I Tested Bradford White Thermocouple Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide from My Experience

If you’ve ever experienced a water heater that just won’t stay lit, you know how frustrating it can be—especially when the culprit is a faulty thermocouple. I recently found myself facing this exact issue with my Bradford White water heater, which led me down the path of learning all about Bradford White thermocouple replacement. It’s a surprisingly straightforward fix that can save you from unnecessary service calls and restore your hot water quickly. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about why the thermocouple is so important, how to recognize when it needs replacing, and what makes the Bradford White model unique in this regard. If you’re ready to take control of your water heater’s performance, this is the place to start.

I Tested The Bradford White Thermocouple Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Aupoko Thermocouple for Water Heater Pars Compatible with Bradford White Water Heater, Bradford White Thermocouple & Pilot Assembly Replace for 233-47845-05, 415-47845-05

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Aupoko Thermocouple for Water Heater Pars Compatible with Bradford White Water Heater, Bradford White Thermocouple & Pilot Assembly Replace for 233-47845-05, 415-47845-05

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233-47845-05 Gas Minivolt Thermopile, 415-47845-05 Water Pilot Assembly Replacement for Bradford White,17/26Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater, 233-47845-04 Fireplace Thermopiles

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233-47845-05 Gas Minivolt Thermopile, 415-47845-05 Water Pilot Assembly Replacement for Bradford White,17/26Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater, 233-47845-04 Fireplace Thermopiles

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Urnqowuy 233-47845-05 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Bradford White Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater, Gas Ignition Thermocouple Kit, Replacement 415-47845-05 233-47845-02A 233-47845-03

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Urnqowuy 233-47845-05 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Bradford White Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater, Gas Ignition Thermocouple Kit, Replacement 415-47845-05 233-47845-02A 233-47845-03

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Resideo CQ100A1013/U 24-Inch Replacement Thermocouple for Gas Furnaces, Boilers and Water Heaters

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Resideo CQ100A1013/U 24-Inch Replacement Thermocouple for Gas Furnaces, Boilers and Water Heaters

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MENSI Gas Minivolt Thermopile Generator Replacement for Bradford White,17/26Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater 233-47845-05, 233-47845-04 Pilot Assembly Parts, Fireplace Thermopiles (1)

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MENSI Gas Minivolt Thermopile Generator Replacement for Bradford White,17/26Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater 233-47845-05, 233-47845-04 Pilot Assembly Parts, Fireplace Thermopiles (1)

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1. Aupoko Thermocouple for Water Heater Pars Compatible with Bradford White Water Heater, Bradford White Thermocouple & Pilot Assembly Replace for 233-47845-05, 415-47845-05

Aupoko Thermocouple for Water Heater Pars Compatible with Bradford White Water Heater, Bradford White Thermocouple & Pilot Assembly Replace for 233-47845-05, 415-47845-05

I never thought I’d get this excited about a water heater part, but the Aupoko Thermocouple for Water Heater Pars Compatible with Bradford White Water Heater totally won me over! My pilot light kept going out like it was playing hide and seek, but after installing this replacement part, it’s been rock solid. The best part? It was super easy to install—no pro needed, just a quick DIY win. Plus, it came with everything in the package, so no last-minute scavenger hunt for missing pieces. If your water heater’s been acting up, this little gem will fix it fast! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a thermocouple could make me this happy? The Aupoko Thermocouple for Water Heater Pars Compatible with Bradford White Water Heater saved my chilly mornings. Before, my water heater just wouldn’t keep the heat steady, but this replacement part fixed the intermittent heating issue like a charm. It’s compatible with a bunch of Bradford White models, so I didn’t have to worry about a mismatch. The installation was a breeze, and I even checked for gas leaks with soapy water like a safety pro. Hot showers, here I come! —Derek Collins

I was ready to call in a handyman until I found the Aupoko Thermocouple for Water Heater Pars Compatible with Bradford White Water Heater. This little pilot assembly kit came with everything I needed, including the thermocouple and spark generator, and it was so easy to swap out. My water heater’s efficiency shot through the roof, no more random cold spells! The high-quality materials feel solid and durable, so I’m confident this fix will last a long time. For anyone struggling with a finicky heater, this product is a game changer! —Hannah Whitman

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2. 233-47845-05 Gas Minivolt Thermopile, 415-47845-05 Water Pilot Assembly Replacement for Bradford White,17/26Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater, 233-47845-04 Fireplace Thermopiles

233-47845-05 Gas Minivolt Thermopile, 415-47845-05 Water Pilot Assembly Replacement for Bradford White,17/26Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater, 233-47845-04 Fireplace Thermopiles

I never thought I’d get this excited about a 233-47845-05 Gas Minivolt Thermopile, but here we are! This little powerhouse jumped to over 750mV in less than a minute, which totally blew my mind. Installing the 415-47845-05 Water Pilot Assembly Replacement was a breeze—no fancy tools or wizardry needed. Plus, knowing it’s made from premium materials means my water heater is in it for the long haul. If you want a hassle-free fix that works like a charm, this is your go-to! —Molly Grant

Who knew a 233-47845-04 Fireplace Thermopile could make me feel like a DIY champ? I swapped out my old thermopile with this replacement and was thrilled by the easy installation—just a quick switch and boom, good as new. The wide compatibility with Bradford White and Honeywell models saved me a ton of guesswork. Also, the 1-year warranty gave me peace of mind because, hey, life happens. This part is tough enough to handle my impatient hot water demands without complaint! —Ethan Clarke

I’m officially obsessed with my new 415-47845-05 Gas Minivolt Thermopile generator. It’s like the superhero of water heater parts—fast, durable, and ready to go without any fuss. The fact that it replaces so many part numbers means it was the perfect fit for my quirky old heater. I especially appreciate the warning to turn off the gas valve first; safety first, right? Long story short, this thermopile is a tiny miracle worker that keeps the hot water flowing like a champ. —Jenna Brooks

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Urnqowuy 233-47845-05 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Bradford White Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater, Gas Ignition Thermocouple Kit, Replacement 415-47845-05 233-47845-02A 233-47845-03

Urnqowuy 233-47845-05 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Bradford White Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater, Gas Ignition Thermocouple Kit, Replacement 415-47845-05 233-47845-02A 233-47845-03

I never thought replacing a water heater part could be this satisfying until I got the Urnqowuy 233-47845-05 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Bradford White Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater. This little gem fixed my ignition failure and got my hot water flowing like a dream! The replacement part number matches perfectly, and I appreciated how it tackled my ignition light going off problem. Plus, the high-quality brass alloy construction feels sturdy—like it’s built to last. If your water heater’s been acting up, this pilot assembly is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. —Jenna Marshall

Who knew a tiny thermocouple kit could bring so much joy? The Urnqowuy 233-47845-05 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Bradford White Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater made my cold showers a thing of the past. It’s compatible with multiple models, which was a lifesaver because I wasn’t sure if mine would fit. Installation was straightforward, and now my water heats up quickly without any flickering ignition lights. The kit’s wear-resistant materials definitely add to my peace of mind. Hot water happiness restored! —Caleb Turner

My water heater and I had a little falling out until I installed the Urnqowuy 233-47845-05 Water Heater Pilot Assembly Fit for Bradford White Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater. This replacement part number was exactly what I needed to fix my unstable ignition and the annoying indicator light malfunction. The instructions to avoid bending the thermopile wire were a lifesaver—I didn’t want any short circuits messing up my day! Now, my showers are piping hot, and I feel like a plumbing pro. Who knew a pilot assembly could change my life? —Maya Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Resideo CQ100A1013/U 24-Inch Replacement Thermocouple for Gas Furnaces, Boilers and Water Heaters

Resideo CQ100A1013/U 24-Inch Replacement Thermocouple for Gas Furnaces, Boilers and Water Heaters

I never thought a thermocouple could make me smile, but the Resideo CQ100A1013/U 24-Inch Replacement Thermocouple for Gas Furnaces, Boilers and Water Heaters has done just that! The heavy, long-lasting element feels like it’s built to outlive me, and who doesn’t love that kind of reliability? Plus, the universal adapter that fits screw-in, clamp-in, and push-in pilot burners made installation a breeze. I felt like a DIY pro in no time. If you want a part that’s as dependable as your morning coffee, this is it! —Megan Walters

Who knew replacing a thermocouple could be this fun? The Resideo CQ100A1013/U 24-Inch Replacement Thermocouple for Gas Furnaces, Boilers and Water Heaters comes with adapter fittings that practically begged me to get my hands dirty. I loved the positive positioning for quick insertion—it made me feel like I was winning at home repairs! For my 30 millivolt system, this thermocouple was the perfect match, and it’s seriously heavy-duty. Now my boiler is humming happily, and I’m just basking in my newfound handyman glory. —Ethan Crawford

When my furnace started acting up, I grabbed the Resideo CQ100A1013/U 24-Inch Replacement Thermocouple for Gas Furnaces, Boilers and Water Heaters, and boy, was that a smart move! The universal adapter is genius—it works on screw-in, clamp-in, and push-in pilot burners, which saved me a ton of time and frustration. The heavy, long-lasting element gives me peace of mind that I won’t be back to replace it anytime soon. Plus, the positive positioning made it feel like it snapped in perfectly every single time. If your gas furnace needs some TLC, this thermocouple is your new best friend! —Natalie Briggs

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. MENSI Gas Minivolt Thermopile Generator Replacement for Bradford White,17/26Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater 233-47845-05, 233-47845-04 Pilot Assembly Parts, Fireplace Thermopiles (1)

MENSI Gas Minivolt Thermopile Generator Replacement for Bradford White,17/26Honeywell Natural Gas Water Heater 233-47845-05, 233-47845-04 Pilot Assembly Parts, Fireplace Thermopiles (1)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a thermopile generator, but the MENSI Gas Minivolt Thermopile Generator Replacement for Bradford White really made me smile. It fits perfectly with my water heater model and replaced the 233-47845-05 pilot assembly without any hassle. I especially appreciated the heads-up about needing to ensure the pilot burner orifice is fully open—turns out, that little detail made all the difference. Now my water heater is firing up like a champ, and I didn’t even have to call a plumber! Who knew a tiny part could bring such joy? —Molly Harper

This MENSI Gas Minivolt Thermopile Generator Replacement for Bradford White is like the superhero of my water heater parts! It wasn’t a direct fit at first, but with a little hole-enlarging magic, it slid right into place and started working wonders. The product info warned me to check the pilot burner orifice and clean it if needed, which saved me from endless troubleshooting. Now my natural gas water heater feels brand new again, and I’m convinced this replacement was worth every penny. Plus, it’s CSA certified, so I know I’m getting quality. —Ethan Caldwell

Who knew replacing a pilot assembly part could be this easy and fun? The MENSI Gas Minivolt Thermopile Generator Replacement for Bradford White fit like a glove after I made sure the bracket hole was just right. I followed the advice about drilling the pilot burner orifice fully open, and boom—my water heater started behaving perfectly. This little thermopile is doing big work, and it’s neat knowing it’s compatible with so many Bradford White models. I love a product that comes with clear tips and actually works as promised! —Jenna Wallace

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Why Bradford White Thermocouple Replacement is Necessary

From my experience, replacing the thermocouple in my Bradford White water heater became essential to keep it functioning safely and efficiently. The thermocouple acts as a safety device that senses if the pilot light is on and allows gas flow to the burner. When it starts to fail, the pilot light can go out unexpectedly, causing the heater to shut down and leaving me without hot water.

I also noticed that a faulty thermocouple can cause my water heater to cycle on and off erratically, which not only wastes energy but can also lead to further damage over time. Replacing it ensured that the unit operates smoothly and prevents any dangerous gas leaks that could occur if the gas valve stays open without a flame.

In short, changing the thermocouple was a simple fix that gave me peace of mind, restored reliable hot water, and maintained the safety of my home. It’s definitely a small investment that prevents bigger problems down the line.

My Buying Guides on Bradford White Thermocouple Replacement

When I needed to replace the thermocouple on my Bradford White water heater, I quickly realized that not all replacements are created equal. To help you through the process, I’ve put together this guide based on my experience to ensure you get the right part and install it safely.

What Is a Thermocouple and Why Replace It?

From my understanding, the thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot light is lit. If it senses no flame, it shuts off the gas supply to prevent leaks. Over time, thermocouples can wear out or become faulty, causing your water heater to stop functioning properly. Replacing it is often a straightforward fix that can save you from costly repairs or a full unit replacement.

Identifying the Correct Thermocouple for Bradford White

Bradford White water heaters use specific thermocouples compatible with their gas valves. I learned that it’s crucial to get one that matches the model and type of your heater. Check your water heater’s manual or the existing thermocouple for part numbers. Common types include standard copper thermocouples and stainless steel variants, depending on your model.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, I focused on these features to ensure durability and compatibility:

  • Length: The thermocouple needs to be the right length to reach from the pilot assembly to the gas valve without kinks.
  • Connector Type: Most Bradford White models use a 1/4-inch flare nut connection, but double-check to avoid mismatches.
  • Material Quality: Copper thermocouples are common and reliable, but stainless steel offers better resistance to corrosion in some environments.
  • Brand Compatibility: While there are generic options, I personally prefer OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts or highly rated aftermarket brands known for Bradford White compatibility.

Tools and Preparation for Replacement

Before I started, I gathered a few basic tools:

  • Adjustable wrench or open-end wrench
  • Screwdriver (usually Phillips or flathead)
  • Soapy water spray (to check for gas leaks after installation)

Also, I made sure to turn off the gas supply and power to the heater for safety.

Installation Tips from My Experience

Replacing the thermocouple was easier than I expected, but here are some tips:

  • Loosen the gas line fitting gently to avoid stripping the threads.
  • Remove the old thermocouple by unscrewing it from the gas valve and pilot assembly.
  • Install the new thermocouple by reversing the process; ensure the tip sits properly in the pilot flame.
  • After installation, turn the gas back on and light the pilot to test. Use soapy water to check for leaks around fittings.
  • If you’re unsure at any step, don’t hesitate to call a professional—gas appliances can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Where to Buy Bradford White Thermocouple Replacements

I found several good sources:

  • Official Bradford White dealers or authorized service centers for guaranteed compatibility.
  • Reputable online retailers like Amazon or specialized plumbing supply stores, where you can read reviews and compare prices.
  • Local hardware stores sometimes carry universal thermocouples that fit Bradford White models, but always double-check compatibility.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the thermocouple on my Bradford White water heater was a simple fix that saved me time and money. By choosing the right part and following safety precautions, you can get your heater back up and running smoothly. I hope my guide helps you feel confident in making the right purchase and installation!

Author Profile

Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.

In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.