DIY Thermocouple Exchange

Gas water heaters are used in many homes to provide clean, reliable warm water. All of these water heaters have thermocouples that serve to control the flow of gas into the burner. If the flame is out for some reason, the thermocouple ensures that no gas is released. However, if the thermocouple malfunctions, it can actually cause the pilot light in the burner to go out. If you need to exchange the old malfunctioning thermocouple for a new one, you will have replace it with a thermocouple that matches the model water heater you have. Fortunately, most water heaters use the same standard thermocouples that you can purchase at any hardware store.

Replacement thermocouple
Adjustable wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the water and gas valves feeding into the water heater.
- 2
  Locate the thermostat control on the outside of the boiler. There will be two gas tubes and one thermocouple lead connecting to the solenoid on the bottom.
- 3
  Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the nuts holding the gas tubes and thermocouple lead to the thermostat.
- 4
  Pull the lines you just disconnected, along with the burner unit, away from the water heater. Depending on the design of your water heater, you may have to unsnap clips holding the burner in place before you can pull it out.
- 5
  Pull the thermocouple out of the mount holding it toward the burner. Insert the new thermocouple into this mount.
- 6
  Place the burner back in the water heater and use the adjustable wrench to reconnect both gas lines and the new thermocouple lead to the thermostat control. Turn the water and gas back on.

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