Table of Contents
Can you clean a water heater thermocouple?
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. 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.
How do I clean my thermocouple on my hot water heater?
In cleaning a thermocouple, you need some steel wool or 60-grit sandpaper, and a cloth. First, turn off the gas supply, unscrew the thermocouple and then clean it with steel wool or sandpaper then wipe down with a cloth to remove residue. I clean our thermocouple every six months to avoid getting it coated with soot.
How do you get dust out of a thermocouple?
The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.
Can I use sandpaper to clean a thermocouple?
Cleaning the thermocouple You can use Emery cloth sandpaper to gently clean any debris or build-up from the end of the thermocouple. Be aware, you may need to detach the thermocouple from the burner assembly to clean it thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the component clean of any remaining debris.
How do you clean a thermocouple pilot light?
How to Clean a Pilot Light Cut off the gas to your furnace. Remove the pilot light and thermocouple assembly. Use your pliers or wrench to remove the pilot light and thermocouple from the bracket. Using the wire brush, brush away the carbon buildup and soot from both components.
How long does a thermocouple last on a water heater?
Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.
How do you clean a dirty pilot tube on a hot water heater?
You can clear the pilot orifice with a piece of wire or a wire brush, and it isn’t difficult to access. Remove the cover plate at the bottom of the water heater. Turn the gas control to the “Off” position. Locate the pilot tube. Clean the pilot hole by brushing it with a stiff wire brush.
What can go wrong with a thermocouple?
Six Common Causes for Thermocouple Temperature Measurement Errors Selecting the Wrong Type of Thermocouple on the Transmitter. Problems Related to the Thermocouple Extension Wire. Inherent Variations in Alloys. Temperature Variations Around the Reference Junction Connection. Thermocouple Grounded at More Than One Location.
How do you clean a gas thermocouple?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
Why does the pilot light on my hot water heater keep going out?
Your thermocouple senses when your pilot light is burning. If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light’s flame.
How do you clean a thermopile thermocouple?
To quickly clean your thermopile, turn off the gas supply. With the help of a stainless steel brush and fine-grit sandpaper, you can scrub off as much piled up soot as possible.
What is a water heater thermocouple?
The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas supply to the water heater if the pilot light goes out. Its function is simple but very important for safety. The thermocouple generates a small amount of electrical current when it has been heated by the flame.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a water heater?
Thermocouple – $20 to $150 The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
Should thermocouple be in pilot flame?
The pilot flame should touch the thermocouple at a specific level. If the flame is blue and weak, and barely reaches the thermocouple, it needs to be stronger. If it extends well above the thermocouple, it’s too strong. Install a new thermocouple by screwing it in, heating it up a bit, and then lighting the pilot.
Can a thermocouple be tested?
Place one test lead on the side of the thermocouple and the other to the end that screws into the gas valve. If the thermocouple has proper continuity, a small resistance reading should be visible on the multimeter. Many multimeters also indicate continuity with an audio alert.
Why is my pilot light so small?
The cause of a weak flame may also be an obstruction in the pilot tube. You can often remove such obstructions by turning off the gas, unscrewing the pilot tube from the valve control and blowing compressed air from a can through the tube. You can also poke the aperture of the pilot tube with a needle.
Why is my pilot light orange?
If your pilot light’s flame is orange or yellow, it is burning inefficiently due to a lack of oxygen. The thermocouple should sense when this happens because the heat from the flame will not be as hot as it should be.
What does a pilot tube do on a water heater?
The Pilot tube supplies gas to the pilot light for combustion. The flame will go out if the tube is clogged with dirt or debris.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my water heater?
A worn out thermocouple is one of the most common gas water heater problems. When thermocouples wear out, the pilot light goes out, the burner won’t light, and you will have no hot water.
