HWC immersion seal problem?

my3cents

With a new tank,new immersion and new washer I'm having a problem getting a seal

After three tries I think I have spotted the problem. First try I probably had a bit of foam insulation under the washer my bad but even with it all cleaned up the washer still weeps.

So after three tries closer examination shows that the problem is on the lip of the fitting on the HWC. There's an area of raised copper that is what I think is preventing a good seal being made. On an old tank with no insulation I'd just put a file on it and smooth it out but with an insulated HWC I can't really do that. I really don't want to hack the insulation off

Any ideas for either lapping the connector somehow to smooth the edge or another way of making the seal that won't be impossible to remove when/if the immersion needs replacing?

The blanking plug with its rubber seal which seals on inner edge seals fine its the flat washer thats having a problem.

RJF

Try using the rubber washer from the blanking cap.
Do not over tighten.
Tighten hand tight first then turn with immersion spanner to get a seal.
If letting by tighten a little more.
Repeat if necessary but as said do not over tighten.
A little lubricant on the washer can help.
Report back if this does not work for further instruction.

my3cents

Thanks, I think I have it now, I was going to try the rubber washer but wasn't sure if it would last?

What I did was cut a bit of wood that would fit into the gap between foam and then cut a piece of 60 grit abrasive paper to fit around the wood like a sanding block. I first took the worst of the lump off (seemed to be a bit snot left from braising the connector in place) with a piece folded up abrasive paper making sure not to create a new problem then worked the block around the top of the connector to finish off. I could still just feel the problem area but it was nothing like it was.

All filled back up so will leave it till after lunch to check again and if OK I'll connect it up. If its not OK this time rubber washer it is.

RJF

I have installed new elements recently (past few years) that come with rubber washers.
No problems on installation or since but long term who knows.
Trick is tighten by increments.

RJF

By the way 60 grit is way too heavy. You should use 180, 220 or higher.

corkgsxr

Rubber seal is the business.

And when you go to change they pop off easy

my3cents

I checked 3 builders merchants all with a large range of plumbing stuff and heatmerchants, none had a rubber seal.

Now on try no six. Thought I had it but still after a couple of hours a few drips so went and got another washer. Old one had marks in it from when I'd first used it, the face of it had come off in one place. New washer is twice the thickness as the original which gives me hope

The rubber washer I have is fine on the blanking plug but has foam rubber stuck all around the sides of it so if I do use it I wouldn't be that hopeful of it working.

RJF

Are you using an immersion spanner to tighten it ?

my3cents

RJF wrote: »

Are you using an immersion spanner to tighten it ?

Yep a bloody big one. Its looking OK now. Part of the problem seems to have been I made a mess of the original washer the first time I used it. The lump of braising snot on the mating surfaces had badly scored it up. I should have got a replacement earlier, but then I've got good at draining the system down :rolleyes:

New washer gives me much more confidence. There is a lot more of it and it compresses a bit compared to the thinner stiffer original which never seemed to have enough "meat" on it.

Its been sitting leak free for over half an hour so I'll tidy up my tools and if its leak free connect up the wires.

Edit> Just trying out the immersion as we speak. No leaks, sparks, bangs, shocks or explosions so seems good.