How do you know if thermocouple is bad on 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.

How do I reset the thermal switch on a Whirlpool water heater?

Press the small reset button in the center of the thermal switch. If it’s tripped, you may be able to hear it click. Even if you do not hear the thermal switch click, try lighting the pilot using the instructions on the water heater’s label. If the Status Light now begins to flash, the thermal switch probably tripped.

What problem will cause if the thermocouple is not receiving the flame?

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.

How do I know if I need a new thermocouple?

A working thermocouple will give a reading of between 25 and 30 millimeters. If the reading is less than 25 millimeters, it should be replaced.

How do I know if my thermal switch is working?

Watch the needle on the digital multimeter display to determine if your thermal overload switch needs to be replaced. A functional thermal overload switch will cause the needle to move to “0”. If your thermal overload switch is faulty, the needle on the digital multimeter will not move at all.

How do I reset my thermocouple?

Press the reset button on top of the box to turn on the pilot light. Hold the reset button between 30 to 60 seconds to give the thermocouple time to heat up. Release the button to see if the pilot light goes out. The pilot light should stay on after the reset.

What happens if a thermocouple fails?

When a thermocouple fails, the pilot light won’t stay lighted. A burned out or broken thermocouple should be replaced.

How long does a thermocouple last?

10 years
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.

Does cleaning a thermocouple help?

Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.

How long should a water heater thermocouple last?

How Long Should a Water Heater Thermocouple Last? If properly installed and maintained, thermocouples can last for up to 10 years. Gas water heaters, in their turn, have a general lifespan between 8 and 12 years, so if you manage to take great care of your unit, you might not have to replace the thermocouple at all.

Does a thermal fuse reset?

If you’re wondering how to reset a thermal fuse because your clothes dryer overheated, you’re on the right track, but a thermal fuse — as opposed to a thermal switch — is not resettable, and if one blows and the appliance stops heating or won’t work at all, you have to replace it like you do an old-style electrical …

What happens when a thermocouple fails?

What causes thermocouple failure?

After enough time, metal fatigue can cause a thermocouple to break. Thermocouples that are regularly exposed to extreme heat stress or extreme conditions are more likely to go through metal fatigue. If thermocouples start to give out unusual readings, it may be suffering from metal fatigue.