Replacing the Thermocouple
- Turn off the gas leading to your water heater. ...
- Using open faced wrenches or an adjustable wrench, remove the thermocouple line, the gas line, and the line for the pilot light.
- Some models have a protective cover over the burner compartment that has to be removed, typically those with a push button pilot igniter.
- The burner, with the pilot and thermocouple tubes attached, sits loosely in the compartment. ...
- Remove the thermocouple from the burner. In most cases, no tools are required to do this. ...
- Reverse the steps to install your new thermocouple. Remember that one or more of the fittings uses a left hand thread and must be turned counter clockwise to ...
- Turn the gas on leading to the water heater. ...
Why does a thermal coupler need to be replaced?
When the critical temperature is reached, the thermal fuse blows . Usually, this is happening at the end, when the dryer goes to the Cool Down cycle. When this occurs, you’ll need to replace the thermal fuse and entire control board, because the relay is stuck. Need A Part For Your Dryer? Click Here Here’s how to check the control board:
How do I replace the thermocouple on my water heater?
Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement (Why and How!)
- What is a Water Heater Thermocouple?
- How Do You Know if Your Water Heater Thermocouple is Bad?
- Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement: Instructions 1. Disconnect the Old Thermocouple 2. Install the New Thermocouple
- Final Thoughts
- Related Resources
- Call 1-Tom-Plumber
How to replace the thermal fuse?
Instructions
- Shut off the power. Unplug the dryer to disconnect electrical power.
- Remove the back panel. Move the dryer forward and use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws from the back panel. ...
- Remove the fuse. Pull the wires off of the thermal fuse. ...
- Install the new thermal fuse. ...
- Reattach the back panel. ...
- Plug in the dryer. ...
- Clean the exhaust vent. ...
How to reset a thermal switch in a water heater?
- Touch one probe to the upper left terminal on the control (L1 in our photo at left).
- Touch the other probe to the lower left hand terminal on the control (T2 in our photo at left).
- The ohm meter needle should move (or your digital multimeter DMM should show some number other than infinity).
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
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.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a water heater?
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.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
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 remove a thermocouple and replace it?
0:002:36No Hot Water - How to Replace a Thermocouple - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlso once we get the burner assembly. Out we can then remove the thermocouple by just applying someMoreAlso once we get the burner assembly. Out we can then remove the thermocouple by just applying some pressure there's a fitting that holds. It inside the bracket.
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.
How long does a water heater thermocouple last?
How Long Should a Water Heater Thermocouple Last? If properly installed and maintained, thermocouples can last for up to 10 years.
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.
How do you know if your thermocouple is bad on your hot 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.
What does a thermocouple look like on a water heater?
0:161:42How Does a Thermocouple Work in a Water Heater? | Repair and ReplaceYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd will ignite the main burner whenever heat is needed next to the pilot is the thermocouple whichMoreAnd will ignite the main burner whenever heat is needed next to the pilot is the thermocouple which generates a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame.
How do you replace a thermocouple on a gas heater?
How to Replace a ThermocoupleOpen the Access Cover. Remove the furnace's access cover. ... Remove the Old Thermocouple. Using an open-end wrench, unscrew the nut that holds the thermocouple end fitting into the gas control valve. ... Install the New Thermocouple. ... Connect the Gas. ... Turn on the Gas and Power.
Why does the pilot light keep going out on my water heater?
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.
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. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
Things You Need for This Tutorial
The thermocouple is an essential safety feature of many gas-powered water heaters. It works like a temperature sensor that shuts off the gas supply to the burner if there is no heat in the pilot light.
Steps for Replacing the Water Heater Thermocouple
It would be best to disconnect the water heater from its gas supply to prevent any untoward incident. It does not matter if you have a water heater with a standing pilot or electronic ignition.
Conclusion
You now know how to replace a water heater thermocouple. The process is not as complicated as some people think, although it requires careful maneuvering of the thermocouple from the burner assembly.
How to replace thermocouple without taking out burner?
You can replace the thermocouple without taking out the burner if you don't mind reaching under the heater. Use a flashlight to ensure you position the probe correctly. Keep all sources of flame, such as lighters and matches, out of the room while you have the gas lines disassembled .
Where is the thermocouple located on a pilot?
The thermocouple is situated next to the pilot , and replacing it is an uncomplicated job. It involves reaching into the burner compartment, so if you don't want to do that, you can remove the burner assembly.
Why won't my water heater pilot light stay lit?
When the pilot light on a gas water heater won't stay lit, the problem is usually a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a heat-sensitive device that sends an electrical signal to the gas valve to keep the pilot valve open when the pilot is on. It also signals the valve to close when the pilot goes off to prevent unburned gas from escaping.
How to check for leaks in gas burner?
Turn on the gas valve and check for leaks by putting a little dish soap around the connections for the burner and pilot. Tighten the connections if you see bubbles. Light the pilot when you are sure the connections aren't leaking.
Where is the pilot on a gas stove?
The pilot connection is usually on one side of the red control knob; the thermocouple lead is on the other side. Unscrew the burner supply tube, using a 3/4-inch wrench. It should be directly under the knob.
