The rising cost of living is forcing over 90% of the population to be frugal and tighten their belts. From clearing loans, taking kids to a good school, ensuring the lights are always on, the water running and the credit card bills, there is only one luxury you can allow yourself, hot showers and baths. However, a water heater that does not heat might have a faulty thermocouple. How long will you endure the cold showers? To you, who
is feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living, it is not better to fix it yourself and learn a new skill in the process. When you note that the pilot lights will not stay lit, your thermocouple will require changing. It looks like a short tube running from the pilot to the gas controller. However, it is a device consisting of two metals of different materials joined to form a junction on one end. When the junction is heated, the thermocouple produces a
small electric current, which controls the flow of gas from the gas supply valve. If the flame is out, the thermocouple will prevent the valve from delivering gas to the burner. A Defective ThermocoupleAfter decades of use, your water heater’s thermocouple can become decalibrated. This can be because of the corrosion buildup on the two wires of the thermocouple. Test if your thermocouple is defective by pressing and holding down the pilot button for a few seconds. Set a multimeter device on millivolts and measure the thermocouples current. Connect one probe of the device to the gas valve and the other to the copper sheath on the thermocouple to measure the current. A working thermocouple will produce an average of 25 to 35 millivolts when the burner unit is burning with a soft blue flame. You will need to replace your thermocouple if you find lower readings. Thermocouples are universal, and the parts include universal adapter fittings compatible with clamp-type, screw-in, or push-in type pilot burners. You will not have a difficult time obtaining the right fit when purchasing a new one. In this guide, we have a systematic process to help you change your thermocouple. You will need a wrench set, pliers, a replacement thermocouple, and an adjustable wrench. Here is a systematic do-it-yourself process for changing your thermocouple. 1. Shut off the gas controller valve on the water heater before attempting to do the repairs. In the case, you smell gas, apply soapy water to joints, and inspect for bubbles. This will pinpoint the location of the leak. Thermocouple HandlingIt is important to understand why the thermocouple failed in the first place. You can keep a record depicting the reason why each one failed and the time it took to fail. You ought to implement a regular thermocouple maintenance schedule such as storing thermocouples at room temperatures. Store it in a non-humid area to prevent moisture build up which could lead to corrosion build up on either or both of the metals. ConclusionAfter a few successful tries, you will have the experience of a repairperson, it will no longer be necessary to remove the burner unit to change the thermocouple. This will only apply if you do not mind reaching under the water heater. You will require a powerful flashlight to light your working area to ensure that you position the thermocouple correctly as well as the multimeter probe when taking the voltage readings. With this guide, you are in a position to get inspiration to fix the simple appliances in your home without the need of calling a professional. You can involve a family member or a friend and you can have the much needed bonding time with money to spare. How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a gas water heater?Thermocouple – $20 to $150
The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
Are gas thermocouples universal?Universal Gas Thermocouple includes universal adapter fittings and is compatible with screw-in, push-in or clamp-type pilot burners. It is designed for gas furnaces and 30 mV systems. The element is built for reliability and long life.
How do I know if my thermocouple is not working?Hold the reset button between 30 to 60 seconds to give the thermocouple time to heat up. Release the button to see if the pilot light goes out. The pilot light should stay on after the reset. If it goes out, this is a sign that the thermocouple has failed.
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