How do you change a thermo coupling on a hot water heater?

Answer 1

If the pilot light does not remain lit after one minute of holding down the red button, the thermocoupler likely needs replacing. The thermocoupler is a thin copper tube that screwsinto the water heater control box on the lower front of the unit with the other end going inside the bottom of the water heater, next to the pilot light fueled by a thin aluminum tube also connected to the control box. 1) Turn the water heater control knob to off and close the gas valve that should be next to the water heater. 2) loosen both small tubes from control box. 3) Covers to pilot light/burner area should have been removed if you've tried and failed to relight the pilot. A small screw in the burner area may hold the mounting bracket for thermocoupler that clamps into the mounting bracket. The area is just big enough for your hand and a small screwdriver (probably a Phillips head) 4) Replacement thermocouplers are available at most hardware stores for $10 and are universal for water heaters under 10-years-old. If your water heater is older, consider replacing it. 5) Reassemble all parts carefully re-threading the mounting screw(s), and tightening both tubes securely without overtightening. Any extra length to the replacement thermocoupler tubing can be coiled -- do not cut! 6) Turn on gas supply listening for any leaks. Use a towel soaked in soapy water and dab around aluminum gas connection on control box -- TURN OFF GAS if bubbles are seen. Re-tighten and test again with soapy water. If bubbles (not just soapy suds) are noted, TURN OFF GAS and call a plumber. You gave it a good try, but spending $100 or so for a professional is better than blowing up your home and family. This project should be doable for somebody with average handy-person skills. If in doubt, call a plumber.

Answer 2

First off you should take a mili-volt reading by unscrewing the base of the copper rod at the gas valve, placing on lead from your meter to the bottom of the ball of the rod, then touch the other lead to ground (i use the rod that is exposed above the ball.

then depress the gas valves controls in and light pilot you should read around a 18 any lees and the rod can fail to energize gas valve. To replace unscrew from gas valve then after removing base cover of water heaters burner chamber locate the thermo-couple and pull out of assembly then to install it is just the reverse.

The part will unscrew off the end of the line by rotating it counter-clockwise. To install, rotate clockwise.

Answer 3

First shut down gas to heater then u see 3 lines coming from under heater u follow those lines to a spot out side heater the large tube is burner feed 2nd one is pilot tube the last one is Ur thermal cup all 3 have a nut on the unitrol which is were u ajust how hot u want Ur water unscrew the nuts then pull the burner tray out from under heater the thermal cup is next to pilot, just pull out from hole and replace with new one and reinstall burner tray making sure tray slips back in its spot there is a slot that holds burner tray in place good luck .....

Answer 4

The thermocouple goes between the pilot light and the control valve. On the pilot light end, the end of the couple just slides into a bracket that grips the end and hold it in the flame. The control end is held in with a nut that is part of the thermocouple. I believe a 3/8 wrench fits it. Take the old one out and put in the new one. You don't need to turn the gas off, install and relight the pilot light.

Answer 5

Depends on the age. If you light it through the opening at the bottom with a match, you disconnect it at the control valve and should be able to pull it out of the clip at the pilot light. Twist back and forth while pulling out and it should pull out of the clip holding it in the flame.

If you light it with a sparker button at the control valve, you have to disconnect the supply line between the control valve and the burner, the gas line for the pilot, the thermocouple and the wire for the sparker. Remove the two screws holding the cover plate on and remove the entire unit. You can then replace the thermocouple and re-install. It's not a hard as it sounds. Don't over tighen the connection when you reconnect the gas lines.