How to replace an immersion heater

[Marnhullman]

I believe my daughter's immersion heater has failed and may need replacing. Can I just disconnect the electricity, turn off the cold water supply and remove the old unit or do I need to do anything else?

Thanks

 

[ChrisR]

That's about it. DO a Search on immersion - also emmersion I think I saw recently!

 

[croydoncorgi]

Perhaps also consider why the old one failed. Age is a good reason but if it was not old have a good look for other causes. For example, if the cylinder has a lot of limescale lying in the bottom so that part of the immersion heater tube was buried in it, this would cause it to overheat. As would the water level in the cylinder being drawn down exposing the element when it was heating - can happen with a badly installed shower pump.

 

[MJT]

Do not forget to drain the tank to below the level of the immersion heater head before removing the immersion.

 

[Marnhullman]

Thanks all - will heed the advice

 

[AdamW]

A well insulated hot cylinder will keep the water hot for ages: I found the water in mine still hot enough for handwashing 24 hours after any heating being applied.

So if possible give it a day after turning off before you remove anything.