The Immersion Heater

The immersion heater is actually an electrical element that sits in a large volume cylinder of water. It is a proven way of creating and storing hot water and has been employed for decades.
The element heats the water in the tank, controlled by a thermostat that will supply current to the element if the temperature of the water in the tank falls below 60°C to protects from scalding (this is a maintained level of temperature). It’s feed is from a cold water supply which enters in at the bottom. The immersion heater or heaters (as fitted), begin to heat the water. Once hot, the water can be drawn from the top of the tank. If the immersion heater is fitted in a cylinder that is unvented it needs a high limit cut out thermostat to be fitted (90degrees C) so it does not boil. Even though as stated above, this form of heater is quite steady, it does have an issue. This is the possible development of the legionella bacteria. Which is a great threat to human health and safety. A Kentish Town Plumber is highly aware of the dangers of legionella. Legionella is not widely talked about as it is still quite rare, however the danger still exists.

Legionella can form in water at a temperature below 60° centigrade, but it will not survive for long at this temperature and dies if the temperature rises. It is able to survive between 20°C and 40°C and will usually spread itself in the form of a mist or a vapour. As long as the water temperature is regulated there will not be an issue with the legionella bacteria. But the immersion heater can be a great place for it to live. Kentish Town Plumbers can fit immersion heaters.