Change Water Heater Thermocouple

1 cause of pilot lights that won t stay lit is a worn out.

Change water heater thermocouple. The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. Re light the pilot according to the instructions printed on it and set the temperature control valve to the desired temperature. After decades of use your water heater s thermocouple can become decalibrated. Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple.

If the flame is out the thermocouple will prevent the valve from delivering gas to the burner. Check out the video below which shows you how to replace your thermocouple. Learn how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater working for years to come. By james carey morris carey.

Apply soapy water around the three fittings looking for bubbles that indicate a gas leak. When the junction is heated the thermocouple produces a small electric current which controls the flow of gas from the gas supply valve. In simple terms it s a short piece of tubing that runs from the gas controller to the pilot. Spare pilot water heater replacement thermocouple for old water heaters with foot indicators it is very simple to disassemble and replace the thermocouple.

Once the pilot feed pipes burner feed pipes and thermocouple are disconnected from the gas control valve simply lift the burner assembly from the bottom of the water heater and remove it. It is a simple device that converts the heat from a burning flame into a small electrical current allowing it to work like a switch to control the flow of gas from the gas supply valve. If you have a gas water heater with a pilot light that won t stay lit it s probably due to a failed thermocouple.