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how do i replace the thermocouple on a whirlpool water heater

by Salvatore Smitham Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

How to Replace a Water Heater’s Thermocouple Turn off the gas supply. Unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. Detach the thermocouple from the burner.

Part of a video titled How to fix a Whirlpool water heater - YouTube
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You can pull them free the thermocouple nut is reverse threaded. So you'll need to turn this netMoreYou can pull them free the thermocouple nut is reverse threaded. So you'll need to turn this net clockwise to loosen it and pull it free normally.

Full Answer

How do I replace the thermocouple on my water heater?

Feb 08, 2015 · Step by step instructions on how to replace the thermocouple on a Whirlpool water heater. If the pilot light on your Whirlpool water heater won't stay lit, c...

How do you reset a whirlpool water heater?

Apr 01, 2020 · How to Replace the Thermocouple on a Whirlpool Water Heater. Turn off the gas at the manual shut-off valve that supplies the gas to control valve/ thermostat by turning it clockwise. Remove the outer door from the bottom of the water heater by grasping the door with your hands, and pulling the metal tabs attached to the outer door from the slots on the body of …

How to adjust temp on Whirlpool hot water heater?

Mar 18, 2022 · To replace a thermocouple: Step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut inside the threaded connection to the gas line. Step 2: Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple tube, unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place.

How to fix a Whirlpool tumble dryer heater?

May 29, 2018 · Turn the gas on leading to the water heater. Re-light the pilot according to the instructions printed on it, and set the temperature control valve to the desired temperature. Apply soapy water around the three fittings, looking for bubbles that indicate a gas leak. Check out the video below which shows you how to replace your thermocouple.

How do you change a thermocouple on a Whirlpool water heater?

0:007:20Thermopile Replacement on a Water Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLoosen off and remove the manifold. And pilot tube. Make sure to use the correct size wrenches asMoreLoosen off and remove the manifold. And pilot tube. Make sure to use the correct size wrenches as these connections are made of grass. And can be easily. Stripped.

Can I replace a thermocouple myself?

Thermocouples are designed to detect a pilot light's loss of heat and close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours.

How do you remove a thermocouple from a gas water heater?

First, shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. The burner typically sits loosely—or under clips—in the burning chamber and just slides out.Mar 20, 2019

Why does my Whirlpool water heater won't stay lit?

1:184:20Why won't my water heater pilot stay lit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's little slots get clogged. The burner can no longer have oxygen to help the water heater cookMoreThere's little slots get clogged. The burner can no longer have oxygen to help the water heater cook or ignite.

How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple?

If your thermocouple goes bad, there is only one thing to do: Replace it. If you hire a professional plumber to do this, it may cost up to $200 total. This is another repair you may wish to attempt on your own. The part itself should only cost $20 or $30.Aug 5, 2021

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.May 2, 2019

How do you install a thermocouple?

1:234:00How to Install a Thermocouple on a Water Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou take the end of this and slide it into that little hole that's left of the pilot tube. And youMoreYou take the end of this and slide it into that little hole that's left of the pilot tube. And you give it a little bit of a twist. While you push it in.

Are water heater thermocouples universal?

Universal thermocouples come in lengths from 15 to 36 inches. An 18 or 24 inch will suffice for all residential water heaters using universal kits. Almost all older waters heaters and many of the newer style units with a sealed burner compartment and a viewing window will use this thermocouple.

Can you clean a thermocouple?

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.Sep 7, 2021

What does it mean when your water heater pilot light keeps 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.May 13, 2021

What do you do if your water heater pilot light won't stay lit?

4:146:15My Pilot Light Will Not Stay Lit (5 minute fix) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI don't advise using a torch to do this but this is all I have at the moment so once you hold theMoreI don't advise using a torch to do this but this is all I have at the moment so once you hold the tube down well first of all we turn this on. -. So I'll turn the gas on.

Why does my gas water heater keep turning off?

If your gas water heater keeps turning off, the problem most likely lies with the thermocouple. This vital component detects when the pilot light is lit and then allows gas to flow to the burner. A faulty thermocouple will shut off gas to the burner as well as the pilot.

What is a thermocouple on a water heater?

The thermocouple is a special sensing tube on gas water heaters that senses when the pilot light has flame, and shuts off the gas to the unit when the pilot has been extinguished. The thermocouple and pilot light tubes both extend from the gas control valve to the burning compartment. When the pilot is lit, it creates heat at the end ...

How to clean a thermocouple?

To remove debris from the line, push a piece of wire all the way through the tube and then apply air pressure to clean out any dust or trash left behind. Alternatively, you can use a small piece of sandpaper to clean the thermocouple.

What to do if pilot light is not lit?

If the pilot light will not remain lit and you have gas flow, the thermocouple probably needs to be replaced or at the very least, cleaned. A universal thermocouple is inexpensive and can be purchased at most major hardware stores. Replacing a thermocouple is easier than you think.

How long does it take to install a thermocouple?

Thermocouple installation may sound like a difficult project, but it can usually be done with only a few tools, and takes less than an hour to complete. If you have a Whirlpool water heater, the process may be slightly different from the instructions provided here, but this general guide will be sufficient to help you figure out the process.

Who is Anthony Barnes?

Anthony Barnes is the founder of Water Heater Hub and a second-generation plumber by profession. Before developing Water Heater Hub, Anthony Barnes was a full-time plumber, and he has undertaken a wide variety of projects over the decades. As a second-generation plumber, it was easy for Anthony to get used to the technicalities ...

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