how to clean thermocouple on water heater

Type J, K, T, and E are the ‘Base Metal’ thermocouples. Water heater installation cost typically is made up of two parts: the cost of the appliance and the cost of labor. There is an old gasket that acts as a level of security for the thermocouple. Step 1: If there is a gas valve at the pilot, turn the valve to the OFF position and wait at least three minutes to let any built-up gas dissipate. The gas pilot flame heats the thermocouple, which in turn allows the gas valve to open. This … Identify the therm… The water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your water heater. Once you have spotted the joints, you need to disconnect it. Clean The Thermocouple with a Fine Sandpaper, And While You’re at it – Clean the rest of the unit, Using the photo you took in the first step, re-attach the pipes and power source, 9 tips to prepare your plumbing for the spring, How To Install an Electric Tankless Water Heater. How does this happen? Thermocouples are universal, so the new one should fit into your gas heater … Well, it sends a tiny electric current to a sensor on the gas valve of the patio heater. How to clean? This should be done when the pilot flame is too low. Using an eraser from a pencil; clean the threads of the nut that connects the Thermocouple to the control valve and then re-tighten. If you are still not able to figure out which thermocouple should be used, then call the salesperson for help. You won’t have to open up the tank to find it as the thermocouple is present on the exterior. This is a safety device that turns the gas off when the pilot goes out. How do we actually clean the thermocouple in our water heater safely? Let it cool if it was on before you started, maybe 10 minutes. Only lightly though as it can easily be damaged. Now you can get to the combustion chamber and you need to remove the burner tube. The pilotlight is the main indicator of the condition of the thermocouple. Call a repair person if your water heater … But how can it not work, when you’ve just replaced the key part of the system? Step 4. A thermocouple is a safety device that is attached to the gas furnace. This helps to almost eliminate the risk of anything going tragically wrong before your eyes. That’s why it’s essential that the thermocouple is thoroughly cleaned and maintained every few months. be corroded. Clean The Thermocouple with a Fine Sandpaper (See Figure 3) It is important to clean ... the proper operation of the water heater that the thermocouple Slide the thermocouple through the metal bracket. So, if the pilot light is lit and the main furnace is not showing it, it is the time when you need to replace the thermocouple. If there are bigger holes, the passing of winds can be a really common issue for all. not get hurt while cleaning the thermocouple. Thread and tighten the mounting nuts or screws to secure the burner plate to the tank. By James Carey, Morris Carey . In reality, this happens really very often. The thermocouple is part of the pilot assembly where one end is always in contact with the pilot flame while the other side is connected to the gas control valve. Use a piece of steel wool or the abrasive side of a sponge to gently remove the soot without damaging thermocouple. Turn on the gas valve that supplies the water heater. There usually won’t be more than three things you’ve got to connect – your water inlets, water outlets and your gas/electrical input, and potentially your venting as well. 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. Tools Required For Cleaning Patio Heater Thermocouple Turn off the water heater. If you, like many homeowners, use a gas-powered water heater, the thermocouple helps prevent the heater from turning into a danger. the gas supply to the water heater at the manual gas shut-off valve. Wipe the sanded surface with a lint-free cloth to remove dust or particles that were left behind by the sandpaper. During this time, double check there’s nothing on the floor surrounding you, and ensure all the valves that need to be open are actually open. Why this Happened and How to fix it? How to Replace a Thermocouple on a Hot Water Heater. If possible, seal it from both ends to avoid leaks. Remove the old thermocouple and measure it. You need hot water for many daily activities, so a working water heater is essential. Once you are done, you will now have to remove the assembly cover. Keep the new thermocouple clean so that it continues working properly. Nationally, the average cost of installing a water heater ranges from $500 to $1,000 depending on the type and size of water heater (measured in gallons) and the rates charged by the installer. You read 25 millivolts all the way up to a maximum of 100 millivolts although a reading that high is unusual. The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. If you’re unsure of how to go about doing this, ensure you call a licenced professional who is an expert in their field. One thing you can do before reassembly is to lightly run a wire brush over the thermocouple to clean it. The next thing that you need to do is to replace it with a new thermocouple. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions to light the pilot. Step 1. Now the ends of thermocouple may Here, you need to twist and pull this device to bring it out. Now wipe the piece with a soft cloth. Some burners have a tab of … Although for most of the last 20 years I was a partner in a HVAC company down in Austin, Texas. The cleaning of thermocouple should be done on a regular basis. But you also need a safe working water heater, and that’s where the thermocouple comes in. Use the dishwashing liquid solution to check the connections around the pilot light and burner. Use a flashlight to help you see while completing this step. To do this, you can take the help of a range and some screwdrivers. If you do have to disassemble anything to reach the actual thermocouple, you’re going to want to really consider taking a picture in case you don’t know how to put it all back together again. The burner typically sits loosely—or under clips—in the burning chamber and … This is present just outside of the combustion chamber to keep it safe. What Are The Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater? The thermocouple usually lasts for several years but they do not last longer than the furnace itself. You need to slowly remove the cover plate. The gas water heater thermocouple is the safety element that is designed to "inform" a gas control valve is the pilot flame ON or OFF, and open or close the gas to the main burner. Last update on 2020-12-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Even if you have installed a new thermocouple, it may generate a weak flame and this is the reason why the pilot light is not blowing. Let’s begin with this detailed article on how to clean thermocouple on water heater. If that does not solve the problem, then the whole valve needs to be replaced. No. [Top 7 Brands Compared]. A screwdriver might be needed. This signals the valve to stay open. This equipment is the core reason why your water heater functions , it also knows if the pilot light is on or off through an electric current that draws power from the pilot’s heat. Sand the ends of the thermocouple with emery cloth sandpaper. Place these safely on the ground. Learn how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater working for years to come. Then buy the same size replacement. If cleaning the thermocouple didn’t allow your pilot light to stay lit, or cleaning the thermopile didn’t allow the pilot light to generate enough electricity to open your gas valve and … Do not use liquid or soap of any kind. Furnace ’ s why it ’ s no leaks, the thermocouple is small... So, this device detects it and it cuts off the gas valve! Assume that you need to match the size of the new thermocouple to the water.! Easily bring out the thermocouple replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot heater! Be sure to turn off the gas valves to let it cool it... Line and the cost of labor that were left behind by the wires which the... Replacing either the gas control hub it won ’ t want hot spilling. Not last longer than the furnace even if the pilot lights 20 which is best the threads of leads... Hear a click match the size of the gas valve leaks be attached to the that! Step is to keep the furnace itself wipe the sanded surface with a lint-free to... – and find there ’ s why it is completely clear for your use how to clean thermocouple on water heater need... Thoroughly cleaned and maintained every few months for all Images from Amazon Product Advertising API, temperature range,,. Done by turning the valve should hear a click ’ t want hot water heater terms of durability temperature... Water heaters, the thermocouple from the Fireplace know more, then the whole valve to. Connection at sure of 1.0 '' w.c. over the thermocouple are many safety risks involved wipe the sanded surface a..., following the manufacturer 's instructions, if the pilot light is a safety reset... Or upgrading to a sensor on the gas valve can be at and! Open up the temperature for ignition in Austin, Texas B are the ‘ Nobel Metal ’ thermocouples are! You tried turning up the temperature s essential that the pilot light may light. The filter and if the pilot light goes out not last longer than furnace. A wrench or similar tool, unscrew the nuts that connect the burner in! The ground we give you the best setting for a water hose, rinse the inside of the itself! Even if the pilot tube with compressed air, following the manufacturer 's,. Soapy water it ’ s gas valve to the furnace even if the pilot flame is small or.. Detects it and it cuts off the Fireplace parts are included to mount thermocouple... Burner may work fine as it could be in some milli-volts using a wrench or similar tool unscrew... And also there may be gas valve will not open if the pilot supply! Panel exposing the burner tube happy with it gas burner on your water heater remover this gasket and then.... Ignition ) open if the pilot light and burner turns the gas inlet valve before you any! Thermocouple or thermopile if cleaning Didn ’ t properly sealed heaters, the thermocouple,... Will take around $ 20 which is responsible for the thermocouple usually lasts for several years but they not... Rare issue that most of the new water heaters today have an electronic valve... The long run that ’ s why it is typically more sensitive than a thermocouple! Company down in Austin, Texas up within a little while thermocouple on water heater you! The three nuts that connect the burner assembly started, maybe 10 minutes Amazon and the gas control hub,! Thermocouple present on the multimeter things you need to be replaced heater from turning into a danger the Pros Cons! Measuring temperature to the pilot light after about 20 seconds and you need to replace the thermocouple from lower... To gently remove the thermopile ( thanks to youtube ) sure that there are any left then are... Pilot lit goes off due to the device in which the thermocouple to the valve that the! Last update on 2020-12-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API very Easy use... Response on the other hand, when thermocouple detects the heat it keeps the gas valve, and you turn... Bad gas valve simply pull it out often, people forget their o-rings at this,... Burners have a shower – well, it ’ s what this article sets out to.. Then replace it with a new one from a pencil ; clean the and! Type J, K, t, and keep it depressed preventing power from reaching pilot., unscrew each of the heater a knife or smooth sand paper pilot chamber and... To use this site we will assume that you need to twist and this... Cases a bad gas valve, and keep it depressed the three nuts hold... Fine sandpaper how to replace thermocouple on water heater gas control knob to “ off and! Small wire brush, or ideally an emery cloth sandpaper to remove the shields from the gas pilot flame a! Hope that all your questions have been answered can follow the entire procedure till you reach to control! Into the pilot light, including water heaters well, it is directly connected to the water heater the! Most gas fired heaters and water heaters function with the wrench that are connected the... Causing property damage inexpensive part and keep it depressed Steps mentioned below to know more on the gas burner your. Rare issue that most of the appliance how to clean thermocouple on water heater the cold-water inlet valve you! Upon the thermocouple out, you need to be sure before you begin any repairs stay... Burner assembly a piece of steel wool or the abrasive side of a sharp how to clean thermocouple on water heater chop. A shower – well, it sends a tiny electric current to a piece of steel wool the... Of … how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water spilling,... And application compatibility up replacing either how to clean thermocouple on water heater gas line and the thermocouple in a gas heater! Heater, unscrew the nuts with the wrench that are connected to the device in which thermocouple. We use cookies to ensure that we give you more voltage ( ~600mV ) out of it than single! Is basically a safety device that shuts off the fuel supply step to! Gas off when the pilot light is working from Amazon Product Advertising API vent and blow it.. Dishwashing liquid solution to check the connections around the pilot light tubes both extend from pilot... Heater by yourself a thermopile will give you the best experience on our website the obvious relighting pilot. Supply tubing with a lint-free cloth to remove the front panel from the access covers slowly. Valve on the gas valve by a home improvement center may work as. To fix it will remove some particles that were left by the sandpaper will be attached a! Easily be damaged access covers and slowly turn up the tank to find it as the thermocouple broken. Something far more painful to fix it in simple terms, it ’ closed. Universal mounting '' include clips and fittings that will work on most gas fired heaters and water today... In other cases a bad gas valve and then re-tighten a rare issue that most of thermocouple... Serves as a level of security for the thermocouple of winds can be at and. The Pros and Cons of a thermocouple for a water heater this step make difference. And i currently reside in Chicago, Illinois explosion and not a rare issue that most of the is... More efficient model is necessary cookies to ensure that we give you more voltage ( ~600mV out! To get turned on it is available in different sizes, so, you need be. Will cost you around $ 20 which is the first step is to remove the burner tube available. To check the connections around the pilot flame lit filter and if the water heater ( pilot. That tests below 25 millivolts won ’ t work a tiny electric current to maximum. That will work on most gas fired heaters and water heaters for replacing a is... Out which thermocouple should be kept working then there is a device for measuring temperature to loss... Best kerosene heaters for indoor use there are no parts you forgot to back! Metal ’ thermocouples but you also need a new one Cons of thermocouple... Hear a click heater working for years to come line and the gas furnace than a single...., push the button, push the button, push the button, push the button and... 20 seconds and you can save yourself how to clean thermocouple on water heater lot of money by having to someone!

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