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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Cliff perkins on February 04, 2012, 12:04:40 pm

Title: Immersion heater
Post by: Cliff perkins on February 04, 2012, 12:04:40 pm
Have you guys used the essex flange or mechanical flange to attach your heating element to your tank,i have a 500 l upright tank
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: H2GoKent on February 04, 2012, 02:10:34 pm
I used a mechanical flange from tool station. I cut a neat hole and when fitting put silicone on each level as I fitted the washer etc making a nice watertight seal.

Fitted it a couple of months ago and it hasn't leaked at all.
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: AuRavelling79 on February 04, 2012, 03:37:34 pm
Bought but didn't use the mechanical flange on my two tanks. Just silicone and cut a hole a fraction small and wind in the heater using its thread to cut in.

No leaks whatsoever.
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: richywilts on February 04, 2012, 03:39:55 pm
Anyone got a link for these immersion heaters please wouldn't mind using in my small van
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on February 04, 2012, 04:38:30 pm
Mechanical flange over a year ago, zero leaks. ;)
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Cliff perkins on February 04, 2012, 06:12:50 pm
Went to my local toolstation today and they had no mechanical flanges in stock and told me they were tempary unavailable so wont be getting 1 of them soon.what size hold did u cut to wind it in on the plastic without a flange.did u put mastic on it when u wound it in aswell.
Cheers cliff
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: simbo on February 04, 2012, 06:41:01 pm
its so easy its embarrasing, costs about £20 and helps out no end
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Cliff perkins on February 04, 2012, 08:33:51 pm
Whats easy simbo immersion or fitting i want 1 just wanna fit it properly
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: FCS on February 04, 2012, 09:03:51 pm
Bought but didn't use the mechanical flange on my two tanks. Just silicone and cut a hole a fraction small and wind in the heater using its thread to cut in.

No leaks whatsoever.


Exactly what I did on mine too.. been good so far, not a drop..

Did a mates van using a mechanical flange, the tank wall was too thick to get a good turn on the thread.. Ended up not using the rubber o ring and even filing some of the flange down to get a grip...
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Sean Dyer on February 04, 2012, 09:20:43 pm
Have you guys used the essex flange or mechanical flange to attach your heating element to your tank,i have a 500 l upright tank

I have same tank so this interests me
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Cliff perkins on February 04, 2012, 09:45:24 pm
Yep so if i cut it into the tank and wind it into the plastic what size tool cutting diameter do i use ?
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: FCS on February 04, 2012, 10:37:38 pm
Use a dremel (other multitools are available), and practice on a piece of plastic first (I used an old plastic paint can lid)  then you'll have the right size hole to draw on your tank. 

Hole saws just aren't accurate enough in my opinion..
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on February 04, 2012, 10:40:56 pm
As I said before, ALL this information is on another forum!!!!!!!!!!!

HINT HINT COUGH COUGH!!!!!!

EVERYTHING, EVEN THE FERKIN DRILL SIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: CleartechLee on February 04, 2012, 10:45:01 pm
yea justing finished reading all 11 pages  :o

Flange is goner be a nightmare to source  :(
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: FCS on February 04, 2012, 10:47:47 pm
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Immersion-Heater-Mechanical-Tank-Flange-Boss-Biodiesel-Wvo-/140695717435?pt=UK_DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ&hash=item20c21e463b#ht_600wt_1344
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: FCS on February 04, 2012, 10:52:42 pm
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=129758.0
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: CleartechLee on February 04, 2012, 11:10:22 pm
sounds simple and probably dull but couldnt you just use the flange here
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Heating/Central%20Heating/Immersion%20Heater%20Flange/d230/sd2708/p31429  (http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Heating/Central%20Heating/Immersion%20Heater%20Flange/d230/sd2708/p31429)
as a back nut and some PTFE tape?
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on February 04, 2012, 11:14:40 pm
sounds simple and probably dull but couldnt you just use the flange here
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Heating/Central%20Heating/Immersion%20Heater%20Flange/d230/sd2708/p31429  (http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Heating/Central%20Heating/Immersion%20Heater%20Flange/d230/sd2708/p31429)
as a back nut and some PTFE tape?

Yes you can but it'll be harder to get a grip on it. However, if you can hold it, you could probably turn the immersion into it to make it tight. I've got one but I used the flange instead. If I couldn't get the flange then I'd use it.
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: FCS on February 04, 2012, 11:17:47 pm
Yep, what he said^^^

I've got one of those on mine, but tbh I don't think it's very tight at all!

I used a load of waterproof silicone in the thread, made it slippery as owt, couldn't get a grip with any of the tools I'd lined up to tighten it!

BUT because I'd cut the hole in the tank to exactly the right size, (i.e. too small), the element cut its own thread in the tank as it went in, and not a drop so far...
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Cliff perkins on February 05, 2012, 08:41:16 am
Sorry to bang on but tool station do t do the flange anymore and i looked at that nut to tighten it on but it leaves like hardly any of the thread left to turn it on because of the thickness of the tank.the only sure way i can see if using a 2.25 essex flange to attach the immersion heater.if there are other threads which i have already read it doesnt mean so
Ebody hasnt tried something new like this essex flange that i will likely be trying its 40 quid but allows for the thickness of the tank.
Its all about gaining experience from others thats the whole point of this site so if i bang on or ask silly questions remember were here to help each other.
Cliff
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Cliff perkins on February 05, 2012, 08:46:03 am
Sorry to bang on but tool station dont do the flange anymore and i looked at that nut to tighten it on but it leaves like hardly any of the thread left to turn it on because of the thickness of the tank.the only sure way i can see is using a 2.25 essex flange to attach the immersion heater.if there are other threads which i have already read it doesnt mean there isnt something somebody
 hasnt tried something new like this essex flange that i will likely be trying its 40 quid but allows for the thickness of the tank.
Its all about gaining experience from others thats the whole point of this site so if i bang on or ask silly questions remember were here to help each other.
Cliff
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on February 05, 2012, 09:33:26 am
Sorry to bang on but tool station do t do the flange anymore and i looked at that nut to tighten it on but it leaves like hardly any of the thread left to turn it on because of the thickness of the tank.the only sure way i can see if using a 2.25 essex flange to attach the immersion heater.if there are other threads which i have already read it doesnt mean so
Ebody hasnt tried something new like this essex flange that i will likely be trying its 40 quid but allows for the thickness of the tank.
Its all about gaining experience from others thats the whole point of this site so if i bang on or ask silly questions remember were here to help each other.
Cliff

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Immersion-Heater-Mechanical-Tank-Flange-Boss-Biodiesel-Wvo-/140695717435#vi-content

Here you go Cliff. This one's even better as it has a sealing rubber washer built in. ;)

I would ask how deep the male thread is first though. My waydale 400ltr tank walls are 7mm thick.
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Cliff perkins on February 05, 2012, 10:09:46 am
Cheers will give the guy on ebay a call later
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: gto on February 05, 2012, 10:45:34 am
find a local plumbing parts place they will have boxes of them.

when i was fitting my tank, none of the big plumbing/diy stores had the parts i needed, but the tiny back street plumbing shop had it all, and was half the price on most things.
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Cliff perkins on February 05, 2012, 11:20:53 am
I went around about 10 shops on saturday gone but sadly nobody had a flange that would be any good.
Cheers anyway
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on February 05, 2012, 11:57:31 am
I would also "lube" this washer with something like a drop of washing up liquid before you tighten it up too, this should ensure it doesn't get deformed as it turns against the plastic tank under pressure. ;)

Avoid Vaseline, it's petrol based & can make the rubber swell.
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Deangsi on February 05, 2012, 12:08:22 pm
this is what i did step by step.took the gasket and drew tje circle on the tank took a drill and drilled holes all the way aroand close together make sure you do this on the inside of the line so its not to big. Then use the drill to cut roand any trimming use a sharp stanley. All of that was to save buying an inacurate holesaw screw the heater in with the gasket with a bolt on the other side didnt use sealant but mine is in the top of the tank.
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Window Washers on February 05, 2012, 12:21:06 pm
Sorry to bang on but tool station do t do the flange anymore and i looked at that nut to tighten it on but it leaves like hardly any of the thread left to turn it on because of the thickness of the tank.the only sure way i can see if using a 2.25 essex flange to attach the immersion heater.if there are other threads which i have already read it doesnt mean so
Ebody hasnt tried something new like this essex flange that i will likely be trying its 40 quid but allows for the thickness of the tank.
Its all about gaining experience from others thats the whole point of this site so if i bang on or ask silly questions remember were here to help each other.
Cliff

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Immersion-Heater-Mechanical-Tank-Flange-Boss-Biodiesel-Wvo-/140695717435#vi-content

Here you go Cliff. This one's even better as it has a sealing rubber washer built in. ;)

I would ask how deep the male thread is first though. My waydale 400ltr tank walls are 7mm thick.
this isnt on topic but relates to this like sort of:

Winpro, have you added a fill port on your wydale tank and sealed the lid ?

The reson I ask is because everyone of there tanks I have and have had all leak, all three tanks in my vans leak and it get on my nerves.

where would I get a (what I guess your calling a flange)

god im bad at explaining what I want:

I want a fill point that takes a fuel pump sized nozzle to fill water from and when finished be able to screw a lid on or clicp a lid to seal it, I can then seal the tank lids to the tanks, is there anything about that you know of or are using already ?
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: simbo on February 05, 2012, 12:55:32 pm
bought a flange with mine but cut such a tight hole it was not needed just a little sealant, i do have to circulate the water though as tank baffled so only heats one side, for the cost of it though i might just fit another so it heats up nice and quick.
paul
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Tom White on February 05, 2012, 02:07:04 pm
Does it really have to be a 27" heating element?  That is pretty big.  Wouldn't the smaller one suffice?
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on February 05, 2012, 02:22:59 pm
Does it really have to be a 27" heating element?  That is pretty big.  Wouldn't the smaller one suffice?

I would imagine the longer the better. There's only pennies between the two lengths but if for any reason the 27" one was too long then an 11" would work but I would guess not quite as well.
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on February 05, 2012, 02:25:46 pm
Sorry to bang on but tool station do t do the flange anymore and i looked at that nut to tighten it on but it leaves like hardly any of the thread left to turn it on because of the thickness of the tank.the only sure way i can see if using a 2.25 essex flange to attach the immersion heater.if there are other threads which i have already read it doesnt mean so
Ebody hasnt tried something new like this essex flange that i will likely be trying its 40 quid but allows for the thickness of the tank.
Its all about gaining experience from others thats the whole point of this site so if i bang on or ask silly questions remember were here to help each other.
Cliff

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Immersion-Heater-Mechanical-Tank-Flange-Boss-Biodiesel-Wvo-/140695717435#vi-content

Here you go Cliff. This one's even better as it has a sealing rubber washer built in. ;)

I would ask how deep the male thread is first though. My waydale 400ltr tank walls are 7mm thick.
this isnt on topic but relates to this like sort of:

Winpro, have you added a fill port on your wydale tank and sealed the lid ?

The reson I ask is because everyone of there tanks I have and have had all leak, all three tanks in my vans leak and it get on my nerves.

where would I get a (what I guess your calling a flange)

god im bad at explaining what I want:

I want a fill point that takes a fuel pump sized nozzle to fill water from and when finished be able to screw a lid on or clicp a lid to seal it, I can then seal the tank lids to the tanks, is there anything about that you know of or are using already ?

Yes, I have a mini-Torbeck float valve on the inside of the tank which is connected to a male hozelock on the outside for filling.

One full roll of PTFE tape on the tank lid threads (male) will cure it leaking, although, if you're constantly taking the lid off then you might have to replenish this more often. ;)
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on February 05, 2012, 02:31:18 pm
This is the float valve (over-fill protection)

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Plumbing/Toilet+Fittings/Torbeck+Float+Valve+Side+Inlet/d20/sd2835/p42876
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Window Washers on February 05, 2012, 02:37:39 pm
Sorry to bang on but tool station do t do the flange anymore and i looked at that nut to tighten it on but it leaves like hardly any of the thread left to turn it on because of the thickness of the tank.the only sure way i can see if using a 2.25 essex flange to attach the immersion heater.if there are other threads which i have already read it doesnt mean so
Ebody hasnt tried something new like this essex flange that i will likely be trying its 40 quid but allows for the thickness of the tank.
Its all about gaining experience from others thats the whole point of this site so if i bang on or ask silly questions remember were here to help each other.
Cliff
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Immersion-Heater-Mechanical-Tank-Flange-Boss-Biodiesel-Wvo-/140695717435#vi-content

Here you go Cliff. This one's even better as it has a sealing rubber washer built in. ;)

I would ask how deep the male thread is first though. My waydale 400ltr tank walls are 7mm thick.
this isnt on topic but relates to this like sort of:

Winpro, have you added a fill port on your wydale tank and sealed the lid ?

The reson I ask is because everyone of there tanks I have and have had all leak, all three tanks in my vans leak and it get on my nerves.

where would I get a (what I guess your calling a flange)

god im bad at explaining what I want:

I want a fill point that takes a fuel pump sized nozzle to fill water from and when finished be able to screw a lid on or clicp a lid to seal it, I can then seal the tank lids to the tanks, is there anything about that you know of or are using already ?

Yes, I have a mini-Torbeck float valve on the inside of the tank which is connected to a male hozelock on the outside for filling.

One full roll of PTFE tape on the tank lid threads (male) will cure it leaking, although, if you're constantly taking the lid off then you might have to replenish this more often. ;)
cheers for the reply, I will add that on my static setup i'm building again.
on my tank lids they come off every fill due to filling up with a high pressured pump normally under 10 mins for a 650l tank, so cant use hoselock for that, need something where I simple can insert a nozzle about 1 inch wide that will seal after, any ideas on that ?
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Cliff perkins on February 06, 2012, 06:54:34 pm
Heres a site for the bits i found i ordered mine today mechanical flange and immersion heater cheapest i found anywhere. Www.gofixit.co.uk
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: clarkson on February 06, 2012, 07:16:17 pm

 hi
 anyone use a thermostat to control temprature/energy usage?

 cheers

 john
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: paul saunders on February 06, 2012, 07:42:15 pm
Ian, you could fit a proper mechanicle flange in the top of your tank, then fit a blanking plug after you have filled up. This would give you a 2"  hole to put your fill hose in. You might have to "nip" the blanking plug with a spaner to make sure it doesn't leak. ;)
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Lee GLS on February 06, 2012, 07:48:30 pm

 hi
 anyone use a thermostat to control temprature/energy usage?

 cheers

 john

The immersion heater has a controllable stat on it, but it would have to be on all night in a small tank to reach those sort of temperatures.
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: clarkson on February 06, 2012, 07:57:27 pm

 hi
 anyone use a thermostat to control temprature/energy usage?

 cheers

 john

The immersion heater has a controllable stat on it, but it would have to be on all night in a small tank to reach those sort of temperatures.

hi lee
my 225 litre megaflo can get tap cold to shower temp in 20 mins, so i was thinking 650 litre an hour or two or i have got this all wrong?

 thats why i ask about thermostat, you dont want it bubblin all night and i dont want to be in the van at 2.00 in the morning swithching it off.

john
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Sean Dyer on February 06, 2012, 08:43:37 pm
Would thermostatic plug not work?

Wired to the immersion heater
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: Deangsi on February 06, 2012, 09:24:53 pm
I have my 11 inch heater on a timer plug so it comes on at 5 30 and of at 8 30. Toasty warm my tank is a 250 litre flat tank
Title: Re: Immersion heater
Post by: clarkson on February 06, 2012, 09:56:27 pm

 hi
 do you run a heater as well, one thing iam looking for is to keep the van warm at night as well.

 if it goes on at 5.30 it will already be a block of ice?

 john