Are there any problems with the Whirlpool flame lock water heater?

Many homeowners who purchased Whirlpool’s Flame Lock gas water heaters are taking a lot of cold showers these days, not to relieve frustration but because they have no hot water. The heater, which is sold only at Lowe’s, requires frequent maintenance and, according to almost 100 ConsumerAffairs.com reader complaints, breaks down frequently.

What should I do if my water heater flame is not working?

If the venting system is blocked, clean it and make sure that air and flue passageways are free of deposits and debris. If the problem is with the high gas pressure, call the utility company. One possibility is water in the gas line due to pipe corrosion. If the problem is with the cold or excess draft, find the cause and fix the problem.

What should the flame look like in a water heater?

Proper gas combustion and the burner flame. The main indicators of the proper gas combustion are the stable blue flame or blue flame with the yellow inner cones (see the picture). It is also OK to see the tip of the flame with a slightly yellow color.

Why is my whirlpool water heater malfunctioning?

Whirlpool spokeswoman Jody Lau said the thermocouples are malfunctioning due to new safety standards in gas water heater ventilation systems. As of July 2005, all new water heaters manufactured in the U.S. are to include Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) technology.

What does it mean when your water heater has a yellow flame?

Blue flame means that everything is OK and the air/gas mixture is in the correct ratio. Yellow flame occurs when there is not enough air coming to the flame. Orange or red flame happens when dust and other debris burn together with the gas. Note: The orange flame doesn’t always indicate a problem,…

Is there a problem with the flame arrestor on my water heater?

Those water heaters that are subjected to this problem will show discoloration on the flame arrestor, which will require you to replace the unit. Some gas water heaters are equipped with the air shutter, which allows you to adjust the air-gas mixture for proper burning.

What to do if your whirlpool water heater won’t work?

If the pilot light on your Whirlpool water heater won’t stay lit, chances are you need to replace the thermocouple. This is an easy home repair that you can do yourself. Donations are appreciated and welcomed at https://www.paypal.me/ceddieced. Loading…

Where can I buy a new whirlpool water heater?

Whirlpool customers who would rather not pay about $10 in shipping while waiting without hot water for the part to arrive, can go to Lowe’s to purchase the replacement thermocouple for about $15. Adding to consumers’ annoyance, the warranty only covers parts the first time they break.

Where does the gas burner go in a water heater?

Every gas-powered and tank-type water heater uses the gas burner located in the combustion chamber to heat water, pilot light or electrode to light the fire, and a gas control valve to deliver natural gas or propane. During the burning process, exhaust gases are vented out, either naturally (convection) or forced (electric blower).