The practical no frills guide.
Yes, it’s that time. Again. You’re excited, and that hot shower you’ve been looking forward to is just minutes away.
Turning the shower dial, you wait for that torrent of warmed water and the total relaxation that comes with it. But the monsoon doesn’t appear. And your mood and day right there and then fall flat as a pancake.
At this point your thoughts turn to the immersion heater and why the XXXX it’s not working!
The straight-up answer is that the perpetrator may be anything from limescale build-up to damaged elements or even a faulty thermostat.
Like any appliance, immersion heaters can encounter issues that affect their performance. Instead of immediately considering a replacement, understanding how to troubleshoot and repair common immersion heater problems can save you both time and money.
So, it’s time to find out why your immersion heater’s not giving the goods and how you can sort it out.
In the no-frills mastering guide to immersion heater repair, we’ll delve into the intricacies of immersion heaters, explore common issues, and provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and repair.
Before undertaking any/all plumbing, heating or related work you should always take your own independent professional advice.
Plumber - Paul
Paul's a member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineers, Water Regs UK (formerley WRAS – Water Regulations Advsiory Scheme) certificated as well as a qualified unvented cylinder engineer and a qualified heat pump engineer.
What’s an immersion heater and how does it work?
In your hot water cylinder you’ll find an electric water heater – an immersion heater inside.
It works just like a kettle and uses a large metal loop – an electric resistance heater to heat the water around it. Controlling the water temperature’s either, an internal or external thermostat.
So, whenever you turn a tap on, a high-pressure stream of fresh cold, water goes into the tank and pushes the heated water upwards and out to your shower, bath or sink.
As for the wiring, typically immersion heaters are connected to your central electrical supply. The best part is that an immersion heater can be turned on and off which means that you don’t have to spend money keeping a whole cylinder of water ready and waiting to use.
Components of an immersion heater
Heating element. The part responsible for heating the water.
Thermostat. Regulates the water temperature.
Immersion tube. Protects the heating element.
Control switch. Manages the heater’s operation.
Types of immersion heater
Incoloy immersion heaters. Resistant to corrosion and well-suited for hard water areas.
Copper immersion heaters. Efficient heat transfer but may be prone to corrosion.
Titanium immersion heater. Highly resistant to corrosion, suitable for aggressive water conditions.
5 Common immersion heater issues and DIY solutions
No hot water
Possible causes
Faulty heating element
Tripped thermostat
DIY repair
Check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse
Test the heating element with a multimeter
Replace the heating element if faulty
Reset or replace the thermostat if necessary
Water not getting hot enough
Possible causes
Incorrect thermostat setting
Lime scale build up on the heating element
DIY repair
Adjust the thermostat setting to the desired temperature
Descale the heating element using a suitable descaling solution
Strange noises from the immersion heater
Possible causes
Sediment build up in the tank
DIY repair
Drain and flush the water heater to remove sediment
Install a sediment filter to prevent future build up
Leaking water from the immersion heater
Possible causes
Corrosion on the immersion tube
Faulty gasket or washer
DIY repair
Inspect the immersion tube for corrosion and replace if necessary
Replace the gasket or washer at the leaking point
Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse
Possible causes
Electrical overload or a short circuit
DIY repair
Identify the cause of the overload or short circuit
Reset the circuit breaker or replace the blown fuse
Immersion heater repair - step-by-step
Turn off the power
Before starting any repair work, turn off the power supply to the immersion heater at the circuit breaker.
Inspect for visible issues
Check for obvious issues like loose wires, visible damage, or signs of water leakage.
Check the circuit breaker
If the immersion heater is not working, check the circuit breaker or fuse box for tripped breakers or blown fuses.
Test the thermostat
Use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity.
Adjust the thermostat setting to ensure it matches your desired water temperature.
Inspect the heating element
Test the heating element with a multimeter to ensure it is functioning.
Replace the heating element if it shows no continuity.
Descale the heating element
If water is not heating adequately, descale the heating element using a suitable descaling solution.
Drain and flush the tank
If there are strange noises or sediment build up, drain and flush the water heater tank.
Consider installing a sediment filter to prevent future build up.
Inspect and replace gaskets/washers
If there is water leakage, inspect gaskets and washers for damage.
Replace any damaged gaskets or washers.
Inspect the immersion tube
Check the immersion tube for signs of corrosion.
Replace the immersion tube if corrosion is present.
Reset or replace the thermostat
If the thermostat is faulty, reset or replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Turn on the power
Once repairs are complete, turn the power back on and monitor the heater’s performance.
5 Preventive maintenance tips
Regularly descale the heating element
Periodically descale the heating element to maintain efficiency.
Adjust thermostat settings
Ensure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature to prevent overheating or insufficient heating.
Install a sediment filter
Reduce sediment build up by installing a sediment filter in the water heater.
Inspect for leaks
Regularly check for signs of water leakage around the immersion heater.
Professional servicing
Schedule professional servicing periodically to ensure the longevity of the immersion heater.
Signing-off
With the knowledge gained from the no frills mastering guide to immersion heater repair, you can troubleshoot and repair common issues with your immersion heater.
Regular maintenance and seeing to any problems quickly will not only extend the lifespan of your immersion heater but also ensure a reliable supply of hot water for your household needs.
Remember, if you encounter complex issues or feel uncertain about any repair process, ask a qualified professional.
And if you’d like some help fixing your immersion heater or installing a new one, from our local Caversham plumbers near me, we’d be pleased to. We’re only a phone call, text, WhatsAp or email away!
AngusPLUMBING
(Caversham’s #1 plumbers)
Disclaimer
Our mastering series and blog are provided on an “as is” basis, in good faith and subject to change without notice. All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure its accuracy. However, this isn’t warrantied, and liability isn’t accepted for any damage or loss whether direct, indirect, special or consequential suffered by anyone in accessing, downloading, using or relying on it.
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