Water heater repair costs
| Service | Average cost to repair |
| Pressure relief valve replacement | $50 – $300 |
| Thermocouple replacement | $100 – $325 |
| Thermostat replacement | $100 – $350 |
| Timer replacement | $100 – $350 |
How much does it cost to replace water heater thermocouple?
Thermocouple replacement or gas control valve replacement are the most common repairs needed for natural gas water heaters. The cost to replace the thermocouple on a water heater is $100 to $325. The thermocouple detects whether the pilot light is lit and signals the gas control valve to turn on the gas flow.
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 to fix a thermocouple on a water heater?
- Before you begin, be sure to unplug the water heater’s power cord and shut off the gas supply.
- If necessary, unthread any mounting screws and remove the burner access cover.
- Next, unthread the nuts or screws securing the burner plate itself.
- Unthread the nut to detach the burner supply tube from the gas or control valve. ...
Where to buy thermocouple replacement?
Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one. Many styles are available, so look for one that matches. Once you have the new thermocouple, replace it by snapping the probe back into the clip to hold it at the proper distance from the pilot flame, then screw the other end into the gas valve.
How much does replacing a thermocouple cost?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it's not.
How long does a hot water heater thermocouple 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.
Can a plumber replace a thermocouple?
A very important factor to remember if you have a thermocouple failure: replacing a thermocouple involves the use of gas, it is best to have the repair made by a professional plumbing company.Apr 17, 2015
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.May 2, 2019
What causes a thermocouple to burn out?
The presence of oxygen causes a reaction in the thermocouple that can wear down the part and make the wires become thinner and more brittle. Oxidation can be caused by a small amount of oxygen making its way into a sealed environment and reacting with the pure metal of the thermocouple.Oct 13, 2015
What makes a thermocouple go bad?
Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction.
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.Sep 7, 2021
Are water heater thermocouples universal?
Universal thermocouples come in lengths from 15 to 36 inches. An 18 or 24 inch will suffice for all residential water heaters using universal kits. Almost all older waters heaters and many of the newer style units with a sealed burner compartment and a viewing window will use this thermocouple.
How do you remove a thermocouple from a water heater?
0:002:36No Hot Water - How to Replace a Thermocouple - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOut we can then remove the thermocouple by just applying some pressure there's a fitting that holds.MoreOut we can then remove the thermocouple by just applying some pressure there's a fitting that holds. It inside the bracket.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermocouple?
If you can't get the flame to light at all, and you're sure the gas is on, there's probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that's the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.Dec 15, 2021
Can you replace a thermocouple yourself?
The No. 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.Mar 20, 2019
Can you bypass a water heater thermocouple?
Realistically, you have just disabled the thermocouple, but you can also reach in and unclip it from its holding bracket where it meets the pilot light. In most cases it will be held on with a gravity clip, but some are held on with a screw that must be removed with a small screwdriver.
How long does a tankless water heater last?
Tank water heaters last 8 to 15 years. Tankless water heaters last 10 to 20 years. Consider replacing a water heater over 10 years old or if the repair costs are more than 50% of the replacement cost as it's more cost-effective.
Why does my pilot light not ignite?
If the pilot light doesn't ignite, the problem may be due to a faulty thermocouple or gas control valve.
How much does it cost to install a water softener?
Areas with hard water should flush tankless units more than once per year. Installing a water softener costs $800 to $2,500 and reduces mineral and sediment buildup in water heater tanks, extending its life. Failure to perform routine flushing is the #1 cause of breakdowns for tankless water heating systems.
How much does it cost to replace a tankless heat exchanger?
Cost to replace a tankless heat exchanger. Tankless heat exchanger replacement costs $600 to $700 for labor alone or $1,200 to $1,300 for the part plus labor. Manufacturer warranties cover labor for 1 year and parts for 5 to 12 years, depending on the brand.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater flue?
Water heater flue pipe replacement cost. Replacing a water heater flue pipe costs $100 to $350, depending on the pipe's length and configuration. The flue pipe—also known as the vent—carries gas exhaust from the water heater to the home's exterior.
Why does my water heater run out?
Hot water that runs out quickly indicates a defective lower heating element. Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank corrodes the lower heating element. Flushing the tank every year improves the water heater's performance and extends the heating element's lifespan.
What happens if the thermostat fails on a water heater?
If the thermostat fails on a single-element water heater, the unit produces no hot water. If the upper thermostat fails on a two-element water heater, the unit produces no hot water. If the lower thermostat fails on a two-element water heater, the unit produces a limited supply of hot water.
What is a thermocouple in a water heater?
A thermocouple is a device utilized to monitor the liquid flow in water heaters. On older-model heaters with particular pilot lights, the instrument is normally introduced as the thermocouple, whereas on newer styles with an electronic system, the virtually same instrument is called a flame sensor. For our definition in this post, we’ll introduce both instruments as the thermocouple for a water heater.
Can you use an old thermocouple for a manifold plate?
You can use the old thermocouple for the home improvement, hardware, or plumbing resource to buy an accurate replacement. If you want to replace the old one, you can buy a new sealed one for the manifold plate.
Can a thermocouple be used to run a water heater?
This uses to control the gas valve. Eventually, this method just impacts gas. If the thermocouple doesn’t operate well, it cannot identify the problems. So, if your system has a faulty thermocouple, it is fundamentally impossible to run the water heater.
/trailer-park-521920440-5796ade33df78ceb86aa265c.jpg?resize=665%2C665&ssl=1)