How do you replace a thermocouple on a GE water heater? 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. Install the new one the same way that you removed the old one. Turn the gas back on and follow the lighting instructions on the water heater.
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 much to replace thermocouple on water heater?
- PRO: Tankless heaters are much more energy efficient. ...
- PRO: Tankless heaters experience just 5 percent energy loss, compared to 30 percent for tank-style ones.
- PRO: You’ll always have hot water when you need it.
- PRO: You can install a tankless heater almost anywhere, even outside.
- PRO: Tankless heaters tend to last longer, sometimes up to 20 years.
How to drain my ge water heater?
Steps for Draining a Water Heater
- Perform a quick flush. Before you shut off the water, connect a garden hose to the drain valve and try and flush the water heater tank a bit while the ...
- Turn off the water heater. ...
- Open the drain valve. ...
- Flush the tank with water. ...
- Refill the water heater. ...
- Relight the water heater. ...
- Check the drain valve. ...
Are GE Water Heaters any good?
While any heater from A.O. Smith will be a solid investment, the company is especially known for its gas heaters – they are among the most reliable and most efficient currently available.
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 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 clean a thermocouple on a GE 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 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
What are the symptoms of a bad thermocouple?
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.Dec 15, 2021
How do you troubleshoot a thermocouple?
1:473:21How to test a thermocouple with a meter (grounded & ungrounded)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow if your thermocouple was originally grounded and now you're getting a Noel that means that theMoreNow if your thermocouple was originally grounded and now you're getting a Noel that means that the junction has somewhat come apart from the sheath of the probe.
Does cleaning a thermocouple 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.Sep 7, 2021
Can you bypass a water heater thermocouple?
Realistically, you have just disabled the thermocouple, but you can also reach in and unclip it from its holding bracket where it meets the pilot light. In most cases it will be held on with a gravity clip, but some are held on with a screw that must be removed with a small screwdriver.
Can a water heater thermocouple be cleaned?
You can use Emery cloth sandpaper to gently clean any debris or build-up from the end of the thermocouple. If present, you should also clean off any corrosion where the power wire connects to the thermocouple terminal. Be aware, you may need to detach the thermocouple from the burner assembly to clean it thoroughly.Jun 11, 2020
How much does it cost to replace a water heater thermocouple?
The cost to replace the thermocouple on a water heater is $100 to $325. The thermocouple detects whether the pilot light is lit and signals the gas control valve to turn on the gas flow. Thermocouple replacement is the most common repair needed for gas tank water heaters.Jun 15, 2021
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.
What is a thermocouple in a water heater?
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.
How far should a pilot flame engulf a thermocouple?
It is essential to place the thermocouple in the correct position. Ideally, the pilot flame should engulf the thermocouple’s upper half to 3/8 inch. If you do not position the thermocouple properly, your efforts to replace a thermocouple will be in vain.
How to prevent thermocouple from bending?
Apply firm pressure when twisting and pulling the thermocouple from its mount. It would be best to do this slowly to avoid deforming, bending, or damaging the thermocouple-pilot tube connection.
Can you reinstall a gasket around a manifold?
Place a new gasket around the manifold cover if the old one is no longer practical . Otherwise, you can reinstall the old lining to create a perfect seal around the combustion chamber.
Can you replace a thermocouple?
You need the correct thermocouple replacement for this activity. Unfortunately, you can only ensure you have the right replacement part by removing the old thermocouple and bringing it to the store.
Can I replace a water heater thermocouple?
Pro Tip: I advise you to bring the old water heater thermocouple to the store to buy the correct water heater thermocouple replacement. It will also be an excellent idea to consider buying a new manifold cover gasket if you intend to change the old one.
Introduction
A hot water heater that doesn't heat might just need a new thermocouple. Learn how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater working for years to come.
Vacuum
This is a good time to vacuum out the burner compartment, check for water leaks and remove debris in the burner ports. Attach the thermocouple and reinstall the burner assembly. Light the pilot following the instructions on the water heater.
