Whirlpool Water Heaters Reviews
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
About Whirlpool Water Heaters
This profile has not been claimed by the company. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review.
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.
- Responsive customer service
- Warranty coverage for parts
- Quick resolution of issues
- Frequent pilot light issues
- High repair costs
- Inconsistent product reliability
Protect What Matters Most
Get Home Warranty Plans & Pricing
Whirlpool Water Heaters Reviews
Filter by Rating
- (24)
- (7)
- (15)
- (40)
- (379)
Popular Mentions
- 4,914,226 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Recent
- Recent
- Oldest
- Most helpful
A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.
- 4,914,226 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Reviewed April 4, 2009
Our Whirlpool gas water heater suddenly will not keep on pilot. I had a plumber out who got the thing to light, but two hours after he left, the pilot went out. I could relight the pilot and heat up the water for less than 24 hours before it went out again. Then, as soon as I released the reset button when I tried to get the blasted thing working again, the pilot would go out before being able to turn the unit on. The plumber said that it if didn't continue to work, he could replace the electronics for $275, plus $85 to pick up the unit, which seemed absurd, to say the least.
After reading all of the complaints about having the electronics replaced more than once, I feel that I would be better off adding another $100 to the $360 that I would be charged to replace a defective part with another defective part and just purchase anything other than Whirlpool. As a matter of fact, I will never purchase any Whirlpool product again. As a single homeowner, I cannot afford to throw money away, which is what I feel I have done with a water heater that is a year old today (4 April 09).
Reviewed April 3, 2009
I purchased a 40-gallon water heater from Lowe's in 2008. Eleven months later, the pilot went out and would not light. When I went to Lowe's, they were rude and said that they would give me a part but I had to call the warranty department in Tennessee to request a piece of paper so that Lowe's can give me a part. I told them that I did not want a free part to put on a defective hot water system and demanded that they credit my Lowe's card. They would not do it. I had previously called the American Water Co. that makes this piece of junk in Tennessee and they wanted to charge me $30.00 to send me a part. After 11 months? I don't think so.
I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau against Lowe's and went to Home Depot to buy a G.E. water heater. I took it home, had it installed, and it works great. Hopefully, it will last longer than a year. Actually, G.E. from Home Depot had 9 pages of complaints here on this site. Whirlpool and Lowe's had 398 pages of complaints. I went with the lesser evil. You, guys, need to file with the BBB so that this will be on record against Lowe's. It's them who are continuing to sell this defective water heater. The store manager at Lowe's told me they had done three gas valve replacements that week when I went, which is not surprising. I will pay my Lowe's card, be out $300.00 and close my account. I will never shop at Lowe's ever again and never buy a Whirlpool appliance again. It's their loss, not mine. I guess they needed the $300.00 more than I did.
Reviewed April 3, 2009
Please add my name to the list for Whirlpool gas-fired water heater model BFG with the Flame Lock Safety System. My problem was the same as so many others on your website. The gas control valve failed to work after only 14 months of use. Whirlpool's action/performance to resolve this was abysmal. We were without hot water for a week, and would have been without even longer had it not been for their contractor taking pity on us and providing us with a replacement control valve until the Whirlpool back ordered valve finally showed up on March 25th, 2009 - two weeks after the problem was brought to their attention (March 12, 2009). To boot, Whirlpool never let us know (nor their contractor, Sears) that the part had been back ordered. We were both expecting to receive this on 3/16, then 3/17. What incredibly lousy customer service! Moreover, Whirlpool told us that the next time it fails, it's on us! From other complaints I have read on your website, we can more or less count on this. Shame on you, Whirlpool.
Reviewed April 3, 2009
We had a problem with the Whirlpool flame guard water heater. The pilot won’t light up. We got a replacement from Lowe's, but it still won't light. We called the plumber service, who determined that the replacement part was defective. We got a new one but during installation, the screw to mount the unit breaks off. We called Whirlpool and they told me to drill out the screw, which doesn't work. They are going to send new a piece which should arrive in 48 hours, so I'm looking at a minimum of 72 hours with no hot water. I asked Whirlpool to compensate with a hotel room so the family could shower, but they told me, "No way". I'm lucky they are waiving the shipping charge on the piece they are sending out.
Reviewed April 3, 2009
I purchased a new Whirlpool 50-gallon water heater and I couldn't even get through one shower without constantly adjusting the water to a warmer setting. As I can see, there are numerous complaints about Whirlpool water heaters purchased at Lowe's. I can't believe they still sell this brand.
Reviewed April 1, 2009
Pilot goes out, it won't light. I have replaced the thermocouple 3 times. The last time was 2 weeks ago. Now, it's out again. It is still under warranty. Evidently, that doesn't mean anything to Whirlpool. I am writing this for my mother. She is 87 years old and doesn't need this hassle. Either get out and fix it or bring out another one. If something isn't done and soon, this water heater will be sitting in front of her house with a huge sign explaining why it isn't in her house, working. Thank you.
Reviewed April 1, 2009
I purchased Model# EE3Z80AD055V from Lowe's in October 2008. This morning, I went to let the dogs outside, walked into the laundry room, turned on the light and the control board on the hot water heater is smoking! I turned the power off to unit from circuit breaker box and the top of plastic control box has melted and inside wires were fried.
Reviewed March 31, 2009
Reviewed March 31, 2009
Reviewed March 30, 2009
Reviewed March 29, 2009
Reviewed March 29, 2009
Reviewed March 28, 2009
Reviewed March 27, 2009
Reviewed March 25, 2009
Reviewed March 25, 2009
Reviewed March 25, 2009
Reviewed March 24, 2009
Reviewed March 24, 2009
Reviewed March 24, 2009
Reviewed March 23, 2009
Reviewed March 23, 2009
Reviewed March 22, 2009
Reviewed March 22, 2009
Reviewed March 21, 2009
Reviewed March 20, 2009
Reviewed March 17, 2009
Reviewed March 17, 2009
Reviewed March 17, 2009
Reviewed March 16, 2009
Reviewed March 15, 2009
Reviewed March 15, 2009
Reviewed March 15, 2009
Reviewed March 14, 2009
Reviewed March 14, 2009
Reviewed March 13, 2009
Reviewed March 13, 2009
Reviewed March 11, 2009
Reviewed March 11, 2009
Reviewed March 11, 2009
Reviewed March 10, 2009
Reviewed March 10, 2009
Reviewed March 10, 2009
Reviewed March 10, 2009
Reviewed March 9, 2009
Reviewed March 9, 2009
Reviewed March 9, 2009
Reviewed March 9, 2009
Reviewed March 9, 2009
Reviewed March 8, 2009
Reviewed March 7, 2009
Reviewed March 7, 2009
Reviewed March 7, 2009
Reviewed March 7, 2009
Reviewed March 6, 2009
Reviewed March 6, 2009
Reviewed March 6, 2009
Reviewed March 6, 2009
Reviewed March 5, 2009
Reviewed March 5, 2009
Reviewed March 5, 2009
I purchased a 50 Gal. Flame Lock water heater from Lowe's about 9 months ago. The flame will not stay lit. I called Whirlpool and spoke with some guy in India who took all my information. He told me that I would need to call the repairman and gave me the 800 number which happens to be the Sears repair dept. He went on to say that the part would be sent to me and the repairman would come and install it at no charge. I just got a call from the repairman dept. and the female voice on the phone informed me that the repairman could not make it out for 4 days. I told her that I would make the repair myself and ask her if she could go without hot water for 5 days.
Then I found this website and am offering my complaint along with everyone else. May be someone needs to make a U-tube Video of a disgruntled purchaser of the Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater blowing it up - demolishing it - or just throwing it in the dump -- SOMETHING that will cause Whirlpool to feel our pain and do something to improve their product. My last water heater lasted 15 years and was still working when I replaced it. I was beginning to get concerned that it would go out and did not want to have to replace it in the middle of winter. So much for that thought. It is the middle of winter now.
Reviewed March 5, 2009
Reviewed March 3, 2009
Reviewed March 3, 2009
Reviewed March 3, 2009
Reviewed March 3, 2009
Reviewed March 3, 2009
Reviewed March 3, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 22, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 21, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2009
year warranty. Have children with no hot water, have to wait for replacement part from Whirlpool then have to call Public Service and Gas co. to try and fix problem. Then months later the same thing happens. Whirlpool should replace the heater or give back the purchase price for water heater. We paid for a product that doesn't work as stated. They should have stated water heater has problem with pilot light going off. Then I could have made the choice to have this inconvenience. Whirlpool tells you they know about the defects. Well FIX the problem so it doesn't keep happening.
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2009
year warranty. Have children with no hot water, have to wait for replacement part from Whirlpool then have to call Public Service and Gas co. to try and fix problem. Then months later the same thing happens. Whirlpool should replace the heater or give back the purchase price for water heater. We paid for a product that doesn't work as stated. They should have stated water heater has problem with pilot light going off. Then I could have made the choice to have this inconvenience. Whirlpool tells you they know about the defects. Well FIX the problem so it doesn't keep happening.
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 18, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 17, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 10, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 6, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 4, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 4, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2009
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 31, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 30, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 29, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 28, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 23, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 22, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 19, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 19, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 17, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 17, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 14, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 14, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 14, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 12, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 10, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2009
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2009
We purchased a new Whirlpool Water Heater with Flame Lock on April 2, 2008. On December 28, 2008 it stopped working. The pilot light went out and would not stay lit. After 4 days and no hot water, Whirlpool sent another Flame Lock Kit at our shipping expense. It was installed by a certified plumber. ONE HOUR later, it went out and would not restart. I called Whirlpool back and they can send another part. 9 days without hot water!
Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor receives complaints for all brand names and from all USA states at their headquarters in Michigan. Based on BBB review with Whirlpool in 2007, the number of complaints represents an extremely small percentage based on unit volumes throughout the USA. The BBB of Western Michigan has no concerns regarding the number of complaints processed in relationship to the total USA units sold by Whirlpool. CONTACT THE BBB AND COMPLAIN, PLEASE!
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2009
This is NOT an actual complaint. It is some insight! I could not get the pilot light to stay lit. I went to Lowe's to get a new thermocouple. It was the wrong thread. After taking it apart and figuring it out, I went online and found this website www.flamelocksupport.com. I just ordered a new manifold assembly for $8.00 shipping parts free!
Reviewed Jan. 7, 2009
I had purchased a Whirlpool water heater for our home (model number BFG1F4034T3NOV). In the middle of December, the pilot light went out. We had to relight the pilot light every time we needed hot water. It constantly goes out. Our technician has replaced 3 parts on this and may I remind you, I bought it in April of 2008. I have been trying to light the pilot light all day today. So far I have had no luck in getting it to stay lit. I am beyond frustrated and have 2 small children. This is a huge mess and inconvenient to me and my family. Never will we buy anything with the label of Whirlpool again.
Reviewed Jan. 7, 2009
My 10-month old Whirlpool LPG water heater model: BFG1F4040S3PV went out. After dealing with them for six days, three different parts, and three plumber service charges, I finally went and purchased a different heater so I could have hot water. They will not even talk to me about reimbursing me for the original purchase price.To have hot water in my house, it has cost me $388.43 for the original, $250 for service and installation, and $463.00 for a new water heater. That is a total of $1,101.43.
Reviewed Jan. 6, 2009
In 8/16/04 I purchased a Whirlpool gas water heater with flame lock safety system (model FG1H4040T3NOV, serial 0430101786). Since purchasing this unit, I have had to replace the thermocouple 4 times (10/4/05 - $182.00, 2/28/06 - $133.00, 8/23/06 - $85.00, 7/08 - friend installed). Each time I called the Whirlpool 800 number, what a runaround. The third coupler failure (8/23/06), Whirlpool sent out a Filter Guard kit (basically a plastic screen that encircles the base of the water heater. This is to keep the accumulation of dust down). I am also told to clean the flame trap every three months. Not easy to do. Doesn't seem to matter because coupler still fails.
Had a plumber out again (12/31/08-$168.00) because the heater won't stay on. It's not the thermocouple it's fine. He gets it running again and that evening it went out again. I started it again and it stayed on for another day then out. I started again and it stayed on for two days and out. I started again and so far it's on. I have had nothing but heartache with this unit. When you invest in something this large, you expect once it's installed, you don't have to worry about it for quite a while. But nope, about every year there is something. A quality product wouldn't have these issues.
Quality and customer support/service is very hard to find for water heaters. I want to purchase another unit and kick this one to the curb, but will do lots of research before I purchase it.
Reviewed Jan. 6, 2009
I purchased a Whirlpool BFG 30-gal natural gas water heater in May 2008. It's Jan. 5, 2009 and there is no hot water. The pilot light won't stay lit. I went to Lowe's and got the manifold kit. It didn't work. I called Whirlpool and did their troubleshooting tips. Still, the pilot light won't stay lit. I'm going to hound them but I think I will go elsewhere, Home Depot maybe... This Whirlpool water heater is junk.
Reviewed Jan. 6, 2009
Our Whirlpool, model #FG1F034T3NOV, started having problems on the weekend of January 3 and 4th, 2009. We called Lowe's to report this problem and were told to call Whirlpool at 1-877-817-6750 to report the problem. We called and spoke with a woman from INDIA with a strong accent who must have thought she had a crystal ball. She immediately told us what is wrong with the unit, before hearing what is happening. She said she will mail out a part. WE HAD NOT FOUND THIS WEBSITE BEFOREHAND AND WERE UNAWARE THAT THERE WAS SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS UNIT. We were told to call Sears at 1-800-676-5589, which we did, and we were told that they could work us in for repairs in approx 6 days.
After explaining that wasn't acceptable, we were told that they would try to get on in 3 days. We left for a doctor's appt feeling there wasn't a thing we could do but nurse the unit until they were able to send a repairman. When we returned home from the doctor, we found the unit is DEAD. We called Whirlpool again, hearing somewhere that if you press the Spanish Speaking Only button, you get an American to speak with, so we did. They lady was very compassionate, caring and said (before I could) that it was not acceptable. She explained that there was no reason to repair this unit as it was clearly dead. She immediately authorized us to get a replacement and authorized re-installation at their cost. Sounds good so far. She said to call Lowe's and tell them of this new turn of events and give them the new number showing that the unit was to be replaced and reinstalled at Whirlpool's cost.
Of course, there is a cold front that just blew in and it is freezing outside. Lowe's said they would do all they can. Later, they called back to say there was no plumber available until later in the week. I called back to Whirlpool and was told that I should take the unit back to Lowe's and pick up the new unit and I could find my own plumber to install it and that Whirlpool would reimburse me up to $150. Yeah, and I have the winning lottery numbers too. My husband uninstalled the unit and we drove it back to Lowe's. Then we found that we were not supposed to uninstall as it could void the warranty. Then we heard that if we don't have a licensed plumber that they call reinstall it, we have voided the warranty. My husband is on his way back to Lowe's as there is a needed part that is missing.
While he was gone, I was trying to find the website for American Water Heaters so we can file a complaint and I found this site. I have spent the last 12 hours FRUSTRATED, INFURIATED AND DO RIGHT PISSED OFF. We heard how bad our economy is. BRING THE DAMN CUSTOMER SERVICE JOBS BACK FROM INDIA. Put Americans back to work making products that have the pride and workmanship to last longer than the warranty. I would like to propose that a list be compiled and published showing every company who has outsourced to other countries and then let Americans be aware of them when making a decision as to what company to purchase from. That would give us back the power to stop this crap and to save lots of days of frustration and high blood pressure. Not to mention the hundreds and thousands of dollars that we are all wasting on repairs, replacements and such.
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2009
I have a Whirlpool model FG water heater. The pilot wouldn't stay lit last May of 2008. Plumber cost me $365.00. It stayed running until Jan 1, 2009. Plumber came out Jan. 2 and has to order retro part? He should be back today, Jan. 5, 2009. I'm guessing it will cost the same as last time, or more than a new appliance. I ran a search engine after the plumber told me of problems and was astonished. I won't shop at Lowe's, buy Whirlpool or Kenmore appliances or shop at Sears. How can you continue to sell something that you know does not work?
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2009
Whirlpool water heater failed on 1/1/09, less than a year after being installed. It will not relight, so I replaced the thermocouple as advised by Whirlpool. Worked one day and no hot water again. Now they say I need a gas control valve, which I am waiting for. Lowe's and Whirlpool should be ashamed for selling a known faulty water heater, which I have found out has been giving problems for at least 6 years now. No hot water in the middle of winter for the last 5 days waiting for a replacement part from Whirlpool.
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2009
I purchased my Whirlpool Gas Heater from Lowe's for $300.00 with installation cost of $150.00 in March of 2008. New Year's Day - KAPUT! Pilot light would not stay lit thus I'm having a new water heater (any unit other than Whirlpool associated) installed this week for additional cost of $550.00 including installation. CLASS ACTION? - YES! I blame Lowe's Home Improvement (not responsible they say) as well as Whirlpool for not informing and ignoring their responsibility to their now former consumers!
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2009
Our plumber purchased and installed a 40 Gallon Gas Whirlpool Water Heater mid-2007. Right after Christmas, the pilot light started going out. I would relight it and relight it and finally, on 01/02/2008, it went out and I could not get it relit. I called Whirlpool and got nowhere. The serial number on my heater is not visible (sticker partially scraped off from installation), so they won't even deal with me on any level! I'm having our plumber try to fix as we speak, but I will be out money on this. Consequences: multiple days without hot water for my family of 6! This is crazy, Whirlpool/Lowe's needs to address this issue.
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2009
Whirlpool water heater has left hand threads on the thermocouple that just went out. I went to 10 stores and plumbing supplies and no one has this part. Why would they make something that has a part you can't buy? My family has had no hot water for three days and I have wasted two days looking for something that doesn't exist. The water heater is 2-3 years old.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2009
My Whirlpool 50 gallon, 9-year warranty, hot water tank stopped working. The pilot would not stay lit. The heater was purchased from Lowe's on 4-14-04 and is the flame lock type that I see everyone is having problems with. Because it is Sunday and Whirlpool customer service is closed, I went to Lowe's to get a replacement thermocouple, which ended up not being the left hand thread that was needed. While looking for the correct part online, I came across this site. After reading dozens of complaints, it looks like I have more problems than I figured on. I guess the warranty paper can be used to light the pilot on the new non-Whirlpool hot water tank. Just kidding. I will try the replacement parts first.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2009
In early 2007, I purchased Whirlpool Flame Lock Water Heater from Lowe's. It's the Model sg1j4040t3nov, product #: 0733020. It was installed successfully, worked for a year (just past warranty) and then in Aug. 2008, the upper and lower sensor failed. After several calls to Whirlpool call center failed to result in solution, I tracked down mfg. American Water Heater. I received replacement part via American Water Heater. I installed the part. It worked okay for a month. During this time, the pilot went out. Now it has lower sensor failure again. In the process of tracking down information on this heater, I learned of the many complaints about this item. I believe this item to be a lemon.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2009
We bought a Whirlpool water heater less than 1 year ago. The pilot light will not stay lit. We contacted the helpline provided on the water heater and they told us we needed to replace the control valve, which we did. They are supposed to reimburse us the cost. The pilot light still would not ignite; we contacted the helpline again and were told we needed a thermocouple replaced. We are having a technician come out but the earliest they could come would be in two days. We asked about the warranty and were told the only one that could make the decision to use the warranty is the technician if the appliance is not repairable. After replacing two parts on a fairly new product, I just want my money back so that I can purchase a different water heater.
I have been looking on the internet and saw that there are numerous complaints about the same product with the same problems. Is there any way we could all file a class action suit to make them honor their warranty? Lowe's just told us to contact Whirlpool so they were zero help. I would think they would want to sell quality products so as not to tarnish their reputation, but I guess they aren't concerned with anything after they get our money.
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2009
On 01/02/08 the water heater went out. The pilot was out. I re-lit the pilot light and it cycled to heat. The pilot light went out again! Did some research and saw this website. Thank you for being here. I found it very informing and very interesting. So after disassembling two times, I found my problem. It was the thermocouple. I disassembled one time. I used a piece of emery cloth, cleaned the thermocouple, reassembled and it fired up. It has been working all night. I know it might not work for all, but it did for me. P.S. My water heater is new (04/07/08). Almost made it 7 months.
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2009
I am on my 3rd thermocouple on my top of the line Whirlpool 50 gallon water heater. It is Saturday and there is not anyone at Whirlpool that cares about this available. I went to Lowe’s to buy another one and found out the Whirlpool vendor pulled everyone off the shelves. Now, I not only have a defective hot water heater, but I have no way to get parts to repair it. A generic thermocouple will not work with this unit. I cannot believe that such a clear cut case of "poor design, terrible customer service, and don't care attitude" from a large corporation like WHIRLPOOL has not received more attention! Posting on a message board is great, but there will not make any difference. I wasted my money on this product and even Whirlpool doesn't acknowledge hot water heaters on their own website.
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2009
I purchased a hot water heater, Whirlpool Model FG1F4034T3N08. This water heater has failed three or four times now and has cost me plumber repair fees and also some parts cost each time. I estimate that I have paid at least as much in repairs as the water heater cost in the first place. A class action suit should be started against both Whirlpool and Lowe's. These heaters have severe faults which should have caused the product to be recalled. Hundreds, if not thousands of people, have registered the same problems on the internet. When is someone going to take the necessary action to fill a class action lawsuit on this?
Whirlpool should be required to recall this defective product and reimburse all repair and/or shipping costs to the customers involved. Lowe's should share the costs of reimbursement as they continued to sell this lemon after it became apparent that it was no good. My heater had several thermocouple problems and one control valve failure. Each occurrence caused us to have no hot water for extended periods and of course the repair costs I already mentioned. If a class action suit is filed, I want to be part of it. Such a suit should be widely publicized.
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2009
I had a Whirlpool water heater installed on May 31, 2008 by contractors of Lowe's Home Center. On December 30, I contacted Lowe's stating that I did not have any hot water. The person advised me to contact Whirlpool who will walk me through the steps of re-lighting the pilot light. Meanwhile, a service technician for my furnace came. He showed me how to light the pilot but it would not stay on. I called Lowe's again and the person requested my model number. She requested me to come to the store and pick up a kit that Whirlpool had distributed and this would resolve the problem. I refused and requested Lowe's to send the installer out with the kit. I had to contact Lowe's twice again before hearing from the installer that he could not service me before January 5. This was unacceptable so I called Lowe's headquarter. Christina at the customer care desk informed me that my problem was not a Lowe's problem and provided me a number for American Water Heater which was Whirlpool. The recording spoke of purchasing the kit.
I contacted Lowe's again and advised that I wanted the water heater removed and/or replaced. Lowe's tells me that they knew about this issue back in the summer when they began receiving complaints. Meanwhile, they advised that they would replace my current water heater and that Whirlpool had finally corrected the issue. I am currently waiting on the installer and hopefully this will work. I told the gentleman at Lowe’s that they performed a disservice to me and others who have purchased these water heaters. Something should have been forwarded to the customers advising of the potential problem either from Lowe's or Whirlpool. After speaking to my sister, I learned that this was a problem as far back as 2004. My sister had purchased a Kenmore water heater with the same problem. (Whirlpool makes Kenmore.) I will not recommend Lowe's to anyone for purchasing of household appliances and will not recommend Whirlpool either.
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2009
I bought a Whirlpool hot water heater 17 months ago and it quit on me. After hours spent talking to someone in INDIA, a part (which was wrong) was sent to me. I paid $15 for overnight shipping and $47.50 to a plumber to fix the heater. He said I didn't need that part, but a different one. This happened last week. I have a medically fragile child and need hot water to keep him and the house clean! I am thoroughly disgusted! I paid $715.91 to Lowes for the water heater and installation. Thank you.
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2009
I bought a Whirlpool 50 gallon water heater with flame lock less than 7 months ago. Over the past few weeks, the water seemed to be getting colder and colder, until the pilot light just would not stay on. I thought it was an isolated incident, however, it continued. I searched the internet and found this site. I originally was freaked out about the horror stories I was reading. But I e-mailed Whirlpool at their site, www.whirlpoolwaterheatersupport.com, and clicked on the Talk to Us section. Lo and behold, a recognized problem.
I e-mailed them with my phone number (you have to enter your phone number just right or it will not accept it, use parentheses and dashes). Within 2 hours, I got a phone call from Whirlpool. I described the problem and he said okay. No questions, no explanations, no needed information. The part is being shipped out the same day. Although according to the stories I have read, this might not be enough. I will continue my battle with Whirlpool (if indeed it does not help, for the 6-year warranty time period) and I will carry it on to Lowe's.
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2009
A few days ago, my pilot light on my Flame Lock Whir pool water heater started going out. I relit it and about 5 minutes later, the pilot light and the burn flame went out at the same time. So, I tried to relight the pilot, but when I would release the red button, the flame would go out. I then went to the Whirlpool website to get additional troubleshooting instructions. By following these instructions, the problem seemed to be the BFG Gas Thermostat or the Thermocouple. So, I replaced each of them and the pilot still doesn't stay lit. The website should have informed its customers of this problem. I've been working on this for two days and spent 65 dollars of my money attempting to repair it.
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2009
I purchased a Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater 2.5 years ago. The pilot light went out on New Year's Day (how convenient!). I tried several times to relight it and finally deducted it was the thermocouple. I read the complaints on this website and became very suspicious. I went to Lowe's to get a new thermocouple as this is where I purchased it. I told the clerk about my issue and the other complaints. She gave me a new manifold kit. Fortunately, I was able to install it and had hot water last night. I am cautiously skeptical though. Stay tuned...
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2009
Pilot light won't stay lit. It's under warranty. Lowe's (seller) doesn't have the upgrade kit in stock, but hopes to have it in a week. I can order the kit from Whirlpool but they want $30 for shipping and then I have to have a plumber install it. I understand the new kit won't be ignitor start anymore. The local plumber (contractor for Lowe's) says I should get a whole new valve and thermocouple, but the Whirlpool phone rep says, "No, you only need the thermocouple kit." Lowe's only sells Whirlpool brand water heaters. The replacement will be $348 plus $250 installation. The Lowe's salesman is trying to find some kits at another store, but it may be a WEEK or more, and they have a backlog of requests already - 14 in the last two weeks at just one Lowe's here.
Count me in on any class action lawsuit. This is ridiculous. A reputable company would have notified people of this problem and worked aggressively to fix the problem before it occurred. Whirlpool is obviously trying to hide and minimize their costs on an obvious product defect and probably a safety defect on gas water heaters. I can see big time lawsuits if anyone gets injured or killed from a Whirlpool water heater exploding, from whatever reason, now that this list of complaints is so long (154 pages per my printer).
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2009
I purchased a Whirlpool water heater from Lowe's on 6/12/04. Model # FG1H4040T3NOV With the Flame Lock safety system. I thought that if I purchased a name brand like Whirlpool, from a reputable company like Lowe's that it would last for at least 10 yrs. Boy was I wrong. 4 yrs & 6 mo. later, the pilot light goes out and won't light.
I decided to check the internet to see if anyone else had this problem. Much to my surprise, I see not just a few but hundreds of complaints about the same problem. I would think that if a huge company like Whirlpool cared about their name or their company, they would have recalled this piece of garbage they made and repaid their customers for their losses.
Now I don't know about everyone else but I can't afford to wait and see what Whirlpool will do to fix this problem, and have no hot water for god knows how long. But I will say this, I will never buy another large appliance from Lowe's because they don't seem to care. They continue to sell Whirlpool water heaters, nor will I ever buy another Whirlpool product in my lifetime. If they don't care about their customers, then I certainly don't care about them. I hope the CEO of Whirlpool reads these complaints. Then they won't wonder why they go out of business when nobody else buys their products either.
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2009
Our 1 1/2 year old water heater quit working last week, and I called Whirlpool about it, and found others have had the same issue, and even a lawsuit had been filed previously. They sent me a replacement part but I'm still having the issue. Pilot light won't stay lit!! I've relit the pilot on occasions, just long enough to get hot water, and then it shuts off again. This is not only a hardship on our family, over the holidays, but also a safety issue. I need to hire an expert in this field now, and feel Whirlpool should pay for this.
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2009
Our landlord replaced an old water heater in April of ‘08 with a Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater. It worked well until 12/27/08 when the pilot light went out and we could not get it started again. Called the landlord and he sent out his repair man. He checked everything out and stated that the Thermocouple had gone out. He replaced it, started the pilot and left. He was gone only for about an hour. I went out to check the water heater and the pilot had gone out again. I tried to restart it and it would not stay lit after letting go of the restart button.
I called the repair man and he went to Lowe’s and got another thermocouple and replaced it again. He started it up, left and again I went out to check the pilot. It had again gone out. I was able to start it this time and check periodically to make sure it stayed lit. When I went to bed, it was still lighted and so I thought it was fixed. Guess what, the next morning when I got up, the pilot was out and I could not get it to restart! I have called and left a message for the landlord. I believe he should get his money back on this water heater as I have been looking online and have found nothing but complaints on this product.
My family has spent nearly a week without hot water. This means that just to do dishes, we have to heat the water up on the stove. And taking a bath requires that we heat water up and take spit baths. I have 5 adults and 3 small children in our home and this is a nightmare. I am hoping that the owner just replaces this defective device with something that works like it suppose to.
Reviewed Jan. 1, 2009
I purchased a 40 gallon Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater from Lowe's in November 2003. Since then I have replaced the thermocouple 12 times and the gas valve 2 times. The parts used to be available from Lowe's, but now I have been told by Lowe's that the parts have to be obtained from Whirlpool. Again, I have no hot water and I have to wait for Whirlpool to ship the part to me. I have to pay for the shipping. How Lowe's can continue to sell an item that has as many problems as this water heater has is beyond me.
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2008
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2008
Reviewed Dec. 30, 2008
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