Home Depot G.E. Water Heaters

Home Depot G.E. Water Heaters

March 7, 2006

Not knowing any better we purchased a G.E. 50 gallon water heater at Home Depot. One month out of warranty the pilot light would not stay lit. We called the hotline for G.E. and they told us a plumbing company to call. In the meantime this happened over the weekend and the plumber couldn't come out until Tuesday. We had 4 days of cold showers and cold water. The valve had to be replaced. I would not recommend this water heater as we were told by the plumber and others after our experience that it is one of the worst ones made and that we will have nothing but problems like everyone else who purchased this. We are so happy to hear this. I had a Sears Kenmore that lasted 15 years and never had any problems. Do your research before you get sucked into this lemon.

Sue Click this link to e-mail the message author: Email User

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I had the same issue as above. I have a PG40T9A that was installed in 2003. It started leaking from the bottom (looks like it rusted out). I call the number and they walk me through some tests and conclude that they will replace it. But, of course, they don't make that one any more, so I have to pay for an upgrade to the newer version. The credit is only for $240. The new water heater costs $490. So I've gotta shell out $250, and that doesn't even include installation. Some warranty.

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I also contacted G.E. Hotline about my 9 yr. warranty 40 gal. hot water heater that started leaking from the bottom. The GE rep told me that it would be replaced at no charge to me; arrived at Home Depot and they only wanted to provide me with a credit and also the news that the Smartwater Heater model #PG40t9A was no longer available. Also the credit would ONLY apply if I purchased the 9 yr. warranty item. The GE Rep was rude and told me that I would have to pay the difference because there was only an upgrade of the model I purchased available or he would not authorize a credit. What did I do? I had the plumber reinstall the H2O heater since it was a small leak from the bottom and have begun my research to find a reputable company who stands behind their WORD and PRODUCT. I will not purchase from Home Depot nor Lowe's. What did I learn never purchase any GE product with more than a 5 year warranty, as a matter of fact I will try to avoid purchasing any product with a GE affiliation. Never purchase an item for your home through Home Depot nor Lowe's. I have started going back to the local hardware store.

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I wish I would have seen this post two months ago. I purchased and installed a 50 GAL. water heater from HD. Two months later and I barely get a 4 minute "warm" shower. I got more out of my 40 GAL.,12 year old heater that had a leak in it. I called the G.E. number and after 40 hours of being on hold and explaining my situation, they ended up saying that can't help. Fortunately when I went HD, they at least offered that if I brought in the old one, they would give me a new piece of crap heater. God Bless America!

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We have this GE Profile Smart water heater under 9 year warranty purchased at Home Depot. After 2 years the hot water flow reduced to a trickle. Back to Home Depot. Their suggestion: 1-800-431-1549. GE explained that the manufacturer originally placed a plastic sleeve inside of the hot water outlet fitting in order to avoid the use of a sealer for the installer. Unfortunately the plastic could not withstand the heat and formed a sieve inside the fitting.

Now, after other two years I have the same problem. GE is sending me new fittings which I don't think is needed.

Is there anybody responsible for this? Is this not a manufacturing error?

According to GE labour is not included in the warranty.

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I'm also having a problem with the GE Smartwater 40 gallon Water heater purchased from Home Depot. The water heater is leaking from the seal at the top of the unit. The Ge Hot Line is rude & is not honoring the 12 yr. warrenty on this under 3 year old heater! They are making me pay for the labor when in fact the paperwork states "Lifetime labor & parts" plus there is another note on the warrenty which states that the Full warrenty (Labor included) is covered for the first 3 years if Home Depot installed it which they did. No satification from Home depot or GE.

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The water heaters sold at Home Depot are Made by Rheem Water heater.. They are the same water heater as if you'd gotten a Rheem from a plumber.. I've seen many plumber trash talk any plumbing fixtures sold at hardware stores, or home centers.

Just a GE sticker stuck on the tank.