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markyb2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

I have no hot water generated from the economy 7 night night time heating.

I have isolated the problem down the the immersion heater element but I am having great difficulty removing it from the tank. I have the correct tool (a hexagonal metal device with handle) but it is not moving it one bit. I am concearned that the whole element has scaled up and it is stuck preventing me from removing it.I have tried WD40 to loosen it but to no avail.

I am determined to do the job but desperately need expert please help!

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

First thing not to do is drain the cylinder as the water helps to hold it firm.

Isolate the storage tank and open the taps till they stop running, don't rely on the gate valve by the cylinder as these often break off when trying to close them, especially if they haven't been used for a while, so drain the storage tank instead.

You will need to drain about a bucket full ow water from the cylinder.

Back to the immersion heater they are alway a pig to remove, and the best way is to hit the spanner with a hammer in an anti-clockwise direction, reasonably firmly and it should move, failing that something long that fits over the end of the spanner to act as a lever.

I have a pair of 2ft and 3ft stilsons that has alsway shifted them in the past. If you go for the lever action steady the cylinder with your spare arm and apply a steady pressure.

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

better just add the above advice is for a top entry immersion heater.

AlanE · Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:55 pm Post subject:

Immersion heaters can be a pain at the best of times and there is always the risk of damaging the cylinder.

Try loosening it when cylinder is still full of water as this adds strength to the cylinder. If that fails then you need to lower water and apply heat to the fixing boss. It is not scale preventing removal but the use of a jointing compound when it was fitted or corrosion where water has leaked from the joint.

However good luck - you might need it!

markyb2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks very much for your advice.

Presumably the stilsons are used directly on the heating element instead of the tool I have been using.

I have seem some water corrosion around the element and thought that might be aggrevating the problem.

Can you tell me what potential damage I may cause as I don't want to be paying out for a new cylinder!

Cheers

Mark

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

Thats about the extent of it.

If it it goes wrong you need a new cylinder. but they ain't that expensive anyway.