Replacing immersion heater thermostat

Ben D Bus · 28-08-2018 11:32AM #1

The thermostat on the immersion seems to be broken. Scalding hot water!

I don't do DIY so I'm wondering if it's dangerously insane to attempt it myself?

A quick scan of the internet suggests it's a doddle, and the materials cheap, but I'm not sure I fancy messing with electricity/water! :eek:

Not crazy about paying a tradesman for a trivial job either!

DublinDilbert · 28-08-2018 12:22PM

What is the current setting on the thermostat? Often they are set very high when installed and never changed down to ~60C.

Its quite easy to check the setting on the termostat, you'll need to turn of the immersion power and open up the "metal" can which covers over the back of the element, inside this you should see the stat and its current setting.

Sleepy · 28-08-2018 12:25PM

It really is a doddle. Did it myself a few weeks back. The thermostat doesn't actually make contact with the water, it sits in a pipe that goes down into the cylinder. Make sure to switch off the power source at the switch board and remove the current one in order to check it's length, buy a replacement of the same length in Woodies / B&Q / Builders merchant and re-fit it. Cost me €9.50 and about an hour's work.

Many of the modern ones also have a "re-set" button which might be worth trying before replacing it.

Be careful when dialling down the temperature of the immersion: anything below 60C and your hot water tank can become a breeding ground for all kinds of nasty stuff.

Replacing immersion heater thermostat

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