GE water heater - purchase one year ago - igniter has failed 3 times - rude service from GE Hot Water Hotline

# 29 for September 23, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on September 22, 2003:

From:

RE: GE water heater - purchase one year ago - igniter has failed 3 times - rude service from GE Hot Water Hotline

GE water heaters are not good, in my experience. Serial #GELN1101147640, model # SG50T12XA01 which we bought at Home Depot a year ago, has had the igniter fail THREE times so far and have had negative, NASTY responses from the GE Hot Water Hotline. It has been 2 days now without hot water, and will be 3 to 4 AT LEAST until we get a part from them.

This LEMON should be replaced and when we brought it up because of our dissatisfaction with the water heater, the customer service representative was extremely rude.

We went over to Home Depot and even saw signs in their department warning customers about the GE water heaters, that Home Depot was not responsible, if you have problems call GE. Yeah, sure.

FAt lot of good that did. 5 people trying to take cold showers in the morning is NOT fun. The dishes are piling up and we are getting REALLY mad. Never will I buy another GE product. Carol and Peter Hayden Email User

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I just purchased a new 40 gal. GE Water heater form Home Depot and installed it that same day (01/23/10). The install went well, that is until I tried to light the pilot. When I pressed the Piezo Electric Igniator, there was no spark at the pilot. Called GE support on Sunday, and the said they would send me a new part. I said I'm not a repair person and aked about the 1yr. in-home service, the lady was a little rude and said that a repair person will contact me within 24hrs / 1 business day. Still waiting and this is the 3rd day without hot water.

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I should have known better... GE is in it for the profit only and does not care about consumer. My GE Model # SG50T12XA01 lasted 2 1/2 years and then started leaking everywhere. The igniter failed so many times that I have 3 extra sensors at all times.

I will never acquire another GE product. This includes their smoke detectors, electrical parts, and most of all their home products.

PS Home Depot was no help at all.

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I noticed that my GE water heater in a rental unit had leaked all over, sprayed water on two walls, and the earthquake braces were rusting from water streaming down. I was told by the GE Hotline that this was "normal" condensation.

Luckily, I asked to speak to a supervisor who put through a claim for me and in the meantime had parts sent out via UPS. (But I was on hold for about 20 minutes.)

Sadly, I also bought my water heater at a Home Depot, and felt secure with the GE product. The previous "no name" water heater had lasted for 25 years, the GE water heater, just four. Not great.