Water heater repair · Tasha Greene
9-year tank, failed thermocouple
ER nurse who works nights, and you may be catching her before she sleeps. Direct and to the point.
What you know walking in
Service call. Homeowner reports no hot water and says the pilot keeps going out. 40-gallon gas tank in the garage, about 9 years old. Not a member.
- 40-gallon atmospheric gas water heater, 9 yrs
What you found
- The thermocouple tests low on a millivolt meter, so the gas valve will not stay open and the pilot goes out. It needs to be replaced.
- The air intake screen at the base of the tank is coated with lint and dust, which can starve the burner of air. It should be cleaned.
- There are no leaks and no rust at the base or the fittings. The tank is sound.
- The gas control valve works and holds. It does not need to be replaced.
- The tank is 9 years old. Tanks here usually last 8 to 12 years, so a replacement is worth planning for, not doing today.
Your price book for this job
Thermocouple repair Fits this home
New thermocouple pilot assembly · Clean the air intake screen and burner area · Relight, test the gas valve, and check the draft · Hot water back today
$325
Replace with 40-gallon standard gas, 6-year warranty
New 40-gallon gas water heater · Thermal expansion tank · Two seismic straps · Permit and haul-away
$1,890
or $49/mo
The honest fit is marked. Recommend what the home needs, and only that.
Your goal
Show the evidence for the failed thermocouple, recommend the repair as the honest fix, and say plainly how much life the tank likely has left so the customer can plan.
Difficulty: Real world
Plan you can offer
- Summit Care Club$19.95 a month
Speak naturally. Tasha hears you, reacts to how you say things, and remembers. Headphones make it feel real.