Follow these easy steps on how to replace a thermocouple in a water heater. Vacuum the burner, removing any soot or deposits in the burner orifice or on the burner. Wait a while and then turn on the fire. Remove any shields or cover to access the burner and ignitor, taking note of how it comes apart. Clean the thermocouple. Clean the ignitor terminal with steel wool or a soft bristle wire brush, being careful not to bend it. how to clean a thermocouple on a patio heater. Clean the logs with a damp rag. Can you fix a thermocouple? A compressed air canister works well for this. Domestic appliances / Hob / Solutions. To clean the threads of the nut that connects the thermocouple to the control valve, use an eraser from a pencil. A thermocouple is typically used on a gas furnace with a standing pilot, recognizable by its small, continuously burning flame that you can see if you remove the access cover on the furnace's burner chamber. Lost your password? How to Clean a Furnace Thermocouple. With a water pipe, wash the inside of the thermocouple, let dry in the air and reconnect it. The gas pilot flame heats the thermocouple, which in turn allows the gas valve to open. If the burner switches off after 2/3 seconds, the thermocouple isn’t working. Buy on Amazon! Turn the gas furnace's thermostat off. Make sure the connection is clean and dry. Step 4: Under the bracket, screw the bracket nut over the tube. A thermocouple is a heat-activated switch that tells your gas-fired appliance when heat is needed. When a thermocouple begins to wear out, it cannot correctly detect if the pilot is lit or not. More From Doityourself. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether or not the pilot light is lit. Basic troubleshooting and repair for a central heating system. Step 4. Clean The Thermocouple's Surface. Insert the two wires of the new thermocouple and tighten the screws. The opposite end of each wire will be connected to the pilot light's enclosure. There are many ways you can your patio heater thermocouple cleaned but below are the most convenient and easier way to do it. First thing is to disconnect the gas line from the heater. Our Top Pick. When it stops working, the furnace's pilot light also turns off. The thermocouple, after four to five years of usage, can accumulate dirt and insects. 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. A thermocouple actually generates a milivolt potential difference when it is heated by a flame.. Just to get that out of the way for any of you newer techs who are used to modern flame sensors. Wipe the sanded surface with a lint-free cloth to remove dust or particles that were left behind by the sandpaper. The gas valve will not open if the pilot flame is out and the thermocouple is cool. Dip a soft cloth into lukewarm water, wringing out excess moisture. You can even use the end of a knife or smooth sand paper. Use a flashlight to help you see while completing this step. Patio heater are no full an item that you only see at your native restaurant. Use a gas leak detector liquid to find leaks in the supply line, valve or fittings. Step 5: Screw the nut tightly into place, but do not overtighten it. Remove Thermocouple from pilot assembly, using steel wool or emery cloth to lightly clean the tip removing any soot or build up that might have accorded due to an improper pilot flame. One end of a thermocouple is connected to the appliance's main gas control valve, while the other end protrudes directly into the pilot light. This is also a good time to look for any other parts that may be damaged or worn and to inspect the functioning of the pilot. Cleaning Steps Turn off the power to your hot water heater so that you do not risk becoming injured while cleaning the thermocouple. Push the connection nut to the threaded connection where the copper lead connects to the gas line. thermocouple replacement.narrated and performed by husband vid takes by Deb Paredes. How to clean a thermocouple in easy steps. Follow: Ultimi Articoli. Secure the thermocouple to the burner assembly if required. The ends of this piece may be corroded, preventing power from reaching the pilot light. Tagged: how to clean a thermocouple . This method can be used alternatively if sandpaper is not available at your home or if you don’t detect corrosion on the ends of the thermocouple, but only dirt or soot build-up inside it. We can easily clean the propane patio heater by using a sponge, steel wool or some other abrasive material to get rid of accumulated debris in the thermocouple by removing it from the pilot assembly. 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