Stuck immersion heater

[md68]

Hi

Do any of you good people have any tips on how to remove a really stubborn immersion element?

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

Firstly check if it is the immersion heater and not a fuse or the thermostat

Are you handy with a multimeter?

 

[md68]

Yhea I am sure it's the immersion. I am getting to the stage where I will just tell the customer they need to buy a new tank as I have tried everything that I can think of to get the little blighter out.

 

[dontknowitall]

I had to change a cylinder because I couldn't shift the heater. I told the customer and invited them to have a go. Then they suggested changing it. When I got the cylinder outside, for curiosity's sake I had another go with a hammer then tried wrenching it with a gorilla bar and ended up twisting the whole cylinder and it still wouldn't shift.

If it's a good 10 years+ old (preferably 20 or so) then don't fret as they've had their monies worth. If the heater's gone it's not too long for the cylinder to go then.

I don't put them in too tight either because if they fail a few months down the road it's going to be me who's got to change it!!

 

[Centralheatking]

Stubborn immersions can be shifted by:-
1. Leave the cylinder full of water that makes it stronger and it is less likely to deform
2. Use a proper immersion spanner and then give it a good sharp hit in the right direction with a lump hammer.

BUT have the drain off hose ready attached incase it does crimp.

centralheatking

 

[Blackcatgas]

Drain a bit of water out of it and use your blow lamp on it.

 

[Blackcatgas]

Ive learnt this the hard way I was never aware that you could just get the stat for an immersion, 9 times out of ten its just the stat

 

[dontknowitall]

Ive learnt this the hard way I was never aware that you could just get the stat for an immersion, 9 times out of ten its just the stat

I've tried this twice and had to return to buy the whole thing! Perhaps it depends on the age of the immersion or something like that.

 

[Blackcatgas]

A multi meter confirms my suspicions within seconds.

 

[Plamber]

I've had many a headache with stubborn immesion heaters. i losen it a bit while still full or while its draining down. ive got a couple of custom made immersion keys with an old box key with a 3ft or 5ft steel pipe for more leverage.

 

[mikegas]

I've had many a headache with stubborn immesion heaters. i losen it a bit while still full or while its draining down. ive got a couple of custom made immersion keys with an old box key with a 3ft or 5ft steel pipe for more leverage.

cant understand why they dont sell longer tommy bars for box spanners, the ones they supply are useless

 

[turnpin]

tend to agree with blackcatgas older immersions always seem to be installed using boss white which is great for sealing but a pig to undo so drain out a little water and apply heat
dont forget to keep some water or an extinguisher handy dusty/fluffy places immersion cupboards good luck and let us know how you get onregards turnpin

 

[md68]

Cheers lads

I will let you know what happens.

 

[stevetheplumber]

the cast iron type spanners are best you can tap it with the club hammer failing that heat in 37 years ive only folded one cylinder and that was ancient with red lead on the join

 

[tamz]

A bit heat and a set of 18" stilsons will move most. but you could probably get it out with a hammer and screwdriver

As said, only drain a few pints out of it.

 

[WHPES]

See my post in hints and tips. Bit of a mess on but works every time. Make sure the customer is paying you by the hour and remind them that a new cylinder is much more expensive!

 

[Reg Man]

I agree with cenralheatking. Use a lever ring spanner and give it a sharp fine wack on the lever with hammer. Its difficult to say how hard, an experience thing, 99 times out of 100 works no problem. Year ago I would have heated it up with a blow torch, only problem is your likely to reck the foam insulation on mordern day vessels. So if i have to do one its the first option.

 

[Dannypipe]

I use a pair of 18" stilsons on my immersion spanner. If that doesn't move it, nothing will.

Changed a leaking cylinder last week. Tried to get the immersion out and couldn't. Thats the first time I have ever been beaten by one. Sometimes they're just stuck!

Wheps tip of cutting it out will work but comes with risks of ruining the cylinder if you cock it up.

 

[tamz]

I would have to heat it up with a blow torch, only problem is your likely to wreck the foam insulation on modern day vessels. So if i have to do one its the first option.

Is that out of badness just because you can

Sorry to edit your post there Steve....couldn't resist it

A bit seriousness here.
If it won't move shock it by hitting it (or set it on fire)

Just as well i'm snowed in

 

[Reg Man]

You have to get mean when the fxxker wont move. Did you sense the angry bit. Tamz can you teach me some anger management on how to remove an immersion gently?

 

[tamz]

Tamz can you teach me some anger management on how to remove an immersion gently?

I'm not the right person to ask on that one