Are hot water heater thermocouples universal?

From an operational perspective the thermocouples for a water heater are all pretty much the same. However, there are two variables, the length and the fittings used to install them, see below. A failing thermocouple will not send the correct electrical impulse and the gas valve will not release any gas.

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Additionally, can you replace a thermocouple yourself?

The No. 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.

Also, does cleaning a thermocouple work? The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.

In respect to this, how do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my water heater?

If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. It’s possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this.

How do you clean a whirlpool thermocouple?

Clean the thermocouple – using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that.

How do you replace a whirlpool thermocouple?

How do you trick a thermocouple?

The thermocouple always thinks the pilot is not lit, even if it is. To get hot water, I have to light the pilot, then hold the match on the thermocouple to trick it into thinking the pilot light is touching it. Once it’s warm enough, I pull the match out and turn the knob from “Pilot” to “On”.

How long does a hot water heater thermocouple last?

In effect, new thermocouples were installed into contaminated tubes, causing the degradation of the sensors and generating greater than a 100°F shift in accuracy. In this scenario, thermocouple life, which should have been close to one year, was shortened to within a week.

How long is the thermocouple on Whirlpool water heater?

Universal thermocouples come in lengths from 15 to 36 inches. An 18 or 24 inch will suffice for all residential water heaters using universal kits.

How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple?

Thermocouple Replacement Cost

Calling a professional plumber to install a new thermocouple should only be up to $150. If you do the work yourself, you will only pay the price of the part which is about $20.

How often do thermocouples need to be replaced?

The fireplace has thermocouples and switches. The thermocouples should last for a long time. According to experts, a four-year check cycle is all that is needed.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermocouple?

If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

What do thermocouples look like?

The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. (On most furnaces, it also houses the button that you hold open or push to relight the pilot.)

Why does my Whirlpool water heater won’t stay lit?

If your gas water heater doesn’t stay lit, you may have a defective thermocouple. … If the thermocouple is defective, it will not sense the flame and the gas valve will not receive the proper voltage signal to keep gas flowing to the pilot assembly.

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