Is this immersion heater washer made of asbestos?

[boilingpoint]

Hello.

Whilst replacing my immersion heater, I came across this washer.

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Is it made of asbestos? Is there a way of telling?

The cylinder must be from the 60's or 70's, but I'm assuming the heating element has been changed since then. The existing one's been in place since 2006 at least, but the installer could always have retained the existing washer.

Many thanks for reading.

 

[rpm]

Looks like a fibre washer to me here.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Fibre washer

 

[Chuck]

Is it made of asbestos? Is there a way of telling?

Impossible to be sure without getting it tested. It looks to me like a fibre washer that has a coating of corrosion from being in contact with bronze.

You are wise to be cautious, however, asbestos was included some gaskets for many years, until sometime in the early 80s IIRC.

I'd make sure it was kept damp, remove it wearing plastic gloves, double bag it along with the gloves, label it 'Asbestos (suspected, not tested)' and take it to your local council facility who will dispose of it safely.

 

[Last Plumber]

It does look like a fibre washer so probably harmless.

However, as chuck said, asbestos was used as an ingredient in that type of washer some time ago, (not all but some). Treat it with caution. keep it wet whilst you remove it and dispose of it correctly unless you're certain it doesn't contain any.

Asbestos is in more things than people realise.

Commercial Pump Gaskets that are donkeys years old can be one to watch, especially when you need to scrape them off a flange face.

If i am in doubt I would wet them with a PVA solution so it seals better for when it starts to dry out again.

Lurking dangers !!!!

 

[Best]

Looks like fibre washer and in good order.
Asbestos washers tended to be white or tan in colour, but you never can be sure.

 

[boilingpoint]

Thanks a lot for all the contributions.

On close inspection, the pattern on the washer does look uncannily similar to the one on the washer that came with the new heating element.

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The washer has now been removed. I followed the advice given, just to be sure. I also covered the washer with a plastic bag and snapped it off from the outside. Unfortunately, one of the pieces flipped backwards. Cue lots of fun trying to fish it out of the cylinder with a torch taped to slotted spoon.

Thanks again.