2006-11-18 06:00:57 · 4 answers · asked by qcgal 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
kirk is right .... but here is a web sight that kinda shows you what it is http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=19531
2006-11-18 06:12:37 · answer #1 · answered by just a mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the item which measures the temperature of the water and is used to control the burner or heating elements. Look for the part where you set the temperature, there should be a small tube coming from it into the tank. That's the thermocouple. It is best to have a professional replace it if you aren't familiar with it.
2006-11-18 14:05:37 · answer #2 · answered by icynici 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a safety device designed to let the gas valve open only if the pilot light is lit... When heat from the pilot flame contacts the thermocouple, it generates a small amount of electricity that activates the gas valve... When the pilot goes out, it deactivates the gas valve, so that raw gas can not be entered into the combustion chamber....
2006-11-18 14:08:18 · answer #3 · answered by Kirk D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They cost about $8.00 and can be found at any good harware store.
Easy to replace too. Well....fairly easy.
2006-11-18 14:56:51 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋