We are replacing our hot water heater this week since it is 10 years old. Thanks again LarryG. LarryG. 06:28AM | 02/03/11. Member Since: 07/22/04 649 lifetime posts. Thanks for the follow up. Glad ... Nov 03, 2006 · The lawsuit claims Whirlpool water heaters have several design flaws that eventually lead to the malfunctioning thermocouple and the company offers no support or solution. The thermocouple is a wire that goes between the gas valve and the pilot light, but if the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple sends a signal to the gas valve to turn off ...