Change Water Heater Thermocouple

Learn how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater working for years to come.

Change water heater thermocouple.

A hot water heater that doesn t heat might just need a new thermocouple. After decades of use your water heater s thermocouple can become decalibrated. The thermocouple is part of the pilot burner assembly and connects to the gas control valve on the outside of the water heater. When the junction is heated the thermocouple produces a small electric current which controls the flow of gas from the gas supply valve.

Turn the gas on leading to the water heater. If you have a gas water heater with a pilot light that won t stay lit it s probably due to a failed thermocouple. 1 cause of pilot lights that won t stay lit is a worn out. Spare pilot water heater replacement thermocouple for old water heaters with foot indicators it is very simple to disassemble and replace the thermocouple.

In simple terms it s a short piece of tubing that runs from the gas controller to the pilot. Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple. By james carey morris carey. Re light the pilot according to the instructions printed on it and set the temperature control valve to the desired temperature.

Check out the video below which shows you how to replace your 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. If the flame is out the thermocouple will prevent the valve from delivering gas to the burner.