General Electric 60 Gallon Hot Water Heaters
Complaint 156978 Details

I purchased a hot water heater from Home Depot in January 2012. In July of 2012 I came home from work to find that there was 60 gallons of water all over my finished off basement. The water ruined a brand new area rug that I also purchased at Home Depot for $499. The water also got into the carpet in the hallway and the matt underneath was so saturated that the rug and matt had to be ripped up and tossed. On the hot water tank it clearly stated that if the hot water heater was under a year old then to contact home depot. I contacted home depot who told me to return the hot water heater and they would replace it. This required me to get a plumber to come to my home and take out the hot water heater and return it to home depot where they replaced the hot water heater. The clerk at Home Depot stated that this was a defective hot water heater and to contact GE immediately as they are responsible. After my electrician brought the new hot water heater to my home and install it I contacted GE. I was told that someone would call me back. The Electrician cost me $300! I had to put another 60 gallons of water into the tank (my out of pocket expense). I received a call from GE 2 days later stating that I had to have hot water heater there and I told them that when I made the initial call I told them hot water heater was at Home Depot. The claims adjuster wanted the serial number off the hot water heater so I called Home Depot and they got the number and I asked that they put the hot water heater to the side so GE could send an inspector. Home Depot agreed and after 2 days I called back to GE and was told "NO, CANT HELP YOU AS HOT WATER HEATER NEEDS TO BE AT YOUR HOUSE"! I explained that I talked to two people prior and they knew where hot water heater was and no one told me that. I explained that I would have to het electrician again as I dont have a truck and how can I get it. I was told someone would call me back. Four days go by and I called again and I was told that they tried to reach me but that I gave them the wrong phone number? I said you have already called me twice so how did you reach me if I gave you the wrong number. The clerk was exceptionally rude and said "what is it that you want"? I said I want to be compensated for all of my out of pocket expenses due to defective hot water heater. She stated if you want to be reimbursed then contact your Home Owners. I stated I will not as my rate will go up and this was due to a DEFECTIVE heater. She stated you will get nothing from GE as heater not there and we dont pay for damages. I cannot get a call back, I have sent 3 FEDEX letters that were all signed for at Consumer Relations but no call back. I am disgusted with how I have been treated buy GE and I want someone to call me. I paid for a hot water heater that caused my home to stink due to the water getting into carpets and rugs. Please call MaryEllen Campanile (Personal Information Removed)