Whirlpool has been an absolute nightmare from day 1. We bought a brand new 50-gallon water heater from Lowes. It did not work. We went back to Lowes and were told to contact whirlpool. We contacted Whirlpool and were told to conduct a number of test and all test passed, so they said we needed a plumber to come look at it. Remind you that this water heater is brand new and has not worked since day 1. They said the plumber would cost $130 and they would pay for parts. Why am I having to pay when my water heater has never worked. Paid the money. Had them come. They replaced a part, did not work, replaced another and it did not work, so the plumber requested a new water heater. Whirlpool refused. What is the point of paying and they are not going to fix it.Whirlpool insisted it was our ventilation even though all test proved that was not the problem. So out of pocket again to fix the ventilation and it did not work. After 2 months of no hot water with a two-year old at home we had someone we know come look at it and fixed the main pipe. Whirlpool took my money and didnt fix my problem. HORRIBLE SERVICE.

I have the model FG1H5040T3NOV water heater and had found this message board. I called the number posted by Chris with American Water Heater and provided them with my serial number. They shipped me the replacement assembly next day and after about an hour, I had it installed and working again. Im not too happy with the fact that it failed, but it does appear they have their act together in getting the replacement parts distributed.Based on the discussion with the person on the phone, my only real gripe is this: the cause of the component failure was potentially caused by a dirty-flame trap that supposedly needs to be cleaned regularly. Since the trap is underneath the water heater and is in no way really accessible, relying on people to see the fine print in the manual (which hardly anyone reads) isnt sufficient. At an absolute minimum, a very clear and apparent sticker should be included on all water heaters indicating this needs to be cleaned and a clear description of how to clean it properly to prevent this sort of unnecessary headache in the future.

I replaced a 15 -year-old propane water heater with an electric on 02/01/14, due to the high propane prices, $6 a gallon, and because I felt the heater should be replaced. After installing the electric water heater I filled with water purged all the air out, powered it up, went thru diagnostics and heated water to 120. After an hour I turned on the hot water at the kitchen faucet, hot water was there but not for long, water got cold,.I troubleshot the problem back to the anti-scald valve installed 15 years ago when I had a professional install the first tank. By placing my hand on the hot water line coming out of the tank, I found the water was indeed hot before the anti-scald valve, after the valve the water was cold indicating to me the valve was not functioning properly. I went to Lowes bought the parts to bypass and removed the valve, went home and in another hour had the problem solved! I wondered why I had to turn the temp upon the old heater to get hot water! I am very happy with my electric water heater, not only did Lowes have the last one in stock, it was on sale $100 off regular price, it is a digital controller type with water temperature setting on the front. I checked the temp at the water faucet in the kitchen. I had it set to 120, the water temp out was 119.8 on my digital thermometer. Water was too hot so I lowered it to 110, perfect temp for a hot shower. Even if the thing uses more electric than it should I still save because the fact of propane is so high I couldnt see spending $600 for 28 days of propane, versus $400 on a new electric water heater. I would rather pay a higher electric bill than feel I am getting ripped off with the propane dealers! Also there is absolutely no residual heat loss. This is well insulated even comes with pipe insulation!

Whirlpool water heaters are a disgrace!!!! I have never been so dissatisfied in my life with a product. I bought this water heater 11/2017. Three months later, it was not working. Whirlpool sent an igniter and I had a technician to put it on. This was a short fix because it broke down 2 weeks later. I called customer service and of course they gave me the runaround. I will never ever buy another Whirlpool product. This company is the worst.

I bought a 40 gal. Whirlpool water heater from Lowes. It was just outside the 6-year warranty when the pilot light went out and wont relight. I called Whirlpool. They are about as worthless as box of rocks. They refuse to replace the thermocoupling free of charge or at least no shipping charge, when they know in fact there is a problem. It was because no class action lawsuit was filed. Its too bad for the customers. I wished they would have just said: “lady, please take your business somewhere else.” It would have made things easier. Or, better yet, they should just put a sign on their water heaters in the store stating: “If you have problems with our product, sorry about your luck. ** you and have a nice day.”

I bought a 40 gallon Whirlpool water heater product no. 0733336 and it completely broke down after one year and three months. No pilot light even. I called the number on the unit and was informed that only the cost of replacement parts would be covered by warranty. I still have to pay someone 60.00 an hour to come out and fix it. Never again will I buy a Whirlpool product.

We purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater approximately 4-5 years ago and have had problems with the pilot staying lit. I contacted Whirlpool and their trouble shooting included doing a draft test (I am a teacher not a plumber) and removing the closet door that houses the unit. I am very frustrated by this entire ordeal and would like if they would replace the entire unit. At this point I dont want another Whirlpool product. The plumber made a service call at 12 noon and by 3:30 we had luke warm water and by 6:00 pm the water was ice cold! I will never recommend any Whirlpool products.

Some years ago I bought a whirlpool water heater from Lowes and the thermocouple went out. No big deal, so I thought. I went to Lowes, picked up a new one and tried to replace it. It wouldnt thread even though the package stated it was for my model. I went back to Lowes and they gave me another one, same problem. So I called Whirlpool, they said it was a left handed thread and they discontinued it, but they could send me a conversion kit at my cost. So at that point I was 2 wks out so I paid for the kit. I received the same thing I bought from Lowes. I was so frustrated I ripped the thing out and got a new one. That was 2 yrs ago and now I am having the same problem. I called whirlpool and they want me to pay for the replacement part. Mind you, the heater has a 6-yr warranty. I went to Lowes and they wont replace it. They sell items that they dont stand behind. I will never buy another whirlpool item and I will never shop at Lowes again.

Purchased 9/23/2013 on 5/20/2014 no hot water. Called Whirlpool, unit has a 6 yr warranty. Brian advised me no one close to our area to service. He told me to contact a local plumber, they would pay for parts and $75.00 in labor. I attempted a couple of calls and could not find a plumber that was willing to come out and let us pay just the difference, after parts and $75.00 in labor and them bill Whirlpool for the remainder. They wanted between $225.00 and $300.00 plus parts. Lowes where we purchased the water heater told me to call Whirlpool back and get an RA# and they would be happy to exchange the water heater. I called Whirlpool and they (Leigh) refused but did say they would pay 200.00 in labor plus the cost of parts. The unit was only $231.23, but they would rather pay upwards of $300.00 than just let us get a new one. I asked Leigh if this made sense to her, she said it did. I guess Im just ignorant because it doesnt make sense to me. Whirlpool COULD NOT even find a plumber that would come out to our small town to do repairs under their OUTSTANDING WARRANTY. I have laughed at these people and cried over this whole situation. I can honestly say I will NEVER buy another Whirlpool product and will let everyone I know and even some I dont know (lol) how horrible this experience has been.

The heater was bought in March of this yr, 2013! Already, it quit working! Error message... we got the replacement part after much hassle! It was replaced and still doesnt work! Its going on day 11! I am furious! The unit needs to be replaced and I get, Well, you have to pay for labor, etc. You have got to be kidding me! It has been in my house for 3 months! I will call the media, our local guy who investigates, if this is not replaced asap! I already know I will never buy anything Whirlpool and will tell everyone on my media not to either!

Just like a lot of other people, I bought a Whirlpool hot water tank because of the good name. And just like the other people, my tanks pilot light will not stay on, it will be on for a few days and then you get up and no hot water.

Purchased first water heater in 2008 with 6 year warranty. In 2011, pilot light would not stay lit. Whirlpool told me to go to Lowes and get a new one at no cost. But I had to pay for service to identify the problem and installation of new one, costing $250.00. A year and a half later on a six year warranty, the same issue the pilot light not staying lit. They send a pilot light assembly and we pay the shipping and installation cost of $130.00.Two years later, the same issue begins again. Calling tech support, they determine it needs a third pilot assembly at $30.00 for shipping and $265.00 service installation fee by a certified Whirlpool technician. Worked one day! Im so done with this company!!!! I was promised a call from a supervisor with Whirlpool which Im still waiting on days later. Probably for the best at this point. I think I would feel better if I could beat the crap out of a Whirlpool CEO with it! Im cutting my losses and going with a different provider. I will NEVER again purchase another Whirlpool product!

So, I have a house full of relatives from out of town staying over and as luck would have it, my Whirlpool water heater (model # BFG1F4033T3NOV) which I had installed 15 months ago, decided to stop working. The pilot light went out and would not stay lit no matter how long I held the red restart button. I called Whirlpool customer service and was informed straight away that their computer system was down and they wouldnt be able to order parts if I needed them (great start right?). I explained to the woman on the phone what my issue was and also told her that after searching online, Ive found that this is a common failure with these hot water heaters that Lowes sells where the thermal couple is defective and needs to be replaced. She began to inform me that before any parts was ordered (which she couldnt do because the computers were down), I would have to clean the vent openings on the bottom of the HW heater. No big deal. Then, Id have to have my gas line pressure verified by my gas company (what?). If both were found to be fine, Id have to confirm that my flue is at least three feet above my roof line before they would send me parts to repair my unit. This is about where I lost my mind.I run the RMA/Customer service department in my company and if anyone has issues with our products, we ship first and ask questions later. How can a company with known defective products give their customers the runaround and basically tell them that they are screwed until they can take off time from work for a gas co. to come to their home and will also have to have flue replaced before theyll warranty their product?! Whirlpool should be ashamed of themselves and Lowes should distance themselves from such a crappy company with substandard products and shoddy warranty practices. Ill never buy another Whirlpool product as long as I live and will warn anyone away from this company.

First of all, I want to thank all of you who took the time to write all your comments. You have helped educate me in many ways. For one thing, I had no idea that Whirlpool made such bad appliances, or at least water heaters. I pretty much grew up in a Whirlpool household. But that was a long time ago. Things change. Anyway, I too bought a Whirlpool from Lowes about four years ago. It was the top of the line 50 gallon energy saver, and it has had problems staying lit for the whole time I have owned it. Because I read your comments before contacting Whirlpool (this time), I knew exactly what to expect. And that is what I got at first--someone trying to sell me parts via shipping costs. I said no to that, and a rep called and offered to replace the unit, which is exactly what Whirlpool should have done for all of you. I am writing this out of courtesy for Whirlpool. They did the right thing for me, and I truly do appreciate that. On the other hand, Lowes wants $700 to deliver and install the new unit. I live seven miles from the store. They set my other water, the Whirlpool I purchased from them, up in my garage. It is extremely easy to get to, and it is all up to code. In other words, even though they sold me a defective product and profited from both the sale and the delivery, they now want to do it all over again by charging so much for the set up. They did not even offer to prorate the new install. Of course, I will hire and pay a certified plumber to do the job, but I am very sorry to lose Lowes. I have always enjoyed shopping there. Home Depot is just across the street, and even though I have learned not to purchase a water heater, or any major appliance there either, I will go there from now on. Losing my business might not worry Lowes a whole lot, but two years ago I bought $5,000 worth of fencing from them, and God knows how much over the years. If you and I and all the thousands of other unhappy customers would stop going there, they might feel a bit sorry for doing us all so dirty. Agreed? Thanks again, you guys.

I have recently installed a Whirlpool water heater and was thankfully home when I heard a pop sound and my water heater had exploded inside. The heating element also caught fire. I called customer service and was not satisfied with the response from their customer service team.

We have had a Whirlpool hot water heater for 6 years and 14 days. Note the 14 days. It has been nothing but trouble and we have called the company repeatedly for help. It finally stopped working altogether 14 days after the warranty ran out. Thank you Whirlpool for nothing! It had a filter on the bottom of the heater that constantly had to be cleaned which was next to impossible. We had to buy a special brush to try to reach it. My husband had to take it apart several times a year and clean it to keep it running. Whirlpool should have replaced it within the first year but instead offered many suggestions about cleaning and etc. so they would not have to replace. Today it is out of my house for good and I would advise anyone reading this to beware! Horrible product!!!

My Whirlpool gas hot water heater will not stay lit. The thermal coupling has been replaced by my plumber. It did not help. This tank is defective. The product details are as follows: model # FG1F4949S3NOV, product # B07330262, and serial # **.

Whirlpool anode rod went bad in 2 months. Called Whirlpool, would not stand behind warranty. Had previous hot water tank (not a Whirlpool) in for 10 years with same well and water conditions. Also noticed Whirlpool hot water tank is not nearly as efficient on energy use. Overall, this is a very poor water heater and even worse customer service to not replace a part that was under warranty.

This is my second water heater in three years. The problem is the thermocouple thermostat. Also, when I drain the water, it comes out of the heater black because of the corrosion in side. I spoke to people in the company, and they were nasty to me. This happened to my two heaters in 2 1/2 years. Please, do not buy a Whirlpool heater.

I purchased the unit in May 2012. Right out of the box on the first day, the tank was leaking water from where pressure relief valve screws into the tank. Whirlpool replaced the part from my local Lowe’s store which I had to go get on my dime and install myself to solve the problem. Its now the 2nd week of January and the water heater is dead. I didnt even get 8 months out of this water heater that has a 12 year warranty. The electronic thermostat died, and I will be going 3 to 4 days without hot water until Whirlpool can ship me another thermostat. Nothing like taking an ice cold shower in the middle of winter. Like I said, buyers beware!

New water making loud pinging noises when burner shut off. Whirlpool referred plumber. Plumber stated this is normal. After few months heater would make loud humming noise when burner turned on. Called Whirlpool again. Said I had to pay for plumber to troubleshoot and if part needed I had to pay labor to replace part. Would never recommend this product to anybody.

I have received two bad Whirlpool Water Heaters from Lowes. In the course of a few years, I have received two defective heaters (new). One was even a replacement for one several years old that had failed. Lowes insists that you call an 800 number where someone that speaks poor English tells you that you have done something wrong. I am returning the water heater to Lowes, and purchase a water heater elsewhere. This is a perfect example of how sometimes something that is initially cheaper is not the better value.

August 26th 2014 purchased a NG (NO GOOD actually natural gas) Whirlpool water heater from Lowes. Model No. N40561-403. Installed it and everything was fine until this morning August 29th 2014. The indicator light was out and so was the pilot. Tried to light it without success. Called Whirlpool and they are sending me a new controller that now needs to be installed. Called Lowes and they will not take it back. Wish I would have found this site prior to this costly fiasco. Waiting on part now and I will keep you informed as to my progress. I have a feeling this is going to be 2 days wasted and $367.00.

I have a model FG1F4034T3NOV water heater that was a problem since day one. The pilot will not stay lit, and apparently, there was some sort of class action lawsuit due to a defective part that I missed out on because I didnt know about it. The telephone representative is quick to point out that it is out of warranty due to the date of manufacture and that it needs about $200 in parts because I cant find the receipt from 4 years ago, when I bought it from Lowes. The company flat out refused to do a courtesy replacement for parts or discount them.

I called customer service because my pilot light would not stay lit on my 2005 Whirlpool water heater. I was told that I needed to install the upgrade kit and that the water heater was malfunctioning because of a lack of air and that it needed to be cleaned at the bottom. I paid for the shipping of the kit although I believe it is called an upgrade or conversion kit versus a recall for this water heater to save money and to get the consumer to pay for replacing defective parts. A certified technician installed the kit but the pilot light would not remain lit. He replaced the thermocouple, although new parts had just been received. This did not help either. The technician and I called customer service, which didnt resolve the issue. I also asked for a manager who would only agree to send out another conversion kit. There are three years remaining on the warranty but I am being told to keep replacing new parts with new parts until it works. That is unacceptable. Also, I was not informed that my problem is a recurring problem with this Whirlpool water heater that I purchased at Lowes.

I have had my water heater for 5 years and the repair is going to be close to $300.00! Whirlpool offered to send me the part and if I want hot water tomorrow I can pay $30.00 for shipping! $10.00 for standard ground! My other water heater was builder grade and lasted 12 years! Go figure.

I purchased a Whirlpool water heater on 9/30/2011. It is leaking at the point of cold water entry and is spewing a brown colored watery substance, leaking on the floor.

I purchased a 40-gal Whirlpool water heater model 40t91-403 last week and paid a plumber to have it installed. The old one (GE 40 gal) worked fine except for a leak. The new one used all of the old connections except the 2-inch in and out pipes. Same connections, hot, cold and gas. At first I got about a quart of hot water and then all cold. Whirlpool changed the valve and cold water pipe (inside the tank) and still the same. They are trying to tell me that the tank is fine - I have a plumbing problem. Two plumbers have told me different, but still they insist. Yes, I am upset. The old GE, even with a leak, performed better!

Water heater model N40t61-343 - Why does a water heater fail after 4 years when there is a warranty for 6 years? Is this water heater an omen for Whirlpool? I have a wife who is terminal and I trusted the Whirlpool name for hot water. What are Whirlpool going to do about this water heater?

I purchased the Energy Smart Gas Water Heater about a year and a half ago, intending to install right away as part of our upgrades. Just now, I was able to install this replacement to our 30-year-old water heater that was showing problems. When trying to start the unit, I kept getting the response that the lower sensor unit failed. We contacted plumbing companies. We were told they would not work on any Whirlpool models purchased from Lowe’s, because they were the worst hot water heater ever made. I called Whirlpool support. They wouldnt put me through to a tech support person until I was registered in the system. I gave up trying after many minutes of frustration.

The 12 year warranty, means nothing. The heater only worked for 30 months, and then its upper sensor fault code flashes, and the heater shut down. I called Whirlpool, and they have me use an ohm meter to help troubleshoot the problem. So if you are not handy, you are out of luck. They decided it was my control unit that is defective. They will send me the part free, but I have to pay shipping and installation. What a deal, and what kind of management would dream up of this. The heater is marketed as a 12 year warranty model (only on the tank). Would anyone, having been through this, buy another Whirlpool product?

We bought the Whirlpool water heater and not long after, it quit heating. After many phone calls, we finally got a response and were told to get the replacement thermocouple. We did this and it was the wrong part. We found out that we had to have a right hand thread thermocouple. Now, the heater is out of warranty and we cannot keep it lit at all. It takes at least 3-4 times before it will light once and then it goes out every time the hot water is used.

I bought new hot water heater. I installed it did and it did not work. I called them, and they sent a new part. A service man installed it, and it still did not work - he was unable to get it working. They said my gas supply line 1/2 od was too small. I had it replaced to 5/8 od 1/2id, and it still did not work. I called them again. They offered to send more parts and try again. This is a brand new water heater, never fired. I asked if they would give me a ra number so I could return it to the store. He would not give it to me. He insisted he send some one out to try to repair it. Meanwhile I have had no hot water for 2 days. He told me do what I have to do and hung up on me. So I removed the heater and took it back to Lowes, where they were glad to give my money back. But still, I lost a day of work and paid the gas yo bring it back. I went to home depot bought a GE hot water heater. I had it installed in about 15 minutes and it is working fine.

Bought Whirlpool 30 gal propane water heater in Feb, it lasted until May before the unit died. Paid for the extended plan warranty (NEVER do that!). Called support and they said they could send someone out in a little over a week (week with no hot water). The week goes by and on the day it was suppose to be repaired the guy calls and says his van broke down (this was a Friday, getting that early weekend). The earliest they can reschedule is in another week (over 2 weeks no hot water). Called Lowes to see if I can just return it (extended plan and all), no, you need a return code from the whirlpool customer support. Call the Whirlpool number again to ask for a return code, no, it is a repairable problem (even though no one will come repair it). Lesson learned, will never buy Whirlpool or anything over $50 from Lowes again.

They stink. Major issues with most all of these Whirlpool water heaters. I have had issues with 3 different units. I own properties and these are pure junk. Cant find parts and have to pay for shipping on warranty parts! 2 years old units junked, Ridiculous... never buy Whirlpool!

My water heater was installed in 2007 (model BFG2J5040T3NOV). It has required 3 repairs in 4 years because part failures make the pilot light shut off. The gas controller was replaced in 2008. The manifold/burner assembly was replaced in 2010. This month (August 2011), I have replaced the thermocouple, which did not fix the problem. Now I am having to replace the gas controller again. The part is failing, but not completely inoperable, so occasionally when on the phone with customer support, the pilot light would stay lit. When this happened, the tech would act as if the problem was solved and tell me to call back if the pilot light went out again. The next day, the pilot light would go out again. Thus, I have spent several hours on the phone with customer support running the same tests and answering the same questions over and over again.

DO NOT purchase a WHIRLPOOL hot water heater!! The gas valve temperature sensors on these units are faulty. Our technician has replaced several of these defective sensors. Costs $250.00 to install - water tank is only a year old! WHIRLPOOL REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM!! We bought this particular unit because of the reputable name brand. They dont live up to expectations. Dont waste your money on a Whirlpool - youll be replacing it soon! Very disappointed in this company!

I have had a Whirlpool hot water tank now for about 7 years and all I have had out of it is trouble. It wasnt even a year old and I was putting a thermocouple in it a few months later I put another one in it. All I do is put thermocouples in it. I have saved the old ones. This heater is a piece of junk and I am the one whos paying the price for it. I just put a thermocouple in it on January 9, 2012 and I am putting another one in it on January 15, 2012. I have replaced all parts and it still does it. They are going to buy me a new one someday. I’m tired of this. This should not be happening. They are ripping people off. If the pilot light does not light, you have to replace the thermocouple in it.

Whirlpool Energy Smart Residential Electric Water Heater - On top of this water heater is a junction box. If it goes out, so does the water heater. I am on my fourth junction box, at my expense on three of them plus the electricians bill times two. They finally sent me one free!

We purchased a new Whirlpool water heater April 2013 at Lowes and every 3-4 months the pilot would go out. My husband would simply re-light the heater, I guess he didnt think it was a big deal. However, in September 2014 the water heaters pilot went out and would not re-light, so I contacted Whirlpool about the warranty. It took 4 telephone calls (two of which involved a plumber, per Whirlpools request), and several days of cold showers for an authorization code to purchase a $8 part (thermo coupler). The hassles that Whirlpool put me through, no one should have to endure. Who ever heard of a technician telling you that they have to talk to the plumber, when you call them to explain a problem with your water heater, such as, the pilot will not stay lit and the plumber said it is the coupler (I couldnt remember the whole name of the part, but surely they should have understood what was wrong). Secondly, providing a plumber (unless youre married to one) to converse with them involves more money. Now I have a plumber at my house so I call Whirlpool and this technician insists that the plumber perform a test on thermo coupler to make sure that it was faulty before she gave the authorization for a new one. Yet again, when I called to Whirlpool with the plumber, while I was voicing my problems in resolving the issue of my water heater with this technician, and she just hung-up on me. So as not to be defeated and having already invested in the expense of the plumber, I called Whirlpool again and requested a manager. The technician asked if she could help and I informed her of my previous encounters. She apologized and took my information to have a manager to call me later; however, she did give me the authorization code for the thermo coupler without delay. When I went to purchase the part, I didnt have the old part (as trade; the plumber hadnt removed it), so I paid for it out-of pocket, to return the old part later.

First of all, Whirlpool is fully aware of the problems with water heaters and intentionally places requirements on the consumer until they give up. This info from a distributor. I bought 30 gal. gas water heater 7 months ago. Six days ago the pilot light went out. Went to Lowes (purchased there) and bought a replacement. Wrong one. Returned to store and was told they dont stock repair parts, call factory. Monday called warranty number. They offers to send thermopile, it would arrive in 5 days. I paid $30 for overnight. Plumber installed new part. Still doesnt work. Whirlpool says have the plumber call them theyll walk him through troubleshooting. I ask, Whos paying the plumber? They reply, You are. Plumber calls Whirlpool. They tell him to clean the screen. He does. They tell him to disassemble the burner. I stop plumber. I ask Whirlpool, What if its not the burner? They reply, Then well troubleshoot something else. Meanwhile Im 5 days without hot water. I go to Lowes where heater was purchased. The manager thought it funny Im another victim. I ask, Why doesnt Lowes stock heater parts? He says because Whirlpool doesnt let them carry parts. Im beat. I surrender. Parts from Whirlpool would take another 5 days and theres no assurance itll work. Lowes refuses to assist.I go to Sutherlands and buy a $450 Rheem on recommendation from plumber. Manager from Sutherlands hears my sad story and writes on receipt: Any warranty failure and Sutherlands will replace water heater free. He signs his name on receipt. I pay plumber to swap out heaters. Anybody want a 7 month old Whirlpool water heater. Like new. Cheap! By the way... I originally went to a major appliance parts store asking for a thermocouple for a Whirlpool. The three guys at the counter started laughing Hey we got another one looking for Whirlpool parts. They didnt have them either. Lesson learned.

I bought 40 gallon gas water heater in June 2004 and had to have it worked on twice, costing more than I paid for it. I am replacing it now because pilot light will not stay on, and it is currently out of warranty, and I have no faith that simple repair will hold more than 1 year stint. Customer service was attentive but product itself failed to meet expectations.

I just wanted to post a quick response to a problem that so many people are having with their Whirlpool FG1H5040T3NOV Hot Water Heater. The biggest problem is the Pilot Light Wont Stay Lit. Ive had this water heater for many years now (since 2005) and two days ago we didnt have any hot water. I checked the heater and found that the pilot light was out and that when I lit the pilot light with the igniter, it wouldnt stay light. This could have been a number of problems causing this issue but heres what I did to get it fixed. I looked around on the internet and saw that many people had this same problem and several years ago Whirlpool gave out warranty replacement upgrade kits to fix it. I called Whirlpool support, gave them my serial number and mentioned the upgraded kit. Unfortunately, my 9-year warranty expired a few months ago and I am no longer able to get the upgrade kit for free. Apparently this upgrade kit was part of a settlement for this water heater that was sold through Lowes. The upgrade kit has a few enhancements including an adapter to allow the use of a standard right hand threaded thermocouple as well as a larger pilot light window and added safety thermal switch. This is definitely an improvement over the old.Anyway, I looked at Lowes website for this upgrade kit and their description and internal part number is slightly different but it is the same thing as confirmed by Whirlpool. Whirlpools part number is 6910813 for the conversion kit. Lowes calls this part American Water Heater Company Gas Enhancement Kit 5040T NG. This kit is only $35 which isnt bad. So, I went to Lowes, purchased the kit. The instructions are included and are even good for a novice. It took me about an hour to complete the changeover. Youll need to remove the old burner and orifice to use them on the new kit. I then checked for gas leaks. I lit the pilot and when I turned on the heater, the burner lit right up. All is good now!

11 months after purchasing my Whirlpool 40 Gal Gas Water Heater N40T61-343 I woke to cold water one morning and found the LED flashing 4 times - high temperature shutdown. Unable to find any reset I called Whirlpool and after a couple questions, was sent a replacement control unit. Happily it arrived 2 days later. I was told then that it was because I had residue in the tank. I had no idea how he determined that because none of his questions even touched on that. Anyway, I had hot water.Nearly a year later now to the day and again I have no hot water. This time the pilot burns very weakly when I try to light it and then goes out. After three attempts I get 7 flashes on the LED - Gas Control Valve Failure, part of the same unit I replaced a year ago. Am calling tomorrow since its too late to go through any tech support steps over the phone that Im reading about on this site and seeing on Youtube. Honestly, I didnt replace the last heater because I had nothing better to do than replace parts on this one annually. No, I will not purchase another Whirlpool unit especially after reading all of the similar if not identical issues others are having.

I purchased for over a thousand dollars a whirlpool propane hot water tank. Three months later the safety heat thing that turns it off is defective yet I have to pay for shipping on this. Then again every three months. Its been a year and a half and the damn thing just blew up and almost took my house with it. I paid for a product that works not one that needs replaced yearly. But do they care? Nope. 2 weeks before someone can even look at it. I plan on reviewing until whirlpool isnt purchased by anyone again. This is a brand that was supposed to be quality, instead its just a scam!

Bought a brand new 40 gal water heater from Lowes. Installed it and it worked fine. Next day no hot water... After doing all the tests with tech support. This smart mouthed CSR explained to me how her uncle is a master plumber and she knows what shes talking about. Still couldnt tell me what was causing it to not work. Other than the reset being tripped. I have had good luck with Whirlpool products. But customer service has always been poor.

I bought it on 11-24 13. I called Whirlpool on 1-29-13 and got no response. I called 3 or 4 times and still havent heard from them. Its now 4-1-13 and still nothing. I tried many times and got the runaround from them. They owe me money for repairs to the heater. I will not ever buy from them again. Just thought you all should know about this.

I bought a 6 year warrantied Whirlpool hot water heater Model N50T61-403, product number 0733318, at Lowes Home Improvement Center and for three years the pilot light fails to stay lit. I have talked with Whirlpool 1-877-817-6750, the number on the unit, many times. I went through the troubleshooting checklist and verified all requirements. I paid a plumber $150 to check it out and he said I needed a larger supply line and venting the closet door would help. I did this and pilot still goes out periodically. Whirlpool sent me a new gas valve and it cost me another $150 to have it installed. The plumber said everything is good. But the pilot is still going out. Called Whirlpool again and talked with them for 24 minutes. The woman on the line was telling me I needed a certain amount of oxygen for this 40,000 BTU model. She was giving me minimum requirements for square or cubic feet of house with 8 inch ceilings. Yes, she said 8 inch ceilings 4 or 5 times as we went over the requirements. I got so frustrated asking her what she was talking about and she hung up on me. I called back and asked for a supervisor and a different woman had me hold on, came back and said a supervisor would call me. I did get a call back and the supervisor wanted to send me another gas valve and a burner assembly. I told him the burner assembly is working fine and I have a new gas valve. I asked him to send me a $150 along with it to pay the plumber. He said they only warranty the parts. So, am I supposed to have $450 in labor plus my time in this product on top of the original cost? I said no thank you and asked him if he would accept this as a solution if he were the customer and he said this is not a personal discussion. I know his answer. I am never buying a Whirlpool product again. But now I need to buy a new, good brand, water heater to replace the Whirlpool piece of junk. Bad product, bad company, bad warranty. I got screwed by Whirlpool once but never again.

Im glad to see that Im not the only one that is dissatisfied with Whirlpools products. Three weeks ago I found my basement to be flooded and you could tell that it was from the hot water heater that was installed in 2005. The plumber changed the release valve. I thought that was it. This past Wednesday I go down the basement and find another flood. The plumber said pilot was not lit. The explanation was wind could have come down the chimney and blew out the pilot. Pilot was relighted and within 12 hours there’s cold water again. I called the plumber again and said that the thermal coupling must have gone bad. I went to Lowe’s to get a replacement and found that Whirlpool is sending a free replacement but I would have to pay shipping. All well and good, but what do I do in the meantime for hot water? If Whirlpool made a mistake, why didnt they send the replacement parts to the businesses that sell their products? I guess that would be the simple solution; instead, they expect me to pay $30.00 for shipping and be without hot water. Well, let me tell you: Im tired of this hot water heater. Whirlpool can go out of business for all I care because they dont stand behind their products. Im going to buy myself a Rheem and Im sure Ill be a lot happier. Need a new hot water heater? Don’t get a Whirlpool!

In October 2009, I purchased a Whirlpool Energy smart gas water heater with flame lock safety system.$509.00 I had it installed on 5/4/2009 by Westmoreland Affordable Plumbing, $218.00. On 10/15 called Whirlpool stating that the upper thermistor was coding as a failure. They sent me another one to replace it on 10/19/2009. On 10/19/2009, 1 and 1/2 hours later, the tank was coding a bad gas valve, called back and told Whirlpool what had happened and that I smelled gas. I shut off the gas to the water heater and waited for a valve replacement to arrive. On 10/21/2009 I had E.H. Plumbing to install the new gas valve to the water heater, $150.00. On 10/28/2009 the new gas valve went bad. I contacted Whirlpool and argued with them until I had them replace the hot water tank. With their approval I went to Lowes and tried to get the same water tank but they no longer sold that model anymore. I was given their equivalent to the one I had purchased earlier. I had it installed on 10/29/2009, $150.00. I now see a class action suit was filed against Whirlpool for the model in 2008. They were still selling this model after the lawsuit???? I spent $1027.00 for a $509 hot water tank and a lot a days without any hot water. I have all my receipts and returned codes for this transaction. Is it possible to get my $300.00 back (for two extra installations) as a result of this problem? I also kept the old gas valve thermostat.

I purchased a Whirlpool hot water gas heater with a six-year warranty. It only lasted three years. When I called for an RA#, I was told, Well, well send you a part after you get a plumber and pay for it. Meanwhile, there is water all over the cellar floor. I called again and was told the same thing. Two weeks of no hot water and no help from Whirlpool. I will never order anything Whirlpool ever again. They stink.

Our Whirlpool water heater needs a burner assembly replaced. Second time within the warranty period of six years. Parts have to be ordered, so you will be without hot water for several days to a week. The worst part is reaching them. Between my wife and I, we have almost 4 hours invested in sitting on hold waiting for someone in three different calls. They never answer the phone. They give an option to call back. They never call back. Im so frustrated. No Whirlpool products ever again. Im sitting at my desk, hoping someone will eventually answer the Whirlpool line. I dont even have the part ordered yet after two days of no hot water. Who knows how many more hours I will need to sit here and listen to this music on hold. It is incredible in 2021 a company can remain open while offering this kind of customer experience.

Purchased gas water heater from Lowes in 2012. Had no problems until July 2018. Its under warranty but have had to replace the control valve completely and the burner 5 times and it still is not fixed. Dont waste your money. Buy something else.

It looks like I have the exact same problem as everyone else. Purchased an Energy Smart Whirlpool water heater at Lowe’s. Now I need a new controller. Hope they send me the non-catching fire type of controller.I am going to predict that the company will provide a response that says something like” “Hey, we really want to help you get your hot water back! Just contact us privately so we can discuss this without everyone being able to see what we tell you to do.” So far we are just out of hot water while we went through their diagnostics. They told me that this often happens and the best way to fix it is to let the hot water run in the shower for 20 minutes, then hold down the reset button on the controller for 5 seconds, and do that every time I experience this problem. I hope mine doesnt catch fire. Fire is bad.

Bought a Whirlpool hot water heater from Lowes 1/08/12. In May of 2013, it would not work. I had to replace the Gas Control for around $100.00. It was 4 months off warranty! The same thing happens 3/2014. They sent me a new Gas Control Valve free and shipped it overnight. This is no fun to fix. I cannot believe that I need to flush the tank out with cider vinegar every 6 months. That is why I was told it keeps breaking.

Two water heaters three yrs old that went kaput. Thankfully, they are under warranty. However, the tech that I called out said that his company doesnt work on Whirlpool because they are junky and they try to blame the tech if something doesnt work. I called to get new part, and of course now, I get to pay for labor. The lady on the phone actually suggested that I hire an electrician and replace a breaker instead of receiving parts for Whirlpool. Unbelievable. Needless to say, I echo all of the same concerns as the other posts. Im done with Whirlpool.

I purchased the Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater (model BFG1F4034T3NOV) in May of 2008. Within a little over a year, it stopped working. I was able to get the manufacturer to send out a repairman and install a new kit. It worked great for 2 years. Now, here I am again with the pilot light going out daily. So I went to Lowes and purchased the thermocouple, and a friend installed it. We still have to light the pilot light twice a day to have hot water for showers.

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

I bought a Whirlpool water heater 5 years ago and after one year I had to replace the thermocouple every 3 months. Each time I call to complain, they would just send me a new thermocouple. I asked them several times to replace the item and they refused and just continued to send me replacement parts and refuse to honor their warranty. The water heater had some type of defect, but they still refuse to replace the item and did admit on the phone they have records of several parts that they sent.

Purchased on 04-26, professionally installed on 04-29 into a clean, large, well-ventilated area within the garage. Has turned itself off every day since then. Flashes code 10, screen is dirty... Pull the burner and the screen is clean. Called Whirlpool. They tell me to clean it again, so I do. This goes on for weeks... I can now pull the screen and clean it with my eyes closed. I get up a half hour early every morning to complete my water heater re-lighting procedure so my family can take a warm shower!!! Whirlpool gives me a phone number to a repair company. They tell me the repair person will have parts on the truck. I wait four days, guy comes out and says, You need a control valve.... did they send it to you? So I had to call Whirlpool back and order the valve... three more days... Very next day after repair, the thing shuts itself off again! I call Whirlpool and they try and push me off to the repair company, saying they are now responsible for the repair, but in the same sentence the tech says the heater needs a burner assembly. Okay, so you know it needs a burner assembly, but you ask me to contact the repair company to come out and fix it knowing they DO NOT have the parts on the truck? Only after I change my tone and raise my voice does she offer to send the part ahead of the repair appointment! In my opinion, Whirlpool has reached the top of a list shared by other mega companies like Bank of America and Time Warner Cable... Too bad the accolade is for the worst product and customer service. DO NOT BUY Whirlpool.

Hot water heater goes out. Try to relight it as instructed. Pilot light goes out as soon as I release pressure. Call tech support. After a 10min hold time, I was instructed to rest unit, wait 10 to 15 min and try again. Did not work. Called back and was told it was the thermopile. Had it shipped and replaced at $45.00. Still did not work. Was instructed to go thru the same process of lighting it, still did not work. Then I was given a ref# and was told that my PARTS was warranty and not labor. Okay now one time I was told I WILL BE CHARGED WITH A DIAGNOSTIC FEE OF $99.00 and still no hot water. Next step LAWYER.

Pulled a track home water heater out to replace with a Whirlpool 12 year smart heater. Well within 4 years with tank flush every year the water coming out of my hot water tap looks like mud. We have whole house water filters and when you drain the sink there is a layer of rust. I called and asked them what I should do and they told me to flush it with apple vinegar. Did this but a week later it was back. Called again and was told to do it three times with apple vinegar. There was nothing about this in the care manual about apple vinegar. I will never buy Whirlpool again NEVER!

This morning is the fifth morning I had to take a cold shower. My hot water heater keeps going out. When we call, we are told to dust the underneath better, as it sucks dust. Are you kidding? The hot water heater is still under warranty, which means I will have to spend around $200 to have repaired again. So much for top of the line.

On the 10-05-05, I purchased a Whirlpool natural gas water heater from Lows Orem. The unit has a 9 years warranty agreement. Lows sales S0178JC3 647605; cost $378. Model number FG1H5040T3. Serial number 0515140765. Following installation, the unit has failed repeatedly. Since keeping records of the failures, the unit failed either by the gas control valve or the thermocouple on December 2011, November 2011, April 2010, February 2009, and April 2008. Whirlpool has at all times supplied the parts but denied that the parts are technically faulted. Whirlpool has further rejected all requests to refund me for defective product. The major consequences have been an unreliable water heater. There were periods without hot water. Time was spent involving undertaking repairs.

I bought a whirlpool water heater at Lowes 4 months ago, and it has stopped working. I called the customer service number and was treated so unjust. I told them that I had just had it looked at by a plumber and he said that the water heater needed to be replaced, I told the whirlpool represented if what the plumber had just advise me. So I asked them if they could just replace it, the customer service representative told me I had to call another number to have their service people look at it and that wasnt for another 10 days. At which time I asked the representative what was I to do without hot water for 10 days. She told me that they could only schedule it that way. So Im here to tell you all please please please dont ever Buy anything from whirlpool because they will not back it up! I on the other hand just lost $500 and went out and bought a Rheem water heater instead.

I brought a water heater from Lowes in 2011 and I had a 6 year warranty on it which will end November 2017. Well now the water heater is leaking and they wont replace it because of the location of the water heater and they saying I need to get a direct water heater. Well what is the use of having a warranty if I cant get another water heater. I will never buy another water heater from Whirlpool! I cannot afford to get a direct water heater.

My family has been without hot water for two weeks. We have the same water heater, we have been to Lowes where we were told the recalled parts were no longer available, unless we wanted to drive 3 1/2 hours to Arkansas to get it. Whirlpool wants to give me a free part for $36.00 worth of shipping and handling! All the local suppliers say I have to go through Lowes, or the manufacturer. I dont want to give whirlpool another dime. This has been a fiasco. How much more can a company disrespect their customer, than to make us pay for a faulty product replacement? It is unacceptable. This is ridiculous. It is December, and I have a family of 7, including a child in a wheelchair.

I recently purchased a new Whirlpool propane water heater. Dependable name, dependable product, years of trusted service, right?! We have bought many Whirlpool products over the years but never again. Got it home and installed it. It sounded like a plane taking off, and that was in the garage. Next came the lack of hot water. Mind you, we replaced a 40-gallon tank with a 40-gallon tank and the last one we had lasted 18 years without a problem.Well, same showers as usual, and we were turning up the heat mid-shower and again and again during the shower. Even turning up the heat on the water heater didnt relieve the problem. We are not happy with the product. And, no, there is nothing mechanically wrong with it; its just sub-par. Our water heater from 18 years ago worked more efficiently than this newer model. We called customer service, and we were told that unless there was something mechanically wrong with it, such as a defect, there was nothing we could do. There’s simply no recourse.Shame on Whirlpool for not making a quality product and standing behind it. This was a very expensive purchase - over $500.00. We thought we were buying a quality appliance. Very disappointed, and I will be returning it. I’m never buying another Whirlpool product again. I can only hope that the company we bought it from has a better customer service policy. Very frustrated and disappointed.

Here is my TERRIBLE experience: After only eight months it started to fail intermittently. Within weeks, it failed completely. I pay someone to come out and look. We get a part from Whirlpool. Pay extra to express ship it. 2 days later, pay to have it installed. Still doesnt work. Express ship another part. 2 days later, pay again to have it installed. STILL doesnt work. Express ship ANOTHER part. 3 days later - it STILL DOESNT WORK!!!!! Then they closed - wait another day. Now they authorize a complete replacement. Wait till Monday to PAY to have this one uninstalled. Haul it upstairs, into my car, back to Lowes, so I can get a new one. Haul it home. Pay AGAIN to have it installed.I was without hot water for 10 days and paid about 4 time the cost of the heater in labor to get through this MESS. I talked with Customer Service to get some help with how terribly unfair this was. Warranty Only Covers parts - should have bought the extra warranty... Silly me - I thought Whirlpool was a reputable and reliable brand. Boy was I WRONG!!! DO NOT PAY EXTRA FOR THE NAME - NOT WORTH IT!!!!!! I also dont recommend paying extra for the Energy Efficient. Its added electronics that just give it more to go wrong. Plain and simple is the lesson for the day!!! And after the hours of frustration with their customer service - Ill NEVER buy another Whirlpool product as long as I live!!!

I purchased my water heater from Lowes about 11 months ago. The heater worked just fine for about 3-4 months then a popping noise started like a drum. I called Whirlpool and got this song and dance story with several email telling what is needed to do. Whirlpool said it was a water knock and I needed to install some devices on my water line or a tanks which cost a few hundred dollars. I called the plumber and he replace the main control valve. Same problem again so I called several other times and a plumber came and said it was my water pressure in which his gauge was incorrect. I went Lowe’s to complain and they said they would check into the situation and call me. It’s been several days and no results. Still the same problem. The Heater is a piece of trash and would not suggest anyone purchase one. It a total piece of trash and will replace with a premier heater very soon. Requesting Lowe’s replace or will take to Small Claims Court along with reviews pointed here. By the way, they want $450 to install the items on my water line - almost half the price I paid for the heater.

I purchased a Whirlpool 40 gallon gas water heater from Lowes approximately 4 years ago. As of yesterday, the pilot will not light. I assume the t-couple is bad. But in the process of doing some research, I could not help but see that there is a quality problem with heaters manufactured around the time mine was. I dont have the model number with me at the moment. I would like to know what the permanent fix is for these heaters.

We bought a gas hot water heater from Lowes on Dec. 31, 2010. In July 2011, there was no hot water. After much yelling and headaches, Whirlpool agreed to send out a technician to look at it, since I refuse to go in the attic and I will not work on gas appliances. After 7 days with no hot water, they replaced a valve that failed, they said, because our attic was too hot. The old unit never complained. Eight months later out, the unit went again (and we had an attic fan put in). This time, Whirlpool sent out a local plumber (and I paid for the call) though we had a warranty and extended plan with Lowes?! This time I was told no problem it was too windy and it blew out the pilot. Its funny we never noticed the attic being windy even during the hurricanes. Four to 5 months later, well, you guessed it but this time my husband just re-lit it. Then the next time, 5 months later, my brother-in-law did it. That was August to September 2012. See, this morning, there is no hot water. I had to fight with Lowes since we have the 5-year extended plan. I cannot get anyone to explain why it makes sense to them that a 2 1/2 year old hot water heater has to be re-lit every 4-6 months. Then I went online. Now I know why Lowes and Whirlpool are ignoring the issue. So, anyone know a good lawyer or what are they doing to get satisfaction?

In 2007, I purchased two 30 gal. Whirlpool Flame Lock water heaters (Model: FG1F3030T3NOV) from Lowes for two different homes that I own. I started having trouble with one of them after about two months. I replaced the thermocouple several times, with each one working only about a month. After that, Lowes replaced the complete burner assembly and that, so far, fixed the problem.Now, the second one has (1 Oct 11) gone out. The local Lowes told me that they are out of the burner assembly for this water heater. I called them this evening and was told that they didnt know when they would have the part, but to call back about every other day to see if they had received the burner assembly for this water heater. They said that it could be from two days to two weeks before they may receive this part!In 2008, I also purchased a 40 gal. Whirlpool Flame Lock water heater (Model: BFG1F4034T3NOV) for my house and no problems so far. In 2007, I even recommended that a friend of mine purchase and install one of these in a home that he owned. He did. I helped him install it and it later had the same problems! I am now needing a water heater for my workshop. What can I buy thats dependable?

I bought an electric hot water tank from Lowe’s less than 3 months. No hot water so I called Whirlpool. They give me service dept over 150 miles away. They will not come. I need hot water and need help. The hot water tank is half way in the attic and half in the closet.

After the pilot light on my water heater would no longer stay lit, I contacted the Whirlpool technical support number listed on the unit only to be told my unit was still under warranty, but I would be responsible to pay a $65 diagnostic fee and any labor associated with a repair. The technician came and said my ventilation system was the problem and didnt even touch the unit. He then sent a report to Whirlpool that the unit was flooded which voided my warranty. He did not submit photos to substantiate his water damage claim and now Im being told the unit is unsafe and must be replaced at my expense. This all sounds like collusion to not honor the warranty! I will never purchase a Whirlpool product again!

I bought my Whirlpool 50-gallon gas water heater from Lowe’s 10 years ago. After the first year, it was nothing but problem. The thermocouple was replaced so many times and there’s the inconvenience of not having hot water. Customer service sucks and they continue to send you to Lowe’s to pick up the part for free. I have 2 more years on the warranty and Im replacing it after its over! 3 days ago my water heater stopped working and now again I will replace the thermocouple. Dont buy Whirlpool products: they are junk!

I purchased the original Whirlpool water heater from Lowes in April 2008 for $372, and an installation charge of $443, grand total - $815. In February 2012 the tank leaked profusely, enough to ruin a section of hardwood floor in the room behind the garage where it was installed. Whirlpool provided me with return authorization, and Lowes provided me with a replacement water heater. So far so good. Since the original installation was done through Lowes, the replacement had to be as well, according to Whirlpool, but now they charged $500 with tax to install the replacement water heater! Grand total now is $1315. Fast forward to May, 2014 and the replacement water heater, just barely 2 years old, shuts off with a code of Bad gas control valve/thermostat. I call Whirlpool and an extremely rude 20-something staffer tells me the unit is out of warranty by one month! The replacement unit has no warranty at all - nada - only the original one does... Is this unbelievable or what?! BUT, they would be glad to send me the replacement of the defective part for $200 PLUS overnight shipping charges, and I would be responsible for all labor charges to install it. Had I opted for this my original $372 water heater would have wound up costing me in the neighborhood of $1800!! I told her in no uncertain terms what she could do with the repair part, and now I am going to go shopping for a water heater that will last me more than 2-4 years, and you can bet it wont be a Whirlpool, and it wont come from Lowes.

5 years and 11 months ago I bought a 50 gallon gas, Whirlpool hot water heater with a 6-year warranty from Lowes. The 2007 water heaters were on sale, so I paid $329 for it. Within 6 months, I replaced the gas valve, and a few months after that, the thermo-couple went out and I replace that. Each time I called Whirlpool and got return authorization numbers for the parts, I still ended up paying for the parts plus labor. A year after that, the igniter went out and I had that replaced. Last year (the day before Thanksgiving), the thermo-couple went out again and I had to have that replaced - and it cost me for the part plus the labor - even though I had a return authorization number. I also replaced the water line connections/hoses to the water heater at that time. The customer service rep for Whirlpool told me at that time if I had another problem with the water heater, they would replace it for free - and the warranty was good until Dec 31, 2013 (this year). NOTE: Every plumber that has come out to fix the water heater and replace the parts stated that they see a myriad of problems with Whirlpool water heaters. They said the parts like the thermo-couples, igniters, gas valves, etc are poorly built and they replace them all the time. On Christmas Eve 2013 (two days ago), the water heater started leaking from the top by the valves - and so much pressure had built up in the heater the new water hose connections burst, spewing water all over the heater closet. I called Whirlpool the day after Christmas (today). At first, they told me they would not replace the heater as it was not in warranty and then I told them what I was told by the service rep last year. She finally agreed that my heater is indeed under warranty and gave me a replacement authorization number but she told me my warranty did not cover labor. I called Lowes. At first, they told me I would have to remove the old hot water heater myself and bring it back to the store in order to get my replacement. I am a 59 year old woman and I take care of my brother, a disable veteran. Although I am in good shape and healthy, I dont have anyone to help me get the gas and water disconnected and help me lift it into my Suburban. The man at Lowes agreed to bring out the the replacement heater and pick up the old one at no charge, but I will still have to pay $299 plus the cost of new hoses to have it installed. By the time the replacement one is installed, I will have paid a little over $1200 for a $329 water heater. I could have installed a tankless one for that, but I cannot see spending that kind of money right after Christmas. If I have one issue with this replacement, I will install a tankless water heater - and it will not be made by Whirlpool or any of its affiliates. My recommendation would be to steer clear of Whirlpool and their products.

Whirlpool sent me a different part 3 times and hot water tank only work for a few weeks, then the pilot light goes back out. They never offered any more help.

This same problem occurred about a month later so I called Whirlpool. They sent out an entire new thermostat assembly which took me about an hour to install. The hot water heater has worked correctly ever since.

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

Within a few months after I purchased my gas hotwater heater, I started having problems with it not wanting to stay lit. It was purchased in 2004. I see that this is an ongoing thing with Whirlpool. Every time I would call them, they would give me stupid answers on what it could be. One lady got hateful with me. I have replaced every part several times and Im having problems. About every two to three months, Im replacing thermal couple. As of right now, Ive been without hot water for eight days. I called and he told me about a trip button that is in the little white thing that has wires going to the thermal couple. I push in on it and then tried to start my heater and it worked. They have never offered to replace it or even give me a discount on a new one. No one should be having so much trouble out of your hotwater tank. This is not normal. These are defective and should be recalled. This company is ripping the consumers off and we need to stick together on this and do something about it. Im afraid to buy another heater because I can see that the new ones are still junk. What do you do?

My water heater stopped lighting. I found out that I needed to replace the thermocouple. I wasnt able to find the right one anywhere. I called whirlpool and they sent me the parts I needed totally free. I was so happy to get it in the mail the next day cause I have gone 1 week without hot water. I went to work and got a call that my kids are dizzy and throwing up. The house had filled with carbon monoxide. The only thing that saved us was the fact that my AC unit for the downstairs was broken, so it could spread the carbon monoxide to where we slept. The gas company said that we most definitely would have not woken up. I now have a notice for hazardous material on my house. I thought we all just caught the flu. I had no idea that we were being poisoned because of this damn water heater. I could scream. Im a single mother with four kids and a sick mother and cannot afford a plumber for this madness.

We had purchased an 80-gallon hot water heater less than five years ago. The tank started leaking, so the whole hot water heater had to be replaced. The previous unit we had was at least 10 years old, if not more. We are extremely displeased with the quality, and very upset with having to outlay such a large amount of money within five short years. Whirlpool has certainly not earned our trust in their workmanship.

I Purchased 9 year warranty, Whirlpool water heater and installed it. Started having problems in the first month. It started giving a water temp too high error code, yet water was barely warm. Called Whirlpool. They had me do a bunch of diagnostic checks. Determined it was a bad control module. Sent me a new one. I installed it. Within a week or two, same problem. Called Whirlpool. This time they sent a Tech out. Everything on water heater tested normal, nothing wrong with any part. The tech finally, found a TSB that indicated that you couldnt have any re-circulating valves or systems connected to the water heater. We had one to keep hot water at the taps. So I removed the re-circulating kit and water heater worked for a few months. Then same problems, it keeps going into error. Error code indicates water temp too high, but water is barely warm to cold. Call whirlpool several times, they send out another control module and heating elements and I replace them. All work temporarily. Finally replace control module again, and it works for several months. Then back to error codes. Not always the same code. Sometimes it is water temp too high, other times it is check one of the heating elements. We have lived with it like that for about 3 years. We get hot water by resetting the water heater several times a day. Well, about 3 months ago it started tripping the circuit breaker in the electrical panel. I called Whirlpool and explained what has been going on since I bought their piece of junk. They will not do anything unless I call and pay for a service tech to come diagnose and repair the problem. They will provide the parts for the repair. I am not a certified appliance repairman, but I do handy man repair work for a living and do appliance repairs quite regularly. I am capable of doing every test that the repairman will do, but Whirlpool insists that I pay to get their defective product repaired. Then if I have problems again in a couple of months, I will have to pay a service tech again. I have friend that had this same water heater. I replaced the control module on his once. I was telling him about my woes and he told me he got fed up with all the problems and ate the cost and got a new water heater, not a Whirlpool. I am going to call Whirlpool one more time and then I am sure I am going to do what my friend did and put the money I would spend on a service tech into a new water heater. It will not be a Whirlfool.

NU40T61-403 have had problems since day one. First problem was while heating up would make loud humming noise. Whirlpool sent out plumber. He adjusted plate under tank. That worked for about 2 months. Then pilot started going out. They send same plumber out again, also sent replacement part. Problem was fixed however about 2 months after that started leaking and flooding our garage. Called company again, was told that is no longer under warranty and stated we need a thermal expansion tank. I stated “why would we need this? This unit is only a little over a year old. Im not going to purchase another tank. A water heater should not overheat like this.” Long story short my husband has been burnt severely from the pressure build up as he was out in our garage walking past the tank when it decided to release pressure even though no water was being used at that time. He ended up at the ER with 2nd-3rd degree burns. I called Whirlpool again and was only told we need to install the expansion tank. Im so unhappy with this product I will never buy anything made by whirlpool again.....

Purchased a Whirlpool water heater (model ND50T122-403) through Lowe’s in Dec 2013. Later discovered online it fraught with breakdown issues. 11 months later ours broke down. Whirlpool Customer Service first told us We dont have any authorized plumbers in your area. Went to Lowe’s the next day - they called on their hotline and we got a call back from Whirlpool that afternoon. Told us part would ship out immediately (arrived next day - no complaints there) and gave us an authorization for 2 plumbers. Both are over 35 miles away and one is out of state. Called once the part arrived... First one said hed try to get to us in the next 4-7 days; second one said We get to warranty work as fill-in work. Well put you on a list and call if were going to be in your area. While we did a bit of web research before buying this water heater, we really should have taken the model number, gone home and googled it before buying. Wish wed gone with a unit from a real plumbing supply place. They were a lot more expensive but you get what you pay for.

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

I purchased a Whirlpool hot water heater 2010 and it started having problems 2014. I called customer service. They informed me my 6 year warranty was only for parts and I had to pay for a certified repairman to come and do diagnostic tests and they will pay for parts only. I said the repairman is half the price as the hot water heater and then he has to come install it. Woman on the phone was just as ready to get off the phone as I was! Save yourself and just buy a new one NOT WHIRLPOOL!!!!!!

The technician that was here to repair my propane water heater called Whirlpool to get help with the problem. The pilot would not stay lit, they would not help him. I told him it was installed in a mobile home and he had to cap the gas to the heater, it was still under warranty. Later I found out there was a recall on this heater and that probably was the reason they told him that. I ordered a water heater just for mobiles and am in the process of getting it installed. I kept the old heater for now and will still pursue this issue under the warranty.

Electric hot water heater model E40H6-45-100 - Purchased at Lowes. Husband installed, tank filled, no hot water coming through house lines. Called support center several times after trying each recommendation that did not work. They kept saying it was a plumbing problem. My husband is very smart when it comes to electrical and plumbing. He has done numerous repairs to our homes over the last 30 years we have been married. He knows what he is talking about and told the support tech that he believed it was a faulty water heater. She immediately said the units are all tested before they leave the factory. The final step was to remove the nipple that the hot water flows through out of the tank and remove the two black bellows. Now my husband can see directly through the piece but also decides to put his finger through the the open whole on the top of the tank and cannot get his finger through - it is blocked. He gets a flashlight and a screw driver. Puts the screw driver through a thin plate that was blocking where the water should be coming through. He can now actually see the water in the tank. This was the whole problem! So they could not have tested this tank. They did give us a ref number to take parts back to store to replace parts we already bought and cannot use. Its the time and energy on whats suppose to be an easy job that counts. Will not recommend Whirlpool products to anyone and probably will not purchase any in the future. Ours was not as bad as most of the other reviews I read but wanted to advise others who may think about what brand to purchase.

The Whirlpool water heater I bought 2 years ago at Lowes has had continued problems with its thermocouple causing the water heater to shut down. At first I would have to relight it about every 2 weeks, now I had to do this everyday. I was going to replace the thermocouple until I read numerous sites explaining that several people did this and experienced the same problems.

Purchased a new Whirlpool water heater from Lowes. Two days into the reset switch kept tripping, Whirlpool wanted me to wait for someone to repair it. Lowes exchanged it for me. When I called Whirlpool service myself, Jessie was in technical support could have careless about my business and was dismissive about any issues or concerns I was having. This will be my last Whirlpool product ever.

The pilot of my Whirlpool hot water heater (model FG1H5040T3NOV) suddenly went out and I called in a plumber to check it out. He managed to restart the pilot and we had hot water again, but it went out again within 12 hours. He mentioned that I would most likely need a part called a thermo coupling and I should start looking for it. Well, I found this site and read one of the positive reviews that provided the WP toll free number, so I called. Talk about great customer service! Ben was amazing – he took down all my info and was very helpful. Even though the warranty expired years ago, he overnighted me the replacement parts I needed at no charge. And there’s no charge for shipping either! My plumber is completely anti-Whirlpool HWHs and now he will change his mind when I tell him how efficient they are. I also hope he doesnt charge me a bundle to install the replacement part.

I bought the Whirlpool model e2h50rd045v electric water heater to replace my failing gas water heater on July 21, 2014, and had it installed a couple of weeks later after a little over 3 years of use. The water heater is still working with no issues or major problems. I'm happy with the decision to purchase this water heater.

I was sold a gas water heater that had my water smelly like rotten eggs in less than 6 months. I bought it in January 2016 and by June the anode rod I am told was no good. The only thing Lowes could do for me was sell me 2 anode rods, one the plumber thought was bad. I also had to hire a plumber. I was eventually told I was out of luck because the area the old anode rod was in was too damaged to come out.

Over the course of the 9 years that I had this hot water heater, I had to have the smart control box on top of the water heater replaced 3 times for burning up. The wires in the smart control box literally burned up and melted together. I am thankful that I was home each time it occurred, because if I had been at work when it burned up and not able to shut off breaker to it, as I did every time this happened, my home may have burned down because of it. I did just get Whirlpool to replace this hot water heater with a brand new one. However I have now paid installation costs twice. Thats not right. I had to pay a plumbing company $725.00 today to just install this new one. I bought the highest priced hot water heater that was also considered top of the line 9 years ago. I did this because Whirlpool is a reputable company and it came with a lifetime warranty. This doesnt make me happy and satisfied though when I have had to pay to have it installed twice. The installation costs more than the price of the brand new hot water heater! I also called around and did my homework first. The company that installed it was actually the lowest price of all of them.

I had the junky gas water heater for two years and cant keep the thing lit. Calling Whirlpool does no good. They give you the runaround; the store cant do anything. They know they have a faulty product and keep selling it. Some companies are only out for the money. If that wasnt the case, they would discontinue the junk. They will send you replacement parts but if you know nothing about them, you have to put out more money for someone to come and fix it. I would love to send them the bill! I would not recommend this brand of anything to anyone.

I bought my home four years ago with a Whirlpool 50-gallon water heater in it. It was installed in December 2002. Well, my hot water went out. After being told I could go to Lowe’s because they would supply the part free of charge because there was a recall on the thermocouple unit. I went to Lowes. No luck there. They told me they didnt carry the whole replacement unit and I would need a number from Whirlpool. The guy at Lowes was very nice but said I was the fifth person to come in this week.I called Whirlpool and was told because I was not the homeowner that had purchased the item that there was no warranty on the product and that I would have to pay for the part. It cost $34.98 plus shipping, which was another $30.00 because I had it shipped overnight. Two days with no hot water was enough. Well, I got the part and hopefully there is nothing wrong with it as it was shipped in a box twice as big as needed with no packing what so ever.I just got off the phone with them again but this time spoke with a supervisor that told me there was no need for packing. There was no part of the entire assembly that could have been damaged. Will I ever buy anything with the Whirlpool name on it? Not only no, but ** no! Will I tell everyone I know about this? You bet. I am also going to write to Lowes and ask why they are continuing to sell inferior appliances such as these. I have to tell one realtor friend about this and just placed a call to another to tell him. The first had no idea that appliances that were marked still under warranty did in fact have no warranty at all if its a Whirlpool. I may write a letter to the editor of our local newspaper and hope that they will publish it to inform anyone reading the paper about these inferior products.

My Whirlpool water heater had to be replaced. I got a new water heater, and filed a complaint against Chris from your company. Talked to Chris, and he requested for paperwork on the old warranty. I tried to send it through fax number 1 800 999 9210, but got no response. Chris, please reply with the fax number so I can send the info you requested