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How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple?

Jim Brown

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.

Do you have to drain the water heater to change the thermocouple?

Removing and replacing a gas valve requires you to completely drain the water heater, turn off the gas control valve, turn off the gas and water supply. But that’s just the first step.

Is it expensive to replace a thermocouple?

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.

Should the flame touch the thermocouple?

The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. If it extends well above the thermocouple, it’s too strong.

How do you replace a gas thermocouple?

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. Take the thermocouple to the hardware store to purchase a new one.

What does a thermocouple on a furnace look like?

A thermocouple consists of a metal gas tube (usually made of copper), a probe that extends into the pilot flame, a bracket, and a wire that leads to the gas control unit. A bad thermocouple will generally show signs of damage on the tube, the wire, or the connecting nuts.

What happens to a thermocouple when it wears out?

The thermocouple can do this because, in its probe, it contains two different metals, and a voltage is generated when one of them is heated. This is the result of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck Effect. Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple wears out, the pilot won’t stay lit and your appliance won’t work.

How long does a thermocouple on a fireplace last?

The thermocouple lasts for 10 years or more, and when it fails, the pilot won’t stay lit and the fireplace won’t work. 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.

How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple?

Jim Brown

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 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.

Are thermocouples universal?

Universal Thermocouples. Universal thermocouples, as the name implies work on most water heaters. They are available online and in home supply stores for a reasonable cost. The length and the thread type are the two concerns when purchasing one.

How often does a thermocouple go bad?

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.

How do you replace a water heater thermocouple?

Then detach the thermocouple from the burner and take it with you to the home center or hardware store to ensure you buy the right replacement. First, shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve.

Are there any Bradford White thermocouples left in stock?

Only 5 left in stock – order soon. . . Only 7 left in stock – order soon. . Only 9 left in stock – order soon. . Only 1 left in stock – order soon.

When does a thermocouple need to be replaced?

If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced. Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years.

How can you tell if a gas thermocouple is working?

A gas water heater in Boise, Baton Rouge, Buffalo or Boston uses a thermocouple that includes a probe attached to a copper tube that screws into a port on the gas valve. 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.