Lava lamp problems

rosamy52

Hi, not sure if this is the best place but hopefully someone might have some helpful suggestions none the less. A couple of weeks ago I moved my lava lamp from the top of the bookshelf to the tiled hearth, and the bulb stopped working. It was working normally before this but every bulb I've tried since has come on but done nothing more. The wax hasn't really melted apart from once and only a bit, certainly no bubbles. Even leaving it on all day doesn't have an effect. Does anyone have any ideas please? 

TadleyBaggie

What was the wattage of the bulb you took out and the wattage of the replacements?

rosamy52

Hi, I wish I had kept the bulb which stopped working but I don't think I did. I've tried Eveready R39 Reflector Bulb 30W Small Edison Screw Lava Lamp X 2, E14, 30 W (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01DBXVZ1K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), and the one in the picture which is 25w. It's been on for several hours with both and the glass is warm but nothing happens or very little and only after several hours. It's just strange as it was working fine before I moved it so I could see it better. 

rosamy52

This is what it looks like, it's not a brand name lamp though. 

poppellerant

Are there any stickers or labels on the lava lamp to indicate which wattage bulb should be used? They can usually be found on the inside of the lava lamp, when you lift the glass up.  Failing that, look underneath the base.

coffeehound

Wonder whether the metal spring ring has got lifted off the bottom of the glass - it's normally just loose in there.  I don't know how much difference that might make.  Maybe warming the vessel on a very low hotplate (edit - not gas!) would help it settle

rosamy52

coffeehound said:

Wonder whether the metal spring ring has got lifted off the bottom of the glass - it's normally just loose in there.  I don't know how much difference that might make.  Maybe warming the vessel on a very low hotplate (edit - not gas!) would help it settle

Hi, no it hasn't I've checked that, good though though. I don't think I'm going to risk trying to warm it up like that though!

rosamy52

poppellerant said:

Are there any stickers or labels on the lava lamp to indicate which wattage bulb should be used? They can usually be found on the inside of the lava lamp, when you lift the glass up.  Failing that, look underneath the base.

Hi, no I've checked, good idea though.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

here's a wee chart I found,

and a LINK to some solutions.

googler

I would be inclined to turn it on its side, lay it on a towel or similar, and let gravity move the elements around, away from the base. Maybe a few hours or so, or overnight? 

Then put it right way up and switch on.

rosamy52

[Deleted User] said:

Hi,

here's a wee chart I found,

and a LINK to some solutions.

Thank you, that looks really helpful. The only thing is do you think the size refers to the bottle or the whole lamp? I haven't measured mine yet but I think it's definitely on the largest size. I haven't found any 100w small screw bulbs though.