How long do water heater thermocouples last?
How long do water heater thermocouples last?
Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.
Do hot water tanks have a thermocouple?
A thermocouple or flame sensor is a device used to control gas flow in gas water heaters. The thermocouple is part of the pilot burner assembly and connects to the gas control valve on the outside of the water heater.
Do thermocouples wear out?
Like the other component parts in your furnace, the thermocouple can wear down over time, producing lower voltage than it should when heated. And the worst part is that you can have a bad thermocouple without even knowing. Therefore, inspecting and testing your thermocouple should be part of your furnace maintenance.
How much is thermocouple replace?
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.
Why do thermocouples fail?
Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.
How do you clean a thermal coupler on a hot water heater?
Clean the thermocouple – using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that.
What causes thermocouples 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.
Why does my hot water heater pilot keep going out?
The most common reason that your pilot light on your water heater keeps going out is a damaged, bent or dirty thermocouple.
