I am very handy with most things around the house and would like to try and install this myself. Could you tell me the steps to installing a thermocouple. I have the bottom cover off the tank and am familiar with where the pilot light is. K Kathy, This is one of the less dangerous gas appliance repairs since you do not have to disconnect any gas lines. As a disclaimer, I am hesitant to encourage inexperienced people to do their own gas appliance installations and repairs because of the danger involved.
Plumbers have special safety procedures and tools to minimize the risk of explosion or fire.
First things first, turn off the gas at the main shutoff. If the heater has been running let it cool for at least 20 minutes. The thermocouple is located near the pilot light. It is designed as a safety feature that automatically turns off the gas supply should the pilot go out. It works by generating a small amount of electricity when heated, keeping the gas valve open.