Does this immersion cylinder need replacing?

[bmouthboyo]

So it seems I could do with replacing my immersion filament as a minimum because it is an old model and does not have an adjustable thermostat on it. Would the cylinder itself be reusable or should it be replaced? or if I can just upgrade the insulation.

It has these 2 outlets on the back. Maybe a previous Warm Air Heater the owners had also did water? Or is this an indirect cylinder being wrongly used?

I plan to eventually have a power shower pump using the tank so not sure if this is suitable?

 

[JohnD]

.

 

[terryplumb]

Those pipes look as though they are to a coil. Probably an old gravity fed set up now capped off .of course no use for a feed to a shower ,or any other outlet.by the way what is that dial on top.of cylinder ?

 

[Newboy]

what is that dial on top.of cylinder

Thermometer

 

[bmouthboyo]

Thermometer

Yea a thermometer, seems the immersion element is old and does not have an adjustable thermostat hence wanting to swap it. My main query is whether the cylinder itself is work reusing or if a new one would pay for itself so to speak with modern insulation etc?

 

[terryplumb]

I would add insulation jacket and change stat for a modern one that has a higher level of protection. On yours that would need a new immersion element to facilitate the stat.

 

[bmouthboyo]

I would add insulation jacket and change stat for a modern one that has a higher level of protection. On yours that would need a new immersion element to facilitate the stat.

I think this might be a good place to start also.

The tank doesn't seem to have any visible markings to indicate its capacity. Is there an easy way to determine its capacity / size so I can get the correct jacket and also the correct immersion heater size? We are only a couple and do not have a bath to fill but hope to replace for a power shower in the future. I assume this might help decide on the element size we need?

I would like one where I can set the temperature of the water when heated, is this simply done by replacing for a heater element that has the thermostat dial on the top? Or do I somehow need to have a tank mounted thermostat? And if do they come as a set with certain immersion heater elements?

I am going to fit a timer, mainly for the boost mode to heat the water when needed but also future proof for when I fit a power shower sometime so we can have the water hot in the morning and evening.

 

[terryplumb]

Tank height and diameter will determine insulation jacket . 27 inch immersion element for top fix / vertical, usually come with thermostat complete.

 

[bmouthboyo]

Tank height and diameter will determine insulation jacket . 27 inch immersion element for top fix / vertical, usually come with thermostat complete.

Is the thermostat on the top one that is used to set the desired temp of the water or is it meant to be used as a kind of safety cutoff limit?

 

[terryplumb]

Don't understand the question . the thermostat is within the metal cover that sits over the immersion element, it is set upon installation and not touched again under normal circumstances. It maintains the stored temperature as long as electric supply to it is present.

 

[bmouthboyo]

Don't understand the question . the thermostat is within the metal cover that sits over the immersion element, it is set upon installation and not touched again under normal circumstances. It maintains the stored temperature as long as electric supply to it is present.

Perfect. And a ridiculous question I am sure but when ordering a jacket is the measurement the circumference or just width and height? Measuring as best I can without removing the jacket seems to be about 900mm high and 450mm wide. Do I therefore need a 36" x 18" jacket?

 

[terryplumb]

Yes

 

[JohnD]

I have not seen multiple sizes of jacket for many years. Just buy what you can. The factory-insulated cylinders have been around for 20 or 30 years so there is not much market for new jackets.

It will probably be one of these
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-British-Standard-Hot-Water-Cylinder-Jacket---457-x-1066mm/p/210203

you might find an old-stock one on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Home-Furniture-DIY/11700/i.html?_from=R40&_sop=15&_nkw=cylinder+jacket

but beware of a torn "skin" as they are made with the old type of yellow fibreglass which I find irritant.

I remember seeing very old jackets that might have been filled with cotton or kapok, they are not as good.

Lag the hot pipes as well.

 

[bmouthboyo]

OK most parts on order

My last question is the size of immersion heater I should get. My current one which is ancient is 14". I wondered which I should go for when replacing and started to look at larger 27" ones but not sure if I should / can with my tank as the 2 pipes coming out the rear indicate it is an indirect tank possible used on an older heating system? If so would the immersion foul the radiator coil inside?

Should I stick with 14" if possible? We only really need it for kitchen and bathroom sink at moment but looking to add power shower and replace electric shower in future.

 

[HERTS P&D]

You need one of these:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/tesla-titanium-immersion-heater-element-27/75262

Andy