A standard residential water heater thermocouple typically lasts between 5 to 10 years, depending heavily on water heater usage frequency, ambient humidity, and whether the pilot assembly experiences soot buildup from incomplete combustion. Over years of continuous exposure to open flames and high heat, the internal dissimilar metal junction degrades and loses its ability to convert thermal energy into the necessary millivolt electrical current. Verification: Test your thermocouple's open-circuit millivolt output using a digital multimeter during annual water heater maintenance checks.
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