Immersion heater replacement

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Immersion heater replacement

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Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 13 12:26 pm Post subject: Immersion heater replacement

Looks like one of our immersion heater elements is dead and needs replacing (I've tested the resistance of the coil and it's shot).

I've not done one before and I know it's going to be a pain to do but are there any tips? Obviously I'm going to drain the tank first, turn off the electric and the 'box etc.

The old one is bound to be stuck but I expect that's going to be down to the set sealing compound rather than corrosion or hard water as the tank isn't that old and we live in a soft water area. So, I guess brute force is the answer rather than WD/40?

Any tips on putting the new one in? I assume it'll need lots of turns of PTFE tape to seal? Or should I use a sealing compound?

I'm looking at getting a good quality spanner as a few of the cheaper ones don't seem to get good reviews. I'm looking at something like this Draper.

sean
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42219
Location: North Devon

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 13 12:28 pm Post subject:
No idea. I like the way that Amazon are calling it an immersion heather wrench though.

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46216
Location: yes

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 13 12:31 pm Post subject:
drain to below heater element good spanner ,1/8 th turn tighter to break seal unscrew (light taps with hammer if still stuck) ptfe and not too tight (no extender bars etc )when refitting

Woodburner

Joined: 28 Apr 2006
Posts: 2904
Location: Essex

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 13 5:03 pm Post subject:
You do need a specially huge spanner but once you've shifted it, it's a pretty simple job. I did my own with a plumber available for instructions, so it can't be too hard for a capable chap like you. I'm pretty sure I used some sealant on the threads when I put the new one in, but for the life of me I can't remember if I drained the tank or not. (I think not, but I wouldn't swear to it.)

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Mon Apr 01, 13 7:27 pm Post subject:
Some elements are near the very top of the tank so it doesn't need much draining. Mine's at the very bottom. As for being a capable chap, I have a hammer and crowbar. Thanks for the tips dpack, my book says little more than take out the old and put in the new.

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