10-09 (I purchased at Lowe's and I had to wait for Whirlpool to reimburse me), as well as the piezoelectric igniter, drain and pop off valve, and burner. The hot water heater is not yet 6 years old and has now rusted out. I purchased a new hot water heater on 3-23-11 at The Tap in Wichita, KS in the amount of $374.69. Needless to say, it was not another problematic Whirlpool product. I called customer service this morning, spoke with Igor and requested that I be reimbursed for the new hot water heater and labor charges for installation.
He said that they could only replace it with another Whirlpool model. I said, "No way. With all the nightmares I have encountered with this one, I will never have another one." I requested to speak with his manager and there was none available. He said that he will have one call me back within 2 hours. That did not happen either. It is now 12:34 pm CST. I feel that it is only right that they reimburse me for the new hot water heater and the labor.
Reviewed March 18, 2011
Several years ago, I bought a Whirlpool water heater. I did not suspect that I was buying such a big nightmare. For years, I kept changing the thermocouple with the hope that I will not have to do it again next month. I was wrong. The flame in the pilot went off every two months. Finally, a representative from Whirlpool told me that I should install some kind of conversion kit that should resolve my problem. Everything was fine for two more months. I was lucky that my house did not burn out. The miracle kit exploded to the point that the burner got sold to the body of the water heater. My nightmare continued when Whirlpool agreed to replace my FG model water heater for a newer one.
So far, I have changed the thermocouple of my new BF model many times. The flame continues to go off. It will only work for about two months. And then, you will have to change the thermocouple to make it work again. I have talked to representatives and supervisors. But they do not recognize the problem. I explained to them that I was a plumber, that they should not waste any time walking me through their troubleshooting chart. I could fix the problem if they knew what it was, but they don't seem to know it. I refused any warranty consolation from the company. I am in the process of erasing Whirlpool name from my house. I will recommend Whirlpool only to my enemies and I don't have many.
Reviewed March 2, 2011
I replaced my old hot water heater with what I thought was going to be a better product, a Whirlpool. It's a 30-gal. and is the worst investment I have ever made. Within three months, we had to replace the thermocouple. Not even three months later, we were told we had a bad gas valve, imagine that! It has been about two years since we purchased it. The gas valve has been replaced twice and have gone through four thermocouples. Whirlpool was nice enough to pick up the tab on only one! We have invested way too much money into a product that's not even worth the scrap metal.
Reviewed March 1, 2011
I purchased a 50-gal. Ultra Low Nox Whirlpool water heater with the Flame Lock system in June 2008 from Lowes. After a few months, the pilot light began extinguishing unexpectedly. Calls to customer service inquiries revealed a bad gas control valve/thermostat. It was still under warranty and Whirlpool paid for the part and service.
Last week, the problem arose again and I did the usual cleaning of the air intake beneath the heater, but that did not work. I called Whirlpool and they agreed that the problem is again with the gas control. The problem is that there is only a one-year warranty on service. So, while I will get a replacement gas control, I have to pay the $200 service call. Whirlpool has known of its faulty control valve, but continues to sell heaters with these controls. Now, they should stand behind them and pay for service as well as part for the entire 12-year warranty period.
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2011
We purchased a 40 gallon Whirlpool gas heater with the flame lock. It was purchased at Lowe's, model no. BFGIF4040S3NOV. It was installed on 9-1-09. We called Whirlpool on 4-13-10. They did send someone out to check it. They found a faulty gas valve. Whirlpool did pay for the service call and repair. This gas water heater has been nothing but problems ever since it has been installed. Do not buy a Whirlpool gas water heater with the flame lock. The water does not stay hot and needs reset like everyday. It is a piece of junk. My old gas water heater was very old, but it didn't cause me any problems. It kept the water hot and had no problems. I wanted an energy saver. My old gas water heater was a Montgomery Ward.
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2011
I bought a Whirlpool 30 gallon gas water heater 03FG1F3030T3NOV in 2003. My water heater went out on New Year's day, 2011. I called Whirlpool and they told me to go to Lowe's to get a thermo cubelet kit that was free. I had it installed and the heater went back out in a couple days. I called them back and they told me that I probably need the gas valve, it cost $62. I had it installed, the heater wouldn't stay light. They know that these heaters are problems.
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2011
Like numerous others, I have a problem with my Whirlpool 40 gallons, gas water heater. The pilot light won't stay lit. It is on a 12-year warranty and they already sent me a replacement part that I had to pay to have installed. The problem persists and now they want me to get a voltage meter to test the new part (installed four months ago). It's not reasonable to expect me to continually check and pay to install new, faulty parts. They should be fixing the problems that they know exist the first time. I have lost trust in Whirlpool, and will no longer purchase any of their products. It is just unfortunate that such a widely known issue is still being handled so poorly by Whirlpool, and that they are not being forced to right their wrongs. There should be a class action as others have stated. Consumers are getting the short end of the stick on this one and it's shameful.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2011
I purchased a Whirlpool energy smart gas water heater (Model: SG1J5040T3NOV / Serial Number: 10l5T422354). Our house was built in 1993. On 11/23/10, we replaced our original gas water heater that came with our house after 17 years. With confidence, we had a 50 gallons, 12-year warranty, Whirlpool energy smart with flame lock safety system gas hot water heater professionally installed. We're not "greenies" by any means, but thought that we could reduce our energy bills by buying the "energy smart" water heater.
PROBLEM: The first two weeks were great. It worked as advertised. Since then, we've had constant pilot light issues. It will not stay lit. We've had to re-light it at least 20 times. It will re-light, engage the thermocouple and burner, heat water, but then extinguish itself. It is a random problem that does not happen every time; however, it is a very big problem when we don't have hot water in the morning to take a shower before work or wash dishes and do laundry after work.
I sent Whirlpool an e-mail this morning letting them know of the problem. I made it quite clear that they send a qualified technician to our house and get the problem resolved at their expense. I will return this water heater to Lowe's if they don't fix the problem. I, in no way, hold Lowe's responsible for this. They only sell products. I do feel, however, that Lowe's needs to know about the problem. They need to make the decision to continue selling these water heaters or not. I am sure that they don't want to sell an inferior quality product which has so many people frustrated. I will follow up when I hear from Whirlpool. I know they want me to be happy.
UPDATE: Less than two hours ago, I submitted an email to Whirlpool Customer Service. Just now, Jonathan with Whirlpool Customer Service called to resolve the problems that we are having. He was professional, regretful, and seemed to truly want to fix the problem. I think that he cared. Thank you, Jonathan.
Anyway, Whirlpool is going to overnight a new heater control valve to me. They gave me the name and number of a qualified service tech in Lee's Summit along with a Service Authorization Code for the tech to come to our house to change the control valve out at no cost to us. I think this is stellar customer service. Jonathan said that if this doesn't correct the problem, they will continue to work to resolve the problem at no expense to us, even if it means replacing the entire new water heater with another one. I will update later.
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2011
I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater flame lock (Model: fgif404053nov) on 12/12/03 and keep replacing the thermocouples. Whirlpool replaced the first thermocouple and I have had to buy eight thermocouples since. I entered into the Bowen, et al. vs. Whirlpool Corporation in 2008 and was supposed to have gotten a free manifold door assembly kit but I never did.
I am now sitting again without hot water and will have to go purchase a new one tomorrow. Did Bowen sell out to Whirlpool that's why we can't get the repair kit as promised? Will anyone ever hold Whirlpool and American water heater to the agreement or did we get stuck again? Until recently, I work for Lowe's where I bought the water heater from. I got into trouble at Lowe's for "bad-mouthing" Whirlpool while I worked there. I refused to buy any products made by Whirlpool and I let everyone know about it.
Reviewed Jan. 1, 2011
Our 50-gallon Whirlpool gas water-heater just broke down, conveniently, after the 1-year warranty. We are experiencing the same issues as many other consumers have had with the pilot light not staying lit. We just paid a plumber to install a new thermo-coupler yesterday (Dec. 31, 2010) and today (Jan. 1, 2011) we are still having the same problem.
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2010
First and foremost, I have been in the real estate business for 7 years and I have never heard of such nonsense. I purchased my home on Sept. 5, 2007 from a Remax Realtor Randy ** (**). Prior to my purchase, a new roof, carpet and water heater were installed. Three years later, I am having a leak at the top of my unit, so I called the number listed alongside the text that says there is a 6-year warranty! I spoke to a representative on 12/28/2010 who proceeded to give me a difficult time, stating that I had to provide her with a copy of my settlement statement showing that the water heater was part of the sell. I proceeded to call back and spoke to another representative, who then read the notes and coincided with the first representative.
The following day, I have Sears and Rooter come out to look at the unit and both agreed that there should be a 6-year warranty and that the representatives' request were ridiculous. I then returned to work on 12/30/10, I called to speak to another representative only to be read some of the notes and have my request to speak to a supervisor put on hold so that my name can go on a list. All of these while my unit is still leaking!
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2010
After purchasing the new 40-gallon gas water heater from Lowe's, the pilot light went out and would not stay lit. I found out that there were a lot of problems with this particular manufacturer and that they would provide me a new thermocouple to solve the problem. I picked one up at Lowe's and it was installed and seemed to work fine for a year or so. Then, it started all over again and I am now facing the same problems. I am tired of dealing with this product that obviously suffers from inferior design and/or manufacturing process.
Reviewed Dec. 26, 2010
This is my 2nd Whirlpool Water Heater in several years. This latest, a replacement purchased 3/09 from Lowes for a 3 yr old Whirlpool water heater purchased from Lowes-due to the pilot light continually going out. Now this 1 1/2 yr old Whirlpool water heater Mod# UG2F4040T3NV is having the same problem! A Class Action lawsuit is called for! Lowes has no business selling this Whirlpool product knowing its bad history!
Reviewed Dec. 26, 2010
My Whirlpool water heater (gas) stopped working; I tried to light up, but it didn't work. I called the gas co. and I was told that it needed service due to the pilot unlit. I went to Lowe's to get the part, they didn't have it. I was told to call the manufacturer, Whirlpool. When I called, I explained what I was told by the gas company. I spoke with Missy. She said that they have to void the warranty due to my property was on flow zone. I told her that was not true, that I have the papers from Escrow when I bought the property six years ago.
She put me on hold; then, she was back and forth for about 40 minutes. Finally, I was told to call back when a professional was present and let them know for sure what was wrong. I made the appointment for the next available day (next morning). When the plumber came, I called Whirlpool again. This time, the person from Whirlpool told the plumber to test the sensor, which didn't work. They will send a new part which will arrive on Tuesday next week (from the day of first call to Whirlpool until the day of the part arrival, Tuesday will be six days that my tenant won't have hot water; I talked to the tenant and we agreed that I will reimburse one week rent).
I asked the person from Whirlpool, if I can pay the Fedex or UPS to arrive next day, but he said that was impossible. Two years ago, I replaced all 5 water heaters on this property (five units),and now I'm afraid that I will have the same problem with the other 4 water heaters. Also on top of that, the labor to change it will be $160.00 plus $39.00 inspection. Can someone advise me if this is correct? Thank you.
Reviewed Dec. 26, 2010
Hot water heater that never works. First unit failed multiple times with replacement parts - Thanksgiving 2009. Whirlpool repalced unit (install at our cost), which promptly failed less than six weeks from installation on Christmas Eve (serviced) only to fail again less than 24 hours later. I'll never purchase a Whirlpool (is that GE) appliance again!
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2010
My husband & I bought our house & it had the original water heater which lasted for 30 years. Sadly, I don't recall what kind the original one was. It went out & was replaced in 2007 with a Whirlpool. Big mistake. Here we are only a few years later & we have no hot water. A repairman came out today & said it was not fixable. It's leaking & the pilot light wont stay lit. He said we needed to replace it. We got it at Lowe's & thank God, the store was willing to replace it for us. So, as of tomorrow, we will have a new one. I can only hope it will be a better one than this one has been. What has happened? It used to be that brand names were reliable. But not any more. We've been through 2 new microwaves in a matter of a few years.
Our old counter top model that was huge & one of the very first ones made still works just fine! But the ** they produce now is done for in a couple of years? That's insane. At least we're getting this worthless water heater replaced free of charge so I have to give Lowe's credit for that. Thank you, Lowe's. Now if only you'd stop selling these pieces of junk. And if only they'd take pride in things these days but nothing is made to last any longer. How sad is that? Our old second hand fridge that our parents bought for us as new home owners in '89 worked up until a power surge killed it about 4 years ago. We bought a new fridge & the ice maker quit within about a year. Nice. They just don't make anything like they used to. How sad. But so little is made in America any longer. That's sad too.
Reviewed Dec. 13, 2010
Whirlpool water heater (model 044212630nov) will not stay lit. You can light the pilot. Sometimes, however, once the burner goes off, the pilot goes out also. I contact Whirlpool and they replaced the thermocouple assembly (they shipped it to me and I installed it) and gas valve. However, this has not fixed the problem. I also cleaned the screen at the bottom of the heater ,even though it wasn't dirty, and this has had no affect.
Whirlpool says they cannot do anything else. So, I have to replace the heater. It will cost me $816.00.
Reviewed Dec. 10, 2010
This is about the resolution to my Whirlpool water heater issue. It had pilot light that would not stay lit. Whirlpool sent a replacement burner assembly that never worked. Four months later, we are still manually lighting the pilot and it would only stay lit for a couple of days at most then finally stopped working altogether. Two weeks without hot water in December is too much!
Whirlpool called me this morning and not only gave us a return authorization # to take to Lowes for an exchange, but also reimbursed the $150 paid to a plumber to install the replacement burner assembly. I'm very with their response and service.
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2010
I purchased at Lowe's a Whirpool 40 gal Natural Gas Hot Water Heater mfg'd by American Water Heater Company (Johnson City, TN) in July 2004. Exactly 6 years later, just before the warranty expired, the pilot light went out and we couldn't get it back on. I called Whirlpool customer service and they sent a replacement thermocouple unit, stating that it was easy for anyone to replace. I am a seasoned DIY-er and this was no simple task. We called in a licensed (Georgia State) plumber to install the unit which cost us $150. The plumber told us that he was very familiar with this unit and that the problem would return even with the new part. He said there was a problem with the burner assembly plus the threading was not industry standard, making it impossible for any professional plumber to adapt and fix the issue.
About 6 weeks later, the pilot light went out on the new part, and this time, my Whirlpool warranty had expired. So, we called our home warranty company who promptly sent out a different licensed plumber. This plumber said the exact same thing that the first one said, adding that this is an industry known recalled part, which means that our home warranty would not pay for it. He asked me to call Whirpool CS while he was there. While on hold, his partner got the pilot light lit and so we hung up with Whirlpool before a CS representative came on. The plumber showed me how to light the pilot light and turn the unit back on but said that this would eventually just stop working altogether as he had many dealings with this model. It has since been re-lit by me 3 times.
Sure enough, the pilot light went out again about a week ago and will not come back on. I have been on the phone with Whirlpool twice now with ridiculous runaround excuses, "There must be dust in the flame trap" and "Do you have a voltage meter to check the power? The average household owns a voltage meter" These are exact quotes from my notes.
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater model #BFG1F5040T3NOV Serial # **Product # ** last January 2010. Just 10 months after installation, the thermal couple had to be replaced. I also noticed the thermostat gradually moves to hotter settings until it is so hot then auto safety shuts off the water heater. This water heater has manufacturer defects and could potentially result to very serious burns.
Reviewed Dec. 4, 2010
Water heater was just three years old Whirlpool Model# BFG2F4040T3NOV and would not stay lit. Called Whirlpool. They said warranty on parts but labor expired at 1 year. I was told by WP to take the burner out and take it back to Lowe's. Burner contains the thermal couple. Okay. This is a one hour job on the floor and I'm not getting any younger! Lowe's gives me a new burner, three hours labor I have it back together and running. Now six months later thermalcoupler is bad, no millivolts output. Called Whirlpool back to inform them of the test and they say go to Lowe's with this case number and they will give you a new $10 thermalcoupler. And also vacuum out the bottom grill as this makes the thremalcoupler go bad if it's clogged (**). Spent four hours putting it in and back together. My aching back! This thing is unreliable, cheaply made. With all the complaints om line there should be a class action suit or an extension of the labor warranty to a full six years. I'll bet that in six months I will be back on the floor replacing the parts again.
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2010
Less than two year-old, Whirlpool Model #BFG1F4040T3NOV, 40 gallon Hot Water Heater kept releasing hot water at the pressure relief valve. I was told by our local plumber that it was either the thermocoupler or the gas valve/thermostat that was bad since he had received many complaints of the same type - so much so that they no longer carried or installed Whirlpool water heaters. Checking online I saw why. Nothing but complaints. Most for a pilot light that would continually extinguish and for which none of the suggested repairs by Whirlpool worked.
With the help of a Lowe's water heater installer, the problem was isolated as the gas valve/thermostat. He reached this opinion because no matter how low I turned the thermostat, the water was scalding hot when I chose to open the lines and run some hot water. So, called Whirlpool. They quickly gave me the part # and and authorization code to pick up a new gas valve/thermostat at Lowe's. I did that, but when my local plumber once again showed up to do the repair, he warned me that he had done this on several other Whirlpools and all failed within a short time. So, I took his advice and am now purchasing another water heater. This one is an AO Smith model.
Reviewed Nov. 27, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool Hot Water Tank and since I have had it, I have had nothing but problems. The thermal couple keeps going out on it. That's is and that's all I wish; that they were made to replace everyone's hot water tanks because I have heard nothing but negative things about this brand and all the problems that it's been causing consumers. They came out with a conversion kit. Well, I got that and it still doesn't work. It won't stay lit, so what now?
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater with Flame Lock System in January 2008. I had to have repairs or replacements on the thermocoupler done in April 2008, Sept 2008, May 2009, Oct 2010 and now it is Nov 26, 2010 & it's out again! This is definitely a defect in their design or I would not have had the same problem 5 times in 2 years! What can be done? I'm tired of dealing with this mess and taking cold showers!
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2010
I purchased my home in June 2010 and as part of my contract I was given a home warranty through Fidelity. In September 2010, we began having issues with the water heater pilot going out. When we would re-light it, it would stay lit for a few days to a couple weeks, then go out again and need to be re-lit. The warranty company sent out a repairman from their contracted plumbing company, who stated he could not find anything wrong with the water heater. Several weeks later, the exact same situation occurred, with a different repairman giving us the same story. Several times, the same issue has occurred, but we have simply re-lit the pilot light ourselves since we needed the hot water and didn't have time to wait for someone to come out and tell us the exact same thing; that they couldn't find anything wrong with the water heater.
Fast forward to November, I am tired of the water heater failing and having to constantly re-light the pilot. The way I always have discovered that the pilot is out is by taking a shower that becomes cold approximately one minute into the shower, at which point I am covered in soap and shampoo and cannot simply get out, go to the garage to light the pilot, wait 20 to 30 minutes for the water to reheat, and take a hot shower. At this point I have had enough of contacting the home warranty company, waiting for a call back and authorization from them to have the repairman come out, etc. So I called Whirlpool, the manufacturer of the water heater.
They stated that they would send a new part, which they would cover under warranty, but labor would not be covered. So I called the home warranty company, which agreed to cover the cost of labor. They sent their repairman out who proceeded to tell us that Whirlpool had sent out the wrong part. I then contacted Whirlpool, who agreed to overnight the correct part which the repairman stated we needed. In the meantime, the technician from the water heater company disconnected the water heater completely, stating that there was a leaky valve and this was potentially dangerous, so he would not re-light the pilot as we had done in the past.
The other technicians who had come to our house failed to mention this or diagnose this as the issue with the water heater. Somehow, the part (burner assembly) never arrived at our house, although UPS stated they dropped the package off at the front door when I was home all day preparing food ahead of time for Thanksgiving, and there is no way anyone ever came to the door. I called Whirlpool and explained my situation and at this point they stated they would simply replace the entire water heater. This should have sent up a red flag, but I agreed to the process. Again, Whirlpool stated that they would cover the cost of the parts, but not labor. So again it was up to me to contact the home warranty company to ensure that labor would also be covered.
After being on the phone with both Whirlpool and Fidelity for three hours, we came to the conclusion that the company which had previously been sending technicians out to our house to investigate our water heater issues was unwilling to uninstall the old water heater, return it to its place of purchase (Lowe's) and reinstall the new water heater, as directed by Whirlpool. By the time I went to the gym so as to have a place to shower and then returned home for the evening, Fidelity's office was closed. I had to wait until the next day to call Fidelity again about the issue, as it was the fourth day with no hot water. I finally heard back from an agent at Fidelity who was able to locate a company willing to complete the process suggested by Whirlpool.
Keep in mind at this point, it is the day before Thanksgiving and I am planning on hosting Thanksgiving dinner. I have no hot water with which to bathe or wash my dishes. I am also scheduled to work 12pm-12am, and it is now 8am. I still have not heard from the company who was contracted by Fidelity to replace the water heater, so I have no idea when they will be at my house to install the new heater. At 2:30PM, two technicians from the water heater company arrive at my house, disconnected the old heater, exchanged it for the new one at Lowe's and installed the new water heater. This process is finally complete at 5:30pm; I am now five and a half hours late to work. Luckily, my supervisor is understanding. When the technicians leave my house, they make it clear that they have no confidence in this Whirlpool product and fully expect that it will have to be replaced again because it is a "crappy product" and "will probably get you through Thanksgiving, but we'll probably have to come back out Friday".
Okay, that inspires a lot of confidence in me. Unfortunately, I cannot stick around to see if the water heater is actually going to work, since it takes about a half hour for it to fill and provide hot water to the house. I must go into work as promised for the remainder of my shift. Imagine my "surprise" when I arrived home at 12:30am early Thanksgiving morning and discovered a non-functioning water heater! The pilot, which was lit when I left, was 'shockingly' no longer lit and there was no hot water. So we are arriving on day five without hot water, which also happens to be Thanksgiving, which I also happen to be hosting at my hot-waterless house. In closing, as I sit here on Thanksgiving morning writing this vent/complaint, I am still without hot water, it is a holiday and a holiday weekend naturally follows.
Unfortunately for me, as a person with a job that cannot simply "close for the holidays" and observe a nice long holiday weekend, I am stuck with no hot water for the long holiday weekend as the people in the Whirlpool and Fidelity offices enjoy their weekend off, bathing in their nice hot showers. I am probably going to drag my shower supplies to the hospital where I work so that I can avoid offending my Thanksgiving dinner guests with less than optimal body scent. However, I remain incensed after reading multiple complaints on the internet about a problem that is obviously known to Whirlpool, yet they continue to replace their faulty water heaters with other newer faulty water heaters. I blame Whirlpool for my troubles since they have manufactured an inferior product and continue to do so without regard to the needs of their customers.
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2010
I have replaced three times the thermocouple on our Whirlpool water heater that is still under warranty. This is habitual and absurd that they have this happen to everyone with these water heaters.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2010
Whirlpool 50 gl hot water heater purchased new at Lowes Home Improvement store (model no. FG2J5040T3NOV UNIT) turned into a lemon last week. Pilot lite went out. I got a free change-out kit and put it in. It worked for three days. Today the lite was out, turned it on and the water heated up but then the pilot lite went out. I turned on the pilot lite but then the burner would not go on. They told me to clean the fire trap, which I did. They said I could get a new temperature valve at Lowes. Lowes did not have it. I called Whirlpool. They are sending out a part. A plumber came by and said he could fix it for $250 once he got the part. I gave up and got a new water heater. This was only four years old with a 12-year warranty. Give me a break.
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2010
Issues with Whirlpool Hot Water Heaters made by American Water Heaters continue. And Lowe’s continues to sell them. I purchased a 40-gallon gas Whirlpool water heater (BFG1J4040T3NOV) from Lowe’s on 11/18/08 for a rental unit I owned and had it installed the same day (12-year tank and parts warranty). I thought purchasing a Whirlpool water heater with 12-year warranty would provide me with trouble-free problems.
However, it was a questionable decision from the start. Over a period of several frustrating days after the initial installation, the plumber had to replace the pressure relief valve, the gas control/temperature control unit, and finally install a thermo-expansion tank, all to prevent the pressure relief valve from dripping all over the floor. I never had that problem with the old water heater. Now two years later, I have experienced the problem a multitude of consumers have had and continue to have, such as, the pilot light issue. It went out (for who knows what reason) and I could not get it to light and stay on.
After reading these posts, I was alarmed and knew I might have a real problem on my hands as I prepared to try to resolve the issue. First, the plumber replaced the thermo-couple (obtained from Lowe’s) with no success. I decided to clean the screen/filter in the bottom of the tank to ensure good intake air movement (it was not clogged or very dirty). I tried to light the pilot again, but with no success. Next, the plumber replaced the gas control/thermostat unit we obtained from Lowes, (remember this is the second replacement) all with no success. The pilot light would not stay on. When you release the red button, the flame goes out.
Now, the plumber has no other answers for a fix. This complicated with the frustration of tenets not having hot water for several days. Plus, the water is being completely shut off for 6 hours while the plumber has been obtaining and replacing parts. His recommendation—replace the unit with a different one. So, we replaced the two-year old unit that has 10 more years of warranty and cost me over $700 with installation for a GE gas water heater from Home Depot. What a disappointing and frustrating purchase from Whirlpool (American) and Lowe’s. Like most on this post, I will never purchase another Whirlpool and I hope a class action lawsuit will result to reimburse so many that have been sold such worthless water heaters.
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2010
In the meantime, I have been without hot water for showers or dishes for a minimum of 3 days and counting.
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2010
We bought a water heater in 2003 and this is the second time we have had to replace the thermal coupling. We've had unexpected cold showers, replacing the coupling and having to pay someone to replace the coupling.
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2010
Purchased hot water heater FG1F404053NOV in 2005. Pilot light would not stay lit. I called a technician that I have a repair contract with and was told I needed to order a part from Whirlpool. I actually got the part from Lowe's for free, so I didn't have to wait for the part but the technician charged me $123.50 because he said the contract only covers normal wear and tear, and this is a manufacture defect.
I called Whirlpool and they say that it is not a manufacture defect, that it is normal wear and tear. After searching the internet, it seems to me Whirlpool is at fault for all the complaints I have found on this particular water heater and sounds like it just keeps breaking. I guess next time it stops working, I will save myself some money by buying a new hot water heater not manufactured by Whirlpool. Whirlpool should be held liable and required to not only provide the parts for free but the installation as well. They hso many complaints and the customer gets stuck paying the hefty installation fees.
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2010
It will be 5 years since we moved into our house and bought a Whirlpool Hot Water heater. It seems that every six months we are replacing the thermocouple. This water heater is defective and something needs to be done about it. I am tired of not having hot water.
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2010
I bought a Whirlpool hot water heater 3 years ago. Heater had a 6 year warranty. I called Whirlpool to get return authorization. Whirlpool representative insisted that I remove the heating element from the heater, wrap Teflon sealing tape around the threads of the element, reinstall the element, and then recheck for leaks. I informed the rep that the tank was leaking, not the seal around the element. The water was streaming from the heater and I could clearly see it was not coming from the element locations. The rep insisted that I perform this "repair" before a return authorization would be granted. I told the rep that I would not waste my time doing this as the leak was due to a rusted through tank, not the element seals.
At this point the rep informed me a return authorization would not be issued. I went to Lowes and purchased the exact same water heater. After installing the new heater, I took apart the old heater. I wanted to know where the leak from the tank actually was. It is difficult to see this as the tank is encased in expanded foam insulation which I had to break away from the tank in order to find the hole. The rusted through hole was located in the upper portion of the tank near the Temperature/Pressure relief valve.
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2010
Hot water went out. I called a repairman. He told me to call Whirlpool. They said I could pick it up at Lowes. I tried seven different Lowes and none of them had part. I called Whirlpool again and they overnighted the part. Now a repairman can't come to fix it. I am without hot water for over a week now.
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater model FG1F40400S3NOV in 2005. This is the third time I am having trouble with this. It seems like the thermal couple keeps going. December 09 the whole burner unit had to be changed due to the left handed thread that was used. If somebody wants to give me a Whirlpool product I will have to pass. This product is junk. I have replaced the thermal couple but there appears to be a gas leak inside of the unit.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2010
I am going on my 2nd water heater in 5 yrs. We bought our home in 2005, in which a Whirlpool water heater was already installed brand new. Within 6 mos., the water heater stopped working. We contacted Whirlpool customer service and was told the thermal coupler had to be replaced. They sent us the part and we installed. 5 mos. later, the water heater stopped working. We were so fed up at this point, that we just bought a new one. Within 1yr, it stopped working. I again contacted customer service and was told again that the thermal coupler had to be replaced. Again, we replaced and it worked for another year. It has yet again stopped working. I have had it with Whirlpool water heaters. I will never ever buy a Whirlpool product again.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2010
On Aug 15, 2010, I ordered a Whirlpool LP water heater from Lowe's. After installation and inspection by a county inspector, I noticed that the water was very hot even though the thermostat was set to warm. I rotated the thermostat clockwise to see where the thermostat switched and it was slightly above the Hot setting, very near the mechanical stop. I notified Lowe's about this condition and they sent a technician who also verified that the water was too hot and suggested that I contact American Water Heater Company directly for further instructions.
During my conversation with the AWHC customer service representative, I was told that the pilot light "might" be heating the water and they recommended a test. They asked me to change the pilot control from On to Pilot. This would prevent the burner from coming on, but would still allow the pilot flame to burn as usual. I could then run enough hot water out of the system to reduce the temperature in the tank to a moderate level. I did this and verified that the hot water was just on the warm side of tepid. I then rotated the thermostat from the lowest temperature setting, clockwise until I heard the thermostat switch. This occurred at the first mark below Warm. Twenty four hours later, I repeated the test of the thermostat and noticed that it now switched half way between warm and hot. Another twenty four hours later, the temperature was one mark below Hot. Clearly, if I wait much longer, the temperature will continue to rise until the heat losses from the tank balance the heat from the pilot or the over-temperature switch turns off the gas to the pilot.
I believe that many of the complaints about the pilot light going out may be the result of this condition. The water actually exceeds the over-temperature set point (which is a safety backup for a failed thermostat) and shuts off the gas to the pilot. The pilot can only be re-ignited when the water has cooled sufficiently.
AWHC sent me an undated technical bulletin that has been carefully worded to make it sound like high ambient temperature and the warming effect of the pilot may result in the water temperature being "higher than expected" and recommends running hot water for about ten minutes.
AWHC should tell the truth and say that their gas water heaters have a design flaw that permits the water temperature to reach dangerously high temperatures regardless of the thermostat setting (which could injure or kill you) and may result in an over-temperature condition that will automatically shut off the gas to the pilot light.
As you know, injury and death from scalding is a serious problem. Most of these cases are attributed to setting the thermostat too high or having a thermostat fail to operate. The condition I described above is a design flaw because the heat from the pilot is not isolated from the water heater tank and there is no means to regulate the pilot to stay within the temperature set by the thermostat.
Since this observation has shaken my confidence in the ability of AWHC to design a safe water heater, I have filed a report with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and, in the interest of safety, I am willing to pursue this matter until I am satisfied with the result.
Toddlers and young children are at the highest risk of being scalded by hot water. It is easy to receive third degree burns from exposure to hot tap water, which comes from not only hot drinks and pots cooking on the stove, but from bath water. An approximate one-second exposure to 160 F water will result in third degree burns.1 Where the water is 130 F, an approximate half-minute exposure will result in third degree burns.2 This is the reason that the Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that water heaters be set to a maximum temperature of 120 F, even though an approximate ten minute exposure to water heated to this temperature can result in third degree burns.
A safe temperature for hot water is 110 F, which exposure to results in third degree burns in approximately ten hours.3 Even though this is a 'relatively-safe' temperature, exposure to water set at 110 F is painful; the human pain threshold is around 106-108 F. It is important to remember that 212 F is the boiling point of water, meaning that the temperatures at which exposure to water will result in burns is much less than the boiling point of water. - Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2010
On 11-09-07 I bought a whirlpool gas water heater that we had installed by a friend. On 11-15-07 our water heater stopped working. I called whirlpool and they said it was the gas control valve and thermostat that’s was bad. On 12-01-07 someone finally came to fix it. On 4-10-08 my water heater went out again and I called whirlpool, they said the thermo coupling was bad so the sent someone out on 4-25-08, the man wasn’t gone for 2hrs and it was out again. I had some out to work on my tank a total of 14 times since I bought the tank and finally last month I said I was calling a lawyer and they told me to return it to Lowes and they would replace it.
Updated review: Oct. 4, 2013
This same problem occurred about a month later so I called Whirlpool. They sent out an entire new thermostat assembly which took me about an hour to install. The hot water heater has worked correctly ever since.
Original Review: Oct. 2, 2010
I bought my home in June 2008 and as a condition of purchase, the previous owner replaced the water heater before I closed on the house. He purchased a Whirlpool model # BFG1F4030T3NOV, a 40 gallon water heater from Lowe's and had it installed by a local plumber. In June 2010, this unit needed a new thermocouple replaced so I bought and installed one from Home Depot and thought nothing more about it. Last week the thermocouple went out again, so I called 1-877-817-6750 which was the number listed on my manual. The guy I talked to advised that there was a known problem with the gas valve in that unit and immediately offered several options to correct the problem.
I opted to have the part shipped to me, via overnight UPS. I just installed it and it was kind of a pain in the butt due to having to drain the tank. I really can't gripe about the manufacturer because they immediately rectified the problem for me, but I am a little skeptical because I have also read many posts that refer to the problem being caused by a design flaw with the flame-trap getting dirty too quickly. Time will tell whether the problem is really fixed. I spent about $22 for three different thermocouple parts.
Reviewed Sept. 29, 2010
Product: Whirlpool gas hot water heater, Model BFGIF4034T3NOV, 30 gallon Purchased: December 2007 [2 years 9 months old today] Retailer: Lowes [They only carry Whirlpool] Problem: Pilot would not stay lit and was very hard to light and overflow pressure valve leaked. Diagnosis: Gas control unit faulty. Electronic pilot igniter was OK. Solution: Throw the Whirlpool on the curb and go to Home Depot which carries both Hotpoint and GE [both are made in Mexico, probably in the same factory].
Prices vary wildly depending on the length of warranty [2, 6, 9, 12 years]. I paid $327 for a 40 gallon Hotpoint gas hot water heater. Comment: After I read all the negative comments on Whirlpool [my model], I was concerned. I see how the manufacturer handled the customers under warranty poorly. Clearly the best action was to toss the defective Whirlpool unit on the curb. Final Comment: Corpus Christi city water is very alkaline and dangerously high in total dissolved solids [typically measures over 600 ppm tds]. This clogs up everything and is corrosive leaving mineral deposits in all appliances. My next appliance will have to be a very large total house filter. [Old term for condition here is "hard water"]. The dead Whirlpool was within warranty for parts. Blog writers indicate replacement parts that are defective or no better than OEM parts, fail again soon.
Reviewed Sept. 26, 2010
I purchased from Lowe's, in late 2008, a Gas Water Heater with Flame Lock Model BFG1F404053NOV and keep having problems with the pilot light. Now, I have to wait another two days for the repair to come out. No hot water. I am a breast cancer patient and don't need this further aggravation. So many people with so many problems with this gas heater. Something needs to be done for all of us. This is just not right.
Reviewed Sept. 25, 2010
We purchased a Whirlpool model #FGIJ5040 T3NOV in November 2005, but I will never buy a Whirlpool product again. This is the 3rd time we have had to repair this water heater in 5 years. Nothing but problems. We just paid $93.97 a year ago and it needs to be fixed again. We ordered this part from American Water Heater. We have been without hot water too many times with this thing.
Reviewed Sept. 25, 2010
I bought a Whirlpool model FG1F4040S3PV water heater approximately 3 1/2 years ago. One day the pilot light would not light so I called the toll free warranty number in the owner’s man. And I was told that they would have to ship the whole ther. unit because it had left handed threads. After waiting 3 days, received and replaced the unit. It fixed the problem until now. Now the pilot light will light but will go out 1 to 2 times a day. Whirlpool has definitely gone in the wrong direction with quality. All of my appliances in the past have been Whirlpool. I will be changing that in the very near future.
Reviewed Sept. 24, 2010
This past Feb. or Mar. time frame, we had to buy a new hot water heater because we were having problems with the one that was bought before we bought our home. About six months after we bought this house, we had to replace the thermal coupling and it was one of your reverse thread type which none of the dealers have on hand. We had to order it and I ended up having to pay the shipping charges, which I think is not right. Six (6) months after this, we had to replace the hot water heater because it was not holding the water and wouldn't warm up even if we had it all the way on high. So we had to buy a new one and again we had to pay for it.
It has now been approximately eight months with this new heater and the coupling needs to be replaced again. What will be next? Will we have to buy a new hot water heater again? Your company is legally stealing from the customers you have.
We went to Lowes and they told us we would have to call you again to get a replacement part. Your products are not what they were when I was a child. Now, I don't believe in your products or your company. I need someone to contact me and let me know if, how, or when you will ever back up any products. My complaint is with your company and not with any dealers who sell them. They only sell what you send them and so far it's nothing but "crap".
Reviewed Sept. 23, 2010
I bought an FG model Whirlpool Water Heater from Lowe's like a lot of other people who have posted here. I have had it for about 5-6 yrs, I can't remember exactly, and I have not had trouble until last night. The pilot light went out and would not reignite. I went out to Lowe's to pick up a new thermocouple for it. I know quite a bit about home repairs and I could not find the left hand threaded one that this particular model had. Obviously, the universal ones will not work.
I called the 877 number on the water heater and I spoke with a very nice lady from Whirlpool. She told me about the update kit that converts these models to a newer style. She told me to go to my Lowe's location and ask them for update kit "A" and it would not cost me a thing. I went into Lowe's and I told the guy what I needed. He gave me the box and out the door I went with not a dollar out of my pocket. It was an easy update fix and it took less than an hour. If more people would call and be courteous to the individual on the other end of the phone, they would not make your product quit working. Instead, they would get more help. I will buy nothing but Whirlpool in the future. Thanks Whirlpool and Lowe's!
Reviewed Sept. 21, 2010
Our thermal coupler went out and we went days without hot water as we did not have the money to hire a plumber. My husband was trying to learn how to fix the problem on his own. We are very dissatisfied because the hot water heater is only about 4 years old.
Reviewed Sept. 20, 2010
In May 2007, I purchased a Whirlpool model SG1J4040T3NOV 40-gallon water heater from Lowe's with a supposed eight-year warranty. There are only two of us in the home and I've had nothing but problems with it. I just finished replacing the control valve and the lighting is still sporadic. No more Whirlpools for me.
Reviewed Sept. 19, 2010
Whirlpool has been responsive in getting the replacement parts, but this is getting old. We purchased PN fdih4040t3nov back in February 2005. The TSTAT went out in 9/2008. It started having problems with the pilot lite. The gas valve then had to be replaced in 4/2009. Restarting the pilot is quite a process now with this heater and now it is taking longer to heat the water in the tank. I'm not sure what that is. Other water heaters I have had lasted 15 years with no problems until they just stopped working. This has been the worst.
Reviewed Sept. 14, 2010
I have a Whirlpool gas water heater purchased from Lowes with model number 1F3030T3NOHV and I have had nothing but problems with it. It’s been going out the past two years. It had the gas valve replaced in January of 2010 and has gone out this week for the third time. I have had it up to here with them. There should definitely be a recall or class action lawsuit. I am writing this to further that cause and encourage someone with similar problems to make them known. Whirlpool, never ever again!
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2010
I bought two water heaters from American Water Heaters a few years ago. One pilot went out and would not light. I couldn’t get to relight. I ordered parts. They worked for about a week and it started doing the same thing. I decided to check on the internet and found lots of people having the same issues with pilots, thermocouple units and a class action lawsuit. I decided to forgo fixing it and bought a Whirlpool from Lowes.
I got it home, opened the box and, lo and behold, it has the same manufacturer—American Water Heaters—as my old problematic one. It had the same manufacture address but a different company name. Yet the warranty card says American Water Heaters. There’s also something very rare in a water heater box, an instruction page with color pictures on how to diagnose and replace thermocouple assembly. I packaged it back up and I am returning it today. So, basically, Whirlpool decided to use a product that they have had problems with in the past. I am not sure they have really fixed them if they have to include color pictures to repair the thermocouple assembly. Going to a Maytag.
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2010
My complaints are only starting. It first started with our Whirlpool water heater going out and discharging cold water. We followed the instructions on relighting, it would heat for a few minutes then cut out again. We continued the same progress on lighting and more and more, the pilot light would not remain lit after releasing the red button. We then were told the thermocouple was out. So we replaced it by buying a new one. During installation, we found out that the threads that hook up to the control panel were threaded for a left-handed unit. We then made several trips to 2 appliance stores in our area, with no luck. Then we were told Lowe's had them.
Well, no luck. They said they were out so they called another 2 stores and they were out. We went to Home Depot and no luck there either. We have now went without hot water for 5 days and still no luck. Then I did some research and could not find any information on Lowe's or Whirlpools' sites about these problems. It seems that you may have to buy the whole control panel just to get the right-handed thermocouple to work right. Also, by reading the messages on here, I found out several other problems seem to grow after one year. I've read where some have seek other brands such as GE. I talked to my wife about this and she is still wanting to go the same route. I want this problem to be fixed now. I'm game on any lawsuit about this situation. We live near the last Whirlpool Industry that has just moved to Mexico within the last year, leaving over 1500 Americans jobless. PS: My water heater was built in Mexico.
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2010
I have a Whirlpool Flame Lock gas water heater, which I purchased from Lowes in 2006. This is sold only by Lowes. Class Action settled on thermocouple. Two have been replaced on this water heater. I am under mental anguish.
Water heater is only 4 years old. The pilot light won't stay lit. I called Whirlpool twice, and replaced their class action part twice. This is a defective product that is being repaired with defective parts. Numerous complaints can be found all over the internet, regarding the same problem. I spent over $600 to purchase this water heater. This product should not be sold to the consumers.
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2010
Anyone looking for a water heater should steer well clear of anything Whirlpool offers. I bought one five years ago and have had nothing but problems with it. While the tank still holds water, the tank destroys thermocouples like they are going out of style. When these things go out, they are dead forever. For models with the flame lock system, thermocouples will cost 3 or 4 times what a normal thermocouples costs and they are left hand threaded. So you can't just put on a regular thermocouples without changing the entire thermostat. I finally broke down and replaced the thermostat (over $50.00 American currency) after the ** thing went through 3 in 2 weeks.
Now, there is a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool and their faulty, overpriced flame lock thermocouples. Unfortunately, I could not find my receipts to participate. I hope no one ever buys Whirlpool products again and they go bankrupt. They should be ashamed to be taking Americans' hard-earned money for their junk. Maybe they should turn their attention to manufacturing doorstops or paperweights, they might be able to do that. Now, we are having problems with the electronic igniter, probably from all the time having to relight the tank. I can't even find the part to repair it on Whirlpool's own website. Take my advice and don't buy a Whirlpool water heater. They are absolute **. For that matter, this will be the last Whirlpool product of any kind that I will ever buy.
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2010
Around the end of June 2010, the same thing happened to our Whirlpool Flame Guard water heater built by American Water Heaters. The lack of air circulation due to the tiny vent caused the flame to starve for oxygen making it flare out and trip the thermal fuse. When this happens, the thermocouple stops working and the pilot light goes out. No replacement parts were available. Only by requesting and receiving the burner upgrade assembly were we able to get the water heater working again. Luckily, I'm a bit handy with a wrench, otherwise, it would have cost us money to have it installed. Needless to say, no more Whirlpool for me, period.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2010
My FG1H5040T3NOV water heater pilot lite went out. Whirlpool sent a new valve; it's still out. Then I was informed that I should have a retrofit kit with new thermocouple set up. So I'm on my third day with no hot water; I sit and wait.
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2010
I purchased a 40-gallon Whirlpool water heater (bfg2f4040t3nov) from Lowes about 4 years ago. That's pretty ancient for this model so I wasn't too surprised when the little plastic thermal switch that was attached to the base crumbled off while I was performing standard maintenance (i.e. replacing the thermocouple assembly unit). I'm not sure if this is dangerous, so I initially didn't turn it on. But, I changed my mind during yet another freezing cold shower and went down and turned on the gas. Fortunately, the pilot light wouldn't stay on, allowing me to come to my senses. I do hope my next water heater won't encourage me to risk my life. So far just a week of cold showers, parts, and time spent performing life-threatening repairs.
Reviewed July 22, 2010
My 87 year old mother, has had repeated repairs done on her hot water tank. 6 times in a year and a half, and twice this week already. Labor is killing us, parts you might pay for, but that's a problem too. I know she is tired of the stress, and will never buy another Whirlpool product. It must be a lemon. All I hear is one thing or another. I have incurred t of pocket expenses amounting to $200 or more, for all the times she has called a plumber.
Reviewed July 21, 2010
Purchased a 50-gallon Whirlpool hot water heater three years ago and have had to replace the ignition/thermocouple assembly twice. This last time, Lowe's gave me the part for free but it cost (again) $150 to have it installed. Cold showers and unnecessary work lost having to wait for repairmen. This shouldn't happen unless they are 10 years old.
Reviewed July 20, 2010
I am on my third Whirlpool gas hot water heater in 7 years. I have also replaced the thermocoupler in one twice. I have bought the hot water heaters from Lowe's and do not blame them but Whirlpool is no longer one of the better brands to buy.
Reviewed July 18, 2010
We bought our Whirlpool Gas water heater from Lowes in 2004. We have had to replace the thermocoupler three times. The warranty service supplied one of the thermocouplers, but we had to pay overnight postage. Now, the water heater is leaking. The six year warranty expires next month. I would not ever try contacting Whirlpool service again. It is not worth the frustration. My choice is to never buy any Whirlpool appliance, and to stop shopping at Lowes.
Reviewed July 14, 2010
I am another victim of a Whirlpool junk water heater! I have a fg1h5040t3nov model. First off, I have had nothing but trouble with the pressure relief valve. I call Whirlpool, the water tank dept. "Oh,your temp is set to high." It's only on medium so I turned it down a number of times until the valve stopped leaking/dripping. Then I got to clean up all the mess created by the leak! Now the thermocouple went bad. There's no hot water for 3 days while I waited for the "retrofit kit" to arrive.. I replaced it according to the instructions and guess who started leaking again? You guessed it, the relief valve(!) which by the way is set to vacation. I called the Whirlpool 877 number again and got another incompetent ** asking "are you sure the setting is on vacation?"
Reviewed July 12, 2010
I bought the first Flame Lock, Whirlpool hot water heater in Dec.2003,model # FG1H4040T3NOV and had to replace it in Aug. 2005 because the pilot light would not stay lit. Whirlpool did give me an RA # for this one. In Nov. 2007 pilot light again would not stay lit, contacted the customer service # again and Whirlpool sent me a kit for the burner assembly. Thank God I can do my own repair work! Then in Oct. 2008, same problem pilot would not stay lit.Whirlpool sent me a improved burner assembly kit. Of course I am having to pay postage on all of this!
In April of 2009, same problem occurs. Whirlpool will not give me a RA # to replace this. They sent a new gas valve and that didn't work. I had to buy another thermocouple and that got me going again. Oct 2009, the pilot light goes out but will relight if I push the reset button on the new little white door switch that is part of the new burner assembly. In Nov of 2009, I had to replace the thermocouple again. Come July 2010 pilot light is again going out, I will contact Whirlpool in the morning and request another Hot water heater! I forgot to mention, this is a 12-year warranty hot water heater, yea right! Had I not been technically able to do my own repair work, I would be out several hundred maybe a thousand dollars in keeping this working. Whirlpool has ruined their name with me.
Reviewed July 9, 2010
I bought a Whirlpool water heater from Lowes in 2005. I had the KIT-Termalstat replaced in 2008. In July of 2010, it broke again. They offered to give me a certificate for replacement if you take it out, and return it to Lowes. I had to pay someone to install it, last time. They refused to pay for the installation. This is stupid. Do not buy from American Water Heaters or Lowes
Reviewed July 8, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater, G1J5040T3NOV from Lowes. I have done the recall on thermo coupler myself. No one would work on it. It’s been a pain in the ** since I bought it. I will have to buy a new one. Definitely, it will not be at Lowes or Whirlpool!
Reviewed June 29, 2010
I have several Whirlpool water heaters and have had terrible problems with every single one of them! I have rental properties and I have had to hire multiple service technicians many times for each unit. I have tenants who have been so frustrated that they have moved! I have trouble dealing with Whirlpool. The last time I talked with them, being very frustrated, they hung up on me. I have easily spent enough on technicians that I could have installed brand new units!
Reviewed June 25, 2010
I am a person that researches everything and it happened upon this site as I was attempting to learn about the problem we were having with our Whirlpool/Envirotemp water heater. I would just like to share my experience, as it was a good one. I dialed the toll free number on Whirlpool site and was directed to contact **** for replacement parts for the water heater. Let me back up a step. We first had Burton Plumbing come out for a charge of $59 just to tell us what supposedly was wrong and leave an estimate to replace those items, $296.26 for the burner assembly, etc. and $498.59 for the main gas valve/thermostat.
To make the long story short, when I contacted the toll free number, a gentleman named Kelsey answered and walked me through step by step, the tests that should have been done to determine what parts were needed and also stated that it would take no more than 30 to 40 minutes to replace both if needed. That being stated, I would say a big thank you to Kelsey at Whirlpool who did send me the replacement parts and directed me to a video online that would walk me through the simple process of replacing these and not getting totally raked over the coals by Burton. Kelsey stated that this could all be done for, at the most, $150. Thanks Whirlpool and Kelsey. You make me feel like there are still great people out there that just want to do the right thing!
Reviewed June 23, 2010
My complaint is about a Whirlpool gas water heater with the flame lock safety system that I purchased at Lowes in Clinton, Utah on September 2008. In November 2008, a couple of days before Thanksgiving, the pilot light went out and would not stay on. I contacted Whirlpool; they gave me a case number and said they would send me a new control overnight delivery. I called everyday throughout the weekend waiting for the part to get deliver and finally after some research they found the part was never picked or sent. I was really upset because with a family of 6, we had to boil water every day for at least 6 days due to the Holiday.
When I found the part was not delivered, I went to Lowe’s and complained and explained to them if they did not correct the problem, I was going to the newspaper and error my complaint. Lowe’s immediately gave me a replacement part (control). I then called Whirlpool and they scheduled a Sears repairman to come and install the part. He not only found the original control was bad, the one Lowe’s gave me was bad. He also found the burner unit was not functioning also. After replacing the parts with what was suppose to be good, the water heater worked good until today June 23, 2010--20 months later. The pilot light again will not stay lit (model # BFG144040T3NoV).
Today, a repairman is coming to check out the unit. Do I have any chance of any reimbursements for repairs or if I need to purchase a new water heater? This is supposed to be a 9 year warrantee. What a bunch of junk this unit is. I wish Lowe’s would have told us about the problems these Whirlpools are. Me and my wife are both retired and supporting my daughter and 3 grandkids. How can companies selling junk expect us to fork out $400 plus every two years for a heater that should at least last 9 years.
Reviewed June 22, 2010
Lowe's sold defective hot water heater from Whirlpool 50 gallon SG1J5040T3NOV, Model # 0733156. I have been the subject of class action lawsuits in the past but Lowe's continues to sell them to unsuspecting people who don't know until they check troubleshooting information on them. Nothing comes up but bad things about the water heaters and the fact that Whirlpool and Lowe's knows about it.
Reviewed June 21, 2010
** 2 1/2 year old water heater that is not working again. I am sitting here waiting for a plumber to show up right now. This cost too much money to be going without hot water again. About $500 for the water heater and $650 for installation. This guy is going to tell me he can't work on it again and that I have to buy a new one. I already heard it on the phone. I should discuss that in person.
Reviewed June 21, 2010
I bought a Whirlpool hot water heater and came to find out it's the one with all the problems. I contacted customer service, and they overnighted a new burner and pilot and gas valve and it works so far. I just got it back in service tonight--gas pilot is still on! Hopefully, this will fix it.
Reviewed June 18, 2010
We purchased an electric hot water heater 7 years ago. It was an Energy Smart with the self-diagnostic control system. We are lucky to be alive. The hot water heater is in a closet in the bedroom. The wires shorted out and melted. They melted the cover where they came out of the control box and they scorched the shelf above. If there had been anything above, it would have caught fire and killed us. My husband took it out and bought a basic hot water heater without a computer board. It was not from Lowe's and it was not a Whirlpool. We had to purchase a new hot water heater. It was an inconvenience and frankly scary as hell to realize how close we came to being crispy critters.
Reviewed June 16, 2010
I have replaced the thermo coupling 3 times on this water heater. The last one has worked for 2 years. Beware, last night my house filled with carbon monoxide from the water heater. These hot water heaters do not work well in a small room. I replaced a hot water heater with this one and used the same flue. If you have one of these hot water heaters, buy a carbon monoxide detector. I am going to buy an electric hot water heater and trash the Whirlpool Gold.
I was afraid to go to sleep last night. I have to purchase a new water heater and have it wired for electric. I missed work today to handle this problem.
Reviewed June 13, 2010
Whirlpool flame lock water heater. I have replaced thermocouple 3 times in 4 years. Very poorly designed and extremely hard to fit new thermocouple. Unit sucks. I wish I could get Lowe’s to come out and replace it.
Reviewed June 9, 2010
Water heater purchased in 11/05 with 6-year warranty. In the past 3 months, there are two defective parts. Parts unavailable locally and must be shipped. No hot water during this time. No service available. I must pay my own plumber. Whirlpool refuses to honor warranty. I’m paying a plumber out of my own pocket.
Reviewed June 9, 2010
I purchased in 2005 at Lowe’s a Whirlpool gas hot water heater with flame lock. In addition, it came with a 9-year warranty. It started Christmas Eve 2009. I had people coming over that night and about 1 pm we found out the hot water heater was not working; my husband spend several hours trying to re-light it. We then decided we would try to contact a qualified plumber. We were lucky to get someone who was on his way home and going past our house. He was there for 3 hours giving up time with his family.
However, he said we needed the replace the "thermal coupler"; he placed the order but we would have to go without hot water until after Christmas. That total cost was $150, plus a great tip for his efforts. Now it is June and my husband has been in contact with the Service Center so many times he does not even have to give his name. After reading the "warranty", speaking with the Service Center and reading the issues incurred by others on this exact same appliance, I am about to give up. Whirlpool can chalk up another win for them because I can't fight anymore, and no one seems to be getting the help and support they should from Whirlpool or the sole distributor of this product, Lowe’s. Paid over $400 for the water heater, almost $200 to have it installed from companies I thought I trusted, only to find out 5 years into a 9-year warranty, "too bad, so sad" and I have to now shell out the cost of a new one. Who is making them accountable for us little guys who work hard for our money?
Reviewed June 5, 2010
Whirlpool Hot Water Heaters. Within the last few weeks, I have had to replace the the complete thermocouple assembly kit. Yes, I had to go to Lowe's to get the parts because this part has caused me a hardship. Lowe's does not stock this item in all the stores. I had to travel 62 miles in order to get the unit. This alone was bad enough. Now let's take the price of gas, the wear and tear on my truck and tires. The time it took was about three hours give or take. Now, we come down to the fact that I could not charge the customer for time and labor.
Reviewed June 1, 2010
I have been having problems with my Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's. I keep getting parts for the water heater at the request from Whirlpool customer service from Lowe's and it still doesn't work. I called the gas company and they came out and checked it, the gas tech explained to me that these water heaters are always having problems. Doing research on the internet, these water heaters are a major problem. They don't work. Is there a way to get my money back or a replacement water heater? Is there a lawsuit or anything because of these water heaters? Please help. No hot water for five days and counting.
Reviewed May 28, 2010
I started having the pilot light issue in our 7-year old Whirlpool water heater a few months ago, but had been able to relight the pilot each time until yesterday. After reading about the ongoing problems and class action suit against Whirlpool, I called Lowe's and if they had any of the repair kits. The person I spoke to said they needed the repair kit letter so I called Whirlpool directly. They told me I needed kit C and that they would overnight it to me free of charge if Lowe's didn't have one. I called Lowe's back and they were out, but said they would call Whirlpool and call me back. 10 minutes later, they called back and said that they would receive more in tomorrow, but that another store nearby had one and they were holding it for me.
I picked it up and after carefully following the installation instructions, we now have hot water again. It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be, it only took about 45 minutes and didn't cost me a thing. If you are still dealing with this problem, contact either Lowe's or Whirlpool and ask for the repair kit. If you can follow directions, you can probably install it yourself.
Reviewed May 25, 2010
I have a gas water heater from Whirlpool. After replacing the same parts at least twice (which had to cost more than the water heater), I got an RA# and replaced the water heater. That was less than a year ago. Now, the same *** thing is happening! The pilot light will not stay lit. This has been inconvenient. Having already dealt with this company for months to get things fixed. Them wanting to make me redo the troubleshooting. Time is a commodity not many of us have and when I spend hundreds of dollars on something, I expect it to work! I will never buy anything Whirlpool again and will make my opinion be heard to as many people as I can reach! The internet and word of mouth are the best advertising tools! Going without hot water because an appliance is made crappy is horrible, especially when you are buying a brand that should be trusted. Too bad. They used to be a wonderful company.
Reviewed May 23, 2010
This is an update to an earlier posting about my Whirlpool hot water model #BFG1F404053NOV. As I said before, this all started on 11/7/08. Every month or two having to replace the thermocouple and always the gas control/flame guard. This is very costly for a single mother. Sometimes, the company will ship the gas control to me for free but then I'm waiting 3 days or more for hot water. I can't afford the cost of having it taken out and the new one installed anymore. The guy was even giving my a discount. He had to do it so much, but for me $75.00 is a lot but it's the cheapest I found! So since my last posting, I'm on my 2nd gas control.
It's May 23, 2010. The last one was installed on May 2, not even 1 month ago. Also, in between the gas control, I had to have a thermocouple installed. When I called the company, the only response I got was "Okay were sorry, we'll send you a new gas control". Anyone who has any suggestions? I can't return it. I've been trying since I first bought it from Lowe's. I have to have an RA# from Whirlpool to return, but Lowe's has been great through this. They even tried to talk to Whirlpool. Please help! I can't afford to buy a new one either. Single mom on med leave, having to pay to install, an uninstall $75.00 a pop. We are also going days without hot water. It has got my nerves so bad knowing it's only going be about 1 month before I go through this again.
Reviewed May 17, 2010
I contacted US/ Craftmasters Water Heater Comp. They are being answered by Whirlpool. I have a FG1F4034T3NOV and am having the same problems as others listed here where the flame won't stay on. I contacted them today and found that they have a replacement burner assembly that they are "overnighting" to me to resolve this issue. This is not a complaint but a resolution to posted issues listed here.
Reviewed May 17, 2010
I purchased the Whirlpool gas water heater in 04/06 at Lowe's. We have had to replace the thermocouple twice and it's out again. This time within a month apart. This was the second Whirpool water heater we have purchased within a 6 year period. When the first one went out, I didn't think about checking for recalls. I have decided to replace the water heater with a GE from Home Depot. This time I will purchase the full replacement warranty. I have all Whirpool appliances in my house presently, but will never buy another one of their products.
Reviewed May 14, 2010
We bought a Whirlpool water heater less than 2 years ago. About 2 days ago, the pilot light went out. My husband kept lighting it. It continued to go out. Then he couldn't light it. We went to Lowe's to get the part and they told us that this is an ongoing problem with the thermal coupler and that they would give us one for free but they didn't have the one that we need. We will have to go to Reno to get one, and again no hot water, nice cold shower.
Now I read online that this problem has been going on this years and it has not been fixed. They even settled a class action suit but that doesn't help us because that was back in 2008. You would think that this continues to be a problem, complaint after complaint after complaint that something would be done. I have basically been told that even if I replace the coupler, that it will last maybe 3 months. Whirlpool needs to refund the money. This is ridiculous. Cold showers, dishes aren't getting washed, having to boil water to do dishes or wash hair or take a bath. I will have to spend money to replace the hot water heater that I don't have. I have a son in college. This is absurd that it has gone one for a minimum of 5 years and nothing has been done.
Reviewed May 12, 2010
Water stopped lighting up, so call the gas company out to fix it. They told me that my model was a recall, and to call whirlpool so I did. They said that the Gas control valve thermostat needed to be replaced so they shipped it out and sear came out to install it. A day later, the water heater went out again, so called Whirlpool and they said there was nothing that they can do.
I needed to clean my water heater sensor. So, I did no improvement so I continued to light my water heater everyday. Call whirlpool today and Sears came out again and said my water heater is a recall. And there was nothing that they can do. So, I called back whirlpool now they say that the store assembly needs to be replaced. Called Sears and scheduled an appointment to come replace that part as a courtesy they will come back out know that the water heater is not replaceable.
Reviewed May 6, 2010
I called Whirlpool due to a bad thermocouple in my Water Heater. The Water Heater was still under its 6 year warranty which says parts and labor. Whirlpool shipped me new parts which I had my local plumbing company install. Although the parts were free, I had to pay the plumber $247.50. When I called Whirlpool to complain and inform them of the cost they could care less said to write the corporate office Whirlpool.
I was out of hot water for 3 days. I was forced to pay $247.50 for a plumber to install the replacement parts which Whirlpool sent to me in order for me to have hot water again in my home. I have had nothing but problems with this water heater. There is no guarantee that this will not continue to occure as there have been class action law suits against Whirlpool for the faulty water heaters they continue to sell.
Reviewed May 6, 2010
Hot water heater was purchased in 11/06. It broke down twice in 2007. It then broke down every couple of months in 2008 + 2009. There was always a recall on it, so just kept going to Lowe's and they would just give me a brand new heater assembly unit. When it broke last, I heard a loud popping, saw smoke and smelled electrical burning, so I just went and turned off the gas and shut off the breaker. I immediately called the next day and got up to level 1 service who then blamed the situation on me.
I made a complaint with the Arkansas A.G.'s office the next day and then went out and bought a new G.E. water heater. I have just made my 2nd complaint to the Arkansas A.G's office since the 1st went unanswered. Then, I just did a search online and found out about the class action lawsuit and it being settled. Obviously I did not know about this lawsuit and never filed a member claim. So, now what do I do? What is my recourse since I have spent $450.00 buying this piece of garbage which is sitting in my back yard and i have now spent another $450.00 in 11/09 on my new G.E.? Please help me. How come I was never notified about this lawsuit by Whirlpool? Well, my house almost blew up and I paid $450.00 for the Whirlpool in 11/06, and now I just spent another $450.00 in 11/09. I want some sort of compensation!
Reviewed May 3, 2010
I bought a Whirlpool gas hot water heater in 2003. I just paid $153.76. to have the thermocouple replaced. My serviceman warned me about these heaters. I am on a fixed income and cannot continue to pay for repairs.
Reviewed May 2, 2010
I'm a single mother with a limited income, so when my hot water heater went out I thought Whirlpool. Right, there-- a good name. Wrong! I bought mine 11/7/08. I had to pay to have my old one taken out, and now this one installed. So once installed, he goes to light it and guess what, the orange igniter wire's missing. Just not there. So, the store let me exchange it and again I had to pay to have it installed. Then more problems 1/09, replaced thermocoupler, same on 4/09.
Then 7/09, the gas control goes out, had to buy new one and remember all this has to be installed. Still more. 12/09 thermocouple. 12/27/09 gas control again. 1/25/10, therm. 3/2/10, gas control and now 5/1/10 gas control again. Can you believe this? And every time (from the start) I tried to get a return # from Whirlpool. No luck. This company doesn't care about cost or people's struggles. And good luck if you can understand what the person on the line is saying! Please, please, please never buy a Whirlpool! I know they used to be a good name but not any longer. If I had the money this would be in the landfill, an I'd by a different name.
Reviewed April 30, 2010
I had an electric water heater which is less than 2 years old that burst apart at the seam when I wasn't home. My home had almost $20000 in damage from flooding. The insurance company pursued this claim through arbitration and they said it was faulty installation. We installed it ourselves and made no alterations. They did not even see how it was installed, so how can they rule it as such. The insurance company said they had several from Whirlpool with these issues.
Reviewed April 29, 2010
We own a 40-gallon gas Whirlpool water heater. After 4 years, we started having problems with the pilot light; it would not stay lit. I received several replacement parts to make the repairs according to Whirlpool's support service. After months of frustration, today we were finally given an authorization code to replace the water heater. Unfortunately, we'll have to replace it with another Whirlpool water heater.
Reviewed April 28, 2010
I have a Whirlpool water heater 40 gallon tank, almost exactly 3 years old. It has a 9 year warranty for tank and parts. The pilot will not stay lit. We have been without hot water since Saturday, April 24th. Today is Tuesday, April 27th (4 days later). My 76-year old mother lives with us. I was told I needed a universal igniter switch by Whirlpool's Customer Service Dept (in India) and it could be purchased at Lowe's or any plumbing supply store, not true. After running to multiple stores, I called them back and they promptly mailed out a replacement igniter switch. I replaced the igniter switch. The pilot lit after some repeated tries. I checked on it one hour later and the pilot was out again.
I decided to research this on the internet, only to find multiple complaints about the same issue. Whirlpool needs to recall these water heaters and send refunds to every customer who is having this problem. It is frightening because gas leaks cause explosions. Whirlpool needs to take responsibility for this issue and not be so cavalier about it. I am sure I will have to have the water heater replaced. I cannot risk my family's safety. Going forward, there will be no Whirlpool product in my home.
Reviewed April 27, 2010
As soon as it was installed the top valve has leaked water, then the thermocuple went bad, only 4 years old and it is left hand threaded stupid when all others are right hand threaded my old one was over 25 years old before it ever had a problem. Guess I am done buying Whirlpool products. Total inconvenience and expense for repair man to put convertor on. [No] thanks for all the trouble Whirlpool!
Reviewed April 27, 2010
I purchased a home that has a Whirlpool electric water heater. It was purchased in 2001 with a "Lifetime Warranty" by the previous home owner and now Whirlpool won't honor the "Lifetime warranty". They told me it is non-transferable. How can a "lifetime warranty" be non-transferable. I have to purchase another water heater in a house I just bought even though when I bought the house the water heater said life time warranty.
Reviewed April 22, 2010
I purchased a gas water heater from Lowe's in Sept., 2004. Just last week, 4-18-10, the pilot light went out, and I could not get it to re-ignite. I called Whirlpool and they sent me a new "kit" to replace the burner. I think it included the thermocouple. After paying $125 to have that installed, the plumber told me that it still was not igniting. I called several plumbers after that. All of them told me that Whirlpool water heaters were inferior products. Some said that they would not touch a Whirlpool water heater or any replacement parts because most of the time, the new parts do not fix the problem. After putting the new parts that Whirlpool sends out, they have customers calling back very upset at the plumbers, thinking that it's their fault.
Their advice is to get rid of the Whirlpool water heater. For a week I was without hot water. I could not do dishes or wash clothes during that time. I did take one ice-cold shower and that was enough for me! I had to use a pan to heat some water on the stove to make some soapy water to wash with, but rinsing? That could only be done with the freezing cold water. I explained all this to someone at Whirlpool, who apologized for my suffering. They finally agreed to let me exchange my old water heater for a new one at Lowe's. Yes, that meant getting yet another inferior product. I am probably, at this point, going to go ahead and do that because I don't have the cash to go buy a new one of another brand. Whirlpool, by the way, refused to pay the $125 I had to pay to have the plumber install their replacement kit that did not work.
Reviewed April 21, 2010
I have had the water heater for a little less than two years. I keep having to replace the thermocouple, ignition, and gas control valve. I have read a lot about the air flow problems, and I wire brush the screen monthly. It just quit working again, and the pilot light won't ignite.
Reviewed April 15, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater about 5 years ago (which is still under warranty). The pilot light started going out all the time. I contacted Whirlpool and they did send me a replacement part that lasted 5 minutes. I ended up going out and purchasing a new hot water heater. I’m spending $600 that wasn't expected.
Reviewed April 13, 2010
I purchased Whirlpool model **** energy smart water heater with flame lock safety system from Lowes. Do not purchase this product! If it goes bad as mine did, it will cost you dollars. I owned this product for 4 years. At the end of that time, I began having problems with the pilot staying lit. I called a service technician to look at it. He replaced a part that he felt would fix it and I got a bill for $145.00. The very next day, the same problem with the pilot was back. This time I called the customer service number on the installation booklet. This is the only contact information listed. My call was promptly sent on to India where I spent most of the call trying to understand what was being said.
Finally, Danny, my service person said they were going to send a pilot guard which should help prevent the water condensation from putting out the pilot. After installing the guard, there was no improvement. No pilot and a bill for me of $145.00. I called India again to express my dissatisfaction with how this was being handled and I demanded a refund. This tank has a 12-year warranty. The service person refused to do so and I argued and insisted that I needed a new gas valve installed, of course at my expense of $145.00. The gas valve was installed and proved to be defective. Now, my house smelled like gas. I called India again and they finally relented after much anger on my part to issue an RA number to return to Lowes for a refund. Lowes allowed me to return the water heater but would not refund my money. All they will authorize is a store credit. I took it and decided to buy a water heater at another place of business. At a cost of $430.00 + $200.00 for installation.
At this point, I finally have a proper working unit. I will never buy another Whirlpool product ever again! Ever! I will never shop at Lowes again. My only conclusion is Whirlpool wants nothing to do with their customers once they've made a purchase. Your only recourse is to talk to some poorly trained third world folks that have every intention of not doing a thing to help and if they do, it's at your cost. Remember the warranty? It is useless! I hope to spread the word via this article to prevent this mess from happening to others. Please take heed. Shop around before you buy. Once you buy it, you are stuck with it. I guess the idea is to make it as difficult for the customer as possible so that they give up.
Reviewed April 13, 2010
My Whirlpool hot water heater went out after 6 years. I did not know about the Class Action Suit against Whirlpool for this water heater. The heater also leaked ruining the carpet. I now have to replace the hot water heater and have it installed for $980.
Reviewed April 13, 2010
I have the same problem as everyone else with this item. I am replacing the thermocouple for the second time in 3 months. What needs to happen is they need to replace the heaters with one that works.
Reviewed April 9, 2010
Like many other people, I have had to replace the thermocouple on my Whirlpool gas water heater several times. In the past, this had been an inconvenience, but at least I was able to obtain the replacement part and get it installed. This time, however, I can't find the part anywhere. I tried the retailer, Lowe's, where I had found it before, but they didn't have it. I tried Lowe's parts hotline, and they didn't have it. Whirlpool doesn't offer it. Independent Whirlpool parts dealers don't recognize the model number on the side of my heater. As a result, I'm having to replace a perfectly good water heater for the sake of a twenty dollar replacement part. It's as though Whirlpool and Lowe's are washing their hands of a problem by forcing an unreliable product to the junk pile.
Reviewed April 9, 2010
We purchased a water heater approximately 2 years ago. Whirlpool 50-gallon gas (model # BFG1F5040T3NOV; serial # 0651101371). We began having problems on Sunday, April 4, 2010. There’s no hot water. We had a plumber check it out on Monday, April 5, 2010. It was the thermocouple unit. We contacted Whirlpool and they had the whole unit sent--the gas control valve, the thermocouple unit and all its components. It was installed on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, and the pilot went out again on Thursday, April 8, 2010. We have scheduled an appointment for Friday, April 9, 2010, for the plumber to come out again. We have already spent $195 for these services and probably will have to replace the unit since I have read there are numerous complaints on the Whirlpool water heaters. This water heater was purchased from Lowe’s. We have spent $195 so far for the plumber to install the parts and now we probably will have to pay for a new unit since there seems to be a massive defect in these units.
Reviewed April 8, 2010
I bought a house recently with a 16-month old 50-gal all gas water heater from Whirlpool. I didn't get hot water, so I called Whirlpool. They gave me several numbers, which I ended up holding for 30 minutes each. Finally got them on the line and they told me I need to replace thermocouple but never said they would send any. So I, without being informed about warranty, go into Lowe's and buy one. It was only $7.99. Whatever. I called the plumber and installed it. Still don't get hot water. I called them again--now they say it's the gas valve. On top of that, they're saying the 12-year warranty that was on the heater was voided when the original owner moved out and I moved in. I say the warranty has to go with the house not the person and that's ridiculous. They say they will send the part free of charge only this time. I hate Whirlpool.
Reviewed April 8, 2010
We have a water heater that was purchased approximately 4 years ago which came with a 12-year warranty. A few months ago, the water heater started making these cracking, popping sounds at any given time of the day, including at night. The water heater has regularly been drained. After raising the issue with Whirlpool, we were told we had to drain the water heater, pour a gallon of white vinegar down the cold water pipe into the heater and let it stand for 6 hours. After which the heater had to be drained of the vinegar and refilled with water. This was done twice and the cracking, popping sound continues. We informed Whirlpool and they sent a thermocouple part to replace, which we feel has nothing to do with the problem.
We contacted Whirlpool again about this and now they are saying we have to drain the water heater again and instead of using white vinegar, we are supposed to use apple vinegar. Who is going to pay for the water bill for draining the water heater so often? And now they are saying cracking sound does not fall under the warranty. They are saying it is due to hard water and sediment. We've informed them the heater has been drained on a regular basis but they are claiming that it hasn't. Economically, the water bill rises because of constantly draining the water heater.
Reviewed April 4, 2010
I bought a Whirlpool 40-gallon gas water heater in 2005 and installed it myself. I've had to replace the thermocouple sometimes twice a year. Now it's out again, and of course it's left hand thread and Lowe's only sells right hand thread. I can't find a left hand thread anywhere. I didn't even think it might be covered under warrant until I read some of the post on here. I just wanted to post my problems, too.
Reviewed March 27, 2010
I do not have exact dates at the moment, but around 16 months ago we purchased a water heater from Lowes. It was a Whirlpool. In early March the pilot light would not stay lit. After research I found this is a common issue and eventually Whirlpool sent a plumber out free of charge who said I needed a new thermocouple which was sent U.P.S. in a day or so. I then was told that I would have to wait for the tech to come back and install it. My other option was to install it myself which is what I did. It was a simple procedure considering I'm quite mechanically inclined. Well, that did not solve the issue of the pilot light not staying lit.
They then said it was the fuel valve and sent me one of those. Same story: I installed it and pilot light would not stay lit. 7 days still no hot water; finally I was given a return authorization number to receive a new water heater. Surprisingly, they only exchanged it for the same exact model with the same exact issues. I relight this one not as often but have realized today, March 26, 2010, the fuel valve has a small leak, which explains a lot of issues that my family has been having, I’m assuming. Headaches, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms.
What really shocks me is Whirlpool sends out these replacement parts with instructions for the consumer to engage in a skilled trade that they most likely are not qualified to perform. They also told me that they would not cover installation of the replacement heater. Since I can’t afford a plumber, I was left with no choice than to do it myself. What if someone did not know what they were doing and killed themselves or their family. I just came back from working out of town and walked into a house full of carbon monoxide--am I responsible for purchasing and installing a new water heater? What are my options? Any advice or help is greatly appreciated. I wonder why Lowes is still selling these items that have already been involved in a class action lawsuit. I had to take work off for repairs and to wait for service man. We ended up getting a hotel to shower. I am not a plumber and may have caused some damage to piping behind the drywall "natural gas piping".
Reviewed March 26, 2010
I bought a Whirlpool gas water heater in September of 2009. After the plumber installed it, the thermocouple had to be replaced on the spot (first one). We did call American Water Heater and got the thermocouple replaced and our bill for the plumber. Then in November of 2009, we had to get another one which was free of charge via Lowe's. It is now March 2010 and now it needs replaced again. We will get a new one again via American Water Heater but the plumber is on us or they tell us we can do it ourselves. Now, they tell us this is that last one they can give us because of the warranty so that is three thermocouples in a six-month time frame.
Reviewed March 16, 2010
I bought my condo in 2006. The water heater was from after 2004 and is a 36000 BTU/40 gal. It looks like it lasted longer then the rest but still followed the same failure pattern. Now, I'm not sure what % of their sales the 397 pages of complaints listed here, combined with the countless others that have not been reported or reported elsewhere represent from the total number of units they made but there has to be some threshold where as nearly a thousand complaints of the same problem can be channeled in a way that produces a reaction. Aren't they bound by some expectation of quality by which they would be required to correct such an obvious of a defect?
Reviewed March 14, 2010
I hope the Consumer Affairs administrator puts this as an addendum or close to the issues I wrote recently about the problem I have had with the 50 gallon Whirlpool gas water heater which kept shutting itself off and leaving us with cold water for days on end. I wrote a complaint to American Water Heater Company and personally went to Lowe's initially to purchase the correct thermocoupler because it's apparently a proprietary part that's left threaded rather than the usual right thread. I showed them the complaint I had written to American water heater, but they didn't have the part I needed in stock.
Lowe's staff was most helpful and called the manufacturer for me and arranged for an overnight UPS "fix" to be sent at no cost to me. I expressed some dissatisfaction with Whirlpool products and asked if I could just return the water heater and use the money towards another brand not manufactured by AWHC. I was a bit apprehensive over the replacement part they intended to send because there are all sorts of complaints about the part (usually the thermocoupler) failing again and again after a couple hours or days/weeks. I was surprised to receive a package that included the complete setup for the whole front panel including the panel that included the thermocoupler, igniter, pilot light, and gas tube. All I had to do was take the burner plate off the old one and attach it to the new one but the new "fix" also contains some new adapters and an additional thermal sensor that the old one didn't have....so apparently there's been some new design and engineering put into the replacement part(s).
I would encourage any of you having problems to tell whoever you are talking to (Lowe's, Whirlpool, or American Water Heater) that you want the "new fix" which contains a complete setup as well as an additional sensor with wires that connect to the adapter added on the connection tube for the red push button on the restart for the thermocoupler. If you end up with just the thermocoupler, I think you're going to have an intermittent and recurring failure problem as has been discussed in other contributions to this Consumer website. Perhaps this new replacement package is the result of the class action lawsuits or consumer complaints, but so far, it's working just fine.
The acid test is going to be how far down the road it keeps working, so in the mean time I'll hold my breath. If it breaks again, I'm going to toss out the Whirlpool and buy a Rheem. Be aware that American Water Heater Company (AWHC) makes gas water heaters for a number of outlets like Sears and others. Make sure you aren't buying another AWHC product that's just been labeled by another another company. Purchased universal thermocoupler that wouldn't work. Heater requires a proprietary left threaded thermocoupler. Four days without hot water, cost of plumber to come out and troubleshoot the problem but unable to fix it because of parts needed. Fixed it myself once I received the parts from AWHC, not Whirlpool.
Reviewed March 13, 2010
My complaint is with Lowe's for recommending a 50 gallon Whirlpool gas hot water heater. Evidently, I am in good company after reading all the complaints that are basically exactly to mine: a 14 month old hot water heater, the pilot does not stay lit. It is Saturday. I have a four-hour window on Monday to wait for a Sears service person to make my hot water heater operable. Clearly, this problem is not unique to me. Clearly, Lowe's knew 14 months ago that particular hot water heater had been plagued with complaints and problems from consumers.
At the same time, I bought a front loading GE washing machine which has never worked properly. Had multiple service calls while it was under warranty and was told there was nothing wrong. Well, wrong! It is with 100% unpredictability the outcome of turning it on. Sometimes clothes are washed, some times not, sometimes it does not wring the water out, sometimes the clothes are damp and soapy. I have an expensive and time consuming lemon! I hate this machine. I wish I had my 25 year old washer that had one cycle, however, that one choice is better than never knowing the outcome. My desire was to have an energy efficient/environmentally positive machine and instead, I typically have to re-set, or do an extra 13 minutes of "spin." I too will never darken the door of Lowe's.
Reviewed March 12, 2010
My water heater stop working, and I call Whirlpool service, they told me is not in warranty (I had buy this unit three years ago) the warranty said 9 years for inner tank and parts also for 9 years. It was frustrating, I type the model number so many times and all the time said (match not found) is like my unit wasn't ever made. I found help through Yahoo help forum, they told me big chances are the thermocouple. I went to home depot and buy the universal.
When I change it, I realized it was left handed thread, it was last night 10:45 pm. So, all my family has to deal with boiling some water and face that very cool bath, it is Winter for sake. It is freezing. Bottom line, I'll never buy or recommend a Whirlpool brand ever. I've been having this problem for about 5 weeks, but, it took me several attempts to make it work, until two days ago stop working at all, and never heat up again, so that's why I decided take action for myself.
Reviewed March 12, 2010
I bought a 50 gallon gas water heater from Lowes about two years ago as a replacement for my original that lasted since 1987. The pilot light began going out and initially I thought it was the wind blowing down the roof vent. I kept having to go out and relight it and eventually it refused to restart. I've researched this issue and found that hundreds of complaints have been lodged against Whirlpool and Lowe's for the exact same problem. I found that California (where I live) filed a class action suit against Whirlpool, Lowes, and American Water Heater. American makes heaters for Sears, Whirlpool, and other brands that put their logos on these same heaters.
Although Lowe's was extremely helpful and ordered me a new thermocoupling, I see that numerous people have gone through repeated temporary "fixes" at considerable cost for plumbers and repairmen, lost time off work, taking cold showers for days and even a week, and in spite of all this, the problem continues. I see complaints going back to 2007. I guess my take on this is how does a person initiate a class action lawsuit.
This is ridiculous having hundreds of people spend time, money, effort, and inconvenience in dealing what is obviously a recall problem for a faulty design. How does one initiate another class action lawsuit? This needs to be done again because apparently Whirlpool and American Water Heater didn't get the message the first time around and haven't been hit hard enough in the profit pocket to make them take positive action. They've placated people by sending out individual fixes that don't last or reimbursing people for $100 or so out-of-pocket expenses.
This isn't the way to handle this ongoing problem Lowes continues to sell a known and documented defective product, and American Water Heaters continues to build the same heaters with the same defects. I wonder how many Sears service calls have gone out for this problem? How many thousands of dollars have people put out not only for the cost of the water heater, but for repeated and costly repairs only to have the problem repeat itself sometimes only hours after the new part or parts were installed. The various states Attorneys General offices have Consumer Protection sections that should be taking note of this problem on behalf of the citizens and taxpayers of those states who pay for protection from just this sort of thing.
Reviewed March 10, 2010
We bought a whirlpool water heater. We had the thermal coupling and the door replaced about a few months ago. We are once again out of hot water. Our plumber can't fix it because whirlpool will not send them the parts. We called whirlpool and got no where. We are giving up and going and purchasing a new water heater. I do hope that enough people complain and a lawsuit is filed. It [is bad] not having hot water. We have to heat water on the stove for all of our needs.
Reviewed March 5, 2010
I called the Whirlpool customer service number and spoke to Chris. I advised that the pilot light keeps going out and I checked the gas supply line and have enough gas pressure going to the control valve. He stated I would need to pay for shipping of a retrofit replacement part to replace the left hand threaded setup as originally manufactured. I decided to call my local Lowe’s store and was advised they have the replacement part too which saved my waiting for the shipped part to arrive.
I decided to log on and search for information on replacing the part and was amazed by the outcry of others in the same situation. I too have always thought of Whirlpool as being credible company until I had to speak with someone from India who asked me to spell out my name. That's encouraging and speaks volumes about customer service and satisfaction. Model no. FG1H4040T3NV AKA Junk!
Reviewed March 4, 2010
My Whirlpool water heater purchased and installed on August 2008 has had one service call in 2009 (pilot will not stay lit) and again tomorrow, 3/5/10 because of the same problem. This time, Whirlpool will pay for the parts, but not the labor. I'm retired and if this is going to happen every year, I feel Whirlpool should replace the water heater. I cannot afford to keep paying for labor to repair this piece of junk. It has been 2 days now without hot water. The Rheem water heater that was installed in this home in 1999 had not one problem, no one ever had to come out and fix anything on that product. I was advised that I should replace it because of it's age (so sorry I did). I spent good money on this Whirlpool and feel that it has not lived up to Whirlpool's once great reputation.
Reviewed March 4, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater from Lowe's in February 2008 and it quit working. Pilot won't stay lit. See numerous problems with this product on this site including successful class action lawsuit. However, my newer model still has the defect! Model No. BFG1F4040S3NOV.
Reviewed March 3, 2010
My Whirlpool hot water heater went out, my plumber had to order the part directly from Whirlpool and we got it overnight. He put the replacement part the next day which seemed to have fixed the problem until I awoke to no hot water again this morning. This is an on going problem with Whirlpool from what I have read. So now, I'm stuck with the $150 labor bill and also having to buy a new water heater. Don't buy Whirlpool. Make sure you research water heater brand names. Bradford and White has the best reputation. You might pay a little more upfront but you'll be glad you did.
Reviewed March 3, 2010
Whirlpool 50 gallon gas (propane) tank purchased 12/2006 tanks pilot light continues to go out. We found through our local plumber that the tank leaks within (inside) and drips on the thermal coupler. The safety shuts the gas off because of too much water leaking. We have four kids and two adults in the house. No hot water! We have no family close by. We are considering buying a new hot water heater. Not Whirlpool! (I have all whirlpool gold appliances, because I thought they were the best and stood by their product. No more! And Lowes will not get my business ever again!
Reviewed March 3, 2010
We have a Whirlpool water heater and have replaced the thermocoupler multiple times and am truly so sick of having to replace the part and you at Whirlpool should have to replace the water heater. I will go up the ladder as far as I have to.
Reviewed March 2, 2010
I filed a complaint on Monday, March 2, 2010, about Whirlpool's Flame Lock Gas Water Heaters, after reading numerous complaints on this unit. I called Whirlpool Monday morning and they had a Sear's tech out to my house on Monday at 1 pm. He was able to resolve the issue. He replaced the control box and so far so good. I did not have to pay for any parts since my water heater is covered for six years. I thought I would have to pay for the labor but that was free of charge since the unit was defective. So at this time, I am please with the outcome since I did not have to pay for any services.
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2010
Less than a year ago, I replaced my water heater with the Whirlpool Flame Lock Gas Water Heater. The pilot light will not stay lit. We have replaced the sensor and it still is not working. I should not have to replace anything with only a year into the new product. I have read numerous complaints on this model and was wondering if there had been a recall. I do not have money to spend out of pocket for such repairs. I have contacted Whirlpool and I am awaiting a reply.
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2010
Bought a water heater from Lowes 3 years ago. It decided to stop working. Tried to light the pilot with no luck. Called my plumber. When the name "Whirlpool" was mentioned, he knew exactly what the problem was. He told me to call Lowes, where it was bought, and they would supply a free burner and thermocouple. Made the call. Smart alek in plumbing advised me that the parts were on back order. He did, however, have a temporary fix I could buy, pay my plumber to install and Lowes would call me when the parts came in. At that point, I could pay my plumber again to install the parts. Needless to say, I purchased a Rheem and had it installed.
This American will never, ever, buy another product from Whirlpool and will never visit Lowe's again. I know that whirlpool makes, or more accurately imports, all types of appliances with all types of company names on them. I will make the effort to find out if Whirlpool has had anything to do with anything I buy in the future. Any with any Whirlpool history will not be bought. I have and will continue to urge everybody I know to not buy any product from Whirlpool. Please, when buying from Sears or anywhere else, get the manufacturers name in writing from the salesperson and do not by Whirlpool. 3 days without hot water, a day off work; and $800.00 to replace a 3 year old water heater.
Reviewed Feb. 27, 2010
The water heater continues to malfunction and not stay lit. Whirlpool sent me replacement parts which actually made the problem worse. They are sending more replacement parts which they say will certainly fix the problem, but if it doesn't, I will call back. I have discovered that I am not the only person experiencing this problem. It is in fact very common with the Whirlpool Flame Lock series. Me and my family are unable to bath, clean, or cook properly due to the lack of hot water in our house.
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2010
I am writing this for my mother. She had work done on her house by a government agency and they installed a Whirlpool hot water heater. The heater's pilot light has gone out several times since it was installed in 2007. It is under a six year warranty. When she called, she is told to uninstall the water heater, take it to Lowe's, exchange it and then on her own dime have it re-installed.
They aren't customer service friendly at all. Boiling water is something you did before I was born. Besides, that is dangerous. She is so disgusted! My father isn't physically able to carry hot water and it is all on my mother. This is stupid. Why do they have a warranty of customer service? They are constantly spending money to have the pilot re-lit.
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2010
We had been experiencing problems with a water heater from Whirlpool. They finally had a recall and replaced it in 2008. We are now having the same issue with the replacement water heater. Of course we had to pay for the cost of the second install because they would not cover it, only the water heater. So we actually had to pay twice to get a water heater installed. The first time we chose to have it installed (not a problem). The second time, Whirlpool gave us no choice. If we wanted it replaced, we had to pay for installation. It was not our fault they had a defective product, yet we had to pay.
We are now experiencing the same issue with the replacement. I do not want to go through months of replacing parts and without hot water at any given time due to their inability to produce a quality product. We did all they asked last time, even paying for the second install. This is not their first problem with water heaters. $200 or $300 for installation may not sound like much to some. However, we now have invested double. We want our money back from install and water heater. I do not want another whirlpool product. I want one from a company that stands behind their product and will not make a customer pay for problems the company created. I have spoken to customer service they want to send someone out to fix it, and if necessary, replace it. I do not want another product from them! This is wrong. The company is selling defective products. They know they are defective and they are getting by with it. It is not only an inconvenience, it is also dangerous. It needs to stop.
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2010
I rent a home and am currently on second water heater since I have lived here for 5 years. This one was installed 2 years ago and the same exact problem is occurring as with the first one. This is also an exchange from Lowe's, who are also responsible for this problem continuing on as the last line of sellers to the public. I have lit the pilot so many times. I'm surprised nothing has exploded. Total hazard no matter who you are; and lukewarm showers and dishwasher, too. We're a pretty easy going family. What, with power outages and cold showers, but it’s crazy to know that a scam like this occurs and nobody has our unwashed backs.
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2010
I have just received the fifth and final Gas regulator valve for my 40 gallon hot water tank that is 13 months old. This is absolutely ridiculous and by the sounds of it, very popular. How can a major corporation have such shotty workmanship that the tank doesn't even function for a year? Where is the integrity that use to belong to Whirlpool? I am very disturbed by their lack of interest in fixing the ongoing problem as now my warranty only covers parts. This is it for me and Whirlpool, they can take their low quality products and sell them over seas. Maybe they will appreciate the poor workmanship.
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2010
As a plumber, I've interceded for quite a few people and got satisfaction. Your plumber must clean the flame lock screen from above and below or the replacement parts will not work. That is what makes the thermocouple quit; too much heat due to poor air flow. Bug Whirlpool for their proprietary vacuum attachment, for free, by the way.
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2010
We had this problem with the Whirlpool water heater, needless to say, same situation. What I don't understand is why Whirlpool sends a defective part to replace another defective part. This is the third time that I changed the part in less than 8 months. I would like to know if all of us can get a new water heater at no charge for all the inconvenience. We have no hot water to bath or wash clothes.
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2010
The Whirlpool 50 gl. Hot water heater was purchased new at Lowe's home improvement store. Model # fg2j5040t3nov unit has been repaired three times for the same concern, pilot will not stay lit. I have no hot water.
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater through Lowes 1.25 years ago. A $5 part went out and Whirlpool operators in India proceeded to tell me that I would have to call a repair technician and they will replace the part. After 3 service calls, incorrectly shipped parts and lack of understanding basic English, my service bill for my water heater with warranty came to a whopping $350!
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2010
Purchased water heater five years ago. It's warranted for six yrs. Thermocouple is defective. When I bought the product, I had asked my plumber to recommend a good brand. I have called Whirlpool because plumber has passed the buck to them. They are shipping my replacement part overnight, good news. Bad news my UPS does not deliver until 6pm my time. So now three days of no hot water. My beef is that Whirlpool did not notify anyone of this defect via a notice.
I happened to google this on the internet and found out about the issue. I got sold a bill of goods not only by the plumber but Whirlpool. To add insult to injury, the customer service rep I talked to was not from this country. No wonder this country is in bad shape when they cannot even produce a quality product and I have to talk to someone in another country. Bottom line: I will never buy another Whirlpool product and will make sure I let as many people I know about their shoddy product.
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2010
My Whirlpool 40 Gallon Hot Water Tank is in need of a new thermocouple. By the looks of the other comments, I should be glad it lasted this long. Whirlpool is sending me the parts but I've decided to cut bait and put in a Rheem. I'm done with Whirlpool and Lowe's. Home Depot is now going to get my business.
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2010
I have recently gone through the horrendous experience known as the Whirlpool hot water tank disaster. I purchased my 50-gallon flame lock Whirlpool hot water tank in June 2005. I purchased the hot water tank based on the premise that Whirlpool is a well-respected company that will honor its product’s warranty should its product fail. Wow, how wrong that statement is from being truthful. I am one of the lucky ones as my hot water tank almost lasted 5 whole years. It started as routine with the pilot light going out and not restarting with the attached igniter.
The plumber was called, the igniter was replaced and $119.00 was spent. In less than 24 hours, the pilot went out again. This time, not knowing about the 2005 class action lawsuit against Whirlpool, I called Whirlpool, spoke with Sam and before I could even finish my story with him I was informed that the burner assembly and thermocouple were bad, needed replaced and would be sent the next day air to me free of charge. I thought that was really strange but I went with it. The plumber was called, components were installed and $96.00 was spent.
In less then 3 hours later, the pilot went out again. This time, it was the result of the plumber not taking the orifice off the old burner assembly and connecting it to the new burner assembly. The plumber told me that in the 40 years that he has been in business, he has never heard of a situation where the old components parts were needed for the new assembly. I didn't have to spend money this time but I still haven't had hot water for 5 days and have missed two days of work.
Less than 6 hours later, the pilot was out again. I called Whirlpool, spoke with Chris and this time, I was told that the gas control valve needed to be replaced. After an intense discussion, Chris agreed to send the part for free the next day. The plumber was called, component was installed and $96.00 was spent. After 8 days of no hot water, $311.00 in plumber bills and 3 days of missed work, my family was able to finally take a hot shower. We'll see if it is still working when I get home from work. I will never ever buy another Whirlpool appliance as long as I live. The next hot water tank will be A.O. Smith. After all the years of having to deal with this issue, I can't understand why a full recall was never done.
Reviewed Feb. 14, 2010
Our water heater model starting with "FG" pilot light stopped working after five years. Had a company out to check the problem. He informed us that our water heater has had this problem for awhile. We called Whirlpool and they sent out an adapter for the left handed thermal coupler. After installation, it worked only work six days then same symptoms as before. There is plenty of air flow and no other blockages to case this problem. Call center personnel are rude when dealing with this issue.
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2010
I have to press the reset button on my Whirlpool gas hot water heater and then it only lasts 15-30 minutes. I complained to Lowes and they said that I need an RA number to give me the replacement upgrade. The model number is **** with product number ****. There is a total inconvenience when it comes to using hot water at any time. I am always pressing the reset-lighting pilot-wait for hot water before use.
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2010
After my tenant's water heater with model number **** broke, I called Whirlpool's technical assistance line to troubleshoot the problem. The service representative said that the pilot light no longer turns on because of a faulty igniter. Whirlpool sent a new conversion kit A which I had installed by a professional plumber since this was working with a gas appliance. After paying $125 for this installation cost, the igniter turned on but a few hours later, my tenant called and said that the pilot light was out again.
Once again, I called the plumber who came out again and said the thermocouple was shutting the pilot light off since it was receiving too much gas through the valve. I called Whirlpool's customer service and they offered to send out another part, a gas valve for replacement. I paid the plumber to come out and install the new part. He said it was not working and that the water heater was defective. The plumber advised that I get a new water heater. I called Whirlpool and relayed the message. I also said that my tenant had not had hot water for one week while we attempted to troubleshoot the problem and install new parts. The customer service representative refused to authorize a replacement water heater despite the fact that this water heater was still under warranty.
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2010
Replaced a water heater because it was 20 years old. Plumber replaced a ruud with a whirlpool 3 years ago. It broke last year, no pilot light and leaking. It worked for 15 month and has broken with the same things, pilot light and leaking. I paid 300 dollars to have the water heater last year installed because whirlpool said its warranty did not cover labor of plumber. So far to trouble shoot the latest water heater it has cost me 3 weeks of hot water, trips to places to find a hot shower. Possible plumbing problems because I have not had hot water going through my water pipes during freezing weather. Financially, besides gas to drive to hot water, it has cost 195.00 to trouble shoot the problem. I would like to be reimbursed without depreciation for my water heater and labor costs that I have incurred do to faulty heaters. So in turn, I can find a reliable water heater to last more than 1 -3 years.
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2010
My Whirlpool 40 gallon water heater failed about three years ago due to the thermocouple issue. The class action lawsuit issue. Tonight, I heard water leaking onto the burner of my water heater. It is just barely six years old. I could see water leaking onto the burner through the pilot light port. I was warned by inside Whirlpool people about their water heaters. They are made by a third party. Whirlpool supplier quality assurance is apparently very weak. I'm a quality engineer myself. I'm pretty disgusted with this. Every appliance in my house was "made" by Whirlpool. This may be changing. I support Michigan companies, but Whirlpool might be a bit of a disgrace. I'm about to replace a water heater after six years.
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2010
Same as everyone else. Have done the thermo couple, conversion kit and now have a HVAC person in looking at it. This has caused me and my family so much trouble and I cannot understand why there is not some type of legal action going on! I have 6 children and 2 adults in the house and have to keep huge pots of water boiling all of the time so we can take baths. This is ridiculous! Is ConsumerAffairs doing anything to help us out, or are we just wasting our time here?
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2010
My father and I own a rental property and as luck would have it, we replaced 8 hot gas water heaters within about a year in 2007. We have since had trouble with all except 1. They all started out the same way with the pilot going out and having to be relit until it will no longer light. I have called the warranty number each time. I have replaced all the parts many times but especially the thermostat gas valve. I have taken back to Lowes 2 of the heaters and made the mistake of getting and exchanging thinking that the defect would be corrected. I regret this as I am having the same problem from a water heater that I replaced on 2/09. I will never buy a Whirlpool again. I have replaced the parts myself, wasting my time. I have had to remove the heaters and return them to the store. Again, my time. The inconvenience to the resident is beyond belief since you never know if you have hot water or not.
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2010
I purchased a new Whirlpool water heater from Lowes in January 2008. It's now February 6, 2010 and the pilot lamp will light but will not stay lit. I've read numerous complaints about this product and I am disgusted how Whirlpool expects the customer to troubleshoot the problem themselves. This product should definitely be recalled. We are currently trying to fix the problem by cleaning the vent as this website suggests however we plan to get the free manifold kit also, as we will inevitably need it. Currently, we have no hot water and we've just had the biggest snowstorm of the season in Baltimore, MD.
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2010
Like many other people, I have a problem with my Whirlpool 40 gallon gas water heater with the flame lock gas control. My heater is six years old and needed to replace the thermocouple once. The second time, which is two years later, I could not find the part locally for about five to ten workdays away with an online order. That I don't recommend since it is an inherent problem. Thanks to this site. I was able to get a conversion kit from Lowes for free. You must talk to the plumbing manager to get it. It is very helpful. I hope this helps someone so you don't have to go through the same loss of work and money to get this resolved.
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2010
I bought the Whirlpool 40 gallon hot water tank from Lowe's (first mistake) in 2005. The pilot light will not stay lit now so we got the replacement thermocouple (free from Lowe's due to the continuing issues with this tank). Still, I have no luck. I'm going to go and buy the gas valve( at our expense as these are not given out freely like the thermocouple) to see if that works. Wish me luck as from the posts I find I am doubting it will. I am really spreading the news about these tanks on Facebook, twitter, friends, anyplace to let folks know that just because it is less expensive, it doesn't mean you should buy it!
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2010
I purchased a water heater from Lowe's in Feb 2nd 2004. On Feb 14, 2009, I called your service department and talked to a Debbie, explained my problem with the thermostat on the heater. She sent me a new thermostat. Now it's 2-5-2010, and I'm having the same problem again. I called your service department again, talked to someone, who couldn't speak English. I did understand them to say that the replacement part only has a one year warranty. It has not been a year yet. Please contact me about this problem. Thank you very much.
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2010
I returned for a refund. I bought a rheem and there were no problems! It's as quiet as can be. I had to bring that *** back to Lowe's after getting a runaround from the Indian ***.
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2010
Purchased 40 gal. Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's June 2008. In October 2008, we began the "replace this, replace that, replace it all" routine that ran into November 2008. Just over a year, now Jan. 2010, again no hot water. Many phone calls to authorized plumber and Whirlpool customer service and more parts are being sent to us. Having to start the "replace this, replace that" all over again. In cumulative days it's weeks without hot water, and lost work. Not to mention the inconvenience, schedules rearranged and meetings not kept through, no fault of our own.
Reviewed Jan. 29, 2010
Boy, I wish I had read about these problems with the Whirlpool flame-lock water heaters that are sold by Lowe's. I bought a 9-year unit approximately 3-1/2 years ago. First unit started leaking in two weeks and they replaced it paying both parts and labor. Now the thermocouple has failed. After dealing with the ** in India that I could barely understand, I was sent a replacement burner unit (but without the burner head).
I installed last night and turned on the pilot. It worked and then I turned the unit to run and a couple of hours came back and checked on it. The safety overflow valve was spewing hot water all over the floor. I turned the unit down and got that under control only to learn this morning that the pilot is out again and will not light. To say I am frustrated is an understatement. I don't know whether to go--to Lowe's and get a replacement unit or just bite the bullet and get another complete water heater from someone else. Problem is that if there are only 4 manufactures of water heaters in the US, how do I make sure I get a good unit instead of this garbage? No real damage as the water heater is in the garage except the mess and aggravation with my wife over not having hot water.
Reviewed Jan. 26, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater from Lowe's in the summer of 2008. As of January 18, 2010 until today, January 26, 2010, I do not have any hot water. My plumber checked it and found that I have a leak in the water heater. The pilot light would not come on. I would like a full refund for the water heater and labor in order to purchase another brand. I have to pay the plumber for inspecting the water heater and for installation for a subsequent water heater. Also, it is a good chance that my water bill will increase due to the leakage. As for the physical damage, I have been without hot water for nine days.
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool water heater in 2003. After a few months, it quit working and the control mechanism was bad. They replaced it but first install was mine. Second remove and re-install was mine. Then the thermal couplings started to fail after 3. At my expense, they replaced the flame, thermal couple, igniter, and pilot lite mechanism (all labor was at my expense again).
Now the thermal control unit went out and they replaced the part, but I had to pay plumber almost $200.00 to install it. That was 2 weeks ago. Now my thermal coupling is out again. I purchased one at Lowes, with hopes of getting my refund from Whirlpool, but am ready to file law suite against them for faulty equipment, false advertising and Lowes for selling junk for real price.
I had to miss a total of 3 days work so far. I have had to drive out to Lowes for replacements 5 times. I had to pay for assistance for labor and two plumbers at separate times. And the thermalcouple I purchased yesterday did not work. 3 days work is $306.00 Plumbers cost $263.53. Assistance, $120. Trips for parts cost $26.00. Time without hot water and cold showers dishwashing and laundry, etc. (more than even they could pay) comes to about $715.00. Plus time and trouble associated to poor quality of service and equipment. Not to mention all the headaches, fights with family over cold water and irritation from this experience. I will never buy another appliance at Lowes, and certainly never another water heater from them and nothing from Whirlpool again.
Reviewed Jan. 19, 2010
We purchased a Whirlpool flame lock gas water heater in 2003 from Lowes. Since that time we installed a thermocouple and then replace the whole water in 2006 and two more thermocouples since that 2006 installation. The thermocouples last about year and half. This product has been built with defective parts. Whirlpool should give everyone their money back and pay to have a new water heater of our choice installed. This has cost me time from work and labor charges for repairs. I will definitely tell everyone not to buy Whirlpool. This is why companies go out of business because they make junk and pass it on to the consumer. I had to take off work and either do the repairs myself or hire a repair technician to do the repairs.
Reviewed Jan. 19, 2010
On 4/27/2009, we purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater with the flame lock safety system from Lowe's. For the past two weeks, we have had nothing but problems with this machine. The pilot light would not stay lit for the first 6 days, I had to constantly light it every time I needed to have hot water (it would not re-light after it cuts off). Now, it will not light at all. I know we can get the parts, but I don't want anything else made by Whirlpool. I understand there is a lawsuit about this same machine from 2005. Please add my name if there are any refunds. Thank you.
Reviewed Jan. 18, 2010
We purchased a 40 gallon Whirlpool hot water heater about 5 years ago and the pilot light goes out all the time. I will never buy another Whirlpool and will tell everyone I know how frustrating it is. I don't understand how this company can get by with this. Our model# is FG1H4040T3NOV. It will sometimes stay lit for a month and then for days will constantly go out. I hate it and am trying to talk my husband into buying another brand. When we called them, they sent us a plastic piece to wrap around the bottom of the tank. No help. They should be made to replace all these defective tanks.
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2010
In 2006, we bought our Whirlpool water heater from Lowes also. After 2 years, the pilot light kept going out. We would re-light it but it would go out after a few days. We had the thermo-couple replaced but still having the same problem. I was very surprised to see so many complaints about this very same thing. I know Whirlpool is aware of this with so many complaints but they just don't care. I will never buy another Whirlpool product and will let Lowes know that they have lost my Whirlpool business.
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2010
Whirlpool water heater. I purchased a whirlpool water heater at Lowes. After two years the pilot light goes out. I have had it repaired 3 times with parts that whirlpool sends. Same problem. I had to pay plumber and finally I replaced it with a different water heater. I had to pay plumber and finally I replaced it with a different water heater.
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2010
I purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater on March 17th, 2008. My Pilot Light will not stay lit and I have been without hot water for 5 days now. I have repeatedly tried to re-light the pilot light several times and have only been successful about 3 times, however the Flame will only stay on for about 5-10 minutes and then it completely goes out and the pilot light will not re-light.
I went to Lowe's where I purchased it and they said I need a RA# to get a Kit to replace the Thermal Coupling and I need to call the 1-877-817-6750 phone number to get this information. When I called them, they said it was no one of those and that I needed to call another number, which is Sears, to have a tech come and look at. They also stated that my parts and Labor was only warrantied for 1 year and the tank is warrantied for 6 years. After requesting to speak to a supervisor in India, I was told that they would cover the parts and labor but that I would have to purchase any parts first and send them the receipt to be reimbursed. I have called a technician for now and I am waiting a few days before they will come out, while I still have not hot water.
Whirlpool has obviously had a Class Action Lawsuit for this same problem on Water Heaters from 2000-2006 and they clearly have not fixed it. I would like you to know that I should not have to be replacing parts only 18 months into having a new one when it is guaranteed for 6 years. I also would think that they would have addressed this problem due to a law suit and they still have not.
The India outsource also said that I should purchased a Gas Valve Sku#295098 in which he provided to me, which also says they are aware of the problem. I should be able to go to Lowe's and return this entire unit and get a brand new one and not have it repaired. I have read so many comments of Sears repairing and replacing parts. Every 3 months, they have to come out and replace parts again and we have to pay for the labor. Please let me know how I can process a class action lawsuit. I am very upset that I cannot provide hot water to my family.
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2010
I replaced my water heater with a Whirlpool water heater and have repeated problems with pilot light going out. I replaced with a new code D upgrade part and same problem again. I contacted Whirlpool again and they want me to replace with a new thermostat, which will cost me $20.00 in shipping in addition to more labor expenses. Whirlpool states this as my only option with them. Whirlpool, on top of this, has representative which are hard to understand. I feel that after all of the complaints on Whirlpool. There should be some type of lawsuit filed to resolve the matter. The other option is for them to pay to have unit replaced by a reputable water heater which functions.
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2010
Dealing with Whirlpool representatives is a joke. Again our Gas Company representative said it is a thermocouple problem, and said the pilot will not stay lit. Whirlpool sent Cal Star Plumbing again.
Even though the new water heater was fantastically set up with no problems, they refused to work on it because the vent stack was not high enough and wants to charge $650.00 to install a new vent that has nothing to do with the thermocouple. Even the gas company said no problem!! Remember that these same Cal Star people came out a year ago and witnessed the same set up and nothing was in violation. The vent has been in existence for 22 plus years and our very old water heater functioned for this many years.
So here we have the gas company claiming it is a thermocouple problem and we cannot have the thermocouple replaced from Whirlpool because they send out representatives to make money on the consumer. If we would have searched the internet prior to buying a Whirlpool appliance, we would never have bought this appliance. Do not buy an appliance from Whirlpool! They give you the runaround, and it is their appliance default! All water heaters should be recalled with the thermocouple issue. These should not be sold for safety of the consumer! We have not had hot water for 6 days now.
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2010
The pilot light would not stay on after I had it for 4 years. They sent a converter kit for a licensed plumber to install and that did not stay on. They then wanted me to wait for another part. Lowe’s had three in stock for replacement and all were dented in the box. We have no hot water for the holidays for 6 days. We have to drive to Lowe's 62 miles one way and wait an hour for a manager to ok an upgrade as the three in stock were dented. I had to get a truck to take the old on to get a replacement.
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2010
We purchased a Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's in Murrieta, CA in March 2007. Since then, the upper sensor has gone out 3 times, twice over a long holiday weekend, leaving us without hot water at least 3 days before we received a new part. After speaking with a supervisor, I was told I could only get one sensor at a time, despite my repeated problems with the upper sensor. The last one that was replaced lasted less than 2 months! I will go out of my way to tell others about the inferior products and service I have experienced with Whirlpool. Each time the upper sensor failed, we spend a minimum of 3 days with no hot water in the house. Twice the sensor failed over a holiday weekend, creating extra time before we received a replacement part. Whirlpool is a terrible company with terrible products!
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2009
We just bought a brand new Whirlpool water heater and the pilot won't stay lit! It's New Year's eve (Thursday) and they are saying they can send someone out on Monday! Monday? We just bought a brand new water heater. We should not even have a non-working unit, let alone, wait 5 days to get help! Don't buy a Whirlpool water heater and shame on Lowe's for selling them after having read all the horrible customer reviews stating the exact same problem. Both companies should be sued, this is a hazard!
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2009
I've been reading that many people have problems with the gas pilot light not staying lit, sometimes even after replacement of the thermocouple burner assembly. I had a similar problem in a 3-year-old heater and took advantage of the available burner assembly recall and replacement part. When the part arrived, I noticed a defect that could have been the cause of my problem. As the old part was removed, it was confirmed that the problem with the old was the same as with the new one. A slight rear-ward finger pressure on the thermocouple tip caused it to slide backward. Since the new unit had more safety features built in, it was used, replacing the old unit after a simple modification.
Caution: There are many possible causes of pilot lights not staying lit and repairs should be left to the pros, even if their skill/knowledge levels vary widely. The potential explosion caused by leaking gas can kill or maim, and it can level a building. In my case, the new and old thermocouple retainer clip did not align with a "lock-in" groove on the thermocouple bulb. This allowed the thermocouple to gradually, through expansion/contraction or through capillary tube line tension, work its way backwards until no longer heated by the pilot flame. The safety mechanism then thinks the pilot flame is out and shuts off the gas, as it should.
The simple correction involved spreading the retainer clip's legs slightly so the retainer clip could slide backwards until it is seated in the retention groove. This was about 1-2mm distance. With the thermocouple locked in place, it stays in the pilot flame; and so, the heater works reliably. This defect was reported to Whirlpool in July 2008 with detailed pictures of the problem. It may not be your current problem, but knowing all the possibilities may minimize repeated service calls. Be safe and smart out there!
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2009
I have a mobile home. I have had problems with 10/12 units not staying lit. I have 2 more to return to Lowe’s, all under 3 years old. If Lowe’s is going to continue to purchase these, let them deal with Whirlpool. I fell a class action suit should be started, if they are not going to recall these pieces of junk or pay to have them fixed.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2009
I have 2 Whirlpool water heaters I have had to have serviced. The water heater would not stay lit. Someone came out to tell me the part has to be ordered. It will take 5 days for $75.00. I will have to pay another $75.00. When he came back, there was no hot water. All this time, they act like not having hot water is no big deal. It is a major upset. I had to miss my best friend’s funeral. I was so upset plus I had to work. Whirlpool needs to pay for all these water heaters. They are no good. Home Depot needs to really stop selling these.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2009
We bought a 50 gallon water heater from Lowe's in July of 2007. I started having trouble a week ago with it. We replaced the thermocouple, the gas line, cleaned it out and still it won't work. We called the gas company and the first thing they asked was, "is it a Whirlpool?". We got absolutely no help from Lowe's (as is usual with them). I sure wish I had known about it. We even registered the product when we bought it and got no notification that it was recalled. We had two repairmen bills and a bill from the gas company to check the line.
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2009
I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater in August 2009. In December, there's no hot water; the pilot went out. The control box indicated lower sensors. Then Whirlpool sent a new control box. The plumber replaced it. Two days later, the box again reported lower sensors. Whirlpool said to call back in a week and that they will ship parts but cost of labor will be my responsibility.
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2009
Water heater purchased on November 2005 had a product recall on gas valve thermocouple due to leakage. I replaced it twice already with the new one set out. The water heater continues to fail at staying lit. The pilot does not stay lit and water heater makes loud noises not of norm. The local gas company did find that the first valve on product was leaking gas. I'm afraid of this product due to the recall that concerns me if the new replacement is of any good. I'm currently serving in the US military and my family resides there without me. I would hate to see or have anything happen to the house, not to mention, I hope that we can have hot water steady. This has been an ongoing problem since purchase.
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2009
The thermocouple to my Whirlpool flame lock water heater went out. My water heater was installed on 11-15-2008, so exactly 13 months ago and the thermocouple went out just a couple of days ago. I called the Whirlpool number and was told to do a couple of tests to determine the cause of my problem and after the tests, it was determined that it was my thermocouple.
The consequences of this resulted in the fact that I, my girlfriend and our 2 young kids had to do without hot water for the last 3 days. I also had to purchase the thermocouple (Whirlpool said that they would compensate the cost of the part), which was only $8.00 at Lowe's and it took me about an hour of my time to replace this part because I cannot afford to hire a qualified technician. I cannot believe that a simple part such as the thermocouple which is supposed to last for years would go out after one year. I thought Whirlpool was better than this, maybe I am wrong?
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2009
My Whirlpool hot water tank failed. I replaced the thermocoupler, put the recall kit in twice and tried to contact the store manager at Lowe's for help. He said he can't help and to call Whirlpool. I mentioned I tried and no one will call me back. The store manager at Lowe's said Whirlpool was a terrible company and he would never purchase a Whirlpool product. Finally, my wife contacted whirlpool and ended up speaking to someone in India. Every time that person wasn't helpful, she asked to speak to their supervisor.
She finally spoke to Kelly in Tennessee and my wife said all she wants was a new tank. She gave her a return authorization number that we are to give to Lowe's and we will get a new hot water tank at no cost. Bottom line, do not stop until you speak to someone who will give you a return authorization number. We will end up with the same brand but at least we won't have to pay any additional money for I'm hoping another 5 to 6 years. The biggest issue I have is with Lowe's for continuing to sell the same exact Whirlpool hot water tank! They have lost me as a customer for life.
Whirlpool Water Heaters Company Information
- Company Name:
- Whirlpool
- Year Founded:
- 1911
- Address:
- 2000 N. M-63
- City:
- Benton Harbor
- State/Province:
- MI
- Postal Code:
- 49022
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.whirlpool.com
