Signs of a Failing Water Heater Thermocouple > 자유게시판

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When a hot water tap drips or the heater fails to start, the culprit is often a faulty thermocouple. The device is small and metal sits on the flame of the pilot of a gas water heater and keeps the gas valve open only when the pilot is lit. If it fails, your heater can shut off or even pose a safety hazard. Knowing the warning signs can help you catch problems before they turn into costly repairs.

1. Pilot Light Frequently Extinguishes
The most obvious symptom is that the pilot flame keeps going out. A healthy thermocouple generates a small electric current when exposed to heat. That current keeps the gas valve open. If the thermocouple is stuck in a "cold" state, the valve will close, and the pilot will extinguish. You may find yourself repeatedly relighting the flame.

2. Heater Shuts Off While Water Remains Hot
Following the pilot ignition, the heater should stay on, heating water for 20‑30 minutes. A defective thermocouple will cause the gas valve to close early, despite the water remaining hot. You'll see the temperature fall suddenly, and the heater will need relighting every time.

3. Odd Odors or Loss of Heat
A malfunctioning thermocouple can trigger the safety shut‑off, ending gas flow. This may result in a faint chemical odor from the gas or, worse, no heat at all. If you smell gas or find the water heater’s thermostat reading is far below the set temperature, check the thermocouple.

4. Pilot Light Appears Weak or Flickering
If the thermocouple is marginal, the pilot flame may appear weak or flicker. The reason is that the gas valve opens and closes intermittently. The flame may appear steady, yet the control is unstable.

5. Variable Water Temperature
If the water temperature swings erratically, from hot to lukewarm, the thermocouple could be miscalibrated. Even a small misalignment can result in the gas valve opening at wrong times.

6. Physical Wear and Corrosion
Inspect the thermocouple for visible signs of wear. Corrosion, cracks, or a broken stem indicates it can’t produce sufficient voltage. Over time, the metal can degrade, especially in heaters that sit in damp or humid environments.

7. Pilot Flame Lags Behind Thermocouple Response
If you manually turn the pilot flame on and the thermocouple does not respond quickly, 名古屋市東区 給湯器 修理 it may be stuck. A delayed response usually means the sensor isn’t detecting heat correctly.

8. Error Codes and Warning Lights
Modern gas water heaters often display error codes when the thermocouple fails. A flashing LED or panel code may indicate a "pilot light" or "sensor" problem.

9. Odd Noises When Heater Starts
A rattling or clicking sound that occurs when the heater turns on can be a sign that the gas valve is flicking in and out—another symptom of a failing thermocouple.

10. Repeated Pilot Relighting by a Plumber
If a plumber must relight the pilot repeatedly within a short timeframe, it shows the thermocouple is faulty.

Steps to Replace a Faulty Thermocouple
Turn off the gas supply and wait for the heater to cool
Detach the old thermocouple using a wrench or pliers
Check for corrosion or damage; if found, replace it
Clean the connection spots and pilot flame region
Mount the new thermocouple, aligning the stem to the pilot flame
Reopen the gas, relight the pilot, and verify the heater stays on

If you’re uncomfortable working with gas appliances, call a licensed plumber
A quick replacement can avoid gas waste, restore hot water, and keep your home safe