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  • Home
  • Anti virus/Anti malware
    • How to Remove Keyloggers
    • How to Remove Conficker Malware
    • How to Remove Locky and AutoLocky Ransomeware for Free
  • How to Remove a Spyware Infection
  • Article Directory
    • How to Protect Computers using Free Version Antivirus Protection Software
    • Computer/Internet >
      • Audio/Visual >
        • How to Add a Cursor (Mouse Pointer) to a Print Screen Image >
          • Automotive >
            • How to Change Seized Up Spark Plugs
            • How to Change Automatic Transmission Filters
            • How to Do Auto Body Repair Work
            • How to Increase Fuel Economy
            • How to Install Truck Hitch Accessories/Attachments
            • How to Make a Poor Man's Fuel Heater
            • How to mix your own Fuel Additive
            • How to Replace a Door Panel
            • How to Replace Rear Leaf Springs
            • How to Tune-Up a Car Yourself
          • Business >
            • How to Appeal Denial of Unemployment Insurance Benefits
            • How to Create Order Forms
            • How to Perform Maryland Judiciary Case Searches Online
            • How to Promote your New Small Business
            • How to Recover Microsoft Office Professional for free
        • How to Convert qcp to wav
        • How to Create Watermark Protected Images
        • How to Crop a Print Screen Image
        • How to Disable your built-in Camera
        • How to Disable your built-in Microphone
        • How to Draw a Rose Bouquet
        • How to Print Digital Images Actual Size
        • How to Resize an Image to 424 X 282 Pixels, Without Distortion
        • How to Stream M3U's on Websites
      • How to Access a No Boot Hard Drive
      • How to Add Downloads to the Start Menu
      • How to Add a Hibernate Shortcut to your Windows Desktop
      • How to Add a Log Off Shortcut to your Windows desktop
      • How to Add a Restart Shortcut to your Windows desktop
      • How to Add a Second HDD (a Slave Drive) to your PC
      • How to Add a Shutdown Shortcut to your Windows desktop
      • How to Add a Standby Shortcut to your Windows desktop
      • How to Add Keywords to Your Website
      • How to Add Safe Mode to your Windows Boot Menu, by editing the BOOT.INI file
      • How to Backlink your online content
      • How to Block a Pinterest Follower
      • How To Comply with Amazon FTC Regulations
      • How to Connect to a Public WiFi Network
      • How to Create a Bookmarks Favicon
      • How to Create a Downloads Library in Windows Explorer
      • How to Create an active Click to Call Link
      • How to Create an h1 Header
      • How to Defragment the Paging File aka Virtual RAM
      • How to Disable sharing on Windows 7 and 8
      • How to Enable and Disable WiFi on Laptops and Tablets
      • How to Fix an Optical Scroll Mouse
      • How to Force Safe Mode on restart without editing BOOT.ini
      • How to Improve Computer Performance
      • How to Install a Bluetooth USB
      • How to Open Affiliate HTML Ads in New Tabs
      • How to Optimize your online content
      • How to Repair Windows Offline Help and Support
      • How to Replace a Dell Vostro 2510 LCD Inverter
      • How to Replace a Dell Vostro 2510 LCD Screen
      • How to Safely Eject ReadyBoost
      • How to Securely Wipe a Hard Disk Drive
      • How to Set Single-Click Customization on Desktop and Laptop Computers
      • How to Turn Num Lock on by Default in Windows 7 & 8
      • How to Tweet from a Flip Phone
    • Food & Drink >
      • Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Shiitake Mushrooms and roasted Bell Pepper
      • How to Bake a fantastic Zucchini Pie
      • How to Bake Candied Pecans
      • How to Bake Rosemary-Maple Glazed Pork Loin
      • How to Boil Eggs Without Cracking Shells
      • How to make Ramen Noodles more interesting
      • How to Make your own Chopsticks
      • How to scratch Hearty Turkey and Rice Soup
      • How to Slow Cook Beans & Rice with Sausage
      • How to Slow Cook Venison Stew
    • Health >
      • How to Build a Strong Freestanding Inversion Rack
      • How to Pack a Blood Specimen for Air Travel
      • How to Tell if you have Bed Bugs
    • Holidays & Celebrations >
      • How to Easter Egg Hunt with Candy Filled Eggs
      • How to Hang the American Flag
    • Home Improvement >
      • Concrete >
        • How to Apply/Repair Ornamental Mapping on Historic Field Stone Construction
        • How to Install a vented Glass Block window
        • How to Pour Concrete Footers for Jack Posts
      • Electrical >
        • How to Control Outdoor and Ceiling Lights with a Timer
        • How to Install a Breaker Panel Receptacle
        • How to Install a Switched Receptacle
        • How to Install Outdoor Motion Lights
        • How to Replace a Doorbell
        • How to Replace a Door Chime
        • How to Wire multiple lights on a Porch Circuit
      • Exterior >
        • How to Calculate a Roof Pitch in Degrees
        • How to Frame a Dormer
        • How to Install Vinyl Outdoor Swings
        • How to Install Vinyl Soffit
        • How to Paint Wood Doors
        • How to Reduce your Cooling costs by painting your Roof white
      • Interior >
        • How to Build a Hide A Safe to Protect The Family Jewels
        • How to Build Boxed Ceiling Beams
        • How to Frame Interior Walls
        • How to Install Crawl Space Insulation
        • How to Increase your Cordless Phone Range
        • How to Install Vinyl Mini Blinds
        • How to Remove Spray Foam Insulation From Hands
        • How to Resize an Interior Composite Hollow Core Door
      • Plumbing >
        • How to Repair Copper Pipes
        • How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple
        • How to Solder a Plumbing Joint
        • How to Stop Water Pipes From Vibrating
    • Pets >
      • How to Administer a bitter pill to a Cat
      • How to Administer subcutaneous hydrating fluids to an ailing Cat
      • How to Paper train a Green Iguana
    • Wildlife >
      • How to Escape from a Bear in the Woods
      • How to Field Dress a Whitetail Deer
      • How to Legally live-trap and relocate Squirrels in the State of Maryland
    • Yard & Garden >
      • How to Build a Concrete Outdoor Fire Pit
      • How to Build your own Pond
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How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple

Picture
Universal Thermocouple

  Replacing a gas water heater thermocouple requires a few hand tools and a little bit of knowledge. The thermocouple keeps the pilot lit and consists of a thin chamber at the end of a capillary tube. One end heated by the pilot flame forces a tiny amount of trapped/expanding air into a release valve in the gas valve assembly which allows the flow of gas to the pilot and the burn chamber. Pushing the button when lighting the pilot bypasses the release valve, temporarily, allowing gas to the pilot. The pilot light flame heat on the thermocouple keeps the release valve open. If the capillary tube fails, the pilot will go out when the button is released. This being the most common cause, a faulty gas valve assembly may also prevent the pilot from remaining lit. Considering that a 36" Thermocouple only costs about $13.00 (Home Depot), and much easier to replace than the more costly gas valve assembly, it is worth taking the chance and replacing it.
You'll Need:
* 24" or 36" Universal Thermocouple
* Off-set phillips screw driver
* Needle-nose pliers
* 3/8" & 7/16" open end or line wrenches

PicturePreparation
1. Turn gas off by turning the control valve, on top of the gas valve assembly, to the OFF position. And, turn the thermostat control wheel counter-clockwise to the lowest setting. Remove the heat shields.

PictureLine removal
2. Unscrew both the thermocouple (capillary tube) and the pilot lines from the gas valve assembly. Carefully, remove the lines to avoid thread damage.

PictureSeparate brackets
3. Remove the phillips screw, at the bracket, holding these two lines to the main burner line in the lower portion of the water heater. Separate the two halves and remove the thermocouple and pilot lines from the water heater.

PictureRemove Thermocouple
4. Force the thermocouple chamber down and out of the friction clamp, using needle-nose pliers. Remove this friction clamp and replace it with the new one provided. Carefully, slide the new thermocouple chamber through the friction clamp until it bottoms out in the bracket.

PictureBend capillary tube
5. Unwind the new capillary tube and gently bend it to conform to the curve of the pilot line, avoiding any sharp bends which might crimp the line and render it useless. These lines must remain close together to clear the internal heat shield.

6. Insert both lines into the lower portion of the water heater, lining up the clamp halves, and secure both in place with the phillips screw. Insert the compression end of each line into their prospective ports in the gas control valve. Carefully thread the compression nuts by hand to avoid cross threading. Tighten each compression nut one-quarter turn beyond finger tight. Nuts should feel snug when properly tightened.
PictureRelighting the Pilot
7. Relight the pilot by turning the control valve from OFF to PILOT, lining up the button with the cut out on the knob. Press and hold the button down while touching flame to the pilot opening next to the thermocouple chamber. Continue to hold the button down for 1 minute, before releasing. The pilot flame should now remain lit.

PictureSet Controls
8. Re-install both heat shields. Turn the control valve to ON and rotate the thermostat control wheel to the desired setting. You will hear the gas burner ignite with a whoosh.

Tips:
* If in doubt which length you need, go long! Coil up the extra capillary tube.
* Use an extended lighter to relight the pilot
* This very same Universal Thermocouple replaces those used in Gas Furnaces and Gas Logs too!

Warnings:
* Avoid sharp bends when forming or coiling the capillary tube.
* Failure to re-install the heat shields before turning up the thermostat may result in singed fingers!
* If you smell gas, turn everything off immediately and recheck the pilot line connection.


Copyright 7/29/2013 Questions? Comments? Contact Me
Related Articles:
Plumbing

Copyright © TomComKnowsHow

  • Home
  • Anti virus/Anti malware
    • How to Remove Keyloggers
    • How to Remove Conficker Malware
    • How to Remove Locky and AutoLocky Ransomeware for Free
  • How to Remove a Spyware Infection
  • Article Directory
    • How to Protect Computers using Free Version Antivirus Protection Software
    • Computer/Internet >
      • Audio/Visual >
        • How to Add a Cursor (Mouse Pointer) to a Print Screen Image >
          • Automotive >
            • How to Change Seized Up Spark Plugs
            • How to Change Automatic Transmission Filters
            • How to Do Auto Body Repair Work
            • How to Increase Fuel Economy
            • How to Install Truck Hitch Accessories/Attachments
            • How to Make a Poor Man's Fuel Heater
            • How to mix your own Fuel Additive
            • How to Replace a Door Panel
            • How to Replace Rear Leaf Springs
            • How to Tune-Up a Car Yourself
          • Business >
            • How to Appeal Denial of Unemployment Insurance Benefits
            • How to Create Order Forms
            • How to Perform Maryland Judiciary Case Searches Online
            • How to Promote your New Small Business
            • How to Recover Microsoft Office Professional for free
        • How to Convert qcp to wav
        • How to Create Watermark Protected Images
        • How to Crop a Print Screen Image
        • How to Disable your built-in Camera
        • How to Disable your built-in Microphone
        • How to Draw a Rose Bouquet
        • How to Print Digital Images Actual Size
        • How to Resize an Image to 424 X 282 Pixels, Without Distortion
        • How to Stream M3U's on Websites
      • How to Access a No Boot Hard Drive
      • How to Add Downloads to the Start Menu
      • How to Add a Hibernate Shortcut to your Windows Desktop
      • How to Add a Log Off Shortcut to your Windows desktop
      • How to Add a Restart Shortcut to your Windows desktop
      • How to Add a Second HDD (a Slave Drive) to your PC
      • How to Add a Shutdown Shortcut to your Windows desktop
      • How to Add a Standby Shortcut to your Windows desktop
      • How to Add Keywords to Your Website
      • How to Add Safe Mode to your Windows Boot Menu, by editing the BOOT.INI file
      • How to Backlink your online content
      • How to Block a Pinterest Follower
      • How To Comply with Amazon FTC Regulations
      • How to Connect to a Public WiFi Network
      • How to Create a Bookmarks Favicon
      • How to Create a Downloads Library in Windows Explorer
      • How to Create an active Click to Call Link
      • How to Create an h1 Header
      • How to Defragment the Paging File aka Virtual RAM
      • How to Disable sharing on Windows 7 and 8
      • How to Enable and Disable WiFi on Laptops and Tablets
      • How to Fix an Optical Scroll Mouse
      • How to Force Safe Mode on restart without editing BOOT.ini
      • How to Improve Computer Performance
      • How to Install a Bluetooth USB
      • How to Open Affiliate HTML Ads in New Tabs
      • How to Optimize your online content
      • How to Repair Windows Offline Help and Support
      • How to Replace a Dell Vostro 2510 LCD Inverter
      • How to Replace a Dell Vostro 2510 LCD Screen
      • How to Safely Eject ReadyBoost
      • How to Securely Wipe a Hard Disk Drive
      • How to Set Single-Click Customization on Desktop and Laptop Computers
      • How to Turn Num Lock on by Default in Windows 7 & 8
      • How to Tweet from a Flip Phone
    • Food & Drink >
      • Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Shiitake Mushrooms and roasted Bell Pepper
      • How to Bake a fantastic Zucchini Pie
      • How to Bake Candied Pecans
      • How to Bake Rosemary-Maple Glazed Pork Loin
      • How to Boil Eggs Without Cracking Shells
      • How to make Ramen Noodles more interesting
      • How to Make your own Chopsticks
      • How to scratch Hearty Turkey and Rice Soup
      • How to Slow Cook Beans & Rice with Sausage
      • How to Slow Cook Venison Stew
    • Health >
      • How to Build a Strong Freestanding Inversion Rack
      • How to Pack a Blood Specimen for Air Travel
      • How to Tell if you have Bed Bugs
    • Holidays & Celebrations >
      • How to Easter Egg Hunt with Candy Filled Eggs
      • How to Hang the American Flag
    • Home Improvement >
      • Concrete >
        • How to Apply/Repair Ornamental Mapping on Historic Field Stone Construction
        • How to Install a vented Glass Block window
        • How to Pour Concrete Footers for Jack Posts
      • Electrical >
        • How to Control Outdoor and Ceiling Lights with a Timer
        • How to Install a Breaker Panel Receptacle
        • How to Install a Switched Receptacle
        • How to Install Outdoor Motion Lights
        • How to Replace a Doorbell
        • How to Replace a Door Chime
        • How to Wire multiple lights on a Porch Circuit
      • Exterior >
        • How to Calculate a Roof Pitch in Degrees
        • How to Frame a Dormer
        • How to Install Vinyl Outdoor Swings
        • How to Install Vinyl Soffit
        • How to Paint Wood Doors
        • How to Reduce your Cooling costs by painting your Roof white
      • Interior >
        • How to Build a Hide A Safe to Protect The Family Jewels
        • How to Build Boxed Ceiling Beams
        • How to Frame Interior Walls
        • How to Install Crawl Space Insulation
        • How to Increase your Cordless Phone Range
        • How to Install Vinyl Mini Blinds
        • How to Remove Spray Foam Insulation From Hands
        • How to Resize an Interior Composite Hollow Core Door
      • Plumbing >
        • How to Repair Copper Pipes
        • How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple
        • How to Solder a Plumbing Joint
        • How to Stop Water Pipes From Vibrating
    • Pets >
      • How to Administer a bitter pill to a Cat
      • How to Administer subcutaneous hydrating fluids to an ailing Cat
      • How to Paper train a Green Iguana
    • Wildlife >
      • How to Escape from a Bear in the Woods
      • How to Field Dress a Whitetail Deer
      • How to Legally live-trap and relocate Squirrels in the State of Maryland
    • Yard & Garden >
      • How to Build a Concrete Outdoor Fire Pit
      • How to Build your own Pond
      • How to Change the Tire on a Riding Lawn Mower
      • How to Install a Chain Link Fence Gate
      • How to Seed Flagstone Walkways With Moss
  • Contact Me
  • Amazon Deals
  • Zazzle.com/TomCom