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Whirlpool Water Heaters Reviews

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About Whirlpool Water Heaters

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Whirlpool Air Conditioners produces a range of air conditioning units for home and commercial use. The company offers window, portable and split systems. Whirlpool’s goal is to provide effective cooling solutions that enhance indoor comfort.

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Pros
  • Responsive customer service
  • Warranty coverage for parts
  • Quick resolution of issues
Cons
  • Frequent pilot light issues
  • High repair costs
  • Inconsistent product reliability

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Whirlpool Water Heaters Reviews

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    Page 6 Reviews 530 - 680

    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.

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    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.

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    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?"

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    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.

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    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

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    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!

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    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!

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    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!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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?

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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".

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    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.

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    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?

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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?

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    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 ***.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Reviewed Jan. 5, 2010

    The Whirlpool water heaters fail to stay lit. We cannot continue to have a lack of warm water, so we replaced our water heater with Whirlpool in August 2007. The thermocouple failed and Cal Star Plumbing, authorized by Whirlpool, condemned the water heater. We had to replace the entire water heater with another Whirlpool as Lowe's would not refund our money due to the thermocouple problem. As of December 2009, we were again without hot water for 6 days now.

    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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!

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    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!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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?

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    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.

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    Reviewed Dec. 13, 2009

    I would like to append my report of 11/9/09. I've been in Atlanta this week. I had received a letter from Lowe's telling me to go to the Ft Lauderdale store nearest my residence for assistance. As the faulty water heater was in Atlanta, I have taken that and all the paperwork to the store from which the water heater was purchased. They were very helpful, apologized for Whirlpool's treatment of us and refunded the cost of the water heater in full. The store manager confirmed that apparently no serial number had been affixed to this unit! Lowe's has won my favor. On the other hand, I have never heard back from Whirlpool. The Lowe's manager acknowledged that they were so big that they were hard to work with.

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    Reviewed Dec. 12, 2009

    My water heater would not stay lit. I was told it was the control module so they sent me the part and I replaced it. It work for a few weeks and went out again. So I called them the second time and then they said it was the the top thermal wire sensor and this time, that they will not replace the water heater. I talked with Greg, so I replaced it and it failed. It didn't work at all. I called a third time, 12/12/09 2:00PM, and talked with Prince the supervisor. He said that the control module is bad and that they were going to send me the part. If it doesn't work, they would replace the unit. The water heater is just over a year old. This is totally unacceptable for the water heater only being a year old since I purchased it. Every time it goes out, we are out of hot water for a week plus.

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    Reviewed Dec. 7, 2009

    Wow! I called customer service today to get them to pay for the $60 gas valve I purchased at Lowe's. They actually gave me the name of A&E Sears Plumbers and an authorization number to have them replace it free of charge. I called A&E Sears and they will be out tomorrow at no cost to me for labor or parts. Whirlpool acknowledges the problem during the time frame and made good. I'm happy and will take the part I bought back to Lowe's. Now, this was good customer service.

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    Reviewed Dec. 6, 2009

    So frustrating! I bought a Whirlpool hot water heater for a 2 family rental property (BFG1F5040T3NOV 50 gallon). It has been nothing but problems as it will not stay lit. I called customer service and spoke to someone overseas. They had me jump through a bunch of circles wasting more time and finally told me parts were covered but not labor.

    I called a plumber and explained I had already replaced the thermal coupler and spoke with customer service but still no success. They sent a hot water specialist. I paid $140.00 back in June 09. I was happy as my tenants were no longer complaining. The specialist replaced the thermostat stating it was defective. My tenant called and it is out again. I re-lit it, however again it will not stay lit. Obviously, they have defective thermostat and continue to operate business as usual. Please someone bring this to a stop with a class action law suit.

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    Reviewed Dec. 2, 2009

    I bought a new gas water heater with a 9 year warranty in late 2007. The hot heater stopped working in less than 12 months. Whirlpool refuses to replace heater or offer refund, but if they do replace it, they will not honor the warranty on the new heater. So that any problems that occur, you are out service or any help and you have to buy another hot water heater.

    This heater goes out often. I have to have the thermostat replaced frequently. The last "fix" did not last 30 days. There have been 5 service calls to get the heater worked on in the last 12 months. I have complained to them and talked to supervisor and get zero help. My Case # is ** with Whirlpool.

    I work for myself as a realtor. My home is my office. I am getting very angry at the lost time of not being able to take a warm or hot shower! I have had to miss company meetings in the morning just to try and get a hot shower before going out or no shower at all before I go out into the public. Crawling around on my knees to try and re-light a hot water heater is hard on my body and painful on my joints and knees. This is horrible! I want the hot water heater to work! I am not of great health and cold showers or no hot water is not helpful and just makes life much more unpleasant in each day to day activities.

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    Reviewed Nov. 30, 2009

    I purchased a Whirlpool 40 gal electrical water heater on 11/10/2007. It sprang a leak and I replaced it on 10/07/2008. The replacement sprang a leak and I replaced it on 07/07/2009. It sprang a leak and I replaced it on 11/29/2009. I am not very happy with Whirlpool water heaters to say the least. I have had a lot of Whirlpool products over the years and have been very pleased with them but their water heaters are a piece of junk. Having to replace a water heater three times in two years is not good for business.

    When I called customer service, I got someone overseas that I couldn't understand and they gave me the runaround. On this last replacement, I opted to give the extra money and updated to a 12-year warranty and was informed after I purchased the 12-year warranty that the old six-year warranty would still apply. I was also told that I would be reimbursed $135 for the change out but when I called them back, I was informed that I needed a receipt for the instillation and had to mail it in. It is just a big hassle to get any satisfaction from them. I will never buy another Whirlpool water heater again and would also advise others not to.

    Luckily, I have some experience in home repairs and also installed a drain pan underneath the water heaters. The economic impact for someone who does not have the experience to change out their own appliances and does not have a drain pan could be very expensive. That's four leaking water heaters in my home in a two-year period of time. You do the math.

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    Reviewed Nov. 30, 2009

    On February 27th 2009, I purchased a water heater from Lowe’s home improvement center in Midland, Texas. I installed this heater myself, as I am fully qualified, I have previously installed numerous water heaters as I have owned apartments [4], mobile homes [7], 2 homes and have installed [3] for relatives. Prior to this purchase, around 8 years ago, I had installed in this home an almost identical whirlpool water heater which lasted for about 8 years, so I had no qualms about this heater. I should have suspected something was amiss with this heater because along with the warranty and installation instructions there is a photograph grade double sided page which gives explicit instructions FVIR troubleshooting guide. I know I have installed at least 30 water heaters in my life and never before, have there been included such an extensive repair guide with photos to assist home owners, in the event of problems.

    Since that time, after much hand wringing and ineffectual phone calls to Whirlpool and Lowe’s and American Water Heater Co. I find out that Whirlpool settled a class action suit in California about this heater two years ago, and the same for American Water Heater Co. They are still peddling this item, but with a glossy double-sided page of repairing instructions which don't work.

    I have talked with four different people with Whirlpool. Three of which gave me lots of sympathy but no help. The only male I talked to gave me an authorization number to give to Sears Service Blue team to come fix this dreadful mistake. The closest Sears Blue team is in Fort Worth. This whole exercise is absurd, but I went ahead and called them. They said they could not get here for a week. I called Whirlpool back and a person named Rebecca said she was sorry but that was whom I had to use in order for Whirlpool to pay a very limited amount. I am pretty disgusted by this time so called Lowe’s to see about getting another control valve. A man named John answered and immediately wanted to know how I had gotten his number. I said the directory and asked about another control valve for this heater. He said he didn't know and that he would have to talk to his supervisor. I gave him my phone number but have yet to hear anything from them. I can only surmise that any information concerning the control valve for this Flame lock Whirlpool water heater is taboo unless approved by a supervisor.

    I then called a local plumbing company (Tate Plumbing). They sent out a fellow, journeyman. He tried everything prescribed by the Whirlpool instructions but could not make the pilot light stay lit. He said, I had bought a real lemon, and it was going to keep giving trouble as long as I had it. Charged me $75.00, gave me a receipt and left. I now have over $500.00 tied up in bad investment which according to all the complaints on the web, will drag out repeatedly, the same thing will happen again and again until I die, or get rid of it. $500.00 down the drain.

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    Reviewed Nov. 30, 2009

    I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater from Lowe's in April 2008 (Model #BFG1H404053NOV). Last Sunday, the pilot light went out. I followed the manual and did some troubleshooting, yet I was unsuccessful in fixing the problem. After playing with the heater all day, I was able keep the pilot light lit! Unfortunately, after heating the tank up, it went out again and I was unable to fix it this time.

    On Monday, I called Whirlpool and they told me the water heater had a 6 year warranty and since I didn't register the tank, they took care of at that time. The Whirlpool rep. asked if I could troubleshoot the problem and I explained I already had and was unable to fix the problem. Then she gave me RO # and the phone number for A&E Sears.

    According to Sears, the first tech would not be able to get to my home until Friday, yet she talked to her supervisor and I had an appointment for the next day (Sears was very helpful and understanding). Sears was at my house first thing in the next morning and replaced the gas valve / controller. According to the repairman, they have a design problem with this valve and he replaces 4 to 5 per day. This problem also affects other tanks since this part is used by other companies besides Whirlpool.

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    Reviewed Nov. 28, 2009

    I want someone to call me about all the problems I'm having with my Whirlpool hot water tank. This is my second water tank and this one is having the same problems as the first one. I'm having to replace parts on it every 6 to 8 months. I'm not sure why but the gas valve I have replaced about three times; the thermacoupler I have replaced about two times; the ignitor I have replaced two times. How many times do you have to replace something before they will do something about it? I even replaced the recall parts on it.

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    Reviewed Nov. 28, 2009

    I bought a Whirlpool hot water heater 2 years ago and it won’t stay lit. I went back to the store and said it had a recall and gave me a fix it kit. More junk. Then the hot water heater after two days of wasting my time still doesn’t work! What a peace of junk. This is my daughter’s home with two small kids and can’t afford to be going out and getting another one. What a piece of junk. After two days of wasting my time and about ten trips to Lowe’s plus calls to India, still nothing! What a joke. And they sell this garbage in the USA! Then, when you try to get the thing replaced they laugh at you for buying it in the first place. Never again will I or any one in my family will buy another Whirlpool!

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    Reviewed Nov. 27, 2009

    My water heater would not stay lit. I was told it was the thermocoupler. I called a repairmen to replace said part. He said Whirlpool has a left handed thermocoupler, everyone else has a right handed. I was told to call Lowe's as I could go down and pick up a recall kit. The first Lowe's I called had no clue to what I was talking about. The second Lowe's said call Whirlpool, get the correct number from them, no problem. I called Whirlpool. I was told that Lowe's does not carry this, it would have to be mailed to me. All this has happened during Thanksgiving week. No hot water now for over a week, bathing with a bucket and water boiled on the stove for a family of three is difficult. No hot water for laundry, dish washing, etc. I am now waiting for the part, out $92 bucks for the repairman to tell me he did not have the part. Very, very frustrating. I am waiting to see if my part arrives today. I have a feeling it will not. I was not given any tracking information to track delivery. I will greatly encourage anyone looking to buy a water heater, steer clear of Whirlpool. My heater is only 5 or 6 years old.

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    Reviewed Nov. 27, 2009

    I purchased a Whirlpool water heater. I have replaced controls three times and the whole unit once. It’s going bad again. I had to do the job myself each time. Lowe's is continuing to sell this junk unit.

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    Reviewed Nov. 27, 2009

    I purchased a 40-gallon Whirlpool water heater. The electronic control board went out after only working for 12 hours. I called Lowe's, and they couldn't help me. I had to call the 800 number from Whirlpool. I called and after getting transferred around, I spoke to someone. They were very nice and didn't hesitate to FedEx another control board. I installed the second control board (it arrived in a box unprotected from static and being tossed around inside the box.), and it was bad as well. This occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday as well.

    I now have called in again and complained enough that Whirlpool authorized a repair tech to come to take a look at it in 4 days! If they can't get this repaired, I will try to get Lowe's to take back the water heater; and I'll get another brand. I would not recommend a Whirlpool water heater to anyone. It is a piece of junk!

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    Reviewed Nov. 27, 2009

    I purchased two 40-gallon Whirlpool water heaters from Lowe's just over a year ago. One unit's pilot went out. I had to buy a new gas valve ($125.00). I replaced the item myself at no labor cost. I just found this information online. I wish I would have found this site prior to purchase.

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    Reviewed Nov. 25, 2009

    I purchased Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's. I had continued problems with pilot light going out. I replaced parts from Whirlpool four times and still having the same problems. Do not buy any Whirlpool water heater ever again from Lowe's. Inconvenience of constantly monitoring pilot light and with times no hot water for the a period of time. Frustrating and angry at both Whirlpool and Lowe's for continuing to sell the product.

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    Reviewed Nov. 20, 2009

    Similar to others on this rant. Whirlpool water heater purchased at Lowe’s (why do they still sell these things). Pilot would not stay lit. WH still under warranty. I called the warranty department. I was told to get conversion kit (free) at Lowe’s. Just ask for part A6910810. Personnel at Lowe’s looked at me like I was crazy. I called warranty department again and asked them to ship it - of course, at my expense. If you happen to also arrive at this point, please note - the installation directions are incorrect. When it comes to the pilot tube connection, the directions say to hand tighten the nut and ferrule to the controller. Then, run the pilot tube through "until tube bottoms out then tighten nut with wrench.”

    If the tube "bottoms out" and is not through the ferrule, tightening will crimp the ferrule, making it unusable. At this point, you will discover that it is an odd (metric) size that cannot be replaced. Instead, push the nut and ferrule over the tube. Insert the tube into the controller until it bottoms out. Then, slide the nut and ferrule up to the controller and tighten, being careful that the pilot tube stays pushed tightly into the controller (does not slip back), allowing ferrule to miss connection.

    I've been without hot water for five days now with a holiday coming. I've driven 50 miles, first trying to get the original part at Lowe’s and then another 30 trying to find the off-sized ferrule. At this point, my water heater still leaks gas. I can’t heat a tank of water (with risk) and then have to turn off the gas. Curses to Whirlpool and Lowe’s.

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    Reviewed Nov. 19, 2009

    I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater from Lowe’s last December. I had a lot of trouble with the pilot lite going out. I called Whirlpool and they told me the water heater had a 6-year warranty. The first year was with parts and labor. The next five years was just parts. One of the customer rep said that they were having trouble with that hot water heater, but Whirlpool would make it right.

    The whole time I have had it, the hot water heater has been repaired every two months. They have been coming out and fixing the same thing. I think they have because they won't tell you what’s wrong. They even tried to blame it on the installer. My renters have been out of hot water on weekend and holidays. That really is bad when you have family coming over and no hot water. I got sick of it so I went to Lowe’s at 10:00 one night and I wouldn't leave until something was done. At this time the one-year warranty is about up. Lowe’s called Whirlpool and got me an RA number to exchange the hot water heater.

    I got the new hot water heater home and installed it. It worked fine for about a month, guess what? That’s right, pilot light went out again. I called Whirlpool and they told us there is a little button on the side, and to push it and the pilot will light. We did. It will not stay on. They are taking cold showers again or hauling water from the stove again. Does anyone know how many trips it takes to get hot water from you stove to the tub? My renters said about eight and it still doesn’t give you a lot of hot water.

    Well, I bought an extended warranty from Lowe’s. When I got the new one they told me that I would never have to talk to Whirlpool again. Boy, how dumb am I. This time I call to get Lowe’s to fix it. You know what they told me? Call Whirlpool. Why? Because I have a one-year warranty because it is a brand new hot water heater. Whirlpool said, "No, the warranty is when you bought your last one," it ends in Dec. 10, 2009. Lowe’s said that they could not start covering it until next October because I have a new one and Whirlpool covers it for the first year parts and labor.

    I called Whirlpool back and they are mailing me the part. I asked them if they were going to send someone out to fix it. They told me that they would reimburse me up to $75.00 for someone to come and fix it. Yeah, right--like I know where to send the bill. The bill probably wouldn't get there until Dec.10 and the warranty would be over. Whirlpool also said when I took back the other water heater if I would have paid any more money to get the new one, then my warranty would have started all over again.

    I called Lowe’s and told them that Whirlpool would not send anyone out. Lowe’s is sending someone to put in the part but I know it’s not over yet. Lowe’s said that if anyone has to come out and fix it a lot, then I will have to contact Whirlpool and get them to give me another one. I just want my money back for the water heater. All Lowe’s carries is a Whirlpool brand. If anyone gets anything from this, please don't buy from Whirlpool and I'm starting to wonder about Lowe’s. See, you can’t bring it back to Lowe’s and get your money back--you have to talk to Whirlpool and they will never make it right or give you your money back. Does anyone know what I should do? Renters are not having hot water for weeks! I can not keep taking time from work to keep calling or trying to take care of this and it’s not doing any good.

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    Reviewed Nov. 17, 2009

    My whirlpool water heater wouldn't light. I smelled gas and called the gas company. A tech came out, fixed the gas leak and tried to restart the water heater. It wouldn't stay on. He said he thought the thermo couple was bad. I called the toll-free number because Lowe's and no one else had the part to fix it. This was Friday, November 13, 2009. Whirlpool said they would over night the part at no charge except a $20.00 fee for shipping. It was there the next day; a different person said that it was scheduled to ship and be here Monday 11-16-09 and I would not be charged shipping.

    It came and I installed it today, 11-17-09. It still wouldn't light. I called Whirlpool again and the man had me disconnect the igniter switch and press the button 15 to 20 times. No spark. He said I could pick the part up at any plumbing store or Lowe's, and if I mailed the receipt they would reimburse me since it is still under warranty. Well, no one here has the part. I called 12 different places. I called Whirlpool again. They are shipping me the part and it will arrive Thursday. I’m showering at the neighbors for 5 nights. I am going out tonight to buy a different water heater. The consequence is just total inconvenience and imposing on neighbors for a week to get a shower. Totally disgusted. Now, I have to buy a different water heater and pay for installation, around $600-$650, and this one is still under warranty.

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    Reviewed Nov. 17, 2009

    I just found out about the class action lawsuit for the Whirlpool hot water heater with the left hand thermocouple and I have had to wait 5 days to get this past repaired. The part came in today and we had to pay an additional $20 to have it rushed from Whirlpool. Whirlpool told the plumber that the part can be purchased at Lowe's, but every Lowe's that the plumber went to said they never have the part and it has been on back order for a while. This is a monopoly and an inconvenience to me who is already recuperating using a wheelchair. Then, I could not even take a hot shower and it cost me $350 for the repairs.

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    Reviewed Nov. 14, 2009

    I purchased a water heater from Lowe’s in 2004 and the pilot lights won't stay lit. The conversion kit I need is on back order. What can I do? Its model number is FG1H4040T3NOV.

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    Reviewed Nov. 13, 2009

    I bought our Whirlpool Hot Water Heater in 2008. Its pilot light will not stay lit. I replaced the part once, and 6 months later, it went out again. Why is Lowe’s not held responsible for something they knew was a problem and still continue to sell them? They should be forced to replace all of them with one of equal value.

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    Reviewed Nov. 12, 2009

    Hot water heater quit working on Sunday morning, November 9, 2009. I tried to relight it between 1:30 AM and 3:30 AM on Monday, November 10, 2009, so my wife could have a hot shower before going to work. I could not get it lit. I called the service number listed on the warranty paper and got someone in India named Ray. Ray told me a new thermocouple would be shipped out and I would receive it on Tuesday. I called again Tuesday afternoon when the part arrived to find it had not shipped. I talked to Ray's supervisor Peter to ensure the part would be sent. He said it would arrive today, Thursday, November 12, 2009. I went to Lowe’s where we bought it to ask for a new replacement. Salesman told us it was a kit and he had them on backorder. Our name was put on the list. Salesman also told us the manufacturer rushed to modify the water heaters because of a government mandate and that caused the product to be defective. The representatives at the Indian call center kept telling me to buy a universal thermocouple and put it in to fix the problems.

    When I called three local hardware and plumbing supply businesses, they all said this was a thermocouple with a left handed thread and wouldn't work nor could they get the part. My local hardware store said they had received a letter from American Standard saying these thermocouples were no longer available for them to stock. Four days without a shower or hot water. My wife is going to friends’ houses to shower and I will be doing that, too. How was the water heater purchased on October 7th, 2008 at Lowe's long after these products and the class action suit was settled? Lowe's is knowingly selling a defective product. After reading the reviews on this website, it seems to me I need to buy another water heater from someone other than Lowe's and a brand other than Whirlpool.

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    Reviewed Nov. 12, 2009

    My hot water heater, I’ve replaced its gas burner three times the last two years and have done without hot water for days. I will not buy any Whirlpool product again.

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    Reviewed Nov. 11, 2009

    Follow-up to 11-10 failure. I received an igniter via UPS and installed it. Support had me reset the thermal switch. Documentation on thermal switch reset is unclear. On 11-7, the support person said the button at the center does not move. Today, the support person said it moves slightly. On the discussion of 11-7 failure, we agreed that the malfunction could be dirt clogging orifice preventing gas flow. The door assembly was removed, burner and orifice cleaned. Door assembly was reinstalled, the pilot and main burner lit. I will monitor it.

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    Reviewed Nov. 11, 2009

    I purchased a 50 gallon Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's on 2/18/04. On 4/3/07, I purchased and paid to replace the gas valve. On 4/23/07, I replaced the thermocouple. On 12/24/08, I called the plumber because I couldn't get the water heater to restart. The plumber restarted the water heater. On 11/2/09, I called the plumber again to restart the water heater, but the plumber couldn't get it to stay on. I replaced hot water heater on 11/3/09. I was forced to replace a 5 year old water heater after having already replaced all main parts after only 3 years. Original cost of water heater that required repeated service calls and eventual replacement was $664, including Lowe's installation charge. Thermocouple and installation: $134, gas valve: $134 including installation. I submitted a claim to Whirlpool for reimbursement for cost of recalled thermocouple (case #**) so cost of thermocouple and gas valve already covered.

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    Reviewed Nov. 11, 2009

    I installed a BFG conversion kit on November 7, 2009, and a failure was encountered on November 10. I suspect it's the thermocouple. I could not light the pilot as the original igniter failed. I called Support (India) who will ship a new igniter. I requested for a thermocouple be shipped also.

    I had no hot water in the evening or November 11 (Holiday) or November 12 until after the parts are delivered and additional troubleshooting. I must disconnect the gas supply, pilot line, thermocouple line, and remove the door assembly including the burner. Then possibly remove the clip holding the thermocouple, replace the thermocouple and then re-assemble and re-install the door assembly and reconnect the supply lines.

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    Reviewed Nov. 10, 2009

    We purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater and the pilot light would not stay lit. After talking with a plumber and searching our town for the repair parts, we were told that it would be a week for the parts. We tried calling Whirlpool, only for constant hold times. I never spoke with anyone. We wised up and switched our water heater to electric.

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    Reviewed Nov. 9, 2009

    Add me to the list. I bought a Whirlpool 40-gallon water heater from Lowe's. It crapped out in 13 months. The plot light will not stay lit. There's zero help from Lowe's, zero help from Whirlpool. After reading all complaints in this website, I decided to cut my losses and purchase another tank... not from Lowe's, not a Whirlpool. Shame on Lowe's for selling this junk.

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    Reviewed Nov. 9, 2009

    We purchased our Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's in November 2000. A couple of years later, we had to replace the thermocouple. Because of the class action lawsuit with Whirlpool, we were reimbursed the $15 we spent. The device has gone bad again, but now we cannot get this part. The entire burner unit assembly needs to be replaced with a Kit Code A. We were told we could get this kit from Lowe's at no cost. I've called all the Lowe's locations in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Summit and Stark counties. Everyone is out and the part is on backorder. Each store is telling me something different, but most are saying the part has been backordered for about one month or longer. The stores told me to call Whirlpool directly, so I called Whirlpool.

    They told me I could have one shipped to me for $20 and have it in a couple of days. I don't understand why I can get it so quickly, but Lowe's is backordered for a month or longer and furthermore, why I have to pay to have it shipped? If Whirlpool knew this was a problem, based on the class action lawsuit and they were revising the burner unit, they should've sent notices or coupons for consumers to get this taken care of. Instead, I had no idea and had to wait for mine to go out again. We've now been without hot water for four days and will add to that until we can get the kit from Whirlpool. This is unacceptable as I had two children that require hot water for baths.

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    Reviewed Nov. 9, 2009

    In August 2008 we had a new Whirlpool water heater (model BFG1H5040T3N) purchased from Lowe's installed in a property owned in Atlanta. In October 2009 the pilot light went out. Our handyman relit it. A day later it went out again.

    Our handyman was unable to get it relit and told us we would probably need a new thermal coupler, after he checked that there were no other problems which might have caused the outage). He warned us that manufacturers would only sell the entire heating unit these days and told us to call Whirlpool. I did and was told I couldn't get any service without a serial number.

    We were not in Atlanta at the time so we called a plumber to go by. He said the serial number plate had been 'ripped off' - said unscrupulous installers may have done it. He contacted Whirlpool, but the representative wouldn't talk with him either without a serial number. He offered, at our expense and agreement, to buy two burners to see which one would fit. Whirlpool still refused to do anything without a serial number.

    We got a hold of the original paperwork - no serial number, just the model number. The plumber checked with Lowe's to see if they could help - they couldn't. The time lapse alone from the point at which we engaged the plumber until a new water heater was installed (ultimately our only recourse) was seven days. Needless to say, the tenants were not happy.

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    Reviewed Nov. 8, 2009

    I bought 40 gallon gas water heater in 2004. I had to replace thermocouple three times, which is time consuming as well as inconvenient. Yesterday, I installed BFG Conversion Kit. Installation instructions are general, incomplete and cover multiple models. I believe a class action lawsuit should be initiated to recover costs and inconvenience. I believe another failure is in my near future.

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    Reviewed Nov. 8, 2009

    I called about a Whirlpool water heater that quit working after 18 months that it is under warranty. I was given instructions to contact a repair center to fix the problem, but I would have to pay for the service call due to a manufacturing defect. The part is covered, (about $15.00) but the service will cost $90.00 plus to fix. Since Whirlpool is familiar with the problem, and continues to sell a defective product, why should I have to pay to fix (service call plus parts) for something that is under warranty for 6 years (tank and parts)?

    I have been without hot water for three days now. I have to find alternate places to shower, the dishes and clothes need to be washed. I had a medical emergency with a pet cat that needed an eye washed out due to oil getting into his eye, and there's no warm water to flush it out. Try holding a screaming, scratching cat's eye under water when it's cold. I have the scars to prove it. Whirlpool needs to pay the whole bill since they know of the problem and haven't recalled the product. They do not make full restitution to the consumers who purchased their product.

    Whirlpool is unwilling to admit their fault, and replace the defective product. They use their disclaimer that they cannot be liable for damages, injury, or death resulting from failure to comply to installation and operating instructions. As a consumer, I have never come across a company that is so unwilling to admit fault, and is so willing to pay for parts to fix a problem, yet unwilling to pay for the service to install them. I bought your product, now make me whole.

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    Reviewed Nov. 8, 2009

    We purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater model #BFG2F4040T3NOV a little over a year ago. Within the first few months, the pilot went out several times and we had a hard time getting it to stay lit. Finally we got it to stay lit, until 2 days ago. The pilot went out so we lit it and it stayed on and heated 1 tank of water and did not go back on. We had to keep relighting the pilot to have hot water.

    Last night we tried to light it and it will not stay on so we have no hot water. We looked at the manual that came with the hot water heater and while similar, it is not the same water heater parts. This was The worst time for this to happen. anytime is bad, a great inconvenience. My daughter just went through an operation. She's home for a couple of days and she needs to change dressing and clean the areas.

    There are also 2 little boys who need baths. Trying to heat hot water on the stove to do dishes or clean up is not fun. We went to Lowe's to see if we could get parts but they have limited parts for this model. We replaced the thermocouple, but it still won't stay lit. Apparently from what I have read here and experienced so far, We should just go and buy another water heater- not a Whirlpool.

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    Reviewed Nov. 8, 2009

    Our Whirlpool hot water tank model#SG1J5040T3NOV 50 gallon is only two years old and has stopped working; it has a 12-year warranty. We purchased it at Lowe’s and they had to call six other Lowe's stores to find one with a "repair kit for our model", which happened to be 55 minutes away, and now that we have "the kit" at home, it doesn't even fit our model anyway. The paperwork that came with the kit is three pages long, but no model number is printed on it to associate the part with the kit. We bought it at Lowe’s in good faith they only sell quality products. I guess the times have changed and so will our choice of where to shop next time. After reading the other experiences on this site, I will just head over to Home Depot and purchase a new one from them, and not a Whirlpool!

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    Reviewed Nov. 7, 2009

    My plumber is now installing the third water heater since Tuesday, Nov. 3rd! It is now Saturday, Nov. 7th! To say the least, I have been inconvenienced to no end. This has been expensive and time consuming. I have missed important medical appointments! Lowe's has been more than supportive and cooperative, but your product is obviously no good! Paying a plumber 3 times, returning to Lowe's, having to impose on neighbor to bathe, dirty dishes and odd and end supplies that have to be purchased each time a water heater is replaced. To say the least, this is ridiculous!

    I am 78 years old and on a fixed income. I absolutely cannot afford this! If anyone is contacted by an attorney, it will be you, by mine! I do expect some kind of restitution for all my time and trouble and inconvenience. Check with Lowe's of Asheville on Smokey Park Hwy.

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    Reviewed Nov. 3, 2009

    Second Whirlpool water heater in 4 years. This one is one year old and won’t stay lit. I have to deal with people in India on complaints. Sold by Lowe’s. I have to pay shipping on replacement parts. My daughter bought the same water heater and has had same problems. 3m water heaters with same defective problems. Model BFG 1F 5040T3 nov. Lowe’s store 82 miles away. I have returned 2 heaters for replacements, one defective again after working for one year.

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    Reviewed Nov. 2, 2009

    Our hot water heater is 3 years old. In the last 3 weeks, 3 different parts have failed. Getting repair on it is almost impossible. Whirlpool (India) says these parts aren't covered and they didn't manufacture it anyway. Most plumbers we called wouldn't touch it because it is a Whirlpool and they know it's junk. Lowe's says they would like to get out of their contract and not sell them because they are junk. So in the meantime, for the 2nd time in 2 weeks, we had lots of water in the basement and have to pay a premium to get someone to try to fix it. Don't buy Whirlpool.

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    Reviewed Oct. 30, 2009

    We got the Whirlpool water heater about three years ago, and I could just copy any of the many complaints I just read and my story is the same. I agree that Whirlpool should take responsibility for the bad product they put out on the market. Their name has certainly gone down the drain. Definitely, something has to be done.

    I have to pay $89.00 to have the part needed installed. This is something they should cover, plus they had me going to all the Lowe's around my area looking for the part with no success. Now, they are shipping the part, and I have to pay for that too (overnight delivery). The part will arrive tomorrow, Friday, but the repairman will not make it out here till Monday (fingers crossed). So far, 3 days without hot water; and the weather is getting very cold. I have little kids, much laundry, and showers.

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    Reviewed Oct. 29, 2009

    Well, on March 24, 2007, I had to call a plumber to install a water heater; the old one was leaking. The heater was installed, and on April 22,2009, I called Whirlpool to let them know that we had no hot water and no flame. They sent a new igniter, and it worked for 6 months. Then on October 27, out it went again; and we've been without hot water. I called, and they will send another igniter at no charge. I hope that is what the problem is; if not, it could be something else.

    I'm a little pissed off. And the problem is you can't find so many parts for water heaters online.

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    Reviewed Oct. 26, 2009

    I purchased a 40 gallon electric water heater from Lowe's one year and five months ago. It leaked water and caused damage to the floor, baseboards and wall. This was under parts warranty and so I exchanged it but labor to remove and replace unit was not covered. Now, I have damage to my house that needs repaired. I have taken pictures of this damage clearly showing the outline of the heater and damage from the water to the floor, baseboards and wall. I have the plumber's name and number that inspected the damage.

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    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