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.
Change water heater thermocouple.
Learn how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater working for years to come.
In simple terms it s a short piece of tubing that runs from the gas controller to the pilot.
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.
The thermocouple is part of the pilot burner assembly and connects to the gas control valve on the outside of the water heater.
If the flame is out the thermocouple will prevent the valve from delivering gas to the burner.
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Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple.
Check out the video below which shows you how to replace your thermocouple.
Spare pilot water heater replacement thermocouple for old water heaters with foot indicators it is very simple to disassemble and replace the thermocouple.
Apply soapy water around the three fittings looking for bubbles that indicate a gas leak.
1 cause of pilot lights that won t stay lit is a worn out.
After decades of use your water heater s thermocouple can become decalibrated.
A hot water heater that doesn t heat might just need a new thermocouple.
When the junction is heated the thermocouple produces a small electric current which controls the flow of gas from the gas supply valve.
The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out.