Immersion Tank Heaters

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Hi. I am new here and have a problem with my immersion tank. My hot water was getting FAR too hot and in fact caused the cold water tank in the loft to start heating up. I called a plumber (I have home assistance with my house insurance) who came out straight away and diagnosed that the immersion heaters were not working properly and that the thermostats had probably gone.

Although he gave me a quote to come and replace them, I am not able to afford it at the moment and would like to do the job myself.

The cylinder is:
- Hercules
- Economy 7
- 166 litre
- direct flow

I apparently need two heaters:
- 3 KW
- 240V, 50Hz
- Superloy conducted
- 11 inches long
- with individual thermostats

Is it a relatively simple job to change these myself? If so, are there any special tools that I will need? Any help appreciated.

Many thanks
 
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Try just changing the thermostat(s), which slide out of the heaters. They're a few pounds each and fail safe, not boiling like the old ones did!

First you could try turning the stat(s) down. Turn off, remove cap fom heater (usually one screw/nut) and you'll see the triangular stat , slightly floppy, with temp marked on it.
 
Thanks. Although the plumber who came out suggested that I ought to replace the whole thing (i.e. the heaters) as the wiring was looking a bit black and worn. He actually said that this may have been the reason for the malfunction in the first place.

I understand that the heaters (inc. thermostats) are not too expensive; about £40 each.

Is there anything that I need to know before trying to replace them, or is it simply a quick "unscrew old, screw in new" type job?

Thanks again
 
1) when you take out the whole heater (not just the thermostat) water will come out.

2) When you start to unscrew the heaters, using a huge spanner that you can hire, you might buckle or tear the cylinder (which is made of soft copper sheet, about as thick as paper).
 
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We gave a quote to replace the lower element at £156 inc.

She does not want the upper one replaced even though it would only be an extra £35 when done at the same time.

She first called several months ago and might as well have had it replaced at the same price then!

Tony
 
New thermostat £5,
10300.gif

new cable (heat resisting type) £2.
15 minutes work, including the coffee.
 
Changed the stats last night; so far, so good. Incidentally, wiring looked completely fine. Think I might have just saved myself £220. Thanks!
 

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