If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light’s flame.
Why does my water heater pilot light keep blowing out?
A dirty or broken thermocouple is the main reason for a pilot light constantly going out when the wind isn’t causing the problem. You can clean the thermocouple to see if that fixes the problem. If the thermocouple required attention but cleaning it didn’t resolve the problem, you can try replacing it.
Why does my pilot light keep blowing out?
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 do you do if your water heater pilot light won’t stay lit?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And that is how to replace a thermocouple.
How do I know if my water heater is Backdrafting?
Testing for backdrafting
- Cup your hands around the draft hood (the cone-shaped vertical pipe at the top of your water heater) and see if you feel warm, moist air.
- Place a small mirror by the draft hood, and check back to see if the mirror fogs, which would indicate the presence of moist air.
Will a bad gas valve cause pilot light to go out?
The pilot light depends on a reliable source of gas or propane in order to stay lit. Any issues with the gas valve that supplies that gas to the flame, whether it be dirty or malfunctioning, can result in that flame going out.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a 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.
Can you clean a thermocouple?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
How do I stop my water heater from Backdrafting?
To help prevent the possibility of that happening, a listed cap should be installed at the vent terminal at the exterior. A proper cap will help to prevent debris from falling into the vent, keep rain out, prevent downdrafts caused by strong outdoor winds, and is required by the Minnesota Fuel Gas Code (section 503.6.
How can Backdrafting be prevented?
How to prevent backdrafting:
- A flue vent. A flue vent that is improperly sized (either too large or too small) or blocked by an animal nest will not draw the exhaust properly. …
- Keep venting needs in mind. …
- Know the ripple effects of changing mechanical systems. …
- Open windows and doors.
How do you test for Backdrafting?
To check for proper draft, I simply cup my hands around the draft hood without actually touching it. If the water heater is backdrafting, I’ll feel warm, moist air coming out of the draft hood.
What are the symptoms 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.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas heater?
In cleaning a thermocouple, you need some steel wool or 60-grit sandpaper, and a cloth. First, turn off the gas supply, unscrew the thermocouple and then clean it with steel wool or sandpaper then wipe down with a cloth to remove residue. I clean our thermocouple every six months to avoid getting it coated with soot.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. 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.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my water heater?
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.
How long does a 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.
What does a hot water heater thermocouple look like?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And will ignite the main burner whenever heat is needed next to the pilot is the thermocouple which generates a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame.
How much does a thermocouple cost for a 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.
