Indicators of a Faulty Water Heater Thermocouple > 자유게시판

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If a hot water tap drips or the heater doesn't ignite, the culprit is often a bad thermocouple. The device is small and metal sits on the pilot flame of a gas water heater and keeps the gas valve open only when the pilot is lit. If it fails, your heater can lose heat or even pose a safety hazard. Knowing the warning signs can help you catch problems before they turn into costly repairs.

1. Pilot Flame Keeps Going Out
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 continuously relighting the flame.

2. Heater Shuts Off While Water Remains Hot
Once the pilot is lit, the heater should remain on, warming water for the following 20‑30 minutes. If the thermocouple fails, the gas valve will turn off early, even though the water stays hot. The water temperature will abruptly drop, requiring the heater to be relit each time.

3. Odd Odors or Loss of Heat
A faulty thermocouple may activate the safety shut‑off, stopping gas flow. This may result in a faint chemical odor from the gas or, worse, no heat at all. Should you detect gas or see the thermostat reading far below the set temperature, inspect the thermocouple.

4. Pilot Flame Flickers or Looks Dim
If the thermocouple is marginal, the pilot flame may appear weak or flicker. This occurs as the gas valve cycles on and off intermittently. The flame may appear steady, yet the control is unstable.

5. Fluctuating Water Temperature
Should the water temperature fluctuate wildly—from hot to lukewarm—the thermocouple may be out of calibration. A minor misalignment can make the gas valve open at incorrect times.

6. Physical Wear and Corrosion
Check the thermocouple for visible wear signs. Corrosion, cracks, or a broken stem indicates it can’t produce sufficient voltage. The metal can degrade over time, especially in damp or humid settings.

7. Pilot Light Lags Behind the Thermocouple’s Movement
If you manually ignite the pilot flame and the thermocouple lags, 名古屋市東区 給湯器 修理 it could be stuck. A delayed response usually means the sensor isn’t detecting heat correctly.

8. Error Codes or Alarm 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
If you hear a rattling or clicking sound when the heater starts, it may indicate the gas valve flickers—another sign of a failing thermocouple.

10. Frequent Pilot Re‑lighting by a Professional
If a plumber must relight the pilot repeatedly within a short timeframe, it shows the thermocouple is faulty.

Steps to Replace a Faulty Thermocouple
Shut off the gas supply and allow the heater to cool
Remove the old thermocouple using a wrench or pliers
Look for corrosion or damage; if present, replace it
Wipe down the connection points and pilot flame area
Install the new thermocouple, aligning the stem with the pilot flame
Restore gas, relight the pilot, and check that the water heater stays on

If you’re uncomfortable working with gas appliances, call a licensed plumber
Replacing it promptly can stop gas waste, restore hot water, and keep your home safe