Immersion heater replacement

[Ricky786]

Going to tackle my first immersion heater change tomorrow. Other than the normal nerves before a first job
Just want to run a few stuff by the experience heads before I go ahead.

1. Turn off mains to property
2. Drain out all the taps
3. Isolate the electrics
4. Crack the nut on the immersion
5. Drain tank
6. Replace and re fill

I’ve read people saying there is a risk of the tank splitting ? That is something I really want to avoid. I would appreciate any tips and guidance

Thank you

 

[ianmcd]

Personally I wouldnt even consider trying to change that

 

[Ricky786]

Personally I wouldnt even consider trying to change that

Why not ?

 

[ianmcd]

Why not ?

you will be very lucky if you can get that out without damaging the cylinder, if you really want to attempt it make sure you give the customer a warning in writing and get them to sign it

 

[muggles]

Yeah that thing's ancient, I'd at least be checking the local merchants had one the same size in stock before attempting to work on this

 

[Ricky786]

Ok noted. I’ll tell them it’s best to replace it

 

[CBW]

Ok noted. I’ll tell them it’s best to replace it

I would give them the option, with the caveat of what @ianmcd has said, that way you‘re not coming across as someone who just wants the work to replace the cylinder. As said too, make sure a local supplier has one in stock.

 

[kidgreen61]

It never ceases to amaze me, the ones you think will never come out do, and the ones that should come out easily won't.
Always warn cust first.

 

[Dereekoo]

And please report back on how it went, I have been meaning to replace mine for a couple of years now but keep putting it off for the above reasons.

 

[fixitflav]

you will be very lucky if you can get that out without damaging the cylinder, if you really want to attempt it make sure you give the customer a warning in writing and get them to sign it

If he does try it, I would suggest
- get hold of a decent spanner
- remove as much of the bits as poss, like thermostat and wiring
- warm the flange with a blowtorch

Anything you would add? What thread sealant would you use on the replacement?

 

[Ricky786]

Have advised customer on possible damage. He has asked for quote for replacing the whole cylinder instead

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Scrap copper is £4900 a tonne at the mo (that's what EMR paid for my scraps box last week) so there's a couple of quid in that cylinder

 

[Nige F]

If he does try it, I would suggest
- get hold of a decent spanner
- remove as much of the bits as poss, like thermostat and wiring
- warm the flange with a blowtorch

Anything you would add? What thread sealant would you use on the replacement?

Ptfe on the threads - Warm the flange ! - I used to set the lamp on it and then wait for the washer to go Bang - splits asunder and you unscrew easy.

 

[fixitflav]

Ptfe on the threads - Warm the flange ! - I used to set the lamp on it and then wait for the washer to go Bang - splits asunder and you unscrew easy.

I meant warm in plumbing and welding terms, not a summer's day! Sounds like you don't foresee a problem.

 

[Agile]

I would be happy to try to remove that one.

If it refused to undo then I would drill some holes at one side and eventually it would undo.

But I hear of some people quoting silly low prices to replace them. That might be fine but only when they come out first time.

The worst can take two hours!