Can a Water Heater Work Without a Thermocouple? Unfortunately, your water heater will not function properly without a thermocouple that is in excellent condition. As we mentioned earlier, when the thermocouple is not working, you won't have any hot water.
Without a thermocouple, it will seep tiny bits of gas into the combustion chamber of the device. In a few hours, it can leak enough gas for a small explosion, probably just enough to shorten your eyebrows.
The thermocouple is what controls the unit's main gas valve. If the pilot is out or the thermocouple doesn't detect the heat from the pilot flame, the gas valve won't open and the unit won't ever turn on.
The best way to verify that you need a new thermocouple is to see if your pilot light is lit. If the pilot light can't hold ignition, that means either a problem with the gas supply or, more likely, the need for thermocouple replacement.
What happens when a thermocouple fails? The kiln will shut down automatically if all thermocouples burn out. The kiln continues to fire if only one or two thermocouples burn out. This protects your firing in the event of failed thermocouples.
Carefully complete a thorough inspection of the thermocouple probe looking for any pin holes, cracks, and areas with discoloration indicating internal contamination issues. Light green color, on a type K thermocouple indicates the occurrence of aging and a change in the chemical composition known as Green rot.
If your thermocouple goes bad, there is only one thing to do: Replace it. If you hire a professional plumber to do this, it may cost up to $200 for the labor.
How Long Should a Water Heater Thermocouple Last? If you have a thermocouple on your water heater that is properly installed and has regular water heater maintenance by experienced technicians such as those here at Boss Plumbing, you can reasonably expect your water heater's thermocouple to last at least 10 years.
Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours. This guide reviews how to replace a thermocouple to ensure gas appliances stay in good working order, as well as how to relight a pilot light.
Once you have replaced the thermocouple, turn on the furnace and check to see if the pilot light stays lit. If your pilot light doesn't stay lit, it may be due to something blocking the thermocouple. You can try cleaning or replacing it, but if that doesn't work, you may need to call a professional.
Dirt, dust, and debris can block the flow of gas from the pilot tube. This means that the pilot light isn't receiving enough fuel to fully ignite. Thankfully, fixing this issue is easy — all you need is a long needle and a bit of patience. Gently poke the needle into the pilot hole and remove any debris.
A working thermocouple will give a reading of between 25 and 30 millimeters. If the reading is less than 25 millimeters, it should be replaced.
Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple wears out, the pilot won't stay lit and your appliance won't work. The pilot can go out for a number of other reasons, however, so if you're having trouble getting the pilot to stay lit, the thermocouple may not be at fault.
Your water heater requires air to keep the pilot light burning. Otherwise, the flame goes out. Ensure that the water heater is not surrounded by clutter, lint, or debris to increase the amount of combustible air. Keep the surrounding area as clean as possible.
If your water heater pilot will not remain lit, then the thermocouple is probably at fault and it's time to get a thermocouple replacement , as there is no fixing a broken thermocouple; it has to be replaced.
Water Heater Isn't Producing Hot Water
Even if he gas supply is on and the pilot light seems to work correctly. If the thermocouple is failing, it could be shutting off the gas supply prematurely and this will result in hot water not working.
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.
The main reasons why a pilot light won't stay lit include: A dirty pilot light tube. Not enough gas or no gas at all. A faulty thermocouple.
This is because the process of installing a new water heater can be quite complex and often requires the use of special tools and equipment. Additionally, the cost of labor for this type of project can be quite high.
Universal thermocouples are commonly stocked for most models. It is important to verify that your model of water heater can utilize a universal thermocouple.
Overheating: Each thermocouple is designed to operate within a certain temperature range. Operating beyond this range can damage the thermocouple's materials, causing them to degrade faster than normal. Contamination: Exposure to harmful chemicals or debris can affect the thermocouple's performance.
It's easy to replace, and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater's burning chamber, it's easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.
Can I clean my thermocouple instead of replacing it? If the thermocouple tip is only lightly corroded or covered in dust/debris, cleaning may restore functionality. But if you find any cracks, bent wires, or significant corrosion pitting on inspection, replacement is the safest option.