Water Heater Thermocouple Cleaning in 5 Steps
- Shut the gas inlet valve - safety first! Cut the fuel supply to the water heater. This is always the first step when working on a water heater. ...
- Remove the burner assembly - take a picture before doing anything so you can remember how it's supposed to look when it's done. ...
- 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. ...
- (Optional) Clean burner - while you have it out, now is an excellent opportunity to scrape any debris off the top of the burner. ...
- Replace and reconnect the burner assembly - remember that picture you took? You want everything to look the same when you're done here. ...
- Light the pilot - you need to open the gas valve, light the pilot, and turn the dial to your desired temperature (we recommend no hotter than 120-degrees F). ...
How to make a water heater thermocouple last longer?
- Make sure the thermostat is in heat mode.
- Locate the pilot valve. …
- Always turn the valve knob to the off position and make sure to wait at least several minutes for any residual gas to clear away.
- Get your match ready. …
- Once the pilot stays lit, turn the pilot valve to the on position.
How to replace thermocouple on Rheem gas water heater?
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. 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.
How do you replace thermocouple on hot water tank?
When Should You Replace A Thermocouple?
- No Hot Water. When the gas water heater breaks, your whole household will be affected. ...
- Your Thermostat Gets Too Hot. One of the most dangerous things about a faulty thermocouple is that it may cause your thermostat to get too hot and lead to an ...
- Higher Electrical Bills. ...
- The Smell Of Gas. ...
How to Mount thermocouples correctly?
When splicing thermocouples into an existing application, keep in mind that:
- Make sure that you are replacing one thermocouple with a similar Type (example: a Type K for Type K).
- Make sure that the polarity is maintained (negative wire is red for ANSI/ASTM or White for IEC).
- Non-thermocouple splices are acceptable and will not result in an increased measurement error if there is no thermal gradient across the splice.
Can you clean a thermocouple and make it work?
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. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas heater?
In cleaning a thermocouple, you need some steel wool or 60-grit sandpaper, and a cloth. First, turn off the gas supply, unscrew the thermocouple and then clean it with steel wool or sandpaper then wipe down with a cloth to remove residue. I clean our thermocouple every six months to avoid getting it coated with soot.
Can you clean a thermocouple on a gas 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 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.
How long does a thermocouple last on a water heater?
How Long Should a Water Heater Thermocouple Last? If properly installed and maintained, thermocouples can last for up to 10 years.
Why will my pilot light not stay lit on my water heater?
When the pilot light on a water heater will no longer stays lit, it typically means the thermocouple is bad. Thermocouples are little electric generators that create a magnetic current that holds open a magnetic gas valve inside the control unit on the front of the water heater.
How do you dust a thermocouple?
You'll need a lint-free cloth, some emery cloth sandpaper, and a screwdriver. You should be done in under 20 minutes. Whatever you do, never use any cleaning products or liquid of any kind. All you need to do is scrape the thermocouple clean and then dry-wipe the residue.
How often should you replace the thermocouple 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.
How do you fix a thermocouple?
0:002:36No Hot Water - How to Replace a Thermocouple - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere putting in the new thermocouple is very easy all we do is take new thermocouple. We push itMoreHere putting in the new thermocouple is very easy all we do is take new thermocouple. We push it back into the bracket. And there's usually some type of compression fitting that holds.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermocouple?
Failed Thermocouple SymptomsSigns of contamination on the tube, e.g. discoloration, cracks, or pinholes.Signs of wear or corrosion of the wirings, e.g. missing insulation or bare wire.Physical damage to the connectors which can have an effect on the reliability of the test reading.
Can you light a water heater with a bad thermocouple?
A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner, which is when people notice that the water heater pilot light is out. Your water heater pilot light works in concert with other parts.
What happens when a thermocouple goes bad?
This means that if the thermocouple goes bad, there is no way of detecting if the pilot light is burning or not. And when the pilot light goes out, you will not have hot water supply in your plumbing system. To test if the problem is with the thermocouple, try to relight the pilot.
How do you dust a thermocouple?
You'll need a lint-free cloth, some emery cloth sandpaper, and a screwdriver. You should be done in under 20 minutes. Whatever you do, never use any cleaning products or liquid of any kind. All you need to do is scrape the thermocouple clean and then dry-wipe the residue.
How do you test a thermocouple?
1:473:21How to test a thermocouple with a meter (grounded & ungrounded)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf I take my wire and attach it to anywhere along the sheets of the probe. I attached to the sheathMoreIf I take my wire and attach it to anywhere along the sheets of the probe. I attached to the sheath and I'm getting continuity this is a grounded thermocouple if this was an ungrounded thermocouple.
Why does my gas heater pilot light keep going out?
A faulty, misaligned, dirty, or damaged thermocouple is often the culprit behind your pilot light going out. The thermocouple is an automatic safety shutoff device that prevents the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is out.
Where is the thermocouple on a gas heater?
1:245:18Furnace - Thermocouple | Repair and Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is the pilot assembly x2 the pilot is the thermocouple. If the thermocouple is dirty then itMoreThis is the pilot assembly x2 the pilot is the thermocouple. If the thermocouple is dirty then it won't warm up and won't produce enough voltage to open the gas valve.
How to clean a thermocouple?
Ensure you do not see any dirt, soot, or residue after cleaning. Check the area between the thermocouple terminal and the power wire for any sign of corrosion. Remove the rust if any. Finish cleaning by wiping the thermocouple ends with a clean microfiber cloth or any other type of lint-free cloth.
What is a thermocouple in a gas water heater?
The thermocouple is an essential element of your gas water heater’s pilot light, ensuring more efficient water temperature management. Unfortunately, it can rust or wear out over time.
How to remove a burner cover?
If your burner has an access cover, unthread the mounting screws first. Loosen and remove the screws or nuts that secure the burner plate. Loosen the nut that connects the burner supply line to the control center.
Why is my water heater not producing hot water?
A dirty thermocouple is one of them, but one that many people overlook. Now that you know how to clean your gas water heater ’s thermocouple, you may want to share this knowledge with your friends.
What is the best cloth to clean thermocouples?
Lint-free Cloth. This type of cleaning cloth is ideal as a finishing touch to the thermocouple cleaning process. Its main advantage is that it will not leave any fluff on the surface. We recommend a microfiber cloth for cleaning the thermocouple. 4. Small Brush or Steel Wool.
How to set water temperature in a water heater?
Open your water heater’s gas supply line and plug the power cord of your unit if it has one. Turn on the pilot light and adjust the thermostat to your desired temperature. It would be best to dial in a temperature not higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your water if it is in your desired temperature.
Can you take a picture of a thermocouple before disassembly?
Pro Tip: If this is your first time removing the burner assembly, it would be best to take a picture of it before disassembly. The image serves as a guide for you to reassemble the unit after cleaning the thermocouple.
How to clean a thermocouple?
Be aware, you may need to detach the thermocouple from the burner assembly to clean it thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the component clean of any remaining debris . Secure the thermocouple to the burner assembly if required .
Where is the thermocouple located on a water heater?
The thermocouple is usually mounted on the burner assembly located near the bottom of the water heater tank . The steps required to access the thermocouple will vary depending on the water heater model, but here are some general guidelines you can follow:
What is a thermocouple and why does my water heater need one?
Gas water heaters which use a pilot to light the burner will also have a thermocouple or thermopile to monitor the pilot (a thermopile is, essentially, multiple thermocouples connected in a series making the component more sensitive than a single thermocouple). If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple acts as a safety device by preventing the gas valve from opening and potentially filling the area surrounding the water heater with natural gas. A faulty thermocouple, or one that is simply dirty, may consistently prevent the gas valve from opening or the pilot from staying lit. The end result is the burner assembly doesn’t produce a flame and the water in the tank is left unheated.
What happens if the pilot light goes out on a water heater?
If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple acts as a safety device by preventing the gas valve from opening and potentially filling the area surrounding the water heater with natural gas. A faulty thermocouple, or one that is simply dirty, may consistently prevent the gas valve from opening or the pilot from staying lit.
What to do if your water heater pilot light goes out?
Be aware, if the pilot light goes out, you will need to relight it following the water heater manufacturer’s instructions. Newer model water heaters will have a pilot setting on the gas valve and a spark electrode to light the pilot. Older models will have the pilot setting, but you will need to manually relight the pilot with a long match or lighter.
What happens if my water heater is not heating?
If the water heater is still failing to heat the water, the thermocouple may be completely defective, the pilot itself could be restricted, the igniter could be faulty, the gas valve could be malfunctioning, or the pressure switch in the power vent blower housing may have failed. All of these parts can be found at Repair Clinic by entering ...
How to secure burner plate to tank?
Thread and tighten the mounting nuts or screws to secure the burner plate to the tank.
Things You May Need
In order to clean your thermocouple by yourself, you’re gonna need the following material by your side, so make sure to gather them up before you begin the process:
Detail Steps for Cleaning Thermocouple on a Water heater
Before starting, make sure that the gas supply is shut off firstly. Use an adjustable wrench or open-end wrenches to turn the main gas supply line on a gas water heater off.
Conclusion
As you can see from the above steps, installing a new thermocouple on your gas water heater is not as hard as one might think.
What to use to clean thermocouple?
For a perfect finishing touch, buy some lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth. It can clean the thermocouple without leaving behind any fluff or lint.
What to do if your water heater stops working?
If the heater has suddenly stopped working, you might need to look into its thermocouple. The thermocouple is a part of the gas water heater’s pilot tube and helps manage water temperature. If you’re wondering how to clean thermocouple on water heater, we’ve got your back.
How to disconnect a vapor sensor?
Disconnect the thermocouple and the pilot light supply tube. If there’s a vapor sensor on your tank base, detach it immediately. After disconnecting from all three units, slide out the assembly from its cover.
How to clean a stove top burner?
By looking closely, you might find debris inside the burner holes and the ports. For these small spaces, use a small brush to reach the areas and clean them thoroughly .
Why detach a thermocouple?
Many plumbers recommend detaching the thermocouple from its assembly to ensure proper cleaning. If you do so, take a picture for easy re-assembly.
What kind of sponges are used for cleaning glassware?
If you have porcelain or glass dishware at home, you might be familiar with steel wool. These are bundles of fine wire sponges used for cleaning dishware as they can scrape off dirt without scratching any surface.
Can you clean a thermocouple before reassembling?
There shouldn’t be any remaining dirt on the thermocouple before reassembling it. Now, take your lint-free microfiber cloth and wipe off the device’s ends for the finishing touches.
How to tell if a thermocouple needs replacement?
You can use a multimeter to determine if your thermocouple needs replacement. Set the multimeter to read for “ohms”. Take two leads from the meter and touch them together. They should read “0”. Now, set the meter back to volts.
How to access thermocouple?
To properly access the thermocouple, unscrew the burner plate. At this time, you will need to disconnect the wires attached to the control center. It’s connected in three places- the thermocouple, the main supply tube, and the pilot supply tube.
How does a thermocouple work?
The thermocouple generates a small electrical current when it comes into contact with heat (the flame from the pilot). When the heat creates this electrical current, this electrical current keeps the gas valve open.
How to tell if thermocouple is bad?
The first sign of a problematic thermocouple is that the pilot light won’t turn on. However, keep in mind that this does not mean that the pilot light won’t ignite at all. That’s a sign of a different problem (likely a blocked pilot tube).
What is a thermocouple?
A thermocouple is an electrical sensor. Two wires on one end connect to a thermometer on the other end. This item acts as a safety measure by shutting off the gas to the water heater when the pilot light goes out.
How many millimeters should a thermocouple read?
Your thermocouple should provide a reading between 25 and 30 millimeters. If it registers less than 25 millimeters, you need a new thermocouple.
What are the problems with thermocouples?
The main problems with the thermocouple include sediment build-up on the thermocouple itself and corrosion at the connections.
