Hot water cylinder thermostat

[mcass]

Hello all,

I apologise if I'm missing an obvious solution to this. I need to replace the thermostat on a hot water cylinder (it was dripped on from a leak and is now smoking when swithed on), I removed wires but there is not enough room to pull the rod out as the cold water tank is sitting too close above it. any tricks to remove it and get the new one in?

Thanks

 

[ChrisOxford]

Whoever installed it like that was very dim, careless or thoughtless

How much more room do you think you need to get the thermostat completely out?

 

[mcass]

I think a combination of the 3!!!

I am assuming it is around 18" so I can probably get it out half way. It's more getting the new one in. I have no experience in this, are all thermostats a straight rod?

 

[ChrisOxford]

You were thinking what I was thinking

AFAIK, yes, all stats are similar to the one you're trying to remove.

Could you post some pictures?

 

[mcass]

I will be able to take some pics tomorrow, it is in a flat that we rent out. The stat that is on there now is smoking when you switch it on, is there a chance it may be ok once it is dry or do you think it is burnt out?

 

[flameport]

Smoke indicates some internal part has either melted or burnt. Either way, it will need to be replaced, as there is no way to know if will work correctly even if dry. If it fails in the on position, this could result in the water boiling up and causing serious injury and damage.

There are 2 options to remove it - drain the hot cylinder partially and undo the heater element. Depending on it's position, you should be able to tilt the whole element assembly and then remove the thermostat.
If you do this, you might as well put a whole new element in there, as they are not expensive items.

Otherwise, drain the cold tank and remove it.

 

[ChrisOxford]

There are 2 options to remove it - drain the hot cylinder partially and undo the heater element. Depending on it's position, you should be able to tilt the whole element assembly and then remove the thermostat.

Very cunning