immersion heater - overflow - help!

[not-plumb]

I have an immersion heater and every morning I get woken up by scalding hot water coming out of of one pipe into an overflow. I can physically see the water being 'released.' and I'm wondering if this is normal or if there is a problem with my heater. It used to happen once a month, and now it is happening almost daily.

if someone can give me a clue, it would be much appreciated.

 

[JohnD]

please describe the thing you mean

this is an immersion heater

this is a hot water cylinder, into which the immersion heater fits

this is a water storage cistern

this is a boiler

 

[not-plumb]

This is a photo of the kit in my flat.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/through-erins-eyes/1443408115/


And this is the overflow where the water comes out of.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/through-erins-eyes/1443408423/

 

[JohnD]

well I've never seen one of them before!

But I bet somone else will have done.

What does it say on the labels?

Does the water get very hot after it's been heated for a while? I wonder if the thermostst has failed and it is boiling?