Can I remove the thermocouple?
The thermocouple is usually attached to the pilot gas supply tube with one or more clips that snap into place. The end of the thermocouple is inserted into the pilot assembly and can simply be pulled out. Take the detached thermocouple with you to the home center or hardware store and buy a new one.
How do you remove the thermocouple from a water heater?
Turn the gas control valve to the OFF position. Using open faced wrenches or an adjustable wrench, remove the thermocouple line, the gas line, and the line for the pilot light. The thermocouple is usually a left hand thread, while the main gas line uses a right hand thread.
Why is my gas water heater thermocouple not working?
When you turn on a gas-powered water heater, you hold the gas control knob for about 20 to 30 seconds. This gives the thermocouple time to heat up. If the flame first lights, but then goes out once you release the knob, the thermocouple is bad. If the pilot light is burning but is weak and orange in color, there could also be a problem.
Where can I buy a universal thermocouple for my water heater?
This means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for made purchases. If the pilot light will not remain lit and you have gas flow, the thermocouple probably needs to be replaced or at the very least, cleaned. A universal thermocouple is inexpensive and can be purchased at most major hardware stores.
How do you shut off a water heater?
First, shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve.
Turn the gas control valve to the OFF position. Using open faced wrenches or an adjustable wrench, remove the thermocouple line, the gas line, and the line for the pilot light. The thermocouple is usually a left hand thread, while the main gas line uses a right hand thread.
First, shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve.
Can a bad thermocouple cause a water heater not to burn?
It is, therefore, a key safety element of your water heater system. Often a bad thermocouple is the reason why a water heater pilot does not ignite or a burner does not stay lit. Continue to 2 of 8 below. The type of ignition system you have in your water heater will determine how you replace the thermocouple.
This means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for made purchases. If the pilot light will not remain lit and you have gas flow, the thermocouple probably needs to be replaced or at the very least, cleaned. A universal thermocouple is inexpensive and can be purchased at most major hardware stores.
