When your immersion heater stops working, it can disrupt your entire household routine. No hot water means cold showers, unwashed dishes, and a lot of frustration. At Celmeng Plumbing & Heating, we’ve helped countless Birmingham homeowners diagnose and fix immersion heater problems quickly and affordably. With over 25 years of experience serving the local community, our Gas Safe registered engineers understand exactly what can go wrong with these essential appliances—and more importantly, how to put things right. If your immersion heater is not working, this guide will walk you through the most common causes and what you can do about them.
What Is an Immersion Heater and How Does It Work?
An immersion heater is an electric water heating element that sits inside your hot water cylinder. When switched on, it heats the water directly, providing you with hot water on demand. Many homes across Birmingham still rely on immersion heaters, particularly older properties or those without gas central heating systems.
The heater itself is a long metal rod that screws into the side or top of your hot water tank. Inside the rod is an electrical element that heats up when power flows through it. A thermostat controls the temperature, switching the heater off once the water reaches the desired level. It’s a simple system, but like any household appliance, it can develop faults over time.
The Thermostat Has Failed
One of the most frequent reasons an immersion heater stops working is a faulty thermostat. The thermostat’s job is to monitor the water temperature and turn the heating element on or off accordingly. If it fails, the heater may not switch on at all, or it might overheat the water.
A broken thermostat often shows no obvious signs until you turn on a hot tap and find the water is cold—or dangerously hot. Testing a thermostat requires specialist equipment, so it’s best to call in a professional. At Celmeng, our engineers can quickly identify whether the thermostat needs replacing and fit a new one on the spot.
The Heating Element Has Burnt Out
Just like a kettle element, the heating element inside your immersion heater can wear out over time. Limescale buildup, age, and constant use all contribute to element failure. When the element burns out, no heat is generated, leaving you without hot water.
Replacing a heating element is a straightforward job for a qualified engineer. We’ll isolate the power supply, drain the necessary water from the cylinder, remove the old element, and fit a replacement. Most element replacements can be completed within a couple of hours, restoring your hot water supply quickly.
There’s a Problem with the Electrical Supply
If your immersion heater isn’t receiving power, it won’t work—no matter how new or well-maintained it is. Electrical issues can range from a tripped circuit breaker to faulty wiring or a blown fuse. Sometimes the switch that controls the immersion heater can develop a fault, cutting off the power supply completely.
Before calling an engineer, it’s worth checking your fuse box to see if any switches have tripped. If resetting the breaker doesn’t solve the problem, or if it trips again shortly after, there’s likely a more serious electrical fault that needs professional attention. Our team at Celmeng can safely inspect the wiring, switches, and connections to pinpoint and resolve the issue.
Limescale Buildup Is Reducing Efficiency
Birmingham’s water supply, like much of the UK, contains minerals that cause limescale. Over time, this limescale can coat the immersion heater element, reducing its efficiency and eventually causing it to fail. You might notice the water takes longer to heat up, or the heater struggles to reach the temperature you’ve set.
Regular maintenance can help prevent limescale buildup. In severe cases, the element may need to be descaled or replaced. If limescale is a recurring problem in your home, consider installing a water softener or having your hot water system serviced annually to keep everything running smoothly.
The Immersion Heater Is Undersized for Your Needs
If you’ve recently increased the size of your household or your hot water demand has grown, your existing immersion heater may no longer be powerful enough. An undersized heater will struggle to keep up, leaving you with lukewarm water or long wait times between uses.
Upgrading to a larger immersion heater or adding a second element can solve this problem. Our engineers can assess your current setup and recommend the best solution based on your household’s hot water needs.
The Timer or Controls Have Stopped Working
Many immersion heaters are connected to a timer or programmable control system. If the timer fails or the settings are accidentally changed, the heater may not switch on when you expect it to. This is particularly common in homes where the immersion heater is used as a backup to a central heating system.
Check your timer settings first to ensure they’re correct. If the timer itself is faulty, it can usually be replaced without needing to touch the immersion heater. At Celmeng, we can supply and fit new timers and controls, helping you regain control over your hot water schedule.
When to Call a Professional
While some immersion heater problems can be diagnosed with a quick visual check, most require the expertise of a qualified engineer. Attempting DIY repairs on electrical appliances can be dangerous and may invalidate your insurance or warranties. If your immersion heater is not working and you’ve ruled out simple issues like tripped switches or incorrect timer settings, it’s time to call in the experts.
At Celmeng Group, we offer fast, reliable repairs across Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Our engineers are fully trained, Gas Safe registered, and equipped to handle all types of immersion heater faults. We’ll diagnose the problem, explain your options, and carry out the repair efficiently, leaving your home tidy and your hot water restored.
Get Your Hot Water Back Today
Dealing with an immersion heater that’s not working can be frustrating, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Whether it’s a faulty thermostat, a burnt-out element, or an electrical fault, the team at Celmeng Group is here to help. We’ve been serving Birmingham homeowners for over 25 years, and we’re proud to offer professional, affordable repairs with a friendly, no-nonsense approach.
Don’t let a broken immersion heater disrupt your daily routine. Give us a call on 0121 608 0460 to request a callback. We’re available 24/7 for emergency plumbing and heating issues, so you can count on us whenever you need support.
