Fixing electric immersion heater of hot water cylinder..

ThisIsWeird

Anybody else just terrified?

GDB2222

ThisIsWeird said:

Anybody else just terrified?

I’ve done this job a few times, so far without splitting the cylinder. I’d recommend turning the hot water off and letting it cool before starting. The cylinder is stronger when cold and you don’t have a risk of scalding if the cylinder breaks.. 

I’ve used both types of spanner, and the box spanner is much better.

Oh, and I absolutely agree that the OP should check all the electrical side before assuming the heater is faulty.

Ganga

I would also try putting the spanner on at say the 3 o clock position and tapping with a hammer to shock the threads and then put the spanner on the  9 o clock position and do the same ,best of luck ,what can go wrong 

Mutton_Geoff

ThisIsWeird said:

Anybody else just terrified?

It looks like the OP has bought a spanner and going straight into taking the element out. What happened to the easy checks of removing electrical cover, checking connections, continuity of the element and presence of supply to it? Much easier than risking tearing the thin copper cylinder (very easy to do) and then discovering the (external) stat was faulty. The internet is a dangerous place.

It's also quite unusual that there is only one heating element in that size cylinder. The main one is usually in the side, about a third of the way up, the one shown in the top was usually the secondary "boost" one that is used for a quick top up of hot water on the basis that heat rises, it would take ages for that to heat the whole cylinder.

Eldi_Dos

Mutton_Geoff said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Anybody else just terrified?

 The internet is a dangerous place.

But it makes it easier to buy spanners that look like they are made out of cast.

sujsuj

ThisIsWeird said:

Anybody else just terrified?

Though I bought the spanner first step is to check electric bits by opening the cover. Thanks

sujsuj

Mutton_Geoff said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Anybody else just terrified?

It looks like the OP has bought a spanner and going straight into taking the element out. What happened to the easy checks of removing electrical cover, checking connections, continuity of the element and presence of supply to it? Much easier than risking tearing the thin copper cylinder (very easy to do) and then discovering the (external) stat was faulty. The internet is a dangerous place.

It's also quite unusual that there is only one heating element in that size cylinder. The main one is usually in the side, about a third of the way up, the one shown in the top was usually the secondary "boost" one that is used for a quick top up of hot water on the basis that heat rises, it would take ages for that to heat the whole cylinder.

going to check electric connections first before putting force to remove the heater.  Thanks

sujsuj

Mutton_Geoff said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Anybody else just terrified?

It looks like the OP has bought a spanner and going straight into taking the element out. What happened to the easy checks of removing electrical cover, checking connections, continuity of the element and presence of supply to it? Much easier than risking tearing the thin copper cylinder (very easy to do) and then discovering the (external) stat was faulty. The internet is a dangerous place.

It's also quite unusual that there is only one heating element in that size cylinder. The main one is usually in the side, about a third of the way up, the one shown in the top was usually the secondary "boost" one that is used for a quick top up of hot water on the basis that heat rises, it would take ages for that to heat the whole cylinder.

As I mentioned main source of heating is via the oil burner

Section62

sujsuj said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Anybody else just terrified?

Though I bought the spanner first step is to check electric bits by opening the cover. Thanks

You don't need that spanner to check the electrics... that is for removing the whole immersion heater from the cylinder.

The electrics are under the black cover - note very carefully the instruction to "DISCONNECT FROM MAINS BEFORE REMOVING CAP".

...or preferably call a plumber or electrician and ask them to fix it for you.

ThisIsWeird

Section62 said:

You don't need that spanner to check the electrics... that is for removing the whole immersion heater from the cylinder.

Uh-huh?

This thread is going to be another 10-pager. I just feel it in my water. :-(