Immersion heater prob?

[Scarlett]

I have a big old immersion heater that heats the hot water for the kitchen and bathroom taps. This morning I noticed that the water was only lukewarm and never got hot, despite running the tap for a while. It is on a timer and comes on for 3 hours 4-7am every day. This is the first time I have noticed this problem.
Any idea what could be wrong?

[Disco Fever]

Yeah the element is knackered for deffo, you will need a plumber or a sparky that will change it for you....

[The Builder]

Whoaaaa.........Disco LOL

Try a new thermostat first..............cheap, and a simple DIY job to fit if you're careful.............it's usually the first thing to go :o(

[terambulan]

Check you haven't got an air-lock.

[gasman]

If the element had gone Disco it would not even get luke warm. The builder is correct change the thermostat a 5 min job.

[Scarlett]

I told the man what you said, and he said that sadly it is nearly always the element that goes, and that the reason the water is still warm is that there is still a bit of a current running through it, even though the element has bust. How would I know if he is telling the truth or not? Sad but true- I have to just take his word for it. For all I know, he will come over, change the thermostat and tell me he has done the element, stick a hose pipe on it, drain the tank and charge me �100. :(

[gasman]

A simple mains voltage test on the thermostat will tell you if it is faulty by supplying the power when it is calling for heat and shuts down when satisfied. Also a simple continuity test will confirm if it is the ellement that has gone an intermittent bleeping from the tester or a OL reading will show it is at fault but a continuous bleep or a reading of 1 will show it is OK.