How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple?

Thermocouples are found inside water heaters. If a leak is noticed, you may need to replace them. This is a relatively easy task. To replace the thermocouple, you will need a screwdriver and a few wrenches. If you do not feel confident performing this task, you can ask a professional to assist you.

If you suspect that your water heater thermocouple is faulty, you should first check the pilot light to ensure that the gas valve is closed. Sometimes, an obstruction in the pilot tube can cause the thermocouple to stop working. The thermocouple is a metal rod that is supposed to be in contact with the flame to shut off the gas. Because it has to deal with extreme temperatures, it can wear out over time.

The thermocouple monitors the temperature of the gas valve, which shuts off the gas flow when the pilot is not burning. A faulty thermocouple can cause a leak, which results in a lack of hot water. The thermocouple can also cause the pilot to fail completely, which will result in a loss of hot water.

The water heater thermocouple is an essential safety feature in the system, as it prevents flammable gas from escaping from the burner. This could cause a fire and explosion. It is made up of two pieces of wire that fit inside a protective covering. One end attaches to the thermostat, while the other attaches to the main burner. The tip of the thermocouple is usually located inside the pilot light flame. When the temperature is high enough, the thermocouple will send a signal to the main gas valve.