Hot Water

[MONTYWG]

I have a holiday house in France, which I visit five or six times a year. The hot water, for shower and washing only, is supplied by an electric wall mounted immersion heater. When I leave the house I turn off the electric and water supply. There is no separate header tank/vent, and I don't drain, just turn off the cold water supply to all the house.
When I visit the house the water and electricity go on. At this point I can get cold water through the cold water taps, but no water at all from the hot water taps. It is taking about two to three days to get any water to come through the hot water taps, when it does the water is hot.
I am aware that the french electric system has low and high tariff times and there is a switch/fuse to ensure the water heats-up on the low tariff, when I arrive at the house I go to manual override.
Does anybody have any idea why it is taking so long, it seems to be getting longer and longer to heat-up?
The immersion tank is probably about 10 years old.
I am considering draining all the cold water out of the tank on my next visit before turning the water on to see if re-setting it will help.
Any other thoughts or ideas out there?
Thanks

 

[45yearsagasman]

Je ne comprend pas.Do you have pics of the install?

 

[MONTYWG]

I don't have a picture, the manufacturer is Atlantic (they haven't replied to my request for help).
As stated it is wall mounted, about 6 foot tall, with the cold water feed, hot water out and pressure release valve in the base.
Hope this helps

 

[45yearsagasman]

Just had a look at Atlantics site(if that was them) and they are unvented cylinders and heated by immersion elements.I am not familiar with the brand but would suspect failing elements and/or scale build up.Sorry for not being more specific.

 

[MONTYWG]

Thanks for your contribution.
On my next visit I will drain the cylinder and refill and see if that makes any diference.