How To Test A Water Heater Thermocouple

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A water heater thermocouple

A thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply to a water heater if the pilot light goes out. If you’re having trouble with your water heater, one of the first things you should check is the thermocouple. Here’s how to test a water heater thermocouple:

First, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a multimeter, a pair of pliers, and a small screwdriver. Once you have your tools, you can start the testing process. First, turn off the gas supply to the water heater. Then, remove the thermocouple from the water heater. Be careful not to damage the thermocouple when you remove it. Once you have the thermocouple removed, you can start testing it.

To test the thermocouple, you’ll need to use the multimeter. Set the multimeter to the millivolt setting. Then, touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the thermocouple. If the thermocouple is working properly, the multimeter will read between 20 and 30 millivolts. If the thermocouple is not working properly, the multimeter will read 0 millivolts. If the thermocouple is not working properly, you will need to replace it.

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How to Test a Water Heater Thermocouple

A thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply to a water heater if the pilot light goes out. Over time, thermocouples can become faulty and need to be replaced. Here are the steps on how to test a water heater thermocouple:

  1. Turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
  2. Remove the thermocouple from the water heater. The thermocouple is usually located near the pilot light.
  3. Connect a voltmeter to the thermocouple. The voltmeter should be set to the millivolt scale.
  4. Hold the thermocouple in the flame of a lighter or match. The voltmeter should read between 20 and 30 millivolts.
  5. If the voltmeter does not read between 20 and 30 millivolts, the thermocouple is faulty and needs to be replaced.

People Also Ask

What are the symptoms of a faulty thermocouple?

The most common symptom of a faulty thermocouple is that the pilot light will not stay lit. Other symptoms include:

  • The water heater will not heat up.
  • The water heater will cycle on and off frequently.
  • The water heater will produce a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue flame.

How can I prevent my thermocouple from failing?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your thermocouple from failing:

  • Keep the pilot light clean. A dirty pilot light can cause the thermocouple to overheat and fail.
  • Do not overtighten the thermocouple when you install it. Overtightening can damage the thermocouple.
  • Inspect the thermocouple regularly for signs of damage. If you see any cracks or breaks in the thermocouple, it should be replaced.

Can I replace the thermocouple myself?

Yes, you can replace the thermocouple yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working with gas appliances, it is best to call a qualified technician.