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What you have is a twin element hot water system the problem is you have a faulty bottom element the unit is only working on the top element probably gives you around 90 litres of hot water and runs out been plumbing 30 years seen it happen plenty of times
Well I think I have found the problem; the tank is holed. It has not been apparent over the past week because of the wet weather making the area generally damp, but the rest of the area has dried out today and left obvious dampness around the HWS. I isolated it and took the cover off the element to check resistance; water ran out from behind the cover and it is very obvious that there is water between the tank and the outer cladding. For what it's worth, the wiring is intact and there is continuity across the element but I guess that's not going to save it!
Thanks for all the helpful advice.
We all feel better now... Getting TWENTY years from an electric heater is beyond your allotted bucket of luck ![bigwhistle][bigwhistle][bigwhistle][bigsmile]
I used to fix and install heaps of hotties in Pete's area, lots lasted about 5 years, but the ones on tank water, 20+ years easily.Quote:
Originally Posted by superquag
Did they have anodes? Did anyone replace any anodes?Quote:
Originally Posted by Vern
DL
An anode should last longer than 5 years! Some lasted even less than that.
Wow, I would feel seriously ripped off if I only got 5 years out of one. Good to know the tank water is good for something, must be all the dead possum fur lining the inside of the tank.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vern
Hi,
32 years out of mine and still going strong.
Well, it is hand made, all copper, static pressure, filled with glycol mix, with 30m of coiled copper tube passing through to instantly heat the potable water.
Heat is supplied by convection from a wet-back wood stove, or 2 electric elements, spaced for just heating the top third or the whole tank as wanted.
We also pump the glycol through 7 radiators to heat the house.
Cheers