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rigger67
Junior Member
Joined: 26 Nov 2007
Posts: 4
Location: Southampton
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 Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 9:46 pm Post subject: Boiler element impossible to remove ! H E L P !! |
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Hey there
I've got a problem with my boiler in that the element has stopped working and I have no hot water. I borrowed one of those hexagonal tools to remove it, but there's so much limescale around the bloody thing that it just won't budge. I don't know what make or model it is as it's encased in hardboard (it's a council flat) and I nearly broke my fingers trying to get the bugger out the other day ... a friend suggested a blow torch but that seems a bit drastic. Am I really gonna need to get a plumber out or can I do it myself?
Any help would be greatly appreciated ... thanks in advance. |
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Gadget
Jack Of All Trades
Joined: 18 Dec 2005
Posts: 3557
Location: Whitley Bay
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| Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 9:54 pm Post subject: |
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Surely if it's a council flat, it's down to the council to repair it, or is it ex-council?
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Hoovie
Devon DIYer
Joined: 27 Jul 2007
Posts: 8036
Location: East Devon
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| Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 9:58 pm Post subject: |
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If it is encased in Hardboard, not sure if you want to get a blowtorch on there!
from what I have been advised in the past, if the immersion is encrusted with limescale all around it, then there is an excellent chance the cylinder will be damaged when (IF!) the immersion is removed.
I would leave it to the council otherwise they may say you caused extra damage and sting you for a new tank!!
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I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?"
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Wood Magnet
Senior Member
Joined: 07 Feb 2006
Posts: 3550
Location: sunderland
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| Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:55 am Post subject: |
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Good advice Gadgy and Hoovie, if it is council, DON'T TOUCH. 
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People forget how fast you did a job - but they remember how well you did it.
I no longer skinny dip, i chunky dunk these day's. |
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rigger67
Junior Member
Joined: 26 Nov 2007
Posts: 4
Location: Southampton
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| Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 6:54 am Post subject: |
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| Sorry, I didn't make myself clear - it's EX-council. I own the flat so they don't have anything to do with it now ... |
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Hoovie
Devon DIYer
Joined: 27 Jul 2007
Posts: 8036
Location: East Devon
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| Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:55 am Post subject: |
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Damn  .
Oh Well  This is what I was advised when my immersion went and I wanted to replace...
1) it is very common that the thread from the immersion 'welds' itself to the cylinder so tightly, attempt to remove will damage cylinder.
2) Need to use a hammer to jolt it free - sharp taps. Often tapping it in the opposite direction once (to tighten first) can help. That helps on a lot of nuts that won't undo.
3) Does the hex spanner fit on well? there is a flat hex spanner and an 'offset' hex spanner. you may need an offset one to really get a good lock on it - BnQ sell them for about £3.
4) Some sort of limescale penetrator/cleaner may be worth trying to loosen its grip a little? that Cillet Bang stuff advertised on the TV a lot, maybe?
It you need to clean off limescale lumps, DO NOT use a sharp blade! one slip and you could nick a pipe or the cylinder.
Overall it sounds like you live in a hard water area and that will be a real problem when trying to remove the immersion
Maybe someone will have some other good ideas - Good luck - keep us posted
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I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?"
She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. |
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