How much is a thermocouple for water heater?
The cost to replace the thermocouple on a water heater is $100 to $325. The thermocouple detects whether the pilot light is lit and signals the gas control valve to turn on the gas flow. Thermocouple replacement is the most common repair needed for gas tank water heaters.
How much is a new thermocouple?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.
Are thermocouples for water heaters universal?
Universal thermocouples come in lengths from 15 to 36 inches. An 18 or 24 inch will suffice for all residential water heaters using universal kits. Almost all older waters heaters and many of the newer style units with a sealed burner compartment and a viewing window will use this thermocouple.
How long does a thermocouple last on a water heater?
How Long Should a Water Heater Thermocouple Last? If properly installed and maintained, thermocouples can last for up to 10 years.
Who can replace thermocouple on water heater?
Take the old thermocouple to the hardware, home improvement, or plumbing supply store to buy an exact replacement. Also buy a new gasket for the manifold cover plate, if you are replacing the old one.
Is it expensive to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouple. If your furnace is an older model with a pilot light, it relies on a thermocouple to shut off its gas valve if the flame goes out. The average cost to repair or replace a thermocouple is $100–$250.
How long does a water heater thermocouple last?
How long should a water heater thermocouple last?
What happens if a thermocouple fails?
Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isn’t working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. This is important, particularly if the pilot light is out, because it prevents harmful gas from leaking into your home.
What causes a thermocouple to burn out?
It’s Dirty. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction.
What causes a thermocouple to go bad?
The presence of oxygen causes a reaction in the thermocouple that can wear down the part and make the wires become thinner and more brittle. Oxidation can be caused by a small amount of oxygen making its way into a sealed environment and reacting with the pure metal of the thermocouple.
How long should a hot water heater thermocouple last?
How Long Should a Water Heater Thermocouple Last? If properly installed and maintained, thermocouples can last for up to 10 years. Gas water heaters, in their turn, have a general lifespan between 8 and 12 years, so if you manage to take great care of your unit, you might not have to replace the thermocouple at all.
What causes a thermocouple to fail?
After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. Thermocouples that are regularly exposed to extreme heat stress or extreme conditions are more likely to go through metal fatigue. If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.
What happens when a thermocouple fails?
How long do water heater thermocouples last?
What are the signs of a bad thermocouple?
Failed Thermocouple Symptoms
- Signs of contamination on the tube, e.g. discoloration, cracks, or pinholes.
- Signs of wear or corrosion of the wirings, e.g. missing insulation or bare wire.
- Physical damage to the connectors which can have an effect on the reliability of the test reading.