Pilot Won't Stay Lit On Your Water Heater? Step-By-Step Instructions For Replacing The Thermocouple
If your hot shower just turned cold, you might have a problem with your water heater. Don't panic. It doesn't mean that you have to go out and purchase a new water heater. You might just have a problem with your thermocouple. The thermocouple is a small device that's designed to keep your pilot light lit. Take a look at your water heater. If the pilot light is not lit, try to relight it. If it doesn't stay lit, your thermocouple has malfunctioned. Here are some step-by-step instructions that will help you replace your thermocouple.
Turn the Gas Off
Before you start working on your water heater, you'll need to turn the gas off. Failure to turn the gas off could result in a leak, which could cause an explosion, especially if there are open flames nearby. Locate the control box on the front of your water heater. You'll see an on/off switch. That's the gas shutoff. Turn the knob to the "off" position and you'll be ready to work on your water heater.
Remove the Burner
Once you have the gas supply turned off, you'll need to remove the burner. which sits inside the burning chamber. To do that, you'll need to open the small metal door that's located on the front of the water heater. Unfasten the three nuts that secure the burner to the chamber. Once you've removed the nuts, the burner should slide right out.
Detach the Old Thermocouple
After you have the burner removed, you'll see the thermocouple. The thermocouple will be attached to a small gas valve. Remove the clips that hold the two together and carefully pull the thermocouple away from the burner. Set the burner aside until you are ready to attach the new thermocouple. Take the old thermocouple to your local home improvement center to purchase a replacement. You'll need the old thermocouple to make sure you purchase the right replacement part.
Attach the New Thermocouple
Once you have the new thermocouple, you'll carefully insert it into the burner valve. Reattach the thermocouple to the gas valve and replace the clips. Place the burner back into the burner chamber and secure the three nuts. You're ready to test the gas lines.
Test the Gas Lines
Before you turn the gas back on to your water heater, you'll need to make sure that there are no gas leaks. Fill a small bowl with water and add about a tablespoon of dish soap. Use a syringe to apply some of the sudsy water to the gas line and joints. If bubbles appear, you have air coming through the lines, which means you'll need to tighten the nuts you removed earlier. Once you stop seeing bubbles, you can turn the gas back on to your water heater.
To learn more, contact a hot water contractor in your area.