reviewer
dingerma
Mishawaka, IN

EE3Z50RD055V only lasted 5 years, Lower element dead in 2 years

1 star rating

Mr. Fix-it
Pros

    Lasted 5 years

Cons
    Only lasted 5 years

OCT
17
2008
I bought one in 2003.  Lower element rotted away within 2 years and leaked water.  I disconnected the lower element.  eventually the leak stopped.  (I'm lazy, I just let it be like that.)  The upper element burned out in 2008.  It popped my breaker constantly.  The breaker ended up getting ruined.  I called their toll free number 1-877-817-6750.  Whirlpool contracts their customer support in India.  I explained that the problem started with a leak.  India insisted that my problem would be solved by a new control board.  I installed the new board and bought a new breaker.  Of course, this breaker popped continuously.  I called India again and asked them to transfer me to Tennessee.  (This was by recommendation by a Lowes employee)  Tennessee sent me two new elements.  I installed the elements. The breaker continued to pop.  It is a 30 Amp Pushmatic breaker.  These are very expensive since the company went out of business many decades ago.  I called Whirlpool (Tennessee).  They told me that a 30Amp breaker is the mimimum size needed.  They said that I needed a 35Amp breaker.  (there is no such thing, as far as I know)  I went back to Lowes and bought a 4500W for lower and a 3500W for the upper.  (it came with 5500W U/5500W L)  The Hot Water Heater is not popping breakers now, but my water takes a while to get hot.
The old elements were nearly completely dissolved, especially the lower one.  The area under the lower element is very rusty from the water leaking out of the element mount. The drain valve is clogged with calcium.  So much for self cleaning with a lifetime warranty.



I_thumb_down Whirlpool Whirlpool EE3Z50RD055V Energy Smart Electric Water Heater is not recommended by dingerma

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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about dingerma’s Review

 


bkovacs wrote on Oct 31, 2008 at 11:59AM

Bummer about your water heater... I hope mine is more trouble-free than yours. Thanks for the review!

--Bob

4 star rating
"Convenient controls"
More Whirlpool Whirlpool EE3Z50RD055V Energy Smart Electric Water Heater reviews
5 star rating
"worth the extra cost"



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