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Boiling water noise from cylinder with immersion heater - advice sought

  • 12-07-2022 11:23PM
    #1
    manofthefora
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 154 ✭✭


    I noticed this humming/boiling type noise from the hot water cylinder.

    Assumed the thermostat had failed and I was about to start the DIY replacement process.

    But, just to be sure, I let the cylinder run cold and then switched on the immersion. Noise started immediately.

    So, not a boiling sound. Web search talks about "kettling" but the cause/remedy is very unclear.

    Q1: Does it sound really serious and should I switch off the immersion?

    Q2: Can I just ignore it and do nothing?

    Q3: What action should I take? Plumber? Electrician?

    Any advice appreciated please.

    MOTF



Comments

  • #2
    kirk.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,957 ✭✭✭kirk.


    Have you got a working RCD at the board ?

    A trip switch with a test button that knocks off the immersion

    A electrician won't replace the heater these days, too much trouble



  • #3
    manofthefora
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 154 ✭✭manofthefora


    Hello Kirk. Thanks for your interest.

    The immersion is on a standard breaker. Why do you ask that?

    Can you suggest where/what is the fault likely to be? New cylinder? New immersion unit? Dangerous to leave it running now?

    I appreciate that remote diagnosis is difficult!

    MOTF



  • #4
    KildareP
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,701 ✭✭✭KildareP


    Does it sound like a kettle? If so it's most likely normal, just as a kettle makes noise long before the water reaches boiling the element in the immersion will make noise almost from cold too.



  • #5
    kirk.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,957 ✭✭✭kirk.


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119331569#Comment_119331569


    A plumber can replace it but can't always fix electrical issues

    It's useful to know if you have a working RCD protecting the immersion heater and whether it's tripping or not, that's why I said try the test button and see if it knocks off the immersion

    Post edited by kirk. on


  • #6
    John.G
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,769 ✭✭✭John.G


    Kettling normally only occurs with limescale build up, not applicable in your case with a new install.

    Is it a top mounted dual immersion and is your cylinder vented, ie fed from a cold water storage tank. What make is the cylinder.



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  • #7
    Cerco
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,078 ✭✭✭Cerco


    Is there a pump connected to your immersion switch?



  • #8
    manofthefora
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 154 ✭✭manofthefora


    Apologies for delay and lack of response.

    The cylinder is not new - maybe 10 years old. The immersion is top mounted dual and there is no pump involved - just cold water storage in attic. No obvious way to see make of cylinder.



  • #9
    John.G
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,769 ✭✭✭John.G


    Possibly limescale after 10 years, suggest removing heating element and inspect for scaling or if noise not too intrusive motor on until element fails?



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