plumbing q?

Question

hello.
my immersion stopped working - had a look and
found a burnt wire inside the immersion cap
what should i do to fix it.

or if i have to call in a plumber - whats the damage (£).

thanks.

Answer 1

If its the supply cable you may be able to re-terminate or replace the cable, you will need 2.5mm heat resistant cable (Butyl) or similar.
If it is from the thermostat to the element (a small link) again it can be replaced.
The cause of burning would have been a loose connection, damage may have occured at the connection point either the thermostat or the immersion element, if at the stat then it will need to be replaced, simply disconnect the other wire and pull out, the stats are various lengths so take with you as sample, you may get away with reterminating at the element after cleaning up.
If not then replace the immersion heater. don't know what plumbers charge but the part will be £20 -30.

Answer 2

I'll go with Yosser re the electrical aspect. Make good notes of the wiring connections, remove the wiring.So far as the plumbing aspect (only needed if the loose connection was on the immersion heater itself, resulting in damage) Go to your local DIY store, get an Immersion Heater Spanner (its a big ring, but not that expensive). If you can get the tank hot, thats great. Put the spanner on the heater, give it a sharp knock with a hammer, just to start it moving. Then, shut off your house supply water, drain the system, both hot and cold. Carefully, loosen the heater, you may get a small weep of water as you do, if this a cause for concern, on the base of the tank there is a drain valve, drain off about 1/2 gallon. Remove the heater, go back to store with old heater, get a new one. Ensure there is a new gasket in the box. Lightly vaseline the thread, screw the replacement in, (you did remember the gasket???!!!) Rewire the immersion/thermostat, set to 40deg c, ensure ALL your connections are TIGHT (loose connections cause overheat)

Answer 3

With the amount of electrical current used by an immersion heater ( 40 Amps+ ) it would probably safer to call upon the services of a qualified electrician.

Answer 4

its not a plumber you need ..its a sparks ..unless you are useful yourself .. look on your fuse board ..locate immersion heater fuse or switch ..and turn off clean and re fix wire to where it should go ..if after that it don't work ..then you call the plumber

Answer 5

You could repair it, but unless you know what you're doing leave it the professionals. Plumber or electrician try both for quotes and take the best estimate.