Thermocouple. my pilot light won't stay lit. Once you’re done, put it back and light your water heater. The thermocouple is a thermoelectric device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. This can happen with age. Whenever the thermocouple detects an unlit pilot, it turns off the gas as a safety precaution. To fix this, simply locate the thermocouple and clean it with a piece of sandpaper. The thermocouple is as far into its "holder" as possible. Water Heater Won't stay lit thermocouple? There is one thing that you can do yourself. This means it can be a nightmare when your water heater pilot light won’t stay lit. A Dirty Thermocouple. Obstructed Thermocouple. QUICK ANSWER: A thermocouple lets the pilot light in your water heater stay on. The Pilot Lights But Won't Stay Lit If a water heater pilot won't light at all, the thermocouple probably isn't the problem. I get a nice blue flame. Verify that the pilot flame is clean and contacts the end of the probe fully before condemning the thermocouple. Testing the thermocouple requires special test equipment and therefore replacing it is usually the most practical method of troubleshooting. Verification is completed within 3 business days. Adjust the thermocouple if the flame stays lit while you are holding the button down, but goes out when you release it. Let's begin adding your tax exemption certificate(s) to your FIX account. A bent thermocouple prevents the pilot light from sufficiently heating it as it is far. If your pilot doesn’t re-light, won’t stay lit or keeps going out after a short time, you most likely have an issue with the hot water heater thermocouple. Changing the thermocouple does not involve any gas fittings but local regulations may require that a qualified gas technician perform the repair. The original thermocouple went out about a year ago, and I got a "new" burner door assembly from American Water Heater.It came with the (thermocouple) adapter to go from left hand thread to right hand thread which had two wires going to a long rod that protrudes into the water heater. This part senses when the pilot light is on using an electric current. The gas for the pilot assembly is supplied by the main gas valve and is monitored by the thermocouple. I replaced the thermocouple. A thermocouple or flame sensor is a device used to control gas flow in gas water heaters.On older-style heaters with standing pilot lights, the device is typically called a thermocouple, while on newer units with electronic ignition, the same (or virtually the same) device is called a flame sensor.For our purposes, we'll refer to both devices as the thermocouple. I have a water heater that the pilot light won't stay lit. If the pressure switch is defective, the ignition process will stall, and the water heater will not light. Last night I replaced the thermocouple (TC), cleaned the screen, hooked it up and it still would not light. Here are the top five reasons your pilot won’t stay on, as well as methods to fix each issue. We see you're shipping to . Why Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit After Replacing Thermocouple? Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), YAF.NET © 2003-2020, Yet Another Forum.NET. The pilot stays lit anywhere from 20 minutes to several weeks. Most gas fired water heaters use a standing pilot to ignite the main burner. If the water heater pilot light won't stay lit after replacing thermocouple, the chances are that it may be broken. The procedure for lighting a standing pilot always includes lighting the flame, then manually holding in the gas valve to keep the flame burning and give the thermocouple time to heat up. Still not sure which part is broken? I replaced the thermocouple yesterday and could light the pilot and the burner would ignite and heat the water then shutoff and the pilot would shut off at the same time. email once verification is done. Make sure to follow the directions on your water heater label. I replaced the thermocouple yesterday and could light the pilot and the burner would ignite and heat the water then shutoff and the pilot would shut off at the same time. You’ll get your hot water going without waiting for a … However, there is an instance where your gas heater won’t stay lit, and this could lead to a more problem than only taking a cold bath. Depending on the information that you enter, you may be able to add your tax exemption certificate immediately and If a water heater pilot won't light at all, the thermocouple probably isn't the problem. my pilot light won't stay lit. If the thermocouple does not detect a flame, the ignition process will stall, and the burner will not light. Now I can't get the pilot to stay lit at all. When a thermocouple fails, the pilot light won't stay … My gas water heater won't stay lit, tried everything. Although a blocked gas line is one reason why the pilot light on a Rheem water heater won't light or stay lit, there are other reasons as well--some easier to correct than others. This means it can be a nightmare when your water heater pilot light won’t stay lit. The procedure for lighting a standing pilot always includes lighting the flame, then manually holding in the gas valve to keep the flame … I cleaned the original thermocouple, and it did nothing, so I vacuumed everything and checked the supply line. When the pilot light is functioning properly, the thermocouple will generate a small voltage that is fed back to the gas valve to keep the gas flowing to the pilot light. If you have items in your cart, they will be saved for your return. The thermocouple is triggered by an electric current produced by the pilot light. The thermocouple and pilot light tubes both extend from the gas control valve to the burning compartment. When it is working properly, it generates a small electrical current to keep the gas valve opened when heated by the flame. Once you’re done, put it back and light your water heater. Verification is completed within 3 business days. Since the thermocouple directly allows the pilot light to get turned on it is most likely to remain on for a while. The gas for the pilot assembly is supplied by the main gas valve and is monitored by the thermocouple. The thermocouple is triggered by an electric current produced by the pilot light. This control is part of the gas valve assembly and normally has a dial that will allow for temperature adjustment and will also have a probe that monitors the water temperature. These are the most common reasons why your heater’s pilot light won’t stay lit: 1. Replacement of this part should be performed by a trained gas technician. 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