Why does my hot water heater keep going out

The most common reason that your pilot light on your water heater keeps going out is a damaged, bent or dirty thermocouple.

What causes a hot water heater to keep going out?

The most common reason that your pilot light on your water heater keeps going out is a damaged, bent or dirty thermocouple.

How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?

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 you clean a thermocouple on a water heater?

Clean the thermocouple – using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that.

How long do 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!

How much is it to replace a thermocouple?

It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.

What does it mean when your water heater pilot light keeps going out?

Your thermocouple senses when your pilot light is burning. … 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.

Where is the thermocouple on a water heater?

The thermocouple is attached near the pilot light along the burner assembly, with the two ends of the metal placed in the flame of the pilot light, and the other end attached to a shut-off valve for the natural gas line that feeds gas to the burner.

What are signs that your hot water heater is going out?

• Water leaking from the heating tank. …
• Age of the water heater. …
• Running out of hot water quickly. …
• Inconsistent water temperature in the shower. …
• Discolored water coming from faucets. …
• Unusual noises coming from the water heater. …
• Lower water pressure.

Can a thermocouple be cleaned?

Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up.

Article first time published on

How much does it cost to replace a 40 gallon water heater?

Water heater costs by gallon A standard 40-gallon water heater costs $330 to $1,500 for the unit alone, or $500 to $2,500 including installation labor. *Price for tank unit only, not including installation.

How can I make my water heater last longer?

1. Flush the water heater tank once a year. Almost all water heater manufacturers will recommend flushing the water heater tank annually. …
2. Check the Anode Rod and Replace it if it’s Badly Corroded. …
3. Insulate the Hot Water Heater Tank.

Does homeowners insurance cover hot water heater damage?

Home Insurance Doesn’t Usually Pay for Water Heater Repairs Most standard homeowners insurance policies won’t pay to repair or replace a water heater that stops working due to wear and tear. … Home insurance may cover a water heater damaged by an event covered explicitly in the insurance policy, such as a fire.

What does it mean when your pilot light won't stay lit?

If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.

Can I replace a thermocouple myself?

The No. 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. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.

What is a water heater thermocouple?

The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas supply to the water heater if the pilot light goes out. Its function is simple but very important for safety. The thermocouple generates a small amount of electrical current when it has been heated by the flame.

How do I know which thermocouple to buy?

You want to get one that is about the same length as the one you have. They are sold in in 6″ increments for the shorter lengths, 18″, 24″, 30″ and so on. For a water heater, 18″ and 24″ are common, although longer ones are possible. Remove the old thermocouple and measure it to see what length you need.

Can you use water without water heater?

Yes, with a few caveats. Is there a shutoff valve present on the cold water line to the water heater? If so, just turn it off. But be aware that if water passes through any fixture in the house you could end up with water spewing out of the hot water line where the water heater goes (known as backfeeding).

Can a water heater explode?

If the heating element and/or thermostat were to malfunction, the temperature of the water inside the tank could increase to the point where it is producing steam. If the situation progresses, and there is no outlet for the steam, the increased pressure could cause the hot water tank to explode.

How much is a water heater 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.

What's a thermocouple look like?

The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. (On most furnaces, it also houses the button that you hold open or push to relight the pilot.)

What do thermocouples do?

A thermocouple is a sensor that measures temperature. It consists of two different types of metals, joined together at one end. When the junction of the two metals is heated or cooled, a voltage is created that can be correlated back to the temperature.

How do you fix a thermocouple?

1. Choose the new thermocouple based on the size and mounting style of the old one. …
2. Detach the old thermocouple as described above.
3. Remove the new thermocouple from the packaging and uncoil it to the appropriate shape.
4. Attach the new thermocouple to the pilot assembly and the gas valve.

How do you bypass a thermocouple?

1. Move the tilts switch wire aside.
2. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench.
3. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. …
4. Remove the valve using your pliers. …
5. Put your thermocouple back into position.

How often should a hot water heater be replaced?

If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years. Check your water heater’s warranty for the most accurate timelines.

What is the labor cost to install a water heater?

Labor costs to install a standard replacement water heater usually run from $150 to $800. Most plumbers will quote a flat rate that includes materials and labor, but some may charge by the hour. Hiring a plumber will cost anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour, and an electrician can run from $50 to $100 an hour.

How long does it take to install a water heater?

How Long Does the Installation Take? A certified plumber should be able to remove your old water heater and install the new one in approximately three hours. This time frame is under normal circumstances and with no unforeseen issues occurring.

How often should a water heater be drained?

It’s generally a good idea to drain your water heater at least once a year, according to both BobVila.com and The Family Handyman. If you live in an area with hard water, though, Angie’s List says you may need to drain it more frequently.

Why is my hot water only luke warm?

Check the Thermostat Check that the thermostat is set for between 60 and 65 degrees. If it has been bumped somehow, the temperature could have been accidentally set lower than this, which would give you lukewarm water. If the thermostat is correctly set, the problem might still lie with it.

How long should hot water last in a 50 gallon tank?

If a water heater has a 50-gallon tank of fully-heated water, it should easily be able to supply enough hot water for a fifteen or twenty minute shower. Showers longer than that are unnecessary.

Is a broken water heater an emergency?

A leaking water heater could be a sign of a major problem. The worst-case scenario could be an explosion if water is leaking due to the pressure being too high. For this reason, if you notice your water heater is leaking, you should call an emergency plumber right away.