How to Test Water Heater Thermocouple?

Water heater thermocouple is a device that is installed in a water heater to monitor the temperature of water. The thermocouple decides whether you need to heat the water or turn the heat off. This water heater thermocouple consists of two types of metals that react differently to heat and expand at different temperatures. This technique signals the water heater when to turn on or off. It is an important safety device that exists inside your gas-fueled water heater that prevents both explosions and releasing uncombusted natural gas.
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If the water heater is not working properly or the water is not heating up, you must test the water heater’s thermocouple for any damage.

Let’s take a look at the steps for testing water heater thermocouple.

• The first step includes removing the water heater thermocouple.
• Next, you must turn on the meter and set it to Ohms.
• By touching the two leads together from the meter, you will get a reading close to zero. If you take the leads apart, your meter reading will be infinity. This is a simple task for checking the meter’s continuity. 
• After this, you can turn the meter to volts.
• Start the flame of the water heater and carefully put the tip of the thermocouple in the fire.
• You must ensure that the tip gets well heated from the flame.
• Now take one lead from the meter and put it on the shaft of the thermocouple, while the other lead must be kept on the end of the thermocouple where it makes contact with the gas valve.
• If your meter’s reading is less than 25 millivolts, you must replace your water heater’s thermocouple because most standing pilot gas valves require 25 or more millivolts to keep the pilot flame lit.

How to Recognize a Faulty Water Heater Thermocouple?

• When the pilot flame does not stay even after the ignition button is released.

Here, the possible reason could be that you have a faulty thermocouple or loose connection. In such a situation, the defective element cannot be repaired. Hence, replacing thermocouple is the only option. If the screw nut was loose, you can tighten it.

• When you experience a pilot outage.

In such a situation, the thermocouple might not be in contact with the pilot light. You can position the thermocouple properly by reading manufacturer’s specifications. By doing this, the thermocouple gets fully immersed in the pilot flame.
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If you are still not sure about how to test a water heater thermocouple, take the assistance of professional plumbers in Edmonton.