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If your gas water heater keeps turning off, the problem most likely lies with the thermocouple. A faulty thermocouple will shut off gas to the burner as well as the pilot. A bent or otherwise damaged thermocouple will prevent the pilot light from heating it. A buildup of dirt may also be to blame.
What do you do when your water heater keeps turning off?
What To Do If Your Gas Water Heater Keeps Shutting Off Call Your Plumber. The first thing you should do is call your plumber. Gas Supply Problems. Your gas water heater will turn off if it isn’t getting the fuel it needs. Dirty Thermopile or Pilot Light. Dirty Air Inlet.
Why does my electric water heater turn off by itself?
If the heater isn’t getting enough fuel, it could be due to a problematic gas valve or a leak, or dirty air inlets might be preventing oxygen from getting to the main burners, causing a shutdown. The best move is to contact a plumber.
Why does my hot water heater keep going out?
Thermocouple Issues If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light’s flame.
How much is a thermocouple for a water heater?
Thermocouple replacement cost on a water heater The cost to replace the thermocouple on a water heater is $100 to $325. The thermocouple detects whether the pilot light is lit and signals the gas control valve to turn on the gas flow.
Should water heater always be on?
One common question among our customers is whether their water heaters should also be turned off. At wiremasters electric, we want our customers to use energy efficiently while saving money on their electric bill. Hence, we recommend that water heaters should be turned off occasionally.
How long do hot water heaters last?
It would be nice to know when the time is right to replace your water before it springs a leak and causes an inconvenience or worse yet, damage to your home. Typically a residential hot water heater lasts between 6 and 13 years. Beyond 12 years, you are on borrowed time!Apr 19, 2012.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
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. 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.
How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouple – $20 to $150 The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my 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.
Is it bad to turn off water heater?
In most cases, it may not be necessary to turn off the water heater, but it also won’t hurt, either. However, there are two reasons when you should turn off the unit to prevent too much pressure or heat from building up inside the tank: The tank is empty (or close to it) and won’t be refilled for a long period of time.
How often should a hot water heater run?
A water heater runs for an average of three to five hours a day in a typical household. This will vary depending on the type of water heater, the number of people using hot water, the tank’s storage capacity, its location, the temperature setting, and the efficiency of the unit.
Can you still use water if water heater is off?
When your water line is shut off, cold water stops flowing into your home entirely, and if your water heater has a tank, the tank will stop refilling with cold water. If your water is shut off for long periods of time and you use your hot water heavily, this can create the risk of serious damage.
How do you know when your water heater needs replacing?
Signs of Wear Leaks: If your water heater is leaking, it must be replaced immediately. Knocking Noises: Loud noises are an indication of sediment buildup. Rusty Water: Water discoloration is a clear sign your unit is underperforming.
How long does it take for a 40 gallon water heater to run out of hot water?
A gas water heater will recover in half the time of an electric unit. A 40-gallon gas water heater can recover in about an hour. Recovery for a 40-gallon electric water heater takes about two hours.
How long should a 40 gallon hot water tank last?
Based on the manufacturer’s suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.
How long does a thermocouple last on a water heater?
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.
Are water heater 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.
