Emersion replacement

kerryjack

Any one done an emersion replacement I think I replaced one years ago but can't remember. I changed the switch but still not working. Are they all a standard size and are they hard to change.

HotWaterCylinder

I've changed one and it was a complete bastard.

If the tank is old like mine was I'd be very careful. I was planning on replacing my tank anyway so took a punt on it .

It was corroded/limescaled solid and ended up with pinhole leaks on the flange. I patched them with tec7 and it held for a year until I upgraded.

If you're going for it get the proper box spanner.

Its an easy job until it starts to go wrong !good luck

Trigger Happy

If it is just the element that is gone then that is a very easy replacement that costs just a few euro if you do it yourself. Testing where the power is getting to or not getting to would tell you if this is the case.

But if you are not sure what you are doing with electrics or plumbing then best to get a professional in to assess what the cause of your problem is and the best fix.

bladespin

Very straightforward replacement, there are a 2 (or more) sizes, measure your tank in diagonal and you'll have a very good idea.

As mentioned already, this work involves electricity and plumbing, if you're not confident then get a professional.

Definitely run a multimeter to the element before you go replacing anything.

You will need space around the tanks to work and an immersion wrench, a mallet and blowtorch or heat gun.

kerryjack

Thanks for reply me thinking I will probably get someone in to do it as it could go wrong very fast.

10-10-20

I tried to replace an immersion in an apartment which we had...

I used a box-spanner which I bent through excessive force and then I twisted the copper cylinder boss itself, so I gave up and called a plumber. Plumber couldn't get the element to budge either so we elected to have the cylinder replaced. On removing the cylinder from the tight hot-press, the joint on cold water tank (situated in the same hot-press and leaking for some duration of time, unknown to us) broke causing a flood, so the mini tank had to be replaced. The tank had been fitted into the hot-press before the door architrave had been installed, so it had to be cut out and the supporting woodwork for the tank also had to go as it was rotten. So in all, what should have been a 50 EUR element replacement turned into a 1500 EUR mess (12 years ago). 🙄

So... yeah. Be careful. 😀

kerryjack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120503407#Comment_120503407

Ya when things go wrong with plumbing it can go very wrong

Gen.Zhukov

I'll piggyback on this if you don't mind op

I think I'm in a similar situation but I think its not 100% gone yet which is my question - Can the element fail gradually or is it always from working to not working with nothing in between? Mine seems to be heating a bit but not as good as it was

If it is gone, I'll be having a go over the next day or two so I can let the OP know how it goes

The Continental Op

They can go really funny. I had one that went of for ages but was well gone. Element was wreaked (split open and full of corrosion) when I took it out but had only very occasionally tripped the RCD.

A couple of points if you have never done this before. Photograph the switch cabling, drain the tank just to the top of the element (so the tank is virtually full and the water is helping support it) and if the element doesn't come out easily be prepared to call a plumber or replace the tank. Also get a decent box spanner (or a really good cast iron one) the stamped metal immersion wrenches are dreadful.

Plus watch a few youtube videos.