Hot Water Isn't !!

[DIYREJECT]

HELP !!

We have a problem with our hot water system. The Heating Fuse is blowing, and this stops the Immersion from working. We replaced the fuse and it warmed one tank and then blew again.

Could the Immersion Cause this fuse to blow.

Could it be the Thermostat ?

How do we replace the Errant Element ??

Cheers

 

[chrishutt]

Most likely cause is that immersion heater element is cracking open and current is leaking to earth via water. However it just might be a simpler wiring or thermostat fault, so you need to have those checked first.

Someone who knows about electrics will be able to test resistance between live and earth (should be infinity). If low, this will confirm leakage of current to earth.

Changing immersion heater can be tricky job, requiring very large spanners (and other tricks of trade) to remove old one. Not recommended as DIY job, unless you like a challenge.

 

[bathjobby]

Are you in a hard water area, is the element top or bottom mounted in the cylinder ?

 

[DIYREJECT]

Thanks Chris and Bathjobby

Element is top mounted.

Are big spanners routinely sold in B&Q etc. ?

Cheers

 

[bathjobby]

Yes they are, but be careful you don't crack open the cylinder (they do tear) if the nut is tight, which it will be, get some penetrating oil in there first, but not excessively enough to contaminate the inside of the cylinder once the element frees itself.

 

[kevplumb]

heat helps as well

 

[ChrisR]

The bent-flat-metal spanners aren't likely to get a stiff one out, you'd need a spanner like a big box spanner. The cast iron one is best because you can hammer it. The bent-metal box spanner is only really good if you've got a 2ft stillson spanner or similar to turn it!

 

[bathjobby]

the last one I took out tapping with a hammer split the cylinder was years ago but ARGH to this day

 

[ChrisR]

What size sledge hammer did you use?