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!

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.

Whirlpool Hot Water Tank Thermocouple - This is the third thermocouple we have had to replace on this hot water tank in the last six years. Granted the part isnt that expensive, but the service call and replacement have cost us dearly. This is faulty tank and Whirlpool needs to recall this tank and replace them with new tanks. The price of this original tank and replacing this thermocouple three times has cost us over $800.00 total. I am not sure angry is the right word to describe our dissatisfaction with Whirlpool.

Whirlpool water heater FG1F5040T3NOV - I noticed that when I was taking a shower, my hot water wasnt working. I went downstairs and the pilot light on my water heater wasnt on. I tried to restart it. The pilot light wouldnt work or relight. I gave up and contacted a plumber. I dont feel I should have to pay for a plumber when its a product flaw!

Purchased a 80 gallon Whirlpool Water Heater with a Life Time Warranty. When it overflowed because the system failed to detect the water temperature, called and they sent in the temp sensor (I paid for shipping). Had plumber replace it. One day later the same thing happened, called and they sent in a board. Same exact thing happened. By this time, Im without hot water for over 2 weeks in dead cold January on the East coast. They will replace the water heater but only a 50 gallon NOT the 80 because they no longer manufactured the 80. Option given by Lowes is to add a recirculating pump to give additional gallons. But, of course Whirlpool said NO. They only can give me the 50 gallon. What a ripoff!!! Please, please DO NOT purchase any product from Whirlpool. Now they change the same to A.O. Smith Signature Premier.

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.

In 2008, I purchased the 40-gal. Whirlpool electric water heater to replace the original unit in my home that had lasted 14 years without issue until it died of old age. After about 2 1/5 years, it died and I was given authorization to return it to Lowes at my insistence. Now after another 2 1/5 years, this one has died. So far, I have replaced both elements, lost a days work, missed out on a date because I could not take a shower and now Im told I have to replace the electrical box on top which wont get here until Monday. Its Saturday and I havent been able to take a shower in my home for 5 days now.The first CSR (Crystal) I spoke with implied that since I had 2 consecutive failures, this was a site problem, not a product problem. Theres nothing special about my site, and my old unit made it 14 years with zero repairs. I would argue that since both of the units only lasted 2 1/5 years, that the product is substandard. I asked to speak to a manager but was told no because they were all busy (no doubt) and her demeanor was unapologetic and unsympathetic. The second CSR (Nick) I spoke with was very nice and at least sympathetic. That goes a long way in customer service, but I was still not allowed to speak with a manager.I am going to try and repair it one more time, but I have zero confidence in Whirlpool and would never buy another Whirlpool product of any sort again. If I get it working, and after all Ive read here I doubt that I will, I will only be using it for the time it takes to get a replacement of another brand. This was my first experience with a Whirlpool product and you can be sure it will absolutely be my last.

I purchased a 50 Gal. Whirlpool gas water heater on Saturday, 12/31 to replace a 20-yr old unit that had failed. The unit was installed that day and it started right up but I noticed the burner had gone out about an hour later and the status light indicated FV Sensor Lockout. I tried calling Whirlpool but their customer service was closed. I tried troubleshooting myself using manuals and Internet forums without success. Everything I could find indicated that an FV Sensor failure could not be repaired and would require replacement parts. I called Lowes and was told they could not help me and I would need to talk to Whirlpool.I called Whirlpool again Sunday, 1/1, but they were closed again for the Holiday. I called two plumbers and both told me that the Whirlpool units were problematic and that if they did come out, there would be little they could do except charge me a lot of money and recommend parts to order as Whirlpool does not let them stock parts. Both plumbers also suggested that I consider buying another brand.So I went to Home Depot and purchased another brand with similar specs. I installed it that day and it fired up right away and has been running fine ever since.I talked to Whirlpool on Monday, 1/2, and they told me they would not issue an RMA for a unit that they considered usable. They also told me there was an FV Sensor reset procedure that they would have walked me through had I been able to talk to them that would have bypassed the sensor until a replacement could be installed. I told them that if they would publish this procedure in their manuals or on the Internet, I would have certainly done that. Im now fighting with both Whirlpool and Lowes to get a resolution to this problem. Im not sure about other Whirlpool products but their Water heaters seem to be very problematic.

Absolutely the worst hot water heater I have ever owned. Broke within first year which Whirlpool sent me a replacement valve assy which I had to install myself. That one failed in 3 month and unit was out of warranty so I received no help from Whirlpool. Had a serviceman fix it again and it failed again. So I ended trashing the unit. I would not buy another Whirlpool product as long as I live. The last 5 appliances I purchased from Whirlpool all failed within a few months after warranty expired. This is no joke. Everything they sell is farmed out to other countries than the US and the workmanship and quality is the worst I have ever seen. The service people are nice when they tell you that they cant help you with your problem. Dont waste another dime on Whirlpool! Very bad product.

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.

I had a 14-year-old 40-gallon tank that was working great but I decided it was time to get it replaced. I picked out a Whirlpool 400-gallon tank stated to be good for a family of 3 to 4 people. Immediately after installation, I got complaints from family members that there was no enough hot water for morning showers. I turned up the thermostat to the maximum 140 degrees, but there was still wasnt enough hot water. The Whirlpool rep on the phone stated that 3 people cant take back-to-back showers. The unit wasnt designed for this. I told him the unit is advertised for a family of 3 to 4 and I have only 3. I asked where on the advertisement does it state 3 people cant take back-to-back showers? His response was, Where does it state you can? I asked his name and he would not give it to me. If 3 people cant take showers on a unit stated to be for a family of 3 to 4, something is wrong. Maybe it should be advertised as suitable for a family of 1. I will not buy a Whirlpool product again and I advise others to take my advice, go elsewhere.

For many years, I have worked on and tested water heater thermocouples. I have a lot of experience with this. I have checked around many of the wholesale supply houses to find a simple part needed for this brand/manufacturer appliance. Johnstone Supply, a national wholesale distributor, Grainger, etc. cannot get these parts. You must call Whirlpool and wait on the phone and give the operator the full story about what you found and how you tested the water heater only to be told you dont know what you are talking about. I was told that if the pilot lights and stays lit for even several minutes, that it is not the thermocouple but the gas valve and they will not sell me the part and recommend either I purchase a whole gas valve assembly and revised thermocouple or they would not sell me anything.Then I got told that I am on a waiting list to be called for availability of the parts at some time within the next 24 hours. Or just buy a new water heater from us with a warranty. Really? This is why you should not even have wasted your time with these people and move on to a better future. I asked,Can I purchase a box of thermocouples for this type of water heater with a left hand thread? The answer to this was, No, we will need the serial # for each unit that has had any part put on it. Move on, I say. This was a big waste of time by me, the plumber, and my customers happiness.

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.

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 had to replace my Whirlpool 50-gallon hot water heater 2 times. First time it broke, it caused thousands of dollars’ worth of damages plus Im out a $760.00 deductible. I had the last one just over 1 month and couldnt exchange it at Lowe’s because it’s a few days over a month. So I had to get return authorization before I could return it again. I went through speaking to a hateful CSR. After calling back again, the lady, a real nice lady, helped me. I will never buy another Whirlpool product again, and if anyone is smart, they will stay away from them too. Hateful, hateful CSR. Beware.

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.

My wife and I bought a Whirlpool water heater NU50T121-403, SER# 0733323 as we researched online the best efficient water heater for the money... which was actually more than we budgeted for. We purchased it from LOWES and our Plumber had to return the first heater due to a huge dent on the outside of the body once it was removed from the box. LOWES replaced it, no problem and he installed it. GREAT, HOT water for about six (6) months. Pilot light went out and has continued failing after relighting numerous times! Now we have the four (4) blinks indicating that the Honeywell gas control needs to be replaced only after 27 months of use. Whirlpool offers 12 year warranty on tank & parts, but come to find out, not this part. We were both raised on Whirlpool products and thought we based on our parents successes of various Whirlpool products, we were buying quality brand. We were soon disappointed and will never buy another Whirlpool manufactured Brand again!!

Note that most of the complaints are about gas water heaters, but the electric water heaters dont seem to be much better. Mine, barely made 4 yrs old and both elements and thermostat went. Had plumbers in for estimates in to repair - much cheaper to install a new one (No...not a Whirlpool!). Very disappointed in the product.

I purchased a home in March of 2013. When I bought the home, I noticed it had a new Whirlpool 50-gallon gas 6th sense hot water heater model number ND50T122-403. It was newer and I thought it was a good selling point and would last many years. The original owner had purchased the heater in March of 2011. Three months after I moved in, the control valve went bad - 4 flash eco lockout. I called Whirlpool. They sent out the replacement part. I had to pay for shipping express delivery. Since then the control valve has gone out 2 more times, a total of 3 times in one year. On the third time, they gave me a return number for a replacement. I dont even want this heater for free. I am still required to pay for installation and additional installation parts. This product is terrible. Save yourself a headache. Do not buy this product!

I would not buy any Honeywell electronic water heater thermostat. Has failed two times. I have to pay for a new one to be mailed and for repair. A bad product from all the reviews. Honeywell is claiming they do not service it anymore and gave me a Sears telephone number. Servicemen have said it is a crap product and fails all the time.

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!

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.

Gas control not working. I have replaced the thermostat twice in three years. Now, the hot water tank pilot will not light. The igniter works; a new thermostat has been properly installed, and the pilot will not light. The gas is on, and the tank has functioned. I just want a new gas control.

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!

Update: My water heaters pilot light would not stay lit. After seeing the large number of similar complaints on this site, I contacted Whirlpool and asked whether they would cover the cost of labor in addition to the parts, which were under warranty. The representative was very understanding and agreed. The thermocoupler and gas valve were replaced a few days ago. It seems to be working fine. Additionally, a representative contacted me directly in response to my Consumer Affairs complaint, not knowing I had already gotten approval for the repair. He wanted to make sure I received the help that I needed and called to follow-up after the repair. Im very pleased with the response.

I am on my second Whirlpool hot water heater within 7 years and both had a 9-year supposed warranty. Upon replacing the pop-off valve (at my expense), I paid $98 to replace the gas valve (part was issued by Whirlpool). Still having problems with pop valve and now the pilot light wont stay lit. Upon calling the number (877 817-6750) I was finally told they would replace the heater. When I stated that I did not want another faulty Whirlpool heater and that I would take the faulty heater back to place of purchase but that I wanted a local plumber to install their own heater, I was told that I had to have a thermal expansion tank or they basically would not do anything. Why would I want a third Whirlpool product? The second one is ruining my tiled basement floor as it is. So after spending over $600 for the faulty heater, now I have to spend $700 to replace it.

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 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!

Purchased water heater in 2005 with a lifetime warranty. We had our first problem May 30, 2013. Water would not heat above lukewarm. Called Whirlpool. Our plumber and Whirlpool determined that the temp sensor was defective. Plumber took it off and it appeared it had shorted out as the wires were black and plastic coating had slightly melted in one spot. We had replacement part in 24 hours. Licensed Plumber did repair (2 hours @ $75/hr = $150). Second problem occurred October 23, 2013. Not even 5 months later! No hot water. Hit reset button, turned temp up. No change. The diagnostic light on water heater indicated it was the same problem as before. Called Whirlpool. They sent out repair part which arrived in 24 hours. Licensed Plumber repaired (1.5 hours @ $75/hour = $112.50).I took a picture of the melted plastic caps where the wires screw into, of the housing around the wires, of the melted, charcoal crispy black of the Junction Box in the area that was directly above and covered the wires and sensor panel. It was much worse than last time. Plumber said that the part that screwed into the plastic cap had to be pried out and it broke off. You could see that this might be the spot where the problem started. We feel fortunate that we didnt have an electrical fire start from this problem. Something isnt right. Within less than 5 months, we have spent $262.50 to repair a water heater that has a lifetime warranty. Id like to give this 0 stars. Whirlpool owes us $262.50 and it might be more before this is all said and done.

Home owner bought a whirlpool water heater from Lowes. After the first year, the pilot started going out frequently. Tenants were left with no hot water repeatedly over weekends, etc. Changed numerous thermo-couplers, cleaned the screen below, but it continued to happen. I’ve paid plumbers for several service calls, which amounts the cost in excess of the price of the water heater.

This is truly a piece of junk! My water heater is 2 1/2 years old and the pilot light will not stay on. Was told that I needed a thermal coupler and paid $30 for shipping. Installed it and still the pilot light will not stay on. Was told again that I needed to replace the main control. Another $30 for shipping. Had that installed and the pilot light stayed on but no hot water. The light was blinking 4x (temperature too hot). WHAT!!? ALL I GOT WAS COLD WATER! Now I was told I need to replace the temperature sensor and they wanted another $30! I told them to I was going to junk it and buy a different brand.

We purchased our Whirlpool Water Heater about 2 years ago. Three weeks after we bought it, it stopped working; the pilot light would not light. They sent a tech out to replace the thermostat and the thermocouple. Now, it has stopped working again. My husband and I have spent nearly 20 hours on the phone with the WP customer service girls and replaced nearly every part but the tank it self. We have not had hot water for over a week and are at wits end! My husband finally got them to authorize us to get a new water heater from Lowes after they told him there was nothing else they could do to help us. Ive read pages and pages of complaints from other people having this same problem. Why do they put you through all the torture if they know its not going to work? Its very frustrating! We are almost to a point of ripping out all the gas lines and going electric! Will the new one we picked up today have the same problems? Only time will tell!

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.

I bought an American US Craftmaster water heater in October 2006. I have paid a plumber 3 different times to work on this and the pilot light will not stay lite. I used the replacement parts they sent, followed their technicians directions over the phone, etc. Nothing seems to work. Christmas was not pleasant at my house this year. I’m still taking cold showers.

Purchased a 40 gallon gas water heater from Lowes. Installation was a nightmare trying to get the 3/4 pipe nipple fittings to seal. Once getting the two nipples to seal using extra thick Teflon pipe wrap, found the tank was leaking also. The return with Lowes was painless. Got another Whirlpool to replace, but angry about having to do the job twice. Wish I viewed this site first. Never would have purchased Whirlpool.

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?

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.

Our Whirlpool gas hot water heater was purchased and installed (through Lowes) in April 2008. In February 2009, the thermostat failed. Because the failure happened less than a year after purchase, Whirlpool replaced the part and paid for labor.The hot water heater failed again three weeks ago, and we contacted Whirlpool. We were once again provided with another thermostat, and were charged $135.00 by a plumber to install it (even though the customer service rep stated that there were known issues with this tank model). The tank is still not working properly. We (with our tenants) have tried troubleshooting according to their instructions, to no avail. It has been three weeks now, and no resolution.The heater has a six-year warranty. Not sure what this means if the product is defective to begin with. We pay to attempt to repair it?We will not be spending any more money on labor to install parts that may or may not work and have demanded that Whirlpool replace the heater. Whirlpool has refused to pay for any labor costs and told us that we must take the heater back to Lowes. So I suppose that means we have to pay to have a 3 1/2 year old heater removed from the gas and water lines, transported to Lowes, and a new one installed. What a deal.Stay away from Whirlpool.

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.

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.

I purchased a water heater Model # UG1H50400TBN, Serial # 0913T400920, from Lowes in Corona, CA. 05/07/2009 for $528 plus tax. I have replaced the following parts: 02/10/2010 Thermostat Valve, 07/23/2010 Thermostat Valve (2nd time), 08/10/2010 Burner assembly, 02/10/2011 Thermocouple, 02/17/2011 Thermostat Valve (3rd time), 12/17/2014 Thermocouple (2nd time) and 03/20/2015 Burner assembly (2nd time).Today I called WHIRLPOOL Customer service (877) 817-6750 because my water heater water is warm. I told the tech support agent that the pilot light was on so we agreed that it was the thermostat valve AGAIN. He wanted $30 for overnight delivery and I refused to pay. Now I have to go out and buy this part because Whirlpool like the Banks is too big to fail and they have license to RIP-OFF the consumer without penalties. Whirlpool has all of information and they can verify everything I wrote here just by the serial number.

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 a Whirlpool water heater a few years back and have had nothing but headaches replacing the thermocouple every 1 to 3 months. The last one only lasted for 4 days. I did have a small flood in my basement well after the problems began. There are no visible signs of water damage to the unit, but Whirlpool has dropped my warranty completely. They sounded like they intend on not helping me anyway.

I have gallon Whirlpool hot water heater. After 2 1/2 years, the heater started indicating upper sensor failure. I have had servicemen out here every 3-4 weeks since June. I have replaced gas valves, a new sensor and a new gas meter. I have made several calls to Whirlpool, but cant keep this hot water heater going. I am going to have to find a new heater.

I bought a heater from Lowes in south lebanon ohio in feb. 2013. Gas valve is bad. Whirlpool will not replace it because it was put in a utility room with a toilet in. What a bunch of crap. Their service dept. is joke.

We purchased the Whirlpool model# BFG1J4040T3NOV 40 gallon natural gas hot water tank in the spring of 2010. The pilot light went out this weekend, 2011. And it will re-light but does not stay lit. This was bought at Lowes, rated as a 9-year warranty on the tank and parts. This is premature failure of a product that is listed as 9 years. Due to all the other similar complaints of this Whirlpool hot water tank, I would like my money back plus installation. I do not want the Whirlpool replacement as obviously it does not work. I will use a different brand and vet it much better in the future. We almost purchased at Home Depot but decided it would be a better bet to go with the Whirlpool reputation and name and Lowes than with the only Home Depot option, which is the self branded water heaters. It was a big mistake!

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.

I purchased a rental home with a Whirlpool hot water heater. In the home inspection, it was deemed to be in good working order. The first day the tenant moved in, I received 3 service calls for no hot water. My contractor told me I needed to replace the start up assembly and it needed to be ordered from Whirlpool directly, as it is not available in stores. When I contacted Whirlpool Customer Service, the operator, Stacey, was rude and unhelpful. She told me that the warranty was void because I was not the original owner, even though it does not state that the warranty is not transferable. She also told me she could not help me order a replacement part without the item number.

Whirlpool 500galaxy gas water heater - First week ran great. Now Im lighting every day. Called Whirlpool and just getting run around. Had it a month today, still lighting every day. Cant afford to buy another.

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.

We been having the same issues as all of the people that have consumed the water heater. We have replaced the pilot more than 3 times and other parts of this water heater! Well, we are a family of 9 and the only way we can shower is by heating up water like everyone that has the same issue.So I would never recommend this (Whirlpool) water heater to anyone!

I bought Whirlpool water heater model #FG1H5040T3NOV about 5 years ago. Burner assembly was replaced two years ago and now, thermocouple was replaced yesterday.

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 replaced my hot water heater after 22 years and no problems. We got a 50 gal. gas heater from Lowe’s in 6/2008. In 1/2012, we had no pilot light and an alarm on high temp sensor. Whirlpool sent a new sensor and control valve to replace the bad unit. Here we go again, on 3/2013 - same parts same problems. We now have the cost again to have the parts installed for the second time. I have spent 1/2 the cost to have the parts put in than the cost for the heater. I will never pay for any Whirlpool product again. They are plain junk!

We have had this water heater for less than 5 years. It was purchased new from Lowe’s. This is the second time we have had to replace the thermocouple and are told that we have to order the part from Whirlpool. Really? What do we do for hot water in the meantime? This is a very disappointing response from Whirlpool and Lowe’s. I will never again purchase anything from either company. We had to buy a new heater today, pay for installation and permits. This is a rip-off by Whirlpool and Lowe’s.

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.

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 bought Whirlpool hot water heater with the Honeywell part in 2014 and the thermal box went out. No flashing lights, no way to reset. I understand that Whirlpool had a class action lawsuit after researching. Still selling this product to consumers. Whirlpool should be held responsible, and be made to give an allotment to replace homeowners with hot water tank of choice! If lawsuit is active please add my name.

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!

Whirlpool N50T91-403 purchased in Mar 12 had an error code 4. I knew the water heater had a safety installed in it when I was working on the plumbing and allowed it to drain the hot water side down to 16% of capacitance of 50 GL. After the plumbing issue was resolved, I saw the water heater had shut off (thermal protection) but the switch wasnt tripped as far as I could tell. Knowing small processors can only remember anything if they have power, I removed the Honeywell circuit board and with my multimeter probed all of the capacitors contacting them both (-) and (+) and in reverse order. Doing this forces the IC to forget its codes because they require a small amount of voltage to remember them, usually powered by a small capacitor. I reinstalled it and voila! Presto! It works again.

I bought a Whirlpool water heater not even 3 years ago, and I am already replacing parts; thermostat,thermocouple, and as of yet, no fix. We contacted Whirlpool, and they said that everything has been tried, and if the thermocouple doesnt fix it, well have to hire a plumber at our expense. Its kinda ridiculous. The water heater that we replaced, had been in the home for almost 17 years.This one didnt even make it to 4.

I purchased a 12 year warranty, high end Whirlpool WATER HEATER (OR SO I THOUGHT AT THE TIME) through Lowes in 2014. Model ND50T122-403. Six years and multiple service calls later it is broken again, this time for the final time. I am ripping this garbage out. So livid with this company that could give a rip about their customers. Three years in to my 12 year warranty it started giving me problems. Horrible HORRIBLE customer service. They will insult your intelligence. Whirlpool will not honor the warranty or stand behind their product. They just take your money and basically give a shrug of the shoulders or worse blame you for THEIR TERRIBLE product failing. It may be unscrupulous and unethical but I guess saves them a pile of money which is what they seem to only be out.The Service Tech that came for the 4th time to repair it says they see this all the time in Whirlpool water heaters. Its a Design Flaw they say. I dont know about all that. I just know when I have been swindled. The electronics are garbage. The pilot light when it goes out is not easily reset as others have mentioned on this site. Will stay lit for while and then shuts down. Whirlpool says, despite reams of evidence to the contrary it must be a safety issue in the install, which they have absolutely zero evidence of therefore, they are not honoring the warranty. They are Blaming the installers, according to our service techs who tried to order the part thats supposed to be under warranty.The original installers, by the way were from Lowes, the outfit that sold me this hot mess. Another Class action lawsuit seems ripe. Or perhaps the consumer protection division from each states Attorneys General would be interested in protecting their citizens from practices like this. Lowes is complicit in allowing it, failing to protect their customers and not calling Whirlpool out for it. I cant think of a more deserving target of consumer protection than Whirlpool. A truly horrible, expensive experience. See the Whirlpool logo and RUN - - DO NOT WALK -- THE OTHER WAY!

We purchased an energy efficient Whirlpool water heater on 10-20-2005. This water heater has been serviced at least if not more than three times. The computer box on the top has been replaced twice each time leaving my garage flooded. This time the water is running from the thermostat box again the garage is flooded. I called for service and the representative was very nice and understanding. He gave us the information to pick up a replacement heater. The complaint is the mess that it made. I have already filed a previous claim with my homeowners insurance for the damage. I would like to know why I have to file repeated claims with the risk of losing my homeowners insurance because of the repeated damage caused by Whirlpools obvious defective water heater? I would appreciate some resolution from Whirlpool for the damage this water heater has caused. The replacement heater is fine but I would ask that the to company consider some compensation of the water damage this heater has caused again.

BFG2F4040T3NIV IS HORRIBLE. This water heater is JUNK. The release valve has released and flooded my basement 3 times in the past 2 years and the recovery time on water is terrible. Whirlpool needs to step up to the plate and refund everyone who purchased one of these. Every review on this unit is horrible. DO NOT PURCHASE a WHIRLPOOL water heater!

Purchased a new Whirlpool Energy Smart 50 gallon water heater from Lowes to replace our existing old one that had gone bad. Never again!! Had it professionally installed by one of Lowes installers. I have no problem with the installer.... the water heater was a piece of junk. From the first day we had sporadic hot water and to get that you had to have a hot water tap turned on full force. If you turned the tap to a lesser flow you got cold water. Couldnt get a hot shower at all. Contacted Whirlpool customer service 4 times by phone and 3 times by email. Horrible !!!! If I had read all the reviews ahead of time I would never have purchased a Whirlpool water heater. Each time contacting their customer service I was informed I had a plumbing problem... probably a cold water line was feeding into my hot water line??? Really??? After living in this house for 20 years all of a sudden I have a cold water line magically connect itself into my main hot water feed? I even set the temperature up as much as it would go. Could easily hold my hand under the hot water without getting burned. Most of their phone reps sounded like they were reading from a check list sheet and no desire to actually listen to what I was telling them. One even sent me a PDF file via email that had nothing to do with the problem I was describing to them. I finally told them after two weeks of this that I couldnt live with this situation and they said Well our technicians are 38 miles from you and we wont send one that far to check it. Asking what I could do they said Id have to hire someone (they werent able to tell me if I should hire a plumber or electrician) and Id have to pay for it and they would reimburse me. Sensing that this might be a fruitless task I resorted to calling the Lowes store where I purchased it and asked their advice. They offered to send out the original installer to check it out and work with Whirlpool over the phone. Like I said, I have no complaints with the installer, he was fast and professional. I stood there while their technician/customer service had him go through a few tests on the unit. All of that proved nothing except in their minds that nothing was wrong with their unit. He got off the phone and told me They refuse to accept any responsibility for the product being bad. I asked him what was I supposed to do. He got on the phone with the manager of the Lowes store and they agreed to swap it out at no charge to me. I of course was very happy but told them after all of this I didnt want another Energy Smart type water heater and that I didnt trust the electronics at all. He agreed to swap it out for a regular type and give me a credit for any difference in cost. Had this all done in one day and am very pleased with Lowes commitment to customer service. The new heater (still a Whirlpool sad to say) appears to be working fine just like my old one did. So much for it being a problem with my plumbing. After reading all the complaints about Whirlpool water heaters, I guess Im not looking forward to much of a life expectancy with this one and Im certainly not even going to attempt to call Whirlpool customer service if I do. This whole thing cost me $700 and as far as Im concerned Ill flush $700 down the toilet before buying another Whirlpool product. I still would love to know how any person with half a brain could tell me I had a plumbing problem when all that was done was removal of an old water heater and replaced with a new one. Thats two pipes people...cold water in, hot water out. I see that there was some type of class action lawsuit filed against Whirlpool. Maybe they need another one filed or forbidden to sell water heaters ever again.

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.

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 # **.

Do not buy whirlpool water heater!!! It will only last 3 years.

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!

I bought three top of the line 40-gallon Whirlpool electric water heaters from Lowes three years ago. One of the three heaters has already developed a leak. I contacted Whirlpool only to find out that they wont do anything to diagnose the problem. I have to pay labor for someone to come out, diagnose the problem and then pay for the labor to either correct the problem or replace the water heater. By the time I pay the labor costs, I could almost buy a brand new unit.

I just bought this water heater on 2/12/12 and it has already started having problems. I got a self diagnosis of the gas valve needing to be replaced. I think that if this becomes an ongoing problem, whether I have a warranty or not, I’m going to trash it and go with another brand. I shouldn’t have to pay to have the gas valve replaced.

I purchased a Whirlpool Water Heater BFG1J5040T3NOV from Lowe’s and have had numerous problems. The biggest issue is having to replace the thermocouple three times. It works fine for about a year then I need to replace it again. This is tiresome and wasteful and Whirlpool should be ashamed. As a company that once had a high reputation, this is sad. I would not recommend buying anything from them, especially their water heaters. After repairing this one, again, I will look elsewhere for the next one.

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.

My Brother-In-Law bought a Whirlpool Gas Water Heater from Lowes last year. The Water Heater was still under warranty and would not stay lit. He called Whirlpool and they told him to send them a picture of where the water heater was installed (really? a picture). They told him he could not order the replacement part which was a Thermopile because he had to have a licensed person install it? Really? In your own home? My husband finally got Lowes to order the part because Whirlpools only help was for him to purchase a new water heater and Lowes would give him 10% off a new one. Lowes and Whirlpool have a monopoly on water heaters. Whirlpool is the only brand that Lowes sells. So if you want your warranty to be good on a water heater DO NOT BUY WHIRLPOOL.

I purchased a 50 gallon Whirlpool water heater, model FG1J5040T3, in November, 2005, and have had the same experience as reported by the hundreds of others, whose comments I have been reading. Basically, pilot wont stay lit. I called Whirlpool, relight the heater, when it doesnt relight, wait to receive repair parts, call a plumber, and pay to have them install it, then repeat same problems. Each time going for a week or so, without hot water.After relighting the heater 10 times in the past year, and service calls, Whirlpool authorized me yesterday to return it to Lowes, and get a replacement. I need to hire a plumber to unhook it, haul it to Lowes, get the new one, and install it. It cost me about $300 to $400. Will the replacement be any better? I am considering just replacing the heater with one made by Rheem.

Bought a propane hot water heater and 2 years after buying it pilot wouldnt light. Had to buy a conversion kit because they didnt make the part anymore. Now had to buy a gas valve and it didnt work so went to Lockes and bought a new water heater and now they wont refund my money for the part $300.00 with shipping. They said they could only replace it. Well I dont need it now because I bought a better product. Whirlpool is junk and you have to buy the parts from them and RIP you off. Way to take care of your customers Whirlpool. Buy something else with your money.

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.

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 apparently am one of the lucky ones to have an electric water heater. My unit started giving me failure codes during the Christmas holidays. Each time it would fail, I would get a different failure code indicating the upper element, the lower element, and a sensor failure. After testing all 3 of these components, it was determined to be a controller issue. After speaking with Chris on the phone, he overnighted a new controller to me. I installed the new controller and had no more failures. Hot showers for New Years! Thank you Chris.

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.

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!!!

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

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 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.

I bought this piece of junk heater (serial no. 0804T411536) from Lowes and had their contract plumber install it in or about 2008. Since that time, I have had nothing but trouble with it. It just doesnt stay lit. Every plumber who works on it tells me that they have numerous problems with them and they cannot repair them - the customer has to get the part from Whirlpool. And today the woman I talked to told me that I had to pay the shipping charges, which vary according to how quickly one wants hot water! I personally find that a true rip off. If you cant guarantee the product you put on the market, then dont put it out there. I will never buy another Whirlpool appliance or shop at Lowes!

I purchased a new water heater in August 2013. The pilot light started going out in October/November of 2013. After calling the Tech Support phone number, (877) 817-6750, I was advised to clean the burner screen. First this is very difficult to do because the burner screen is underneath the water heater and almost impossible to access. Second the closet the water heater is in did not show any signs of debris that could clog the burner screen. I did as they recommended. Several calls, and several weeks later, they finally authorized a technician to come and service water heater. He performed a cleaning even though he couldnt find anything to clean; and he replaced the control module. The new control module worked through the spring and summer seasons and then I started having issues again in the fall, late October. Started calling the same phone number and was told again to clean the burner screen. I convinced them to send out the technician again. The A and E Factory technician came out and only cleaned the burner screen and left before I had a chance to get home. This happened several times and I called Whirlpool every time. The next A and E technician told me to try changing out the draft vent chimney to a different size, which I did. Problem happened Again! I finally asked for another plumber and they sent me 3 names of their authorized plumbers. I called Phil, Philco Plumbing. He told me that I needed to have more ventilation, so I added more ventilation, even though I later found documentation stating I already had more than what was required by the manufacturer. Again, a week later, started having problems. Call back and asked to have my personal plumber come out. This time the rep told me that I have always been free to choose any plumber I wish (why wasnt I given that option the first 10 times I called?). My plumber came out and replaced the control module and the thermocouple, but wasnt convinced that these were faulty parts, he honestly couldnt figure out why I am having this problem, but it was worth a try. That lasted about 1 week and now I am having the problem again!!Whirlpool will FINALLY authorize a new water heater, but they will not authorize installation for the new water heater. I have already spent money on recommended repairs that have not worked. I have taken 15+ hours off of work to watch plumbers do nothing that has rectified my problems. And now Whirlpool wants me to deal with installing the unit myself, OR pay to have it installed! They say they wont cover installation because I purchased it more than 1 year ago. They seem to be missing the fact that I have had trouble with it the ENTIRE time I have owned it!This Flame lock system is garbage. I found on Consumer Affairs that a few years ago a class-action lawsuit settled, dealing with the same issues. I think it is time for another round! I KNOW that I am not the only one dealing with this problem because the plumbers I had out all had similar complaints from many of their clients. Whirlpool wont fess up to the problem, but the problem is real.

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!

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!

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.

Do yourself a favor and do not purchase any Whirlpool gas heater product. There are numerous poor reviews on Whirlpool water heaters. The one I purchased, 50 gallon Whirlpool water heater; I had to replace the control valve three times. After the third time, (the water heater was less than 18 months old) I gave up and purchased another product. Whirlpool would not replace their poor product, but did replace the control valve, each time, which cost $100,00 labor each time. After the water heater was taken out, there were visible leaks on all connections. (A licensed plumber installed it.) Over a period of time, I lost a total of three days work, was w/o hot water three times for two days each issue. I hope I can save the next consumer similar difficulties with this product. Check consumer reports before purchase of this product. There are numerous complaints. Also, local plumbers can advise on how many issues they encounter with this product.

I purchased a Whirlpool gas hot water heater in July 2012 and have had to replace the control/pilot light mechanism every 6 months since then. Whirlpools customer service is the worst service in the world. They are rude. I have followed their instructions every time and have been accused of being uncooperative. I paid $350 to $400 for my heater and just spent $200.00 to have a plumber put apple cider vinegar in my tank.I was told by Whirlpool that the calcium sediment was causing the problem... I drained this tank twice and there was no sediment in the tank. This is evidently a common error for Whirlpool tanks. I will never purchase any Whirlpool product again and will tell others that their products are crap. The worst part was the inconsiderate customer service. I dont know who trains them, but they need to fire the entire bunch. Shame on you Whirlpool!

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.

Bought a water heater on May 5th for 539.00 and was unable to get hot water all the time. After many days and dealing with Lowes which did not help and Whirlpool, I discovered that the unit I bought had no dip tube to bring the cold water to the bottom to be heated and thus provide hot water to the hot water outlet on the heater to the rest of the house. People at Lowes had no dip tubes and really have no knowledge of what is going on as the people at Whirlpool whom I called.

I am experiencing problems with keeping my pilot lit too. I checked the screen and this is not the issue. I have just returned from Lowes where I purchased the water heater and they informed me Whirlpool supplied kits for this issue and it was widespread. They mentioned a class action and went on to tell me they and all surrounding Lowes stores are out of the free kit and arent expecting anymore. Am I to feel lucky my water heater water didnt fail sooner only to feel unlucky all of the free repair kits are now gone? Lowes provided me with the Whirlpool phone number for help and they have just informed me it will cost me $35.44 plus shipping. I now see how widespread this problem is. This isnt right. I am very disappointed in the handling of this known problem! What is my next course of action?

I purchased a 50-gallon Whirlpool natural gas water heater (12 year warranty) from Lowes approx 2.5 years ago. Just before Thanksgiving, the pilot light started going out once a day, then twice a day. Now, I can light the pilot light in Pilot mode but as soon as I release the red button, the flame goes out. I called Whirlpool and received phone troubleshooting support resulting in a recommendation to pick up a new thermocoupler from Lowes which I did. While searching for someone to install (unfortunately Im not that handy), I ran into the thousands of complaints filed about the very same problem Im having over a number of years and right up to todays date. I called Whirlpool back and got the same song and dance. Theyd be happy to help me troubleshoot if I can get the required meters etc. to test devices, do draft tests, etc. They claimed the problems were fixed with the newer model that I have but certainly cant explain why I have exactly the same issue. What they are not willing to do is stand behind their product and get me hot water. Tried calling Lowes and got the response that I have to deal with Whirlpool. It appears that this newer BFG model is just as flawed as the older model and the warranty is pretty much worthless other than getting a few parts. I used to think that Whirlpool products were reasonably good, however, I will never purchase another.

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!

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.

Problem resolved - This is an update to my previous complaint... The repair man arrived this morning and after resetting the thermostat, the water heater started up again. He explained to me that these new water heaters are super sensitive because of the new designs and systems that are required by the State of California. He said that all brands have to have the same system. He said that the new water heaters dont breathe as well as the old ones. In our case, he suspected that after being installed, there were probably some air bubbles in the pipes which tricked the computer into telling it that there was not enough ventilation, when in fact our ventilation was fine, but that triggered a total shut down! In my previous written complaint, I was really upset because I have not had a shower in 3 days and thought this problem water heater would not be fixed until next week. I was furious! My understanding is that basically the way the new water heaters are designed is not very well and there is nothing we can do because about it they are all the same, unless we want to go to a tankless water heater system which plumbing included would cost $4000.00... so we are stuck and hope this will not happen 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.

This Whirlpool Water heater was purchased through Lowes on March 29, 2011. This past weekend, water started leaking out of the thermostat/natural gas control located on the side of the tank. I called a plumber to take a look. He stated that a new thermostat/natural gas control was needed. Although the tank has a 12 year warranty, this item does not. Whirlpool did agree to replace the part but would charge me $30 to overnight the item which still would have taken 4 days because of a weekend. To install the item would have cost me almost $500.00.To purchase a new Rheem Water heater was $999. I chose the second choice as the first choice would have still left me with a subpar water heater obviously already out of warranty. The reason for my review is that I saw the number of complaints on the failure of this part. When I purchased this water heater, it was the better model due to the 12 year tank warranty. What use is the tank warranty when the other items dont last? There should be some type of reimbursement but Im not holding my breath. Please buy a contractor grade water heater and not the cheaper models.