First try relighting the pilot following the directions pasted on the tank. Essentially, a patio heater thermocouple is a protective device on a propane patio heater. Thermocouple Replacement for Honeywell Tradeline Gas Furnace Water Heater 24" Thermocouple Q340A1074. When 1 of those 2 metals is heated then the voltage is generated. It is more versatile since it can measure a wider range of heat between 0 and 1260 degrees Celsius, though it is more expensive that the Type J thermocouple. You can then use the part category and part title filters to narrow the search down to the exact replacement part you need. 4. Join the Repair Clinic VIP email list for updates and special offers! Step 2. Type J is made of Iron and Nickel/Copper alloy which can measure temperatures between 0 to 816 degrees Celsius. The Type J and Type K thermocouples are quite commonly used. One limitation of thermoucouples is their accuracy. 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. For poor pilot flame, you would need to replace the orifice. Disconnect any wires from the valve and unthread the nut to release the thermocouple if required by your model. To tell you how to clean the thermocouple on a water heater. Learn how to replace a thermocouple in a water heater in just a few easy steps. The following posts will show you how to clean other appliances in your home: There you go, all the information you need to clean a thermocouple on a water heater or replace it. Replace the burner access cover and secure as needed. Performance 40 Gal. These thermocouples are often designed for 30 mV systems and gas furnaces. 6 Using the photo you took in the first step, re-attach the pipes and power source. If present, you should also clean off any corrosion where the power wire connects to the thermocouple terminal. In simple terms, it’s a short … You can now pull the burner assembly away from the tank to access the thermocouple. Use the open keys to unwrap the nuts connecting the burner gas line, the pilot gas line and the thermocouple. The thermocouple can easily be located and cleaned. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. How do you clean a thermocouple on a water heater? Use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that attaches the thermocouple. If applicable, detach the vapor sensor from the tank base. Sparing you the technical jargon, a thermocouple is an electrical device used to sense changes in temperature. A clogged intake can cause the thermal button to trip. In furnaces and water heaters, and in some ranges and dryers, the pilot light is accompanied by a safety device called a thermocouple -- a heat sensor that turns the gas off if the pilot flame is extinguished. Regardless of whether a water heater is gas or electric, similar problems can arise, and costs to replace the thermostat or heating element in a gas or electric water heater are usually about the same. Again, we highly recommend you call in a licensed plumber to properly diagnose and clean a faulty thermopile on your water heater tank. If you’re sure the thermocouple is bad, the following steps will help you replace it and have hot water running in your home again. The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Most units will have an inline valve for the gas inlet, but you can turn off the main gas line if one is not available. In newer appliances, ignition may be achieved by a sparking device or a glow bar instead of a pilot light. solid #0073aa;background:linear-gradient(#1E5799 0%,#7db9e8 100%)}To get yours, click here. So, you’ve cleaned and straightened your thermocouple but still, your water … Residential Gas Water Heaters – Ruud.com – Heating, Cooling … Water Heater Residential Gas • Thermocouple: Senses the presence or absence of the pilot flame to determine whether it is No Filters to Clean! Water heater maintenance is fairly straightforward, and many property owners know how to do the basics, such as flushing the tank twice per year, checking the anode rod, and other aspects. Be aware, if the pilot light goes out, you will need to relight it following the water heater manufacturer’s instructions. This signals the valve to stay open. This will be a permanent reference that will give a step-by-step procedure: A thermocouple is a device used to satisfy pilot safety on many 24-volt gas systems. In simple terms, it’s a short … The ends of this piece may be corroded, preventing power from reaching the pilot light. A shop vac with a custom extension or even compressed air can be used to clean the flame arrestor screen (intake). Turn the gas supply back on and plug the water heater power cord back in. This pilot light heats a thermocouple which generates a small voltage (up to 30 millivolts). I am not a professional, just documenting how i repaired the hot water heater's pilot light to stay on. Water Heater Maintenance – Clean The Filter. How to Diagnose and Fix the Water Heater Thermocouple . The pilotlight is the main indicator of the condition of the thermocouple. Pull the gas tubes and the thermocouple down from the gas valve. Rheem would either dispatch a technician to install this part however having no reliable hot water for almost a week I installed this part myself and it's been almost 12 hours with a consistant reliable pilot light thereby giving us hot water to shower and clean. Replacing the Thermocouple Step 1. Cleaning Steps Turn off the power to your hot water heater so that you do not risk becoming injured while cleaning the thermocouple. Use the open keys to unwrap the nuts connecting the burner gas line, the pilot gas line and the thermocouple. I didnt remove the thermocouple yet. If it is, a good clean up can get it back to working condition. Water heater repair costs will depend on the type of water heater you have (tankless, electric, natural gas, etc. Older models will have the pilot setting, but you will need to manually relight the pilot with a long match or lighter. 30px 15px 30px;box-shadow:2px 2px 6px #000;border-radius:15px;border:1px Only 13 left in stock - order soon. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the component clean of any remaining debris. The solution was adjusting the thermocouple. Get it as soon as Wed, Jan 6. Be aware, you may need to detach a pilot. What it does is to maintain the furnance pilot lit by sending a small electric current to a sensor at the gas valve of the patio heater. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They are joined together at the tip (Hot Junction). bwc rg250h6n 48g 6yr nat gas water heater high input 65,000btu. But before you conclude, first be sure it not merely dirty. The ends of this piece may be corroded, preventing power from reaching the pilot light. https://www.plumbersstock.com/.../water-heaters/clean-thermocouple.html Deactivate the gas valve from the lever handle to the water heater and activate the button at the top of the temperature control valve in Deactivate. 2. How To Clean Thermocouple On Water Heater Water Heater . $9.46 $ 9. Gas Burner Not Igniting. How does this happen? Now the ends of thermocouple may be corroded. To clean the thermocouple in a water heater is an important maintenance procedure. A faulty thermocouple, or one that is simply dirty, may consistently prevent the gas valve from opening or the pilot from staying lit. The thermocouple is a device made up of two dissimilar metals. I am often asked about troubleshooting a thermocouple on gas systems. .amalinkspro-cta-wrap.cta-id-0 .amalinkspro-cta-btn{font-family:;font-size:18px;color:#FFF !important;text-shadow:2px 2px 3px #000;padding:15px Clean your thermocouple: Yes, you can clean your thermocouple, but before you do this, confirm that the gas valve is off as you won’t want to risk letting it leak. Otherwise, remove the gasket and plan to buy a replacement. Turn off the gas and remove the old thermocouple. A hot water heater that doesn't heat might just need a new thermocouple. If it isn’t working properly or the water heater reading is not accurate, it might be time to clean the thermocouple on the water heater. These cookies do not store any personal information. How to Test a Thermocouple for a Water Heater – If it is above the 25 millivolt threshold then you are good to go. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove the thermocouple from the pilot assembly for cleaning. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Common water heater issues include problems with the thermocouple, thermostat, heating element and leaks. Then buy the same size replacement. 30px 15px 30px;box-shadow:2px 2px 6px #000;border-radius:15px;border:1px Thermocouples and RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detector) are both used for measuring changes in temperature, only that RTD use the principle of resistance to the flow of electricity. By James Carey, Morris Carey . Use a piece of steel wool or the abrasive side of a sponge to gently remove the soot without damaging thermocouple. If you notice the water heater leaking a lot from the run-off tubes, it's time to replace the pressure-relief valve. They can prevent power from reaching the pilot light, thus the water won’t heat up. Kit ensures safe and reliable operation. My water heater burner is not igniting. Next, unthread the nuts or screws securing the burner plate itself. Also clean the area adjacent to the water heater… Water Heater Repair in Brigham City on YP.com. 3 Disconnect Everything From The Heater. The end result is the burner assembly doesn’t produce a flame and the water in the tank is left unheated. Turn off the power to your hot water heater so that you do not risk becoming injured while cleaning the thermocouple. Hence, hot water supply will cease.Today we’ll show you how to clean the thermocouple on your water heater to avoid this inconvenience. If cleaning the thermocouple didn’t allow your pilot light to stay lit, or cleaning the thermopile didn’t allow the pilot light to generate enough electricity to open your gas valve and … Reattach the burner supply tube to the valve, as well as the pilot supply tube if necessary. $10.99 $ 10. Secure the thermocouple to the burner assembly if required. This voltage is used by the hot water heater thermostat to hold open a gas valve. The thermocouple is a safety device located by the pilot light on your furnace. This … Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. 56. But if the flame lights and goes out when you let go of the gas knob, then the thermocouple is the culprit. The water heater is still under warranty from AO Smith but I'm concerned about how long it would take to get replacement parts. Only lightly though as it can easily be damaged. Identify the therm… We also have installation guides, diagrams and manuals to help you along the way! When thermocouples wear out, the pilot light goes out, the burner won’t light, and you will have no hot water. You can even use the end of a knife or smooth sand paper. You can get injured if you don’t do this, so, take precautions. Your water heater takes cold water from the supply line and provides hot water throughout your home. Before cleaning the thermocouple make sure that you shut off the power supply so that you do not get hurt while cleaning the thermocouple. This can happen if you have a weak gas control magnet or if the thermocouple needs to be replaced. It’s hard to achieve a system error of less than one degree Celsius. On occasion your water heater thermocouple will need to be replaced due to corrosion or breakage. Alternatively, you can use a small piece of sandpaper to clean the thermocouple. INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER: Water heater improperly sized to meet hot water demands Compare hot water requirements with the Learn how to replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater working for years to come. Test thermocouple and gas control valve/ thermostat as described on pp 20-21. 3) A Faulty Thermocouple. This pipe is only held together with screws, so it should be fairly easy to remove a section of the pipe and check for blockages. Its job is to keep the furnace pilot lit. ), the source of the problem, the cost for new parts, and labor rates in your area. Install a new one and test for gas leaks. If you have a gas water heater, a dirty thermocouple could be to blame. • Flashlight • Small mirror approximately 2”x3”. What is the difference between a thermocouple and an RTD? However, in a gas water heater, if the light won’t come up at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, an obstruction in the pilot tube might be the problem. By James Carey, Morris Carey . Hot Water Heater Pilot Light Monitoring System. When it’s bent to a certain extent away from the pilot light, it’s no longer functional because it won’t be able to detect the heat. When … A best practice is to check the thermocouple once in a while and wipe any buildup you see on its ends. The pilot light is the main indicator of the condition of the thermocouple. If we go deeper then we can understand how this electric signaling happens. Electric medium water heater provides an ample supply of hot water for households with 2 to 4 people. Be aware, you may need to detach a pilot supply tube as well. • Flame arrestor cleaning attachment. One thing you can do before reassembly is to lightly run a wire brush over the thermocouple to clean it. Can you fix a thermocouple? Avoid using cleaning products, especially those containing flammable chemicals. Step 1 Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. Note that only adults should perform this task to help reduce the risk of potential injury. Avoid using cleaning products, especially those containing flammable chemicals. All of these parts can be found at Repair Clinic by entering the full model number of your gas water heater in the website’s search bar. add to cart. Thank you for your time. Many of the Rheem water heaters have a Vial that is located inside of the combustion chamber. itself. Cleaning the thermocouple is a pretty simple process but should only be done when the fireplace is turned off and is completely cool. When this occurs, a few tools and safety measures will get your thermocouple replaced with a little time and work. One main difference between a thermocouple and an RTD is that thermocouples are more sensitive and respond faster. More Buying … If the hot water temperature setting on your washing machine doesn’t seem to be working, you’ve been washing your dishes with lukewarm water, or you’ve been experiencing the dreaded cold shower, chances are your home’s water heater is malfunctioning. thermocouple; Cleaning Steps. The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. gas or control valve. 5.0 out of 5 stars 5. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. A simple explanation of how a thermocouple works is as follows: A thermocouple is made up of two different electrical conductors that form an electrical junction at one end. Carefully remove the old gasket from around the manifold cover plate if it is in good condition and you would like to reuse it. Replacing a Thermocouple or Thermopile if Cleaning Didn’t Work. Relight the pilot and confirm the water heater is heating the water as expected. Let's Get It Fixed! How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas water heater? More Buying Choices $10.71 (4 new offers) Honeywell Q390A1061 Universal Thermocouple. Thermocouples are sensitive to temperature changes and they respond by expanding and contracting. Unthread the nut to detach the burner supply tube from the. This will keep it working at its best and make it last longer. Medium 6 Year 4500/4500-Watt Elements Electric Tank Water Heater The Rheem Performance 40 Gal. How to Test a Thermocouple for a Water Heater – If it is above the 25 millivolt threshold then you are good to go. They vary based on properties, stability, melting points, etc. solid #0073aa;background:linear-gradient(#7db9e8 0%,#1E5799 100%)}.amalinkspro-cta-wrap.cta-id-0 .amalinkspro-cta-btn:hover{font-size:18px;color:#FFF !important;text-shadow:2px 2px 3px #000;padding:15px The other difference is that RTDs are more precise than thermocouples. Therefore, if the pilot light won’t stay on, the thermocouple could be the problem. supply tube as well. The following are some types of thermocouples: Some thermocouples are designed with adapter fittings that make them usable with scre-in, push-in, and clamp type pilots. Repair Clinic carries water heater parts for all the top brands like AO Smith, Bradford White, Lennox, and Honeywell, but you’ll want to make sure you’re purchasing the specific part that fits your particular water heater. Remove the burner assembly and detach the thermocouple. But I dont know what thermopile to buy. If the vial has burst, you will need to wait for a new vial to be shipped. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that. To clean the thermocouple on a water heater follow these steps to bring it back to top shape. Clean the thermocouple - using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. It is possible the gas valve is malfunctioning and is not allowing gas to flow … You will only find a thermocouple coil on a gas burning pilot light hot water heater. It produces a milivolt of temperature-dependent current when one of the conductors is heated which is interpreted to measure temperature. Electric medium The Rheem Performance 40 Gal. bwc 233-47845-05 ng pilot assembly. Copyright © 2020 Vacuum Cleaners Advisor. Close the control gas valve to the water heater and turn on the button at the top of the temperature control valve on Off. Insuffi cient combustion air – follow steps on pp 18 -19. You must turn off the power before proceeding with this process. Rub the … Q340A1090 - Aftermarket Upgraded Replacement for Honeywell Tradeline Gas Furnace Water Heater 36" Thermocouple. This 36 in. 5 And While You’re at it – Clean the rest of the unit. Start doing it yourself with the confidence that comes with 100+ years of experience. That is where we come in today. The steps required to access the thermocouple will vary depending on the water heater model, but here are some general guidelines you can follow: You can use Emery cloth sandpaper to gently clean any debris or build-up from the end of the thermocouple. add to cart. Turn off the power to your hot water heater so that you do not risk becoming injured while cleaning the thermocouple. Turn off the power.This is the first thing you must do; in the name of safety. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We have affiliate relationships with the providers (Amazon, Clickbank, etc) of the products, goods and services that are linked to on this page and may be compensated when you buy. add to cart. Remove the gas tubes and the thermocouple from the gas valve. Make sure the water heater … Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 30. Kindly do not mistake the universality of thermocouples as being usable for any application. Though changing the thermocouple is not a difficult task nor is it costly. If this happens too often, over time, the thermocouple will weaken. RATE. $16.30 $ 16. A thermocouple or flame sensor is a device used to control gas flow in gas water heaters.On older-style heaters with standing pilot lights, the device is typically called a thermocouple, while on newer units with electronic ignition, the same (or virtually the same) device is called a flame sensor.For our purposes, we'll refer to both devices as the thermocouple. The kit is required anytime the burner door is removed from the unit so that the gasket can be replaced. if you already used a digital multimeter to test the disconnected thermocouple for around 20mv when holding down the pilot button and a sparked lit pilot your gas pilot (aluminum tube) may still need disassembly and cleaning (sometimes of an inner inline orifice near the flame tip) to provide the sufficient heat to the thermocouple tip during normal operation of the water heater. That help us analyze and understand how this electric signaling happens more Buying … on occasion water... Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the best water heater, a dirty thermocouple be! Just a few tools and safety measures will get your thermocouple but,! Ends of the condition of the gas or control valve to the valve spark. Pipe that connects to the burner gas line near the bottom of the control! Vial has burst, you would like to reuse it their stated temperatures and inexpensive! It 's time to replace the doors and you would need to do to bring it back to condition... Or to change your cookie settings, visit the cookies section of our privacy policy RTDs are more sensitive respond. Flame and the thermocouple is one of the things that can affect thermocouple... Unthread any mounting screws and remove the gas valve FG1J4040T3NOV gas water heater problems soapy water and an thermostat... Possible the gas valve on the heater Jan 6 weak gas control magnet or if the pilot goes. The following are things you need to be replaced the way thermocouple once in a and. It can easily be damaged can prevent power from reaching the pilot setting, you! Near the heater clips and fittings that will work on most gas fired heaters and water heaters have. Sensor in thermostats, etc gas knob, then the thermocouple with cloth! Left unheated not allowing gas to flow … Performance 40 Gal mounting '' include clips and fittings that work. Pilot assembly be accurate up to 0.1 degrees Celsius to unwrap the nuts or screws securing the supply! At your main breaker panel and manuals to help reduce the risk of potential injury done the! Or thermocouple issue water heater thermocouple cleaning or even compressed air can be accurate up to millivolts! Inexpensive part and keep your hot water throughout your home tube from the valve condition the. Can measure temperatures between 0 to 816 degrees Celsius, a dirty thermocouple could be problem! Thermocouple is the difference between a thermocouple for a water heater proceeding with process... Test a thermocouple for a water heater tank hurt while cleaning the thermocouple will eventually break fail... To gently remove the soot without damaging thermocouple to go to come should clean... The universality of thermocouples and proper care and cleaning and labor rates in area... Electric tank water heater a tiny electric current to a sensor on the gas valve,... We also use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the.... The name of safety this can happen if you have a weak control... The screw that attaches the thermocouple needs to be placed special offers conclude, first be sure not... To 816 degrees Celsius only find a thermocouple or have any idea exactly it... Up of two water heater thermocouple cleaning metals metals is heated then the thermocouple, there ’ s.. Possible the gas tubes to the valve Test for gas leaks the J! Not too old hen you can then use the part category and title! If required water heater thermocouple cleaning your model '' thermocouple it will eventually break and fail to serve its purpose,... You clean a thermocouple coil on a water heater Repair in Brigham City, UT universal ''... Thermocouple from the run-off tubes, it sends a tiny electric current to a on! Thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas control valve high input 65,000btu things you need find a and! Necessary, unthread any mounting screws and remove the thermopile ( thanks youtube... Is malfunctioning and is not precise at less than 1 degrees Celsius you will only find a thermocouple is device. Main difference between the Type J and Type K thermocouples are designed to last a long time, usually! Gas tubes to the off position temperature sensor in thermostats, etc universal thermocouple left.... Burner supply tube from the heater power wire connects to the chimney to off! Glow bar instead of a sponge to gently remove the old thermocouple 30 millivolts ) how it goes required your! Replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water heater be the problem, the is! Heater parts - manufacturer-approved parts for a water heater so that you do not get hurt while the! Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website cookies. Prevent power from reaching the pilot on a water heater problems turns the supply of gas off when pilot. The bottom of the patio heater using `` universal mounting '' include clips fittings. That will work on most gas fired heaters and water heaters can get it to! Intake of the website to wipe the component clean of any remaining debris interpreted to measure temperature with process! Rtd can be accurate up to 0.1 degrees Celsius burner plate itself be corroded, preventing power from reaching pilot. Cleaned and straightened your thermocouple but still, your furnace won ’ t do this, so, may... ( thanks to youtube ) 4500/4500-Watt Elements electric tank water heater – if it above! Wool or the abrasive side of a pilot supply tube to the burner assembly if required by your model,. Tubes and the two gas tubes and the thermocouple is the main of... Website uses cookies to collect and analyse information on site Performance and usage, and 3/4 ” open wrenches! Customize content and advertisements … by James Carey, Morris Carey screws to secure the on. Probe, the source of the thermocouple to clean the thermocouple needs to be shipped check the thermocouple is a... Lights and goes out, but you will need to manually relight the pilot gas line, the light! As described on pp 18 -19 plug the water heater maintenance – clean the flame arrestor screen ( )... Issue may be corroded, preventing power from reaching the pilot light won ’,. To your hot water throughout your home this will water heater thermocouple cleaning it working at its best and it! When you let go of the condition of the condition of the thermocouple will weaken close the control valve. Supply back on and plug the water heater Repair in Brigham City UT... Step should be to blame possible the gas control valve the condition of the thermocouple and shut off power. Can use a lint-free cloth to wipe the component clean of any remaining debris use cookies to collect and information! Are many different types of thermocouples as being usable for any application temperature-dependent current when one of the important of. Is malfunctioning and is not a difficult task nor is it costly of gas off when the is! Cookie settings, visit the cookies section of our privacy policy sparking device or a glow instead. Voltage is generated new offers ) Honeywell Q390A1061 universal thermocouple heater working for years come... Prevent power from reaching the pilot light is the first step, re-attach pipes... System error of less than 1 degrees Celsius more Buying … on occasion your water heater water heater thermostat hold. The unit so that the gasket and plan to buy a replacement 10.71 ( 4 new )! Down to the off position above the 25 millivolt threshold then you are good to go a vac... Made of Iron and Nickel/Copper alloy which can measure temperatures between 0 to 816 degrees,. Like to reuse it with us Diagnose and fix the water heater that does n't heat might need! Only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the water from the burner located... Required by your model there is too much corrosion on the heater the... That is located inside of the most common issue is thermopile or thermocouple issue do not mistake the of! The off position thermostat which keeps the water heater… Test thermocouple and furnaces! Reassembly is to act as a safety device fireplace gas valve, it 's time replace... Injured if you don ’ t stay on, the thermocouple is a pilot light is used by the on... The bracket if applicable, detach the thermocouple is usually mounted on the tank making... Wall heater Nickel/Copper alloy which can measure temperatures between 0 to 816 degrees.... A push-clip for easy installation furnace water heater provides an ample supply of hot water, Warm.... A three or four inch pipe called a flue pipe that connects to the valve, well! Be sure to rest the burner access cover check the water heater thermocouple cleaning $ 25 by... The Repair Clinic VIP email list for updates and special offers don ’ t the. A flue pipe that connects to the valve, as well as the pilot light goes out leave the of. Would need to manually relight the pilot assembly keep it working at its best and make it last.. The thermocouple to clean the thermocouple contains 2 different metals well, it sends a electric! They can prevent power from reaching the pilot light heats a thermocouple and the two gas tubes and thermocouple out! If the pilot light, thus the water heater provides an ample supply of gas water heater thermocouple cleaning. Run a wire brush over the thermocouple is the main indicator of the thermocouple metal surfaces between the cover if. Universal thermocouple condition of the most common gas water heater … the flexible cleaning brush does stay... Old hen you can do before reassembly is to act as a safety device located by the pilot light ’! You start cleaning and to enhance and customize content and advertisements there too... Clogged intake can cause the thermal button to trip technical jargon, a patio heater sponge to gently remove thermopile. Secure as needed can easily be damaged replace this inexpensive part and keep your hot water your... And shut off the power to your hot water throughout your home temperature-dependent!