What Is A Water Heater Thermocouple?

Should you have a gas water heater in your home, you may or may not know about the thermocouple. An important device that shuts off the water heater's gas supply when the pilot light goes out, it plays a key role in maintaining a level of safety when your water heater is not working properly. If you want to learn more about your water heater's thermocouple, we here at Boss Plumbing will tell you everything you need to know.

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Do All Water Heaters have a Thermocouple? If your water heater is electric, it does not contain a thermocouple. However, if your water heater is gas-powered, you know by now a thermocouple is indeed part of its makeup. Yet with today's technological advances, some newer gas water heaters no longer contain a thermocouple. Instead, they are equipped with a microprocessor that acts as an advanced temperature control system, monitoring and controlling the burner as well as keeping water temperature levels consistent.

Can a Water Heater Work Without a Thermocouple? Unfortunately, your water heater will not function properly without a thermocouple that is in excellent condition. As we mentioned earlier, when the thermocouple is not working, you won't have any hot water. Since one of the main jobs of the thermocouple is to send an electric current that keeps the pilot gas valve open, a malfunctioning thermocouple means the pilot light will extinguish, the electrical current will cease, and the gas valve will close. In other words, you'll have no flame and no gas flow.

Can I Replace a Thermocouple Myself? Here at Boss Plumbing, we highly recommend you not try to replace the thermocouple on your water heater yourself. Though not a highly complex water heater repair, it nevertheless does involve the use of gas. Thus, if you are unsure about what you are doing, one small mistake could lead to a disaster. When a thermocouple is replaced, it is best to have an experienced plumber handle the job, since the thermocouple cannot contain any kinks within its copper tubing. In addition, making the thermocouple too tight will cause it to malfunction, since the electrical signal to the gas control valve will develop a short-circuit, leading to additional problems.

How Long Should a Water Heater Thermocouple Last? If you have a thermocouple on your water heater that is properly installed and has regular water heater maintenance by experienced technicians such as those here at Boss Plumbing, you can reasonably expect your water heater's thermocouple to last at least 10 years. However, this can vary depending on just how much hot water you and your family use. In homes where significant amounts of hot water are used daily, chances are the thermocouple may need to be replaced a bit sooner. To make sure your thermocouple stays in top condition and you become aware as soon as possible about when it's time for a replacement, trust our team here at Boss Plumbing. Though you may not give much thought to your water heater until it starts to experience problems, having its thermocouple and other parts maintained regularly can help you avoid unexpected surprises and costly repairs. If you're ready to get your hot water heater thermocouple checked out and have the rest of your water heater looked at as well, give us a call today here at Boss Plumbing.