Water Heater Thermocouple Cleaning

Be aware you may need to detach a pilot.

Water heater thermocouple cleaning.

Disconnect any wires from the valve and unthread the nut to. Now you can see the thermocouple. Before you begin be sure to unplug the water heater s power cord and shut off the gas supply. If applicable detach the vapor sensor from the tank base.

Turn on the water heater. You can now replace it. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove the thermocouple from the pilot assembly for cleaning. Use the pencil eraser and start cleaning between the threads of the screw the thermocouple attaching screw.

If necessary unthread any mounting screws and remove the. This is always the first step when. First shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater. Cleaning steps turn off the power to your hot water heater so that you do not risk becoming injured while cleaning the thermocouple.

Cut the fuel supply to the water heater. Once you re sure the thermocouple is clean fix it back to the unit. Here you need to twist and pull this device to bring it out. Release the thermocouple if required by your model.

Avoid using cleaning products especially those containing flammable chemicals. Follow the entire procedure till you reach to the burner assembly. Reattach the thermocouple to the pilot assembly once it s clean. The burner typically sits loosely or under clips in the burning chamber and just slides out.

Relight the pilot light too and wait to see if the water will heat up. Use a piece of steel wool or the abrasive side of a sponge to gently remove the soot without damaging thermocouple. Unthread the nut to detach the burner supply tube from the. If you are done with re installing the unit you can.

If it does congratulations. Once you reach there you need to slowly take out the. Sand the ends of the thermocouple with emery cloth sandpaper. After scrubbing further clean the thermocouple of the water heater with a microfiber cloth to remove excess particles.

Supply tube as well. Rub until you remove the soot from the thermocouple. Water heater thermocouple cleaning in 5 steps shut the gas inlet valve safety first. Use the steel wool or the abrasive side of the sponge for gently rubbing the thermocouple.

The steps required to access the thermocouple will vary depending on the water heater model but here are some general guidelines you can follow. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. Remove the burner assembly take a picture before doing anything so you can remember how it s supposed to look when.