Replacing A Gas Water Heater Thermocouple

The burner typically sits loosely or under clips in the burning chamber and just slides out.

Replacing a gas water heater thermocouple.

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. The thermocouple is part of the pilot burner assembly and connects to the gas control valve on the outside of the water heater. Mi403s8fbnh amazon links 24 honeywell thermocouple https gen. How to replace a thermocouple on a water heater.

Be careful not to damage the copper tube. First shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater. Most units will have an inline valve for the gas inlet but you can turn off the main gas line if one is not available. For example sid harvey s dyna couple universal mounting thermocouple sold in lengths from 18 to 48 will replace honeywell robertshaw penn baso white rodgers and other thermocouples.

Insulate the hot water pipes. A gas water heater in boise baton rouge buffalo or boston uses a thermocouple that includes a probe attached to a copper tube that screws into a port on the gas valve. Since almost all major brands of atmospherically vented water heaters have switched from a thermocouple to a t. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve.

Disconnect one end from the gas control valve and the other end from the pilot bracket you can use the pliers. Example tank is a bradford white. The thermocouple has two ends. Replacing the thermocouple step 1 turn off the gas leading to your water heater.

Purchase a replacement thermocouple or flame sensor that is compatible with your particular furnace model. It is very sensitive. Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank. If the thermocouple is working you should be able to measure 30 to 40 millivolts of voltage at the connection end of the tube when the pilot flame is on.

Honeywell white rodgers and other manufacturers make universal replacement thermocouples usually with 30 millivolt mv ratings for standing pilot furnaces. Clean the gas burner and replace the thermocoupler a safety device that shuts off the gas automatically if the pilot flame goes out. Make sure that the gas is connected and the pilot light is lit. Replacement thermocouples using universal mounting include clips and fittings that will work on most gas fired heaters and water heaters.