Water Heater Thermocouple Cleaning

Before you begin be sure to unplug the water heater s power cord and shut off the gas supply.

Water heater thermocouple cleaning.

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. Cut the fuel supply to the water heater. First shut off the gas valve on the water heater and the gas valve on the gas line near the heater.

Follow the entire procedure till you reach to the burner assembly. Use the pencil eraser and start cleaning between the threads of the screw the thermocouple attaching screw. Reattach the thermocouple to the pilot assembly once it s clean. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve.

This is always the first step when. Once you re sure the thermocouple is clean fix it back to the unit. The burner typically sits loosely or under clips in the burning chamber and just slides out. After scrubbing further clean the thermocouple of the water heater with a microfiber cloth to remove excess particles.

If necessary unthread any mounting screws and remove the. Disconnect any wires from the valve and unthread the nut to. Here you need to twist and pull this device to bring it out. The steps required to access the thermocouple will vary depending on the water heater model but here are some general guidelines you can follow.

Diy hot water heater repair. Now you can see the thermocouple. Unthread the nut to detach the burner supply tube from the. You can now replace it.

Once you reach there you need to slowly take out the. If you are done with re installing the unit you can. Sand the ends of the thermocouple with emery cloth sandpaper. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove the thermocouple from the pilot assembly for cleaning.

Remove the burner assembly take a picture before doing anything so you can remember how it s supposed to look when. The ends of this piece may be corroded preventing power from reaching the pilot light. Be aware you may need to detach a pilot. Use a piece of steel wool or the abrasive side of a sponge to gently remove the soot without damaging thermocouple.

Rub until you remove the soot from the thermocouple. If applicable detach the vapor sensor from the tank base. Avoid using cleaning products especially those containing flammable chemicals. Supply tube as well.

If it does congratulations. Release the thermocouple if required by your model. Cleaning steps turn off the power to your hot water heater so that you do not risk becoming injured while cleaning the thermocouple.