When it comes to Water Heaters Repair, there are a number of things you can do yourself. While you can hire professionals to take care of the work, many of the smaller jobs can be completed on your own. The average cost of these repairs is between $100 and $250. You can save a lot of money by doing maintenance tasks yourself.
Fixing a faulty thermocouple
There are several simple ways to repair a faulty thermocouple in your water heater. The first step is to turn off the gas valve and remove the burner and thermocouple assembly. You should also remove the access cover to inspect the thermocouple. However, if you are not comfortable replacing the thermocouple on your own, you may want to contact a professional. Professionals can check your water heater for other problems.
The faulty thermocouple in your water heater may be a sign of a more serious problem. In some cases, a broken thermocouple could lead to an explosion and a dangerous situation. It may be the result of oxidation at the joint where the thermocouple sensor is located. It may also be due to bending or damage of the tubing connections. In addition, a faulty thermocouple may result in lower efficiency rates.
The replacement of a thermocouple is easy. Most thermocouples come with universal adapter fittings, which make them compatible with screw-in, clamp-in, and push-in pilot burners. You will also need an adjustable wrench and pliers to remove the thermocouple.
There are many reasons why thermocouples fail. Some fail over time, others can be affected by water. To prevent this, you should store the thermocouple at room temperature and not in a humid environment. Humidity can cause corrosion.
Replacing a faulty thermocouple
If your water heater’s thermocouple is not generating enough voltage, you may need to replace it. This problem can result from a few different things. For starters, the thermocouple may be de-calibrated after years of use. It could also be caused by corrosion on the wires. To test the thermocouple, you can use a thermocouple tester. Press the pilot button for a few seconds to start the tester. Next, connect your tester to the thermocouple’s copper sheath. Using the tester, you can see if the current is high or low. The flame should be a soft blue.
First, you need to remove the burner assembly. To do this, disconnect the gas control valve and the burner unit. The thermocouple must then be removed by pulling and twisting it. Be careful not to damage the thermocouple. Then, insert the new thermocouple into its bracket, which should snap into place. After that, you need to check for any leaks by applying soapy water on the joints and watching for bubbles. If you see bubbles, the thermocouple may be faulty.
If the problem is with a gas heater, you should first try lighting the pilot manually. To do this, follow the directions on the tank. You can also use a multimeter to test the temperature of the gas valve. Then, calibrate the meter for millivolts. Hold the gas control knob while you use the multimeter. Wait a minute for the probe to get hot. Next, connect the multimeter’s connector to the thermocouple’s lead shaft.