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StumbleUponWhen thermocouples wear out, the pilot light goes out, the burner won't light, and you don't get any hot water. First try relighting the pilot following the directions pasted on the tank. If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad.
It's possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this. But removing the burner assembly as we've done simplifies the job of replacing the thermocouple and allows you to vacuum out the burner compartment and clean the burner while you're at it.
Even though this job is simple, don't attempt it unless you know how to turn off the gas to the water heater and are comfortable with relighting the pilot. You'll need a few wrenches to remove the burner, possibly a screwdriver to remove the access cover, and a small brush and dishwashing liquid to test for leaks.
Thermocouples for water heaters are readily available at hardware stores and home centers for about $10. Remove the old thermocouple and measure it. Then buy the same size replacement. Parts are included to mount the thermocouple in almost any water heater.
Call a repair person if your water heater looks different from the one shown.
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| Turn off the lever handle gas valve to the water heater and turn the knob on the top of the temperature control valve to "Off." Use open-end wrenches to unscrew the nuts that connect the burner gas line, the pilot gas line and the thermocouple. Pull the gas tubes and thermocouple down out of the gas valve. Slide the burner out of the water heater. Some burners have a tab of metal that fits into a slot in the bottom of the water heater. Push and lift to disengage the tab. |
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| Slide the old thermocouple out and push the new one in. Note the position and mounting details of the old thermocouple and install the new one the same way. Details vary according to the manufacturer of the water heater. |
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| Reinstall the burner. Push the ends of the burner, the pilot tubes and the thermocouple into the gas valve. Carefully start the nuts into the threads and hand-tighten. To avoid stripping the threads, do not use a wrench until you've turned the nuts at least two full revolutions by hand. Tighten the nuts with moderate pressure. |
To test for leaks:
- Turn the temperature control to "Off."
- Open the lever handle gas valve to the water heater.
- Light the pilot according to instructions on the water heater.
- Replace the access covers.
- Turn up the temperature control until the burner lights.
- Test around the burner and pilot light connections with a solution of dishwashing liquid and water. The burner must be on to test the burner connections. If bubbles appear, shut off the gas and tighten the fittings. Then repeat this procedure. Shut off the gas and call a gas repair person if leaks continue.
From The Family Handyman
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