Change Water Heater Thermocouple

Learn how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater working for years to come.

Change water heater thermocouple.

When the junction is heated the thermocouple produces a small electric current which controls 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. Apply soapy water around the three fittings looking for bubbles that indicate a gas leak. The thermocouple is part of the pilot burner assembly and connects to the gas control valve on the outside of the water heater.

The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. Spare pilot water heater replacement thermocouple for old water heaters with foot indicators it is very simple to disassemble and replace the thermocouple. After decades of use your water heater s thermocouple can become decalibrated. A hot water heater that doesn t heat might just need a new thermocouple.

Re light the pilot according to the instructions printed on it and set the temperature control valve to the desired temperature. 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. By james carey morris carey. In simple terms it s a short piece of tubing that runs from the gas controller to the pilot.

Turn the gas on leading to the water heater. 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.