Step 8 Reattach the manifold tube, pilot tube and thermocouple to the gas control valve/thermostat and tighten them using the adjustable wrench. A screwdriver might be needed. Install a new one and test for gas leaks. Installing a new thermocouple on a Weil-McLain boiler will keep the system running safely and prevent gas from entering the room without being burned off. It is connected to the gas control valve located on the exterior of your water heater tank and its job is to convert the heat from the pilot flame into an electrical current. The procedure for lighting a standing pilot always includes lighting the flame, then manually holding in the gas valve to keep the flame burning and give the thermocouple time to heat up. A problem arises when the thermocouple itself eventually “goes”. Replace burner assembly in combustion chamber. How to Extend Your Water Heater’s Lifespan, Why You Should Invest in a Tankless Water Heater, How to Install a Power-Vented Water Heater, Extend the Life of Your Water Heater by Replacing the Anode Rod, Water Heater Repair: How to Replace the TPR Valve, 5 Highest-Paying States for Masonry Contractors, 7 Tankless Water Heater Myths You Need to Stop Believing, How to Adjust Your Water Heater’s Temperature, This Mistake Can Launch Your Water Heater Through Your Roof, How to Repair or Replace Defective Water Heater Dip Tubes, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. In furnaces and water heaters, and in some ranges and dryers, the pilot light is accompanied by a safety device called a thermocouple -- a heat sensor that turns the gas off if the pilot flame is extinguished. How to Replace a Thermocouple on a Hot Water Heater. Thermocouples are universal, so the new one should fit into your gas heater without any trouble. Water Heater Repair Guide: Water Heater Thermocouple ; Tips. You will need to find a new thermocouple that matches your old thermocouple. 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. Turn OFF the gas supply to the water heater by using the gas control valve, or the main valve. You can follow the steps mentioned below to know more. If it's an enclosed pilot light then it's probably smart to call a professional, because that can be a difficult fix. After decades of use, your water heater’s thermocouple can become decalibrated. Your water heater may not be heating up properly simply because the thermocouple is corroded and compromised. This will keep it working at its best and make it last longer. Remove the Old Thermocouple Using an open-end wrench, unscrew the nut that holds the thermocouple end fitting into the gas control valve. You should find that you turn the screw counter-clockwise to … The first step is to determine if you actually need to replace the thermocouple. (no other water heater companies have left hand thread on there thermocouple) Since may law suits they have changed this design. The thermocouple acts as a sensor for the gas valve, letting the valve know when the pilot is lit so it can send gas through to be burned. The burner typically sits loosely—or under clips—in the burning chamber and … 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. Find the right water heater parts with Repair Clinic. First, shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater. The pilot end of the thermocouple and the pilot are held side by side in a bracket that’s anchored to the burner. Detach the thermocouple from the whole. The steps required to access the thermocouple will vary depending on the water heater model, but here are some general guidelines you can follow: Before you begin, be sure to unplug the water heater’s power cord and shut off the gas supply. They also appear regularly on CBS News Saturday Morning. It will be near the access panel for the water heater. Follow the gas supply pipe from the left side of the Whirlpool combination thermostat to the wall. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. Replace the two-piece wire connector onto the thermocouple and igniter wire, securing it with the retainer clip, and slide the manifold burner assembly back into the water heater. The tail end of a thermocouple is implanted into the pilot chamber, and you can simply pull it out. To get the thermocouple out, you need to loosen and remove the nuts with the wrench that are connected to the thermocouple. 1. Thread the new thermocouple through the hole in the manifold door where you removed the two-piece wire connector, and push it into the pilot bracket. A hot water heater thermocouple is a component that controls the gas flow to your natural gas hot water heater. Beside this, how much should it cost to replace a gas water heater? Step 2: Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple tube, unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Turn off the cut-off valve handle clockwise to cut the flow of gas into the thermostat. If you’re sure the thermocouple is bad, have hot water flowing in your home again by following these steps to replace it. A thermocouple that tests below 25 millivolts won’t be able to keep the pilot flame lit. One of the most important issues is whether you get your hot water heater repaired or replaced. In many water heaters you just need to clean out the intake to allow the water heater to breathe. Real quick if you’re not aware, the thermocouple is a little device that sits in the pilot flame (if you have a natural gas or propane water heater) and tells your gas control box that the pilot is burning. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly. A thermocouple is a sensor for the pilot light, which allows the water heater to manage the temperature. A Defective Thermocouple. It may be held in place with tension or a screw. Gas-based heaters can be dangerous because it can heat up faster and also there may be gas valve leaks. It is connected to the gas control valve located on the exterior of your water heater tank and its job is to convert the heat from the pilot flame into an electrical current. Turn the knob clockwise to the off position. How to Replace Thermocouple On A Gas Water Heater? Leaks: Generally not affordable to repair, unless the unit is still under warranty. Slowly pull the thermocouple holder … This is the same process you use to replace the thermocouple on your hot water heater. Loosen the screw, if any, and pull firmly and twist the thermocouple from the bracket. The replacement should be installed the same way as the old one by taking note of its position and mounting. On occasion your water heater thermocouple will need to be replaced due to corrosion or breakage. This confuses your boiler, so to be on the safe side, it cuts off the gas to the pilot light. Use wrenchesor screwdrivers (depending on which you need) to loosen the nuts and screws on both ends that connect the thermocouple to the water heater. Second the burners you mention is the pilot light? A new one costs about $5 to $10 and is easy to install: Make sure that the gas controller is in the off position before attempting this repair. The heat of the pilot light flame creates millivolt current in the thermocouple which energizes a magnet that in turn allows the gas control valve to operate. Unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. The No. Complete DIY projects like a pro! A best practice is to check the thermocouple once in a while and wipe any buildup you see on its ends. Turn the gas back on and follow the lighting instructions on the water heater. Unscrew the thermocouple lead along with the two gas tubes. James Carey and Morris Carey Jr. share their 55+ years of experience as award-winning, licensed contractors with millions of people nationwide through a weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column, both titled On The House. You will only find a thermocouple coil on a gas burning pilot light hot water heater. Disconnect one end from the gas control valve and the other end from the pilot bracket (you can use the pliers). Water Heater Maintenance: Extend Water Heater Life. Ensure that the gas regulator is in the off mode prior to attempting this repair. The No. T he thermocouple is a safety feature in gas water heaters which determines if the pilot light is lit. Unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. Replace a thermocouple to fix a pilot light. Replacing the Thermocouple. Remove water heater thermocouple from the burner. Turn off the gas supply. A Ruud water heater uses a piezoelectric pilot flame ignition system, which you'll need to use because you have to turn off the pilot flame to change the thermocouple. A good rule of thumb is that water heater’s life expectancy is 9 years. Position the thermocouple tip so that the pilot flame heats the top 1/2 inch of the tip. Replace the thermocouple if it is broken. Leaks: Generally not affordable to repair, unless the unit is still under warranty. Detach the thermocouple from the burner. Then detach the thermocouple from the burner and take it with you to the home center or hardware store to ensure you buy the right replacement. If the new water heater is shorter and the old wires won't reach, surface-mount a 4-in. To make your task easier, we came up with a straightforward approach you can use to replace your in your water heater. At the base of the gas water heater there is a gas valve with the thermostat. Remove the shields from the access area of the water heater. Many of the new water heaters today have an electronic gas valve in order to maximize efficiency. Step 1 Find the Ruud control box with the knob on top for gas control. Remove the old thermocouple from the bracket. Thank you for your time. This OEM quality Electric Water Heater Tune-Up Kit provides a quick and easy way to repair the most common items on an electric water heater. Science aside, actually replacing the thermocouple is pretty simple. Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple. Even though this procedure is very simple, it is still difficult to do without any precautionary measures. Beside this, how much should it cost to replace a gas water heater? Step 1 Find the Ruud control box with the knob on top for gas control. To replace the old thermocouple simply slide it out and push in the replacement. In many water heaters you just need to clean out the intake to allow the water heater to breathe. Before you replace it, though, it's a good idea to test it with a voltmeter to make sure it's actuall… How To Replace a Thermocouple . Expect to pay a minimal cost for the thermocouple; you'll save a lot of money by replacing it yourself. There are a number of factors that can determine the cost. Be careful not to damage the copper tube... it is very sensitive. Here are average costs to repair or replace a few common water heater problems: Clean and repair thermocouple: $395. A hot water heater thermocouple is a component that controls the gas flow to your natural gas hot water heater. Advertisement. Remove Burner Assembly See pros. If necessary, unthread any mounting screws and remove the burner access cover. Replacing it is a relatively simple job that you can accomplish with a wrench. Replacement water heater thermocouple, That’s all, nothing else. Pull out the bolts and slide the thermocouple through the metal bracket that surrounds it. The thermocouple acts as a sensor for the gas valve, letting the valve know when the pilot is lit so it can send gas through to be burned. Advertisement. Whirlpool water heater thermocouple – A Whirlpool water heater needs a gas supply, a working gas thermostat, one unclogged pilot and a pure burner assembly. Install the new one the same way that you removed the old one. In other cases a bad gas valve can be at fault and is often blamed on the thermocouple. There you go, all the information you need to clean a thermocouple on a water heater or replace it. metal electrical box on the wall or ceiling nearby, run the old wires to the box, and then run a new section of armored cable or electrical conduit to the water heater. We recommend our users to update the browser. Nowadays, there are so many products of how to replace a thermocouple on a ao smith hot water heater in the market and you are wondering to choose a best one.You have searched for how to replace a thermocouple on a ao smith hot water heater in many merchants, compared about products prices & reviews before deciding to buy them. Find a top-rated water heater specialist near you. Find gas main cut-off valve on the pipe. Install the new thermocouple. Learn how to replace a thermocouple in a water heater in just a few easy steps. How to replace a thermocouple. If you are still not able to figure out which thermocouple should be used, then call the salesperson for help. How to Clean the Thermocouple on a Water Heater — FAQs 1. Check for gas leaks by applying soapy water to joints and looking for bubbles while the main burner is firing. After installing the thermocouple, turn on the gas and test it by lighting the pilot. Set a multimeter device on millivolts and measure the thermocouples current. Turn off the gas and remove the old thermocouple. Reinstall covers: a flame shield or manifold door that you removed from the heater or water heater. 1. Install the new one the same way that you removed the old one. How to Replace a Water Heater’s Thermocouple, How to Tuck-Point Brick and Block Foundations. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. For whatever crazy reason, they didn’t carry any hot water heater thermocouples. If so sounds like the thermal couple is bad, or the gas valve itself. 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.Water heater installation cost typically is made up of two parts: the cost of the appliance and the cost of labor. When the pilot light on a gas water heater won't stay lit, the problem is usually a faulty thermocouple. Attach the thermocouple and reinstall the burner assembly. It is that simple! 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out 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. Turn off the water heater. It will be near the access panel for the water heater. Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement in 5 Steps. Removing the thermocouple is easy and it requires only a screwdriver. Replace thermostat and/or heating element: $150–$200. Slide the thermocouple out of position.This will disconnect it on both ends. Take the detached thermocouple with you to the home center or hardware store and buy a new one. How to replace the thermocouple if it is broken and how to test the element? How to Change Thermocouple in Hot Water Heater – What the Heck is a Thermocouple? Newer gas appliances have igniters that start the pilot light as needed. Installing a new thermocouple on a Weil-McLain boiler will keep the system running safely and prevent gas from entering the room without being burned off. Turn off the gas leading to your water heater. 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out 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. Use soapy water on the joints to test for gas leaks. Repair your water heater rather than replace it with the Rheem PROTECH Electric Water Heater Tune-Up Kit. Here we cover how to clean a thermocouple on a water heater. If your hot water heater is still not working after checking for blockage and replacing the thermocouple, you may need to call an expert plumber to check it out. In simple terms, it’s a short piece of tubing that runs from the gas controller to the pilot. When you have the burner unit free from the water heater use the appropriate screwdriver to loosen the screw that holds the bracket for the thermocouple. How to replace a gas water heater thermocouple with video instructions. If the water heater is still failing to heat the water, the thermocouple may be completely defective, the pilot itself could be restricted, the igniter could be faulty, the gas valve could be malfunctioning, or the pressure switch in the power vent blower housing may have failed. 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