Hot water tank help

[Toml]

Hi,
I need to replace my hot water tank. Whenever I turn the water on there's a pop/bang noise and the rcb trips. Guessing the element has gone but it looks like it might not want to come out as it's pretty rusty looking. So I figured I should just change the whole tank and element for something a bit newer. This one is over 15 years old now so a new one might be a bit more economical too.
My question is what sort of tank is it that I have so I know what to buy to replace it and also how long should it take a plumber to install so I know I'm not getting over charged?
Thanks for your help, this is my current tank, pretty sure it's 900 x 450

IMG_1545

• Toml
• 11 May 2017

 

[terryplumb]

hi toml, it would be far cheaper to replace the element and stat ,it may be an electrical problem on circuit or switch. the hot water cylinder has probably got many more years life and would be expensive to replace, depending where you live ,several hundred

 

[Agile]

The green and blue foam cylinders are usually to the latest specification.

There is no point in replacing the cylinder.

Removing the old immersion element can be difficult for a DIYer but worth a try.

If not then most plumbers will have tools or tricks to do the job.

Tony

 

[Toml]

Thanks, so a plumber rather than a spark to change just the element? Or both?

 

[terryplumb]

plumber to change the element ,but a spark to check the electric circuit .you never know it may not be the element.

 

[Agile]

Most ( but sadly not all ) plumbers will be totally competent to fault find and wire up an immersion heater. You need to ask them before getting them to come and shake their heads!

In my experience, whilst any spark will wire up an immersion heater, only relatively few want to get involved in changing the element. Some will do it but only if the element comes out easily.

The real problem is often with the plain copper cylinders and elements fitted up to 40 years ago! Not helped by some plumbers who insist on using pipe jointing compound.

Tony

 

[ianmcd]

so what would you have used on an immersion heater thread Tony, that by your reckoning is 40 years old

 

[kevplumb]

so what would you have used on an immersion heater thread Tony, that by your reckoning is 40 years old

you don't use anything on the thread boss white on the gasket
if it is drained heat helps
and if it won't come out and you buckle the flange you might as well change the cylinder
ive had a few egg shaped ones in my time after the old heater came out

 

[Nige F]

Hello Kev Could be PTFE on the thread, now't on the gasket- and getting the b'ggers out, leave system on and full of water then tap the immersion spanner to see if it'll turn. OR drain so water's below the immersion boss, and heat the boss until the gasket goes bang. Used to do that on horizontal ones near the floor. Loads of them in a block of Housing Association flats I worked on ." Yes Madam there will be a loud bang, don't worry just get the kettle on".

 

[kevplumb]

Hello Kev Could be PTFE on the thread, now't on the gasket- and getting the b'ggers out, leave system on and full of water then tap the immersion spanner to see if it'll turn. OR drain so water's below the immersion boss, and heat the boss until the gasket goes bang. Used to do that on horizontal ones near the floor. Loads of them in a block of Housing Association flats I worked on ." Yes Madam there will be a loud bang, don't worry just get the kettle on".

ey up nige have done that one before as well

 

[HERTS P&D]

I've never had an immersion that would not come out, it all depends the amount of persuasion it needs.

Call a plumber with a fixed price to replace saying you already have the part.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/tesla-titanium-immersion-heater-element-27/75262

Andy

 

[Toml]

I've never had an immersion that would not come out, it all depends the amount of persuasion it needs.

Call a plumber with a fixed price to replace saying you already have the part.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/tesla-titanium-immersion-heater-element-27/75262

Andy

Will 27" be the right length for a 900 x 450 tank?
Thanks

 

[copea]

Yes, for a top-entry cylinder like yours.

 

[Agile]

I had one which really would not come out!

I had to drill and cut it!!!

Probably where an idiot had put jointing compound on the thread!

I don't use jointing material at all on elements. Only silicone grease on both sides of the washer and on the thread. That ensures it will come out easily.