Can I change a thermocouple or do I have to call an engineer?

jessica's_mum

The thermocouple on my baxi fire front has gone for the umpteenth time. Do I (or more accurately my father in law) have to call a service engineer in or can we buy a replacement and do it myself?

The gas does not have to be cut off for this exercise. I begrudge paying £70 a pop for a £2 piece of copper.

Catherinex

blossom30

Hi Jm, I would definitely get an engineer, if you are so sure it's the thermocouple then if you go onto the corgi register of engineers you can give the job to the cheapest engineer. I most certainly wouldn't take a chance on anything oher than the pressure valve or reset button if I wasn't a registered gas engineer.

Nikki

OH says you can do it yourself, he changed one on our old unreliable boiler in our last house. Gas engineer said he was ok to do it as it isn't a difficult job.

al_yrpal

Just buy the right thermocouple from any gas fittings wholesaler. You'll need the model number of the appliance. Before you take the old one off, turn off the gas supply, note the position of the thermocouple tip (to make sure you get the new one in the right place). It will probably have a hex nut screwed into the pilot valve, loosen this and tighten the new tc in place.

That should be it.

If you are worried about leaks, you can spread a little soapy water around the nut, and look for bubbles with the gas supply switched on.

Its such a simple job you dont need a gas fitter (they are not engineers, engineers are the people who design the appliances, and run the gas network)

totalguitar

Simple job if your at all good at DIY. As above get the model number and go to a supplier. There is often a universal part that covers many boilers. I got my last one for £4 so i bought 2, they always go at the most inconvinient time.

espresso

If you can get the part, do it yourself as it's an easy job and does not involve breaking any gas joints.

:xmastree:

paul_h

Yes, you are absolutely fine to change a thermocouple, as espresso says - you are not breaking into the gas line.

jessica's_mum

Thank you all for your replies: The father in law has been primed and is ready to help and Wickes has thermocouples for £3.99, just remember to keep ears open for a loud whump eminating from the west midlands and you'll know if it's all gone wrong...

Catherinex

moneysavingplumber

The test of whether or not the work interrupts the 'gas train' is not limited to cutting into the gas supply. Even something as simple as taking the combustion cover off of a room-sealed boiler cannot be carried out by somebody not Corgi registered as the seals will have to be verified as safe and the appliance then has to be recommissioned and checked to be operating safely. The thermocouple is an integral part of the flame supervision device and therefore an essential component in the safe operation of the appliance. I would call the Corgi helpline and check with them, but I think you'll find it should be carried out by a qualified person, the thermocouple is mounted alongside the fragile pilot tube and burner and it would be easy to disturb it in the course of changing the thermocouple.

rizla01

You could change it yourself.

Try it and if after a week or so you notice that the kids have turned blue THEN you need to call out a Corgi registered fitter but you might not need to and you could save some money.

Seriously. why is there a need to KEEP changing the thermocouple device. Is the person that fitted it in the past using the correct part?

Nile

Please note the warning message at the top of this board:

Announcement: Warning! Always use a professional for gas maintenance and complex electrical repairs. Being safe is more important than MoneySaving.
10-02-2005 MSE Andrea (Official Administrator)

It really isn't worth taking a risk with your safety.