Replacing Thermocouple In Hot Water Heater

Since almost all major brands of atmospherically vented water heaters have switched from a thermocouple to a t.

Replacing thermocouple in hot water heater.

A hot water heater that doesn t heat might just need a new thermocouple. A thermocouple or flame sensor is a device used to control gas flow in gas water heaters on older style heaters with standing pilot lights the device is typically called a thermocouple while on newer units with electronic ignition the same or virtually the same device is called a flame sensor for our purposes we ll refer to both devices as the thermocouple. By james carey morris carey. Learn how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater working for years to come.

How to replace a thermocouple on a hot water heater. When the pilot light on a gas water heater won t stay lit the problem is usually a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. 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.

How to replace a thermopile on a water heater. Make sure that the power is connected. Check the following when your water is not hot enough. Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple.

It s a simple inexpensive repair that could save you a bundle. Before you replace a broken hot water heater check to make sure the thermocouple still works. Replace the heating element or thermostat. The thermocouple is a heat sensitive.

1 cause of pilot lights that won t stay lit is a worn out. Replace the two piece wire connector onto the thermocouple and igniter wire securing it with the retainer clip and slide the manifold burner assembly back into the water heater. In simple terms it s a short piece of tubing that runs from the gas controller to the pilot. Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank.

If you have a gas water heater with a pilot light that won t stay lit it s probably due to a failed thermocouple. Insulate the hot water pipes. Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat.