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. Unscrew the thermocouple lead along with the two gas tubes. Take the detached thermocouple with you to the home center or hardware store and buy a new one. Expect to pay a minimal cost for the thermocouple; you'll save a lot of money by replacing it yourself. 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 just slides out. 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. After doing this, a bathroom in a third floor apartment that is fed by 3/8" copper pipes started getting wa … read more 1. How to Replace Thermocouple On A Gas Water Heater? The tune up kit helps prolong the life of your water heater by renewing the key electrical components of your water heater. Remove the shields from the access area of the water heater. 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. 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. If the new water heater is shorter and the old wires won't reach, surface-mount a 4-in. Install a new one and test for gas leaks… Electric Hot Water Heater (left) vs Tankless Water Heater (right) Water Heater Replacement vs. Repair. Use the old thermocouple to purchase a new one. They also appear regularly on CBS News Saturday Morning. Turn the knob clockwise to the off position. It may be held in place with tension or a screw. How to Replace a Water Heater’s Thermocouple. Gas-based heaters can be dangerous because it can heat up faster and also there may be gas valve leaks. Step 8 Reattach the manifold tube, pilot tube and thermocouple to the gas control valve/thermostat and tighten them using the adjustable wrench. If you … In simple terms, it’s a short piece of tubing that runs from the gas controller to the pilot. Second the burners you mention is the pilot light? If necessary, unthread any mounting screws and remove the burner access cover. How to Clean the Thermocouple on a Water Heater — FAQs 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. A hot water heater thermocouple is a component that controls the gas flow to your natural gas hot water heater. Detach the thermocouple from the burner. Remove the old thermocouple from the bracket. How to replace a thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. The burner typically sits loosely—or under clips—in the burning chamber and just slides out. Turn off the gas supply. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Another option is to call a heating repair person near you. First, shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater. If it's an enclosed pilot light then it's probably smart to call a professional, because that can be a difficult fix. Water Heater Repair Guide: Water Heater Thermocouple ; Tips. Here we cover how to clean a thermocouple on a water heater. See pros. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. Slide the thermocouple out of position.This will disconnect it on both ends. The No. 99% of the time they will send you the new coupler under warranty. Step 1 Find the Ruud control box with the knob on top for gas control. Replace the doors and you’re all done. Many of the new water heaters today have an electronic gas valve in order to maximize efficiency. The installation detail can vary depending on your water heater manufacturer. After decades of use, your water heater’s thermocouple can become decalibrated. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Reconnect the end of the thermocouple to the gas control valve where the old thermocouple end was un-screwed. Once the pilot supply tube, burner supply tube, and thermocouple are … 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. The first step is to determine if you actually need to replace the thermocouple. This is the same process you use to replace the thermocouple on your hot water heater. Unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. Turn off the gas and remove the old thermocouple. A good rule of thumb is that water heater’s life expectancy is 9 years. Turn the gas back on and follow the lighting instructions on the water heater. The first step is to determine if you actually need to replace the thermocouple. Thermocouples are also found in boilers without pilot lights. Remove water heater thermocouple from the burner. 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. Unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. 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. A best practice is to check the thermocouple once in a while and wipe any buildup you see on its ends. 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. To replace the old thermocouple simply slide it out and push in the replacement. It is that simple! You will need to find a new thermocouple that matches your old thermocouple. 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. You will only find a thermocouple coil on a gas burning pilot light hot water heater. Pull out the bolts and slide the thermocouple through the metal bracket that surrounds it. Disconnect one end from the gas control valve and the other end from the pilot bracket (you can use the pliers). Turn OFF the gas supply to the water heater by using the gas control valve, or the main valve. 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. Replacement water heater thermocouple, That’s all, nothing else. When the pilot light on a gas water heater won't stay lit, the problem is usually a faulty thermocouple. Turn off the main gas shut off valve that supplies the water heater. 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. It will be near the access panel for the water heater. 1. Is this a water heater or a Central Unit heater? 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. T he thermocouple is a safety feature in gas water heaters which determines if the pilot light is lit. Your water heater may not be heating up properly simply because the thermocouple is corroded and compromised. Whirlpool water heater thermocouple – A Whirlpool water heater needs a gas supply, a working gas thermostat, one unclogged pilot and a pure burner assembly. Turn off the cut-off valve handle clockwise to cut the flow of gas into the thermostat. Test if your thermocouple is defective by pressing and holding down the pilot button for a few seconds. If you’re sure the thermocouple is bad, have hot water flowing in your home again by following these steps to replace it. Repair your water heater rather than replace it with the Rheem PROTECH Electric Water Heater Tune-Up Kit. Science aside, actually replacing the thermocouple is pretty simple. The pilot end of the thermocouple and the pilot are held side by side in a bracket that’s anchored to the burner. In other cases a bad gas valve can be at fault and is often blamed on the thermocouple. Turn off the gas and remove the old thermocouple. Turn off the gas leading to your water heater. Turn the gas supply back on. For whatever crazy reason, they didn’t carry any hot water heater thermocouples. 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. Install a new one and test for gas leaks. Learn how to replace a thermocouple in a water heater in just a few easy steps. Slowly pull the thermocouple holder … The burner typically sits loosely—or under clips—in the burning chamber and … First, shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater. Ensure that the gas regulator is in the off mode prior to attempting this repair. Repair versus replace. Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple. Light the pilot following the instructions on the water heater. Replacing it is a relatively simple job that you can accomplish with a wrench. 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. 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. Thank you for your time. Water Heater Thermocouple Replacement in 5 Steps. It will be near the access panel for the water heater. To replace a thermocouple: Step 1: Unscrew the copper lead and the connection nut inside the threaded connection to the gas line. One that is the same size and length. Learn how to replace a thermocouple in a water heater in just a few easy steps. Position the thermocouple tip so that the pilot flame heats the top 1/2 inch of the tip. 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. Replacing the Thermocouple. Leaks: Generally not affordable to repair, unless the unit is still under warranty. If so sounds like the thermal couple is bad, or the gas valve itself. This will keep it working at its best and make it last longer. The No. Thermocouples are universal, so the new one should fit into your gas heater without any trouble. 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. Install the new thermocouple. It is also possible you have a blockage in the tiny tube that supplies gas to the pilot. Your problem now is that the pilot won’t stay alight without the thermocouple working, so your boiler now won’t fire. Replace thermostat and/or heating element: $150–$200. Let it cool if it was on before you started, maybe 10 minutes. Check for gas leaks by applying soapy water to joints and looking for bubbles while the main burner is firing. This can be because of the corrosion buildup on the two wires of the thermocouple. If your pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple probably needs to be replaced. If the flame is out, the thermocouple will prevent the valve from delivering gas to the burner. Step 2: Under the mounting bracket at the thermocouple tube, unscrew the bracket nut that holds the tube in place. Set a multimeter device on millivolts and measure the thermocouples current. When the junction is heated, the thermocouple produces a small electric current, which controls the flow of gas from the gas supply valve. Check for gas leaks by applying soapy water to joints and looking for bubbles while the main burner is firing. Sign up for our newsletter! If the tube is blocked, you can clear it by inserting a thin piece of wire or blowing air through it. 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. Replace burner assembly in combustion chamber. Identify the thermocouple at the gas valve, and note how it is routed. Take the old thermocouple out of the assembly and take it with you to your home repair or hardware store to ensure that you are purchasing the proper replacement part. Advertisement. Start off by turning off the gas source. 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. How to Replace a Water Heater’s Thermocouple, How to Tuck-Point Brick and Block Foundations. Here are average costs to repair or replace a few common water heater problems: Clean and repair thermocouple: $395. A thermocouple that tests below 25 millivolts won’t be able to keep the pilot flame lit. Removing the thermocouple is easy and it requires only a screwdriver. Spare Pilot Water Heater – Replacement Thermocouple. Most units will have an inline valve for the gas inlet, … 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. 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. How to Replace a Thermocouple on a Hot Water Heater. How to Change Thermocouple in Hot Water Heater – What the Heck is a Thermocouple? Use soapy water on the joints to test for gas leaks. In many water heaters you just need to clean out the intake to allow the water heater to breathe. 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. 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. 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. Install the new one the same way that you removed the old one. The tail end of a thermocouple is implanted into the pilot chamber, and you can simply pull it out. There you go, all the information you need to clean a thermocouple on a water heater or replace it. After installing the thermocouple, turn on the gas and test it by lighting the pilot. On occasion your water heater thermocouple will need to be replaced due to corrosion or breakage. 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