Immersion Heater change problem

[joesweeney]

My immersion heater needs replacing, I have tested the stat for continuity and it is OK and the resistance of the heater is higher than it should be. I have no hot water, I have no boiler just storage heaters and immersion heaters in my flat. The fuse and power to the immersion heater terminal is all good.

I am struggling to remove the immersion from the cylinder, it is very hard. I have a box typr immersion spanner and it fits well but is just so stiff.

Is there any tips I can use to remove it please as I need some hot water

Any help is so appreciated by me and my wife!!

 

[seco services]

many ways to free them
extra leverage on the box spanner - but be careful not to twist the cylinder.
heat it if you have a blow torch.
cold chisel and tap it round.
or drill it out.

 

[joesweeney]

I have heard that thr cylinder could split with too excessive force on it. Is this very likely or an out chance?

I like the sound of the drilling it. Would a normal masonry drill bit do the trick?

Thanks for your help by the way.

 

[seco services]

I have heard that thr cylinder could split with too excessive force on it. Is this very likely or an out chance?

not so much split but crease.
make sure the cylinder is still full of water till you slacken it off.
only ever had 1 or 2 very old cylinder start to show signs of failing when removing the immersion.

I like the sound of the drilling it. Would a normal masonry drill bit do the trick?

Thanks for your help by the way.

no you need a hss drill bit and hacksaw blade.

 

[joesweeney]

sorry what is a hss bit? is it a n adaptor than can hold a blade? do they sell them in screwfix?

Thanks for helping me, I really apprecaite your kindness,

 

[seco services]

high speed steel drill bit. yes screwfix do them.

http://www.partridges.uk.com/catalog/images/Dormer_HSS_Drill_Bits.jpg