Hot Water Too Hot! - Thermostat?

[readie]

Hi, I know this might be a silly question and possibly blindingly obvious but I will ask it anyway.

I have a Hercules Direct Copper Cylinder with two elements which supplies hot water to my house. I have the top one switched off permenantly as I don't need that much hot water on demand. But my hot water is really hot, I mean scalding sometimes!

I have turned the thermostat down on the lower element to 60 C and it doesn't seem any cooler to me.

Is it the thermostat that has gone? - would make sence to me.

If so, how easy is it to replace? Do I need to drain the tank to replace it or does it just slide out and a new one in? Obviously I have to disconnect it from the mains supply and reconnect it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, I am an engineer by trade but not a plumber. Thanks!

 

[ChrisR]

does it just slide out and a new one in?

Yes!

There's some stuff in the FAQ section.
You'll need the shortest of thermostats, most are designed for vertically mounted elements.

 

[seco services]

you'll need a 7" stat.
60 c is still enough to give you severe burns.
check the water temp from the taps with a thermometer

 

[buck51]

Hi If you dont need that much water, why dont you turn the bottom one off and the top one on and try it that way
And it will reduce your electric bill as your not heating as much water

 

[readie]

Both of the stats appear to move slightly, I surpose they are like a rod inside a tube? They are made by Diamond H by the way.

So I can just slide them out and slide in new ones yes?

If I adjust them to between 60C and 50C they "click"

Thanks for the rapid replies people!

 

[seco services]

if they are clicking at that setting that tells me they are ok and the water is 60 c. which will be scalding to the hand.

yes you can just disconnect the wires and slide a new one in.

 

[buck51]

If your set on fitting a new one, It should have a resetable safety cut out, dont fit an old stile one,

 

[readie]

Thanks for all the advice guys you've been a great help!

I think I will turn the one I am using down to say 50C and use a thermometer to see if it's accurate to start with and then look at replacing them if the water is still too hot.

Out for now.

 

[Softus]

But my hot water is really hot, I mean scalding sometimes!

I have turned the thermostat down on the lower element to 60 C and it doesn't seem any cooler to me.

You've turned it down to 60°C?!

What was it set at before you turned it down?

Is it the thermostat that has gone? - would make sence to me.

Don't guess - turn the 'stat down to 50°C and check continuity with a multimeter.

 

[readie]

Originally it was on 70C!