How To Replace A Water Heater Thermocouple

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Go to www.house-impr... for help. Shannon shows you how to replace the thermocouple on a typical residential water heater.
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Video © 2015 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@audraswiesgladysh839]

When things breakdown When the husband is out of town, your videos are a huge help. Thanks!

[@gailbrown3877]

HI I came from your other video to light the water heater at 82 I did it the other must need a thermocouple but I will need HEALP on that one. You sear are a very good teacher.

[@georgesimon6249]

Thanks for the video. It's been a while since I replaced one and taking out the burner assembly was required for me to do so. Your demo helped. Thanks Shannon, God bless.

[@danettehoffert1925]

Clear and simple instructions. Just fixed mine for $34. Thanks.

[@Pickadodal]

Thanks. Your video was very instructive and helpful. Hot water heater stopped working Friday night, so getting someone to fix it on Saturday was hard. After watching your video I was able to fix for less than $12. It is working now and everyone is happy. Thanks again.

[@AlexWalker-ci6dp]

Impressive!!, I am a Plumber, & You just taught Me something New. ( Thank You) It seems You are a natural @ Teaching. I have had several good teacher's myself. Look 4 ward to more learning videos..

[@colinmoore68]

Thanks Shannon, this was my problem too. I was able to pull the old one out easy enough, it did not have a nut securing it, but did have to remove the burner etc. because the new one would not get past the small attachment. Always appreciate your calm methodical approach to everything you post. Take care mate.

[@HouseImprovements]

You're welcome!

[@dantheman1621]

Right. Thanks. This is the second time I needed info and you were there for me. Thanks again.

[@Jawknee999]

Did exactly what you did in the video and things worked out perfectly. Thanks.

[@SFBenjaminK]

MINE SAME THING happened to my water heater , i didn't know Thermal couple comes like that only that wire ..I BOUGHT the WHOLE pilot assembly kit from manufacture costed me $70..so all that i throw all that away & is all new new one included screws & pads ..but ya is works...thanks

[@nathannakonieczny1343]

This definitely saved my day. Weird question, if you take questions: do water heaters have a main electric cable on the switchboard, or is it just gas powered?

[@HouseImprovements]

There are electric water heaters if thats what you are asking? They would be wired directly to their own circuit breaker in your main electrical panel . Gas water heaters need no power for heating but if you have a power exhaust vent they will be wired for that little fan on top

[@nathannakonieczny1343]

@@HouseImprovements thank you. Mines a gas heater, I think the thermocouple is broken because the fire will come on if I start it as instructed in the video, but it goes out when I put it into the on position. I had a power outage, that's why I thought that might've been the issue but it's gas.

[@kylevorenkamp2416]

Really enjoying your Videos, any chance you can do one on electric water heaters? Currently in a plumbing certificate class and find your information to be a great asset. Thanks, Kyle

[@ds99]

Thanks Shannon. Great demo!

[@antennawilde]

Free: you can clean the tip of the thermocouple and it will often fix the problem. Try a fine wire brush, you don't have to pull the unit out. (Turn off gas main and pilot etc first). Gently scrub the tip to get the carbon deposits off... doesn't take much, it's like cleaning a spark plug.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for sharing

[@Maxid1]

I replaced my thermocouple a year or so before I replaced the water heater. I'm kind of sorry I didn't do an autopsy on the heater. It was making less and less hot water and it would have been fun to know why. Sediment, calcium, dip tube, combination of problems, whatever. I'll never know now but the free disposal of it was too temping for me to keep it and find out.

[@ricorod1mex]

Nice! Thx jist not sure how far tip has to go in on coupler

[@HouseImprovements]

the end should be in the flame by about 1/2 "to 1 "

[@randolfmacdonaldstudies]

Hi thanks for the video. My problem is I changed the thermocouple AND the gas control valve but it only stays lit for a few hours. I checked the Mercury safety under the burner and it looks ok. I'm puzzled and frustrated. Any ideas???

[@gmotionedc5412]

Thanks

[@zz4344]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@recipientsnotnamed]

Hi - I am trying to replace the thermocouple on an old gas water heater. I am having difficulty removing the burner assembly from the thermostat/gas valve fixture on the outside of the tank. I can't get the bolt on the pilot tube loose. The bolt seems to be a soft metal and now has a bunch of nicks, etc. from me trying to remove it. Questions: 1) Can this be a "left-handed thred screw" situation where you must turn the bolt CLOCKWISE to LOOSEN? 2) Should I be using a FLAT adjustable wrench instead of toothed adjustable wrench? 3) Is there anything that the pros use that would help "grab" the nut better and leave fewer nicks - something like a kitchen jar gripper comes to mind. Thanks so much for any help you can provide!!!

[@ctboi7627]

Thanks for the share! This is a must see vid for Canadians lol

[@HouseImprovements]

You're welcome, Carl.

[@fricky00]

can you add a video for replacing the thermopile.

[@MichaelTitera]

Shannon Rocks!

[@Roc-Righteous]

Good video/ nice guy.

[@larryearly5916]

I'm having a really hard time finding a thermocouple for my water heater. My water heater is a whirlpool ( N40S61-403 )model number on water heater. I've checked lowes, home depot, and I haven't checked menards yet but not expecting to find it there either.

[@HouseImprovements]

Go to a plumbing shop.

[@everythinghomerepair1747]

cool waterheater old and has an non fvir approved buner chamber, however I would discnect all the gas lines to make it easy how cars abought gas fitters! nice vid

[@agems56]

Are most water heater thermocouples the same as far as the millivolts go?

[@HouseImprovements]

Andrew Gems This is a natural gas water heater

[@whatever-huan]

thanks for the share，my problem is my water heater always shot off every 3-5 days . should i change one thermocouple??? the problem since 3 week ago the street has water leak and they shot off water for few hours, after that my water heater does not work good.

[@HouseImprovements]

Hmm that is strange, it could be the thermocouple. If not you may have to call a service tech.

[@crazedman6786]

Does this apply to natural gas wall heaters also?

[@HouseImprovements]

crazedman6786 To be honest I can not say for sure but most will likely have a flame sensor instead because ether light when needed only, they do not burn all the time.

[@BibleExposition2022]

I encounter electric water heater stop having hot water after 5 minutes during shower. It is hot when turn on then cold after 5 minutes or so, what could be wrong? Am I suppose to change out a new one? Thx

[@alfredocobian8700]

Como cambiar el termo couple en un water heater

[@terridavis8122]

How to Electric hot water hire to rewire from hot water heater to circuit breaker

[@trashmesoftsoft]

I like the way you say 'about' 👍👍