Gas Water Heater Thermocouple Issues

Troubleshooting low performance insufficient hot water pilot light problems improper gas combustion issues with the pilot light thermocouple gas burner venting and other common issues.

Gas water heater thermocouple issues.

A bad gas valve will not allow any gas to go to the burner or pilot light. The thermocouple is part of the pilot assembly where one end is always in contact with the pilot flame while the other side is connected to the gas control valve. If simple relighting or replacing the thermocouple or flame sensor does not restore the water heater to good operation then the problem is more serious and probably requires service from a plumber or appliance technician. Use the dishwashing liquid solution to check the connections around the pilot light and burner.

The gas water heater thermocouple is the safety element that is designed to inform a gas control valve is the pilot flame on or off and open or close the gas to the main burner. It is important to make sure that there are no leaks on your water heater after you replace the thermocouple. Corrosion and buildup are some of the things that can affect a thermocouple. If the thermocouple is working you should be able to measure 30 to 40 millivolts of voltage at the connection end of the tube when the pilot flame is on.

They can prevent power from reaching the pilot light thus the water won t heat up. Possible causes include a bad gas control valve or a cracked or damaged burner. Reinstall the access covers and slowly turn up the temperature until the burner is lit. Thermocouples are used as safety devices that will shut off equipment by shutting down the lp or natural gas fuel supply on some gas fired heating equipment such as gas fired furnaces gas fired heating boilers and gas fired water heaters.

Go to the article gas water heater thermocouple issues for information on this common repair. A gas water heater in boise baton rouge buffalo or boston uses a thermocouple that includes a probe attached to a copper tube that screws into a port on the gas valve. The most common problems. Gas hot water heater troubleshooting usually leads you to the thermocouple.

The other less common problem would be the gas valve. Open the gas supply to the unit and light the pilot. A thermocouple can be found in diesel engines gas turbines kilns gas water heater temperature sensor in thermostats etc.