How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
How much does a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple? Calling a professional plumber to install a new thermocouple should only be up to $150.If you do the work yourself, you will only pay the price of the part which is about $20.
How do you replace a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?
- Turn off the gas supply.
- Unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve.
- Detach the thermocouple from the burner.
- Install the new one the same way that you removed the old one.
- Turn the gas back on and follow the lighting instructions on the water heater.
How do I replace the thermocouple on my water heater?
Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement (Why and How!)
- What is a Water Heater Thermocouple?
- How Do You Know if Your Water Heater Thermocouple is Bad?
- Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement: Instructions 1. Disconnect the Old Thermocouple 2. Install the New Thermocouple
- Final Thoughts
- Related Resources
- Call 1-Tom-Plumber
How do you change thermocouple on hot water heater?
Reestablish gas supply and test the unit.
- Disconnect the water heater’s gas supply.
- Remove the water heater’s burner assembly cover.
- Remove the water heater burner assembly.
- Remove the gasket from the manifold cover plate.
- Remove the old water heater thermocouple.
- Install the new water heater thermocouple.
- Reassemble the water heater burner unit.
How much does it cost to replace thermocouple?
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.
How do I know if I need a new thermocouple?
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.
How do you install a thermocouple?
How to Replace a ThermocoupleOpen the Access Cover. Remove the furnace's access cover. ... Remove the Old Thermocouple. Using an open-end wrench, unscrew the nut that holds the thermocouple end fitting into the gas control valve. ... Install the New Thermocouple. ... Connect the Gas. ... Turn on the Gas and Power.
What causes a thermocouple to burn out?
Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction. The fix here is as easy as removing the thermocouple, cleaning it with a wire brush or something coarse (even an ordinary dollar bill works), and replacing.
How long do 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.
What happens when a thermocouple goes bad?
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.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
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.
How do I know which thermocouple to buy?
How to choose a ThermocoupleDetermine the application where you will use the thermocouple sensor. ... Determine the temperature ranges the probe will be exposed to. ... Determine how important a fast response time is. ... Consider any chemical, abrasion or vibration resistance. ... Consider any installation requirements.
Why does my pilot light keep going out on my wall heater?
A faulty, misaligned, dirty, or damaged thermocouple is often the culprit behind your pilot light going out. The thermocouple is an automatic safety shutoff device that prevents the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is out.
What is the most common thermocouple failure mode?
The most common failure mode for thermocouples is for them to fail open, this is known as thermocouple burnout. Burnout can result from a variety of reasons including the thermocouple experiencing a temperature in excess of that for which it was designed, metal fatigue, and oxidation.
Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?
If you're able to light the pilot light, but it goes out when you release the control knob, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it senses the pilot light is out, but when damaged it loses its regulatory ability.
Does gas still flow when pilot light goes out?
The pilot light itself is also fueled using natural gas, which it gets from a small tube in your gas pipe. This tube is fitted with a safety valve (the thermocouple), which stops the flow of gas if the pilot light goes out. This prevents gas from building up in your furnace, posing a safety hazard.
How can I test a thermocouple?
1:253:21How to test a thermocouple with a meter (grounded & ungrounded)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf I take my wire and attach it to anywhere along the sheets of the probe. I attached to the sheathMoreIf I take my wire and attach it to anywhere along the sheets of the probe. I attached to the sheath and I'm getting continuity this is a grounded thermocouple if this was an ungrounded thermocouple.
How do you know if your water heater thermocouple is bad?
If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. It's possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this.
Will a bad thermocouple keep a pilot light from lighting?
A thermocouple is a function on your water heater that senses the heat on the pilot light and allows gas to flow to the burner. A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner, which is when people notice that the water heater pilot light is out.
How do you test a thermocouple on a gas heater?
0:203:10How to test a thermocouple with meter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you're going to take the red and hook it to the top and you can see it zero it out real quickMoreThen you're going to take the red and hook it to the top and you can see it zero it out real quick there for me then all you do is you take heat and you apply it to the thermocoupler.
What type of ignition system does a furnace use?
These furnaces can use an intermittent pilot that ignites only when needed, or they can use a hot surface ignition system that uses heat to ignite the gas. These units have electronic igniters that light the gas, with a flame sensor that makes sure the burners have lit successfully.
What happens when a thermocouple goes out?
If the pilot flame goes out, the tip cools and the thermocouple automatically shuts off the furnace's gas valve. A thermocouple is typically found in older furnaces, whereas new installations are now required to use electronic ignition furnaces, ...
What is a thermocouple on a gas furnace?
A thermocouple is typically used on a gas furnace with a standing pilot, and is recognizable by its small, continuously burning flame that can be seen if you remove the access cover on the furnace's burner chamber. The top of the thermocouple is positioned in the flame, keeping the tip heated at all times.
How to tell if a flame sensor is bad?
The most common symptom of a bad flame sensor is a furnace that cycles on and off repeatedly every few seconds. A bad flame sensor may show visible signs of damage, such as a cracked ceramic insulator.
What is a flame sensor in a furnace?
Most gas furnaces use either a flame sensor or a thermocouple, sometimes referred to as a "thermal coupler." Both are safety devices that sense the presence of a flame and control the flow of gas to the appliance accordingly. If no flame is present, the sensor stops or prevents the flow of gas from the gas valve, thus preventing the dangerous situation of gas flowing into the appliance when there is no flame to burn it. Flame sensors and thermocouples are simple parts that wear out and fail over time, and most are easy to replace .
How to connect a thermocouple to a pilot burner?
This doesn't have to be precise—it just helps to start with a similar shape. Connect the new thermocouple to the pilot burner assembly bracket, tightening the nut (s ) until it's just snug. Be careful not to overtighten.
How long does it take for a furnace thermocouple to cool?
Remove the furnace's access cover. If the furnace has been running, wait at least 30 minutes for the thermocouple to cool completely before continuing.
How to Tell if You Have a Bad Thermocouple?
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. Appliances in multifamily properties, including wall heaters and water heaters, may have shorter lifespans due to frequency of resident change or delayed maintenance requests.
Before and After You Replace a Thermocouple
Before replacing a thermocouple or performing any repair on a gas appliance, follow these safety steps.
How to Clean a Thermocouple
A pilot light may not light due to a buildup of soot and carbon on the thermocouple. Cleaning the thermocouple can fix the issue and extend the life of the device.
How to Replace a Thermocouple
Replacing a thermocouple becomes necessary when the pilot light won’t stay lit even after the old thermocouple has been cleaned.
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Introduction
A hot water heater that doesn't heat might just need a new thermocouple. Learn how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater working for years to come.
Vacuum
This is a good time to vacuum out the burner compartment, check for water leaks and remove debris in the burner ports. Attach the thermocouple and reinstall the burner assembly. Light the pilot following the instructions on the water heater.
Why remove the manifold cover?
It is essential to remove the manifold cover to access the combustion chamber that accommodates the electronic ignition, thermocouple, pilot, burner, and burner supply tube.
What is a manifold cover?
The manifold cover has a rubber gasket that forms an airtight seal for the combustion chamber. Check its integrity to determine if it also requires replacement. It would be best to remove the gasket carefully if it is still in excellent condition. You will need this during reinstallation.
How to prevent thermocouple from bending?
Apply firm pressure when twisting and pulling the thermocouple from its mount. It would be best to do this slowly to avoid deforming, bending, or damaging the thermocouple-pilot tube connection.
What is a thermocouple in a water heater?
The thermocouple is an essential safety feature of many gas-powered water heaters. It works like a temperature sensor that shuts off the gas supply to the burner if there is no heat in the pilot light.
How far should a pilot flame engulf a thermocouple?
It is essential to place the thermocouple in the correct position. Ideally, the pilot flame should engulf the thermocouple’s upper half to 3/8 inch. If you do not position the thermocouple properly, your efforts to replace a thermocouple will be in vain.
Why soapy solution?
A soapy solution is also crucial for checking leaks in the connections.
Can I replace a water heater thermocouple?
Pro Tip: I advise you to bring the old water heater thermocouple to the store to buy the correct water heater thermocouple replacement. It will also be an excellent idea to consider buying a new manifold cover gasket if you intend to change the old one.
How to replace a thermocouple?
Go in with a clean cloth wetted with isopropyl alcohol and clean the terminals you loosened earlier before trying to install the replacement. It also can’t hurt to be sure the ends of the wires on your new thermocouple are clean too. Then, attach the two new wires to the terminals and tighten the screws or nuts again with your driver. Place the new thermocouple in the same place your old one sat and close up the fireplace to conduct a test.
How long does it take for a thermocouple to heat up?
Turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light. Give the thermocouple about 15 minutes to heat up and then turn on the flame to make sure it all stays functioning. More From Doityourself.
What is a thermocouple in a gas fireplace?
A gas fireplace thermocouple is a safety device that measures heat and recognizes if a pilot light has gone out, shutting down the fuel supply (such as gas or propane). If your pilot light stays lit for a few moments, but continues to go out after relighting, it may very well need the thermocouple replaced. Replacing the thermocouple is quick, and something you can easily do yourself.
Why does my pilot light not work?
If there is debris in the gas pipe, this will also cause the pilot light to fail to remain lit, as it limits the amount of oxygen going to the pilot. Blowing out the pipe with some canned air usually does the trick ...
What is the purpose of articles being reviewed?
To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.
Can you blow out a thermocouple?
If blowing out the dirt does not help the pilot to remain lit, proceed to replacing the thermocouple. It is quick and easy to do, but perhaps the hardest part is just finding it among the logs in your fireplace. Make sure before you proceed further that you know exactly how the thermocouple is placed in the fixture so that you can place the new one the same way. Take a picture on your cell phone if you need a visual reference.
How to replace thermocouple?
The only tool you need to replace a thermocouple is a wrench. Use it to unscrew the connector that holds the thermocouple to the gas valve, then unhook the probe from its clip and pull out the entire thermocouple assembly. Before you do this, be sure to turn off the line valve on the gas supply.
How does a pilot flame probe work?
The tip of the probe contains a heat-sensitive material that generates a small electric voltage – around 25 millivolts – when it's heated by the pilot flame. The voltage sends a signal to the gas valve to stay open. Without this signal, the valve closes automatically to prevent the release of unburnt gas. When you light the pilot, you usually have ...
How long does it take for a thermocouple to heat up?
When you light the pilot, you usually have to hold in the gas valve manually for about 10 seconds to give the thermocouple time to heat up. Once it has reached the required temperature, you can release the valve control and the pilot will continue burning.
How long does a thermocouple last on a gas furnace?
The thermocouple lasts for 10 years or more, and when it fails, the pilot won't stay lit and the fireplace won't work.
What is a thermocouple?
All gas appliances with standing pilots, such as furnaces and water heaters, have a thermocouple. It's a cylindrical probe about 4 inches long and a quarter to a half inch in diameter that's attached to a 1- to 2-foot length of copper tubing. The probe is positioned next to the pilot opening so that its tip is in the flame when the pilot is on. The other end of the tube connects to the gas valve by a threaded connector.
How long is a spherical probe?
It's a cylindrical probe about 4 inches long and a quarter to a half inch in diameter that's attached to a 1- to 2-foot length of copper tubing. The probe is positioned next to the pilot opening so that its tip is in the flame when the pilot is on.
Can you replace a fireplace with a voltmeter?
Replacing it is a relatively simple job that you can accomplish with a wrench. Before you replace it, though, it's a good idea to test it with a voltmeter to make sure it's actually malfunctioning. If it checks out, the problem with your fireplace could be a blockage in the pilot tube or a faulty gas valve. Advertisement.
