A thermocouple senses the heat of the pilot and allows gas to flow to the burner. A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner so the pilot light won’t stay lit.
similarly, How much does it cost to fix a thermocouple?
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.
on the other hand, What do you do if your pilot light won’t stay lit?
How to Light Your Furnace’s Pilot
- Make sure the thermostat is in heat mode.
- Locate the pilot valve. …
- Always turn the valve knob to the off position and make sure to wait at least several minutes for any residual gas to clear away.
- Get your match ready. …
- Once the pilot stays lit, turn the pilot valve to the on position.
also, Can you fix a thermocouple? 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 do you check if a thermocouple is working?
If the thermocouple is working, you should be able to measure 30 to 40 millivolts of voltage at the connection end of the tube when the pilot flame is on. You can test this yourself using a multimeter, but you may need a helper to keep the pilot flame burning while you do it.
How long do thermocouples last?
All things considered, the question remains, “How long should my thermocouple last?” The answer to that question is that it depends on the application. In an ideal environment, that length of time can be indefinite.
What causes a thermocouple to go bad?
Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. … If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.
How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouple Replacement Cost
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.
What would cause a pilot light to keep going out?
Thermocouple Malfunction
It is positioned very close to the flame, and when lit, the pilot light tells the thermocouple to keep the gas line open. A thermocouple that is dirty or malfunctioning will often shut off your gas supply in error, causing the pilot light to go out and your furnace to stop working.
Can you clean a thermocouple?
The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.
How long does a thermocouple last?
All things considered, the question remains, “How long should my thermocouple last?” The answer to that question is that it depends on the application. In an ideal environment, that length of time can be indefinite.
Can a thermocouple be cleaned?
The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.
What causes thermocouple to fail?
Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. … If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.
Why does my pilot keep going out?
The most common reason that your pilot light on your water heater keeps going out is a damaged, bent or dirty thermocouple.
How often should thermocouples be replaced?
The fireplace has thermocouples and switches. The thermocouples should last for a long time. According to experts, a four-year check cycle is all that is needed.
How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
What do I do if my pilot light keeps going out?
- Find the gas shut-off knob and turn to the “Off” setting. …
- Remove the access panel to access the burner.
- Turn the knob to “Pilot” to start the flow of gas. …
- While still holding the gas knob, light the pilot with a long lighter.
What would cause a pilot light to not stay lit?
If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
What does it mean when your pilot light keeps going out?
If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple senses the drop in temperature and signals for the gas valve to close. If you have a faulty thermocouple is the most common reason that your pilot light is malfunctioning. Over time your water heater will collect dirt, dust and other kinds of debris.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a gas fireplace?
Estimated Cost: $10 to $20; What You’ll Need. The thermocouple on your gas furnace is a heat-sensitive device that transmits a small electrical signal to the gas valve to keep it open when the pilot is on.
Why does my thermocouple keep going bad?
It’s Dirty. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time.
Why does my furnace only run for a few minutes?
Dirty or faulty flame sensor
If your furnace turns off after a few minutes, there is a good chance it is caused by a faulty or dirty flame sensor. This vital component is designed to keep an eye on the gas burner. When it cannot sense that burner, the furnace runs then shuts off and starts again.
What does it mean when your hot water heater won’t stay lit?
Thermocouple. If your gas water heater doesn’t stay lit, you may have a defective thermocouple. Most gas fired water heaters use a standing pilot to ignite the main burner. … Changing the thermocouple does not involve any gas fittings but local regulations may require that a qualified gas technician perform the repair.
Why do thermocouples go bad?
Changes in temperature can cause regular expansion and contraction in metal, which will cause thermocouples to weaken over time. After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. … If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.
Can a thermocouple be too long?
The length of a thermocouple has no effect on its measurement accuracy or its ability to transfer the signal to the instrument. … In reality the sensor can be inches or thousands of feet long and the accuracy will not be affected.
How long does a thermocouple last in a furnace?
Thermocouples are rigorously tested and should last for years. Indeed, experts believe a four-year check cycle is all that is needed to make sure things are functioning properly.
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