Replacing A Gas Water Heater Thermocouple

Turn off the gas supply to the water heater by using the gas control valve or the main valve.

Replacing a gas water heater thermocouple.

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. 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. 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. Diy hot water heater repair.

Make sure that the gas is connected and the pilot light is lit. How to replace a thermopile on a water heater. How to replace a thermocouple on a water heater. Purchase a replacement thermocouple or flame sensor that is compatible with your particular furnace model.

Clean the gas burner and replace the thermocoupler a safety device that shuts off the gas automatically if the pilot flame goes out. Insulate the hot water pipes. The thermocouple has two ends. Flush the heater to remove sediment from the tank.

The burner typically sits loosely or under clips in the burning chamber and just slides out. 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. Be careful not to damage the copper tube.

Honeywell white rodgers and other manufacturers make universal replacement thermocouples usually with 30 millivolt mv ratings for standing pilot furnaces. Since almost all major brands of atmospherically vented water heaters have switched from a thermocouple to a t. Replacement thermocouples using universal mounting include clips and fittings that will work on most gas fired heaters and water heaters. Replacing the thermocouple step 1 turn off the gas leading to your water heater.

Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. 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. Example tank is a bradford white. It is very sensitive.