Plumbing Gaff

PoGee

finally got pics

PoGee

I've drawn a pic using 'paint' off the computer. The diameter of the black round bit is around 3 and a 1/4 inches diameter. I think the newer ones are 2 + 1/4 inches. Am I right? Apologies for the standard of drawing

NSG666

So you've had to turn the water off last night as the cylinder leaks if you turn it on?

What's your plan to fix it yourself or get a plumber in?

Myser

It does seem like it has been leaking for a while, there are signs of corrosion. Not sure you'll be able to get leak sealer under the nut easily to seal the leak?

Ultimately, you're going to have to replace the immersion heater and it's probably a good time to also fully drain the tank as well if it hasn't been done in a while.

PoGee

NSG666 said:

So you've had to turn the water off last night as the cylinder leaks if you turn it on?

What's your plan to fix it yourself or get a plumber in?

good old direct line home emergency said they were coming last night, then 'no' (they didn't bother to call me to tell me, only found out when I asked 'when you going to be here?'. Now they say someone coming this afternoon.

filled the bath and pans etc in kitchen prior to switching off water at mains.

plumb1_2

If you turn the electric off and remove the black cap, you might be able to see if the immersion heater is leaking through the stat tube, if not remove some of the lagging and see if it’s leaking from the fibre seal. To change the heater which is a standard thread make sure who ever does it loosens the heater before draining the cylinder otherwise you risk it buckled and possibly the copper splitting.

if heater or seal not leaking, could have a small pinprick leak running down.

FreeBear

Looks as if it might be a fairly modern tank (post metrification). So new heating elements should be available off the shelf from most places.

On another note - There is a tap in your last image - This should turn off the water going into the HW cylinder and will save having to shut off water at the stopcock. If it isn't this tap, there may well be one higher up. Probably seized up, so worth changing whilst you have a plumber on site.

markin

It may be time to replace it anyway so don't be shocked if the plumber says it need doing, They often crack when trying to undo them to replace it.

PoGee

Thanks for replies. They say it needs replaced and are waiting for part. I think it's an off the shelf part also so don't know why they need to wait. 

southcoastrgi

your drawing shows the immersion on the side it's not it's on the top, 27"immersion heater available at B&Q, Screwfix, Wicks, City plumbing, Williams, Plumb Centre, in fact I'd be surprised if they aren't on the shelf at Tesco, so I agree with you I'm not sure what they need to order.