To update more than anything. I want to get a check done on the system again soon anyway so my plan is to get a G3 plumber to further work on and fill/check the system.
Advice above seemed to be just needing a ‘stat so I got one. You’ll see above accessing was a concern. I wanted to see if it was going to be possible to replace the ‘stat by removing the whole element (the thinking being more ability to angle the element and pull it out once it was freed whereas the ‘stat pretty much has to be withdrawn horizontally).
I therefore drained the cylinder to see if the whole element would come out (it won’t). I also felt seeing the element/s was sensible before just getting the stat only fitted. See picture.
The cylinder is less than 4.5 years old. I can’t believe the condition of the element. I have had the system “serviced”/checked twice. I was happy enough with the visits but I recognise (especially now) they didn’t involve changing/inspecting the anodes or elements.
Thing is, realistically I find it hard to believe that when people ask for a yearly UV visit/check (as I have) that an engineer is going to drain the cylinder and arrive with two new anode’s. I guess they should be checking anodes, but when that involves pulling the whole immersion out and separating a grotty anode, does this really happen very often..?
I accept this might have avoided with nice new anodes yearly but I can’t imagine that happening very often. It has not even (for some bizarre reason) been all that easy to get these parts. Lots of big outfits don’t have them and have told me they can’t get them.
I’ve sent Ariston the picture and I think they’ve taken the condition of this element fairly seriously but I’m not holding my breath on a positive response. In Edinburgh our water isn’t known to cause things like this. I honestly expected the element/s and anodes to look in ok nick mainly because of our water up here supposedly being really good.
Anyway, while some will say I shouldn’t have emptied the cylinder I’m glad I did so as have inspected the parts myself otherwise I may have just had a new thermostat fitted. I will now of course need to get two complete elements and see what can be done to move the cylinder round for better access. Crazy design of the cylinder having the safety valve way around from the immersions (this stopped more ideal positioning)
I am interested in opinions on the condition of the element and my thoughts on realistically how often people have the elements and anode inspected (anode and element all one but anode of course available separately). I suspect loads of people don't even know UV systems are meant to be checked regularly. Certainly not impressed by this when some old vented type cylinders seem to go on for decades problem free.