Electric property, only top element working not bottom (water tank) - is there any issue with that?

me1000uk

Hi thanks for the responses. The button definitely lights up and at the time it's lit I can hear a mild fizzing from the bottom element. Like it is doing some mild heating but not really impacting the tank beyond the mildest warmth.
I took off the cap on the bottom element and it looks like the attached image (never attached an image but maybe this'll work ) I wouldn't do anything electrical but the 'adjuster' can be turned but it appears to be on the plus side. I don't think it was like that before so possibly the plumber put this thermostat there. It's 80deg c as mentioned on the side and google suggests it's this model : https://www.heatrodshop.com/product/cotherm-tsdr0702
Doesn't seem to be a reset button or clear temperature indication.
Any ideas welcome.

me1000uk

coffeehound said:

Hi, is the hot water tank an 'un-vented' cylinder do you know?  

Hi, it's vented apparently. Just don't know where it vents to as there's no other tanks in the flat or loft that I can see (top floor flat). This is just in an airing cupboard.

coffeehound

Does it have a make and model on it anywhere?  Sounds like it could be unvented if there's no other tanks.

I ask because someone had the same problem on here a couple of years ago -- bottom element just seemed to give warm water next morning -- and it turned out to be a problem with the plumbing, not the electrical side.  

greatcrested

me1000uk said:

Thanks for the responses. I will see whether plumbers can sort it out if necessary.
 Is there anything conclusive on safety or durability? Like can the top element in no way heat the whole tank eventually, even if you keep it boosted for 2 or 3 hours?

Usage will only be for washing up or washing hands. Showers are electric which is what we use. Soaking in a tub isn't part of our routine so no baths needed.

Just turn it off.

You use your electric shower for showering. You don't use baths. Why do you need to constantly heat a huge tank of water?

Boil a kettle for washing up. Far cheaper than heating a whole tank!

Washing hands? Use the cold tap.....

me1000uk

coffeehound said:

Does it have a make and model on it anywhere?  Sounds like it could be unvented if there's no other tanks.

I ask because someone had the same problem on here a couple of years ago -- bottom element just seemed to give warm water next morning -- and it turned out to be a problem with the plumbing, not the electrical side.  

Hi yes I posted a photo and link to the product. The plumber said it was vented (via the bathroom refurb people). https://www.heatrodshop.com/product/cotherm-tsdr0702
I have a meeting with the contractor soon to discuss but was hoping to see if the photo and description can yield results. Always better for a beginner like me to have some info. Thanks

me1000uk

greatcrested said:

me1000uk said:

Thanks for the responses. I will see whether plumbers can sort it out if necessary.
 Is there anything conclusive on safety or durability? Like can the top element in no way heat the whole tank eventually, even if you keep it boosted for 2 or 3 hours?

Usage will only be for washing up or washing hands. Showers are electric which is what we use. Soaking in a tub isn't part of our routine so no baths needed.

Just turn it off.

You use your electric shower for showering. You don't use baths. Why do you need to constantly heat a huge tank of water?

Boil a kettle for washing up. Far cheaper than heating a whole tank!

Washing hands? Use the cold tap.....

part of my initial question was relating to the safety of water in the tank if I only used 'top-ups'. I do't actually know.
I would however like it working. The economics of it are important of course, but safety and functionality is my primary concern before I fully move in with the family. Moving into a new place has its challenges but I do want hot water and to solve the issue within budget. Thanks for the tips.

coffeehound

I was meaning make and model of tank

An overall photo of the installation would be handy

me1000uk

coffeehound said:

I was meaning make and model of tank

An overall photo of the installation would be handy

Ah thanks. I am not at the flat this evening so no clear photo of the setup but I have a photo of what's written on a label on the tank which is as follows.

Mcdonald Engineers hot water systems,
Direct combination 1400x450mm
40L Cold/144L Hot
Maxistore 7 Spec
Maximum length of immersion heaters 400mm

 It's in an airing cupboard by the bathroom. Loft doesn't appear to have any separate tank unless it's somewhere else in the block.
Not sure if it helps much but maybe that means something to you or someone.
Thanks again.

coffeehound

Thanks for the info.  As a first check, you could try turning the thermostat control up to maximum for a night.  It is hard to pin down information on Cotherm thermostats, but that model may be just 65 ℃ maximum setting, in which case it may just be set too low at present.  If it is in fact a higher maximum then the over-temperature trip will prevent it going too high.

If that doesn't work, then it could be a defective thermostat.  You are hearing the element making heating noises, so that appears to be okay -- they tend to either work, or not -- no half measures.  Or it might be some plumbing fault that is letting the hot water out somewhere.  I see your cylinder can be either vented or un- so that's still a possibility.

me1000uk

Thanks for the response. I guess I'll have to get someone to look at it if it doesn't work. I believe because it's a 'combination' one then as per my google searching it is the same as vented but the cold water is in the same tank. Apparently not unusual for flats.