Experienced plumbing company cannot fix my heater!

[darsunt]

I have a GE ultra low NOx water heater with 6 year warranty. Recently I was unable to start the pilot. A reputable plumbing company sent one of their plumbers and I was told they could not fix until I got the parts from GE.
Have any of you had this much trouble with this water heater? The model is GG28T06AXK00. My unit will be without hot water I guess until I can contact GE monday and see what they have to say.

 

[johnjh2o]

There have been many problems with that heater. Go to Home Depot and read the reviews.

John

 

[stevemachine]

Yeah ge water heaters are what I would call the Home Depot special. In general I've replaced more ge water heaters than any other brand. But again each to their own that's just my thoughts. So I'm guessing the water heater has 6 yr warranty on parts itself? Did the plumber specify what part you needed? I know sometimes the tco switches go on them and it can be due to improper sized venting (too small of vent doesn't allow the heat out fast enough and over a longer period of time it trips the tco) Just something to be aware of.

 

[Caduceus]

Maybe there was a lack of clarity as to what needed to be done to fix the water heater.
Let me explain.
If the water heater is under warranty, and parts need to be replaced, you need to call the customer service hotline to get the parts for free under warranty. If the plumber obtains the parts, you would have to be charged for them as well as labor costs. It may not be that he cannot fix the heater, just that he cannot fix it under warranty.
These tanks have a history of issues with the gas control valve and your first step is to call cust. serv. with the model and serial number handy.
Additionally, the 6 year warranty typically applies to the tank only. Other parts will carry a 1 year warranty. But if Rheem, who makes the tank, is aware of a defect they may offer the replacement parts at no cost to you.
Remember to treat the customer service person with respect, even though you may be upset. They are always more helpful and can afford more latitude to you on warranty issues if you don't take your frustration out on them.

 

[stevemachine]

Maybe there was a lack of clarity as to what needed to be done to fix the water heater.
Let me explain.
If the water heater is under warranty, and parts need to be replaced, you need to call the customer service hotline to get the parts for free under warranty. If the plumber obtains the parts, you would have to be charged for them as well as labor costs. It may not be that he cannot fix the heater, just that he cannot fix it under warranty.
These tanks have a history of issues with the gas control valve and your first step is to call cust. serv. with the model and serial number handy.
Additionally, the 6 year warranty typically applies to the tank only. Other parts will carry a 1 year warranty. But if Rheem, who makes the tank, is aware of a defect they may offer the replacement parts at no cost to you.
Remember to treat the customer service person with respect, even though you may be upset. They are always more helpful and can afford more latitude to you on warranty issues if you don't take your frustration out on them.

Yeah it's pretty rare besides Bradford whites to have more than one year warranty on parts not just tank.

 

[dantheACman]

95% of water heater problems come from improper install. I. E combustion air, flue sizing and termination, improper size. 20 year service tech. Good luck .