Whirlpool - Any Changes in 2008

[Ray121462]

I just got back from Lowes where I purchased two Whrlpool (12-year with Energy Smart) water heaters. I was supposed to have them installed this afternoon, but one was dented so they need to install tomorrow. After doing some more research, I found this site. From everything I've read, I should get out of this deal right away. Is this still the current thought in 2008 for these water heaters? It looks like most of the problems were pre 2007. Thanks.

[MG]

If the design hasn't changed they're still going to be problematic.

[Squ1rrel]

All their new ones are using the new burner system that they are shipping out to "fix" the problem units. The reset switch has a tendency to get stuck when you have to reset it. Some of the units were coming from the factory like that, and wouldn't start. Don't know if things have changed in the last 4 months, but given the amazing customer service they've provided in the past, I'd be afraid...very afraid

[master plumber mark]

I might be wrong but I think the energy smart ones are

electric.....and if they are they are junk too....


do they look like this one on my web site????



if it has this fancey computorized sensor box on top of it

...then I suggest you run away screaming.....


if it is a gas heater then it has a fancey new Honeywell gas valve on it
and i personally would not want to be involved in their next fiasco .....


http://www.weilhammerplumbing.com/galleryi/

[Redwood]

I would cancel this sale and installation!

Find a plumber that installs Bradford White!

[Ray121462]

Master Plumber Mark - I checked out your site, these are definately not electric. The gas units have a self-diagnostic control located near the bottom.

I decided to cancel the Whirlpool installation and found a local plumber who thinks a 199000 BTU Bradford White High Efficency 25 gallon should do the job of my two old 40 gallons. He's going to install tomorrow. I hope he's right about it! Thanks for everyone's advice.

[master plumber mark]

I have looked at the new gas units that they are offering
and they still scare me because they still dont know what
they are doing in the first place,

they have not corrected or changed
the air intake on the bottom of the unit at all
and it does not make sense to me to keep makeing the
same mistake over and over again....

they seem want to dazzle everyone with the
12 year warranty...

they have packaged what might actually be a good honeywell valve
on a downright shitty water heater with a proven
defective air intake design so it is bound to still fail just like the old design..........


as far as the one you are putting in,
I have never heard of a 25 gallon 199,000 btu gas water heater...

do you mean a 75 gallon gas with the higher btu burner????

a 75 gallon would more than suffice

just wondering
http://www.weilhammerplumbing.com/galleryiii/

[Ray121462]

Wow...I was searching the web and it took a while, but I did see a 25 gallon high efficiency Bradford White description. I guess I heard the plumber correctly about the 25 gallons, but the spec sheet says 78000 BTUs. Model GX-2-25S6BN.

http://www.kennypipe.com/new-products-bradford-white

Claims to have 155 gallon first hour delivery. Hopefully I'll see gas cost savings.

[MACPLUMB 777]

Yes That Is Correct !

I Am Recommending This For A Frend

[Mikey]

I might be wrong but I think the energy smart ones are

electric.....and if they are they are junk too....


do they look like this one on my web site????



if it has this fancey computorized sensor box on top of it

...then I suggest you run away screaming.....


if it is a gas heater then it has a fancey new Honeywell gas valve on it
and i personally would not want to be involved in their next fiasco .....


http://www.weilhammerplumbing.com/galleryi/

I had a Whirlpool EnergySmart 50gal electric unit installed for a couple of years before replacing it with a solar system. Easy to install, worked fine. Maybe I got lucky?

[master plumber mark]

the problem with them is when the diagnostic
on the unit starts to beep and go nuts on you
......either about the elements
or the heat sensors going bad to the elements...

the worst thing we have run into is the circuit board
either getting fried out because the element burnt out
and threw a surge through the board or a power surge
from the house threw a jolt into the board....

that board is about $145 if you can get it
...and I suggest changeing
both elements out when or if you ever have to mess
with it

http://www.weilhammerplumbing.com/galleryiii/

[Mikey]

Well, I'll remember that for next time ; thanks.

[solutions]

Is this only effecting this model HWH, or other electric or gas models too?

[Doug Lassiter]

I installed a Whirlpool BFG model 40 gallon water heater from Lowes in December 2006. I actually haven't had any trouble with it so far (knock on wood!), though I do notice that I've had to turn the thermostat knob up somewhat to keep the hot water temp where I think it used to be. Is that the sign of an about-to-fail thermocouple?

I selected to claim the replacement manifold assembly, at least so I'd have it around when the thing failed. I sent that claim in by mail, using the claim form provided by the Settlement, on 12/07, but haven't gotten the replacement unit. Am I supposed to follow up the mailed claim to actually get one sent to me?

The unit is in a closet in the garage, open to the attic. It is on it's own short legs, so it's almost impossible to see the vent screen, but there is very little dust in that closet. I decided to remove the flame viewing window anyway, based on my impression from the posts in this thread about the importance of ventilation to the burner. Given the absence of flammable materials near the closet, and the "outer door" that should keep solid burnables away from the flame, this seems justified.

What precisely causes the thermocouple to fail, and how does airflow to the burner affect that? Never have understood that.

The thread is pretty long, and hugely informative, but it's gotten to the point that it's hard to pull out recommendations. Who (based on the particular unit that they have) needs to do what, to keep this beast alive? Is there some place where all this information is distilled?

Thanks!

Doug

[MACPLUMB 777]

My Brother Brought One And Installed A Year Ago. No Problems !
Two Weeks Ago He Drained It And Pulled Out Of Closet So He Could Rebuild Closet And Tile Kitchen Floor.
He Reinstalled And Relite Burner No Problems
Because Of The Postings Here I Told Him About Possible Problems
So Ordered Him The New Gas Valve And Burner Manifold
That He Is Keeping If He Needs Them, :d