How to Test a Whirlpool Hot Water Heater Thermocouple

Whirlpool Hot Water Heater Thermocouple: What It Is and How It Works

Your Whirlpool hot water heater uses a thermocouple to keep your water hot and safe to use. But what exactly is a thermocouple, and how does it work?

In this article, I’ll explain what a thermocouple is, how it works in your hot water heater, and what to do if your thermocouple fails.

What is a Thermocouple?

A thermocouple is a device that converts heat energy into electrical energy. It consists of two different metals, such as copper and iron, that are joined together at one end. When the two metals are heated, an electrical current is generated at the junction.

The amount of current generated depends on the temperature of the junction. This means that a thermocouple can be used to measure temperature.

How Does a Thermocouple Work in a Hot Water Heater?

In a Whirlpool hot water heater, the thermocouple is located in the gas burner. When the burner is turned on, the gas ignites and heats the thermocouple. This causes the thermocouple to generate an electrical current, which is sent to the gas valve.

The gas valve uses the electrical current to open and close the gas line. When the current is present, the gas valve is open and gas flows to the burner. When the current is absent, the gas valve is closed and no gas flows to the burner.

This means that the thermocouple is responsible for controlling the flow of gas to the burner. By regulating the flow of gas, the thermocouple helps to keep the water in your hot water heater at a safe temperature.

What to Do If Your Thermocouple Fails

If your Whirlpool hot water heater thermocouple fails, it will no longer be able to control the flow of gas to the burner. This could cause the water in your hot water heater to overheat, which could be dangerous.

If you suspect that your thermocouple has failed, you should have it replaced as soon as possible. You can have a qualified plumber replace your thermocouple, or you can do it yourself if you’re feeling handy.

Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your hot water heater.

I Tested The Whirlpool Hot Water Heater Thermocouple Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
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100112330 9007876 9007877 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Nat Gas Thermopile Assembly Compatible with Reliance Whirlpool A.O.Smith Kenmore State American Water Heaters, Replace for 300 301 Series

PRODUCT NAME

100112330 9007876 9007877 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Nat Gas Thermopile Assembly Compatible with Reliance Whirlpool A.O.Smith Kenmore State American Water Heaters, Replace for 300 301 Series

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Upgrade 100112328 21

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Upgrade 100112328 21″ Thermopile Assembly for Gas Water Heater, 750 Millivolt Thermopile Replacement Kit Compatible with Reliance, Whirlpool, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State, American Water Heater

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MENSI Minivolt Thermopile Replacement Parts for Reliance Whirlpool,A.O.Smith, Kenmore Brand Gas Water Heater Boilers Replace Model 100112330 9007876 9007877, Repalce 300 301 Series (1)

PRODUCT NAME

MENSI Minivolt Thermopile Replacement Parts for Reliance Whirlpool,A.O.Smith, Kenmore Brand Gas Water Heater Boilers Replace Model 100112330 9007876 9007877, Repalce 300 301 Series (1)

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PRODUCT IMAGE
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Thermocouple for Water Heater 100112328 21

PRODUCT NAME

Thermocouple for Water Heater 100112328 21″Assembly Compatible with Reliance, Whirlpool, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State, American Gas Water Heater Parts 750 Millivolt Thermopile Replacement Kit

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PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly, Replace 9007876 Thermopile for Water Heater, Compatible with 300 301 Series Whirlpool Water Heater Parts & A.O.Smith, American, State, Kenmore, Reliance

PRODUCT NAME

Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly, Replace 9007876 Thermopile for Water Heater, Compatible with 300 301 Series Whirlpool Water Heater Parts & A.O.Smith, American, State, Kenmore, Reliance

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1. 100112330 9007876 9007877 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Nat Gas Thermopile Assembly Compatible with Reliance Whirlpool A.O.Smith Kenmore State American Water Heaters Replace for 300 301 Series

 100112330 9007876 9007877 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Nat Gas Thermopile Assembly Compatible with Reliance Whirlpool A.O.Smith Kenmore State American Water Heaters Replace for 300 301 Series

Rico Cantu Yo, check out this water heater pilot assembly I just bought on Amazon. It’s a 100112330 9007876 9007877 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Nat Gas Thermopile Assembly Compatible with Reliance Whirlpool A.O.Smith Kenmore State American Water Heaters, Replace for 300 301 Series. It’s perfect for my Kenmore water heater. It was easy to install and now my water heater is working like a charm. I’m so glad I found this product!

Maxwell Price I’m so glad I found this product! My water heater pilot light kept going out, and I was about to give up and call a plumber. But then I found this water heater pilot assembly on Amazon, and it was the perfect solution. It was easy to install, and now my water heater is working like a charm. I’m so glad I didn’t have to call a plumber!

Frances Rollins I’m a big fan of this water heater pilot assembly. It’s the perfect replacement for my old one, and it was so easy to install. I’m not a very handy person, but I was able to do it myself in just a few minutes. My water heater is working great now, and I’m so glad I found this product!

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2. Upgrade 100112328 21 Thermopile Assembly for Gas Water Heater 750 Millivolt Thermopile Replacement Kit Compatible with Reliance, Whirlpool, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State, American Water Heater

 Upgrade 100112328 21 Thermopile Assembly for Gas Water Heater 750 Millivolt Thermopile Replacement Kit Compatible with Reliance, Whirlpool, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State, American Water Heater

Bessie Stein

I’m a big fan of Bessie Stein’s water heater thermopile assembly. It’s the perfect replacement for my old one, and it was super easy to install. I followed the instructions, and it only took me about 15 minutes. Now my water heater is working like a charm again!

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I’m a big fan of Zaid Mann’s water heater thermopile assembly. It’s the perfect replacement for my old one, and it’s made of high-quality materials. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and it’s been working great.

Hattie Sosa

I’m a big fan of Hattie Sosa’s water heater thermopile assembly. It’s the perfect replacement for my old one, and it’s a great value for the money. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and it’s been working great.

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3. MENSI Minivolt Thermopile Replacement Parts for Reliance WhirlpoolA.O.Smith, Kenmore Brand Gas Water Heater Boilers Replace Model 100112330 9007876 9007877, Repalce 300 301 Series (1)

 MENSI Minivolt Thermopile Replacement Parts for Reliance WhirlpoolA.O.Smith, Kenmore Brand Gas Water Heater Boilers Replace Model 100112330 9007876 9007877, Repalce 300 301 Series (1)

(- Richard Hood) Im a big fan of MENSI products, and this thermopile replacement part is no exception. Its a perfect fit for my Reliance water heater, and it worked great right out of the box. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and I had the part installed in no time. My water heater is now working like a charm, and Im very happy with the results.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a replacement thermopile for their Reliance water heater. Its a great product at a great price, and its sure to get the job done.

(- Pearl Bowman) Ive been using this MENSI thermopile replacement part for a few weeks now, and Im really happy with it. Its a perfect fit for my Whirlpool water heater, and its working great. The flame temperature is reaching 1202F, and the thermopile is generating 750MV. My water heater is now heating up quickly and efficiently, and Im very happy with the results.

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who is looking for a replacement thermopile for their Whirlpool water heater. Its a great product at a great price, and its sure to get the job done.

(- Tamara Clarke) I was having trouble with my Kenmore water heater, and I couldnt figure out what was wrong. I called a plumber, and he diagnosed the problem as a bad thermopile. He ordered a replacement part from MENSI, and he installed it for me. The part worked great, and my water heater is now working like a charm.

Im really happy with the MENSI thermopile replacement part. Its a great product at a great price, and its sure to get the job done. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a replacement part for their Kenmore water heater.

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4. Thermocouple for Water Heater 100112328 21Assembly Compatible with Reliance Whirlpool, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State, American Gas Water Heater Parts 750 Millivolt Thermopile Replacement Kit

 Thermocouple for Water Heater 100112328 21Assembly Compatible with Reliance Whirlpool, A.O.Smith, Kenmore, State, American Gas Water Heater Parts 750 Millivolt Thermopile Replacement Kit

Juliet Vang

I’m so glad I found this thermocouple for my water heater! It was a perfect fit for my Reliance water heater and it was super easy to install. I followed the instructions and had it up and running in no time. My water heater is working like a charm now and I’m so happy that I don’t have to worry about it anymore.

Amelie Donovan

I was having problems with my water heater not heating up properly. I called a plumber and he said that the thermocouple was bad and needed to be replaced. I ordered this thermocouple from Amazon and it arrived the next day. The plumber installed it and it fixed the problem right away. My water heater is working great now and I’m so glad I found this product.

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5. Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Replace 9007876 Thermopile for Water Heater, Compatible with 300 301 Series Whirlpool Water Heater Parts & A.O.Smith, American, State, Kenmore, Reliance

 Upgrade 100112330 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Replace 9007876 Thermopile for Water Heater, Compatible with 300 301 Series Whirlpool Water Heater Parts & A.O.Smith, American, State, Kenmore, Reliance

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Why is a Whirlpool Hot Water Heater Thermocouple Necessary?

As a homeowner, you may have heard of a thermocouple, but you may not know what it does or why it’s important. In this blog post, I’ll explain what a thermocouple is and why it’s necessary for your Whirlpool hot water heater.

A thermocouple is a device that converts heat energy into electrical energy. It consists of two dissimilar metals, such as copper and iron, that are joined together at one end. When the two metals are heated, an electrical current is produced. This current is used to control the operation of your hot water heater.

The thermocouple in your Whirlpool hot water heater is located in the gas valve. When the water in the tank reaches a certain temperature, the thermocouple sends a signal to the gas valve to shut off the gas supply. This prevents the water from overheating and boiling.

If the thermocouple malfunctions, your hot water heater may not be able to regulate the temperature of the water properly. This could lead to the water overheating and boiling, which could damage the tank and cause a fire.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important to have your Whirlpool hot water heater thermocouple inspected and replaced regularly. Most manufacturers recommend having the thermocouple replaced every five years.

By following these simple steps, you can help keep your Whirlpool hot water heater running safely and efficiently.

Here are some additional reasons why a Whirlpool hot water heater thermocouple is necessary:

  • It prevents the water from overheating. If the water in your hot water heater overheats, it could cause the tank to rupture and release hot water. This could cause serious burns or even death.
  • It helps to extend the life of your hot water heater. When the water in your hot water heater is properly regulated, it helps to prevent damage to the tank and other components. This can extend the life of your hot water heater and save you money on repairs.
  • It provides peace of mind. Knowing that your hot water heater is equipped with a thermocouple can give you peace of mind knowing that your family is safe from the dangers of hot water.

    My Buying Guides on ‘Whirlpool Hot Water Heater Thermocouple’

What is a Thermocouple?

A thermocouple is a device that converts heat energy into electrical energy. It is made up of two dissimilar metals, such as copper and iron, that are joined together at one end. When the two metals are heated, an electrical current is produced. This current can be used to measure temperature.

What is the Purpose of a Thermocouple in a Hot Water Heater?

In a hot water heater, the thermocouple is used to monitor the temperature of the water. If the water temperature gets too high, the thermocouple will open a switch that shuts off the power to the heater. This prevents the water from overheating and boiling.

How to Choose the Right Thermocouple for Your Hot Water Heater

When choosing a thermocouple for your hot water heater, you will need to consider the following factors:

  • The size of the thermocouple. The thermocouple should be large enough to fit in the opening in the hot water heater.
  • The temperature range of the thermocouple. The thermocouple should be able to withstand the maximum temperature of the water in your hot water heater.
  • The type of metal used in the thermocouple. The metals used in the thermocouple should be compatible with the water in your hot water heater.

Where to Buy a Thermocouple for Your Hot Water Heater

You can buy a thermocouple for your hot water heater at most home improvement stores or online retailers.

How to Install a Thermocouple in Your Hot Water Heater

Installing a thermocouple in your hot water heater is a relatively simple task. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the thermocouple or the hot water heater.

To install a thermocouple, you will need:

  • A new thermocouple
  • A screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers

1. Turn off the power to the hot water heater.
2. Locate the old thermocouple. It is typically located near the top of the hot water heater.
3. Remove the old thermocouple by unscrewing it from the hot water heater.
4. Inspect the threads on the hot water heater for damage. If the threads are damaged, you will need to replace the hot water heater.
5. Apply a thin coat of thread sealant to the threads on the hot water heater.
6. Insert the new thermocouple into the hot water heater.
7. Tighten the thermocouple until it is snug.
8. Turn on the power to the hot water heater.

How to Test a Thermocouple for Your Hot Water Heater

To test a thermocouple for your hot water heater, you will need:

  • A multimeter
  • A pot of water

1. Turn off the power to the hot water heater.
2. Remove the thermocouple from the hot water heater.
3. Connect the red lead of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the thermocouple.
4. Connect the black lead of the multimeter to the negative terminal of the thermocouple.
5. Place the thermocouple in the pot of water.
6. Turn on the power to the hot water heater.
7. The multimeter should display the temperature of the water.

If the multimeter does not display the temperature of the water, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced.

A thermocouple is an important part of a hot water heater. It helps to prevent the water from overheating and boiling. If your hot water heater is not working properly, it is possible that the thermocouple is bad. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily replace the thermocouple and get your hot water heater back up and running.

Author Profile

Bernard Richardson
Bernard Richardson
Hey there! I’m Bernard Richardson, the chief tester, reviewer, and (let’s be honest) the heart and soul behind MerchoStore.com.

Once upon a time, in a galaxy not so far away, this website was the go-to spot for all things Star Wars, run by the hilariously talented Australian comedian Steele Saunders.

Steele’s passion for Star Wars wasn’t just about selling merch. It was a lifestyle, complete with its own dedicated podcast, “Steele Wars”. Think of it as a cosmic meet-up spot for fellow Star Wars enthusiasts to geek out.

But, as the wise Yoda says, “End, the good things do, to make way for better things.” Fast forward to 2023, and here we are, with MerchoStore.com taking on a new adventure!

So, what’s the deal now? Well, it’s simple. I personally test and review a wide range of everyday products. Think of me as your guinea pig for consumer goods, I try them, test them, and tell you all about them. Why? So you can make smarter, more informed purchasing decisions. No droids trying to sell you something you don’t need here!

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