Copper showing through on the elements

[jonewer]

Not sure if I should be alarmed or not, but there's what seems to be copper showing through on one of the kettle elements in my boiler.

Is this something to panic and flap about?

 

[fbsf]

Sounds a little odd - can you post a photo?

 

[PD]

sounds like the surface coating of the element is starting to wear off. Its usually a sign to think about replacing it, as it could fail without warning, usually right in the middle of your boil.
Do you scrubs your elements to clean ? what do you clean your elements with ( if anything ) ? Harsh materials and vigorous scrubbing doesn't help them.

 

[jonewer]

I usually just use one of these kitchen sponges and brush it lightly.

Oh dear. I have been dreading having to replace an element :shock:

 

[PD]

what sort of boiler ? plastic or metal ?

I'm not a DIY man by any means but I've just fitter 3 elements to my ss boiler and hlt and it was very easy to do and they were leak free at the first go.
I replaced the supplied lock nuts with sturdy metal ones.

http://www.bearingboys.co.uk/search.cgi ... t&x=9&y=12

 

[jonewer]

Its a plastic boiler. Where did you get the element from pd?

 

[fbsf]

The Homebrew Company (sponsor link at top of site) sell them for between £15-20 I think...

 

[PD]

yep, hopefully you have the kettle lead, as that really bumps the price up...

 

[fbsf]

Although they (the IEC Hot leads, as opposed to the computer-type) are available on ebay for around a fiver delivered.

 

[jonewer]

Fortunately I have a two element set up so have a backup if it goes wrong.

How do you fit them? Do they just screw on?

 

[PD]

they just slide thro the hole and the outside locking nut is tightened up to secure it.