What are these little taps called?

[WaterTight]

And do I need to isolate the electrical supply/check it's dead before replacing? I'm hoping not as don't have any equipment or know-how to do so.

Thanks

 

[JCplumb]

It's just an ISO really but needs to control flow to maintain temp through the heater.
Not sure of proper name but I call it a water heater valve but you might be able to get the same result with an ISO that has a small lever on like the kind of lever on most washing machine valves, would be fiddly to get right though.
My local merchants do them and knew what I wanted when I asked for a water heater valve
As for electrical isolation, yes isolate it, it should be on its own spur so shouldn't be difficult. The part you'll be working on won't be live but you don't want it kicking in when there's no water in the hex.

 

[Aquarius]

And do I need to isolate the electrical supply/check it's dead before replacing? I'm hoping not as don't have any equipment or know-how to do so.
Thanks

Might I suggest you do get some equipment and know-how? Equipment not that expensive (£20 upwards), safe isolation course - again not that expensive if you look around. Also check this out https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/media/1201/best-practice-guide-2-issue-3.pdf. You also have a duty of care/responsibility, possibly under the hasawa (health and safety at work act), but certainly the electricity at work regulations.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Looks the the electrode fitting are leaking as well

 

[WaterTight]

So what's the verdict, don't touch unless I have ability to check it's all is dead using proper testing equipment?

Happy to pass it on, not worth it if it's not best practise. Which is why I aksed.

Didn't notice any wet anywhere else other than the little tap Shaun, so perhaps it's sealed itself up?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

You can do it just make sure it’s turned off via the fused spur confirm with a multi meter or volt stick

then I would install a new stop tap or you could use this JG Speedfit stopcock 15mm - https://www.toolstation.com/jg-speedfit-stop-cock/p72200

 

[mfgs]

Not worth taking a risk with the electrics if you can’t confirm it’s dead.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

He’s only changing the leaky valve so it’s only to stop the element burning out

 

[Aquarius]

He’s only changing the leaky valve so it’s only to stop the element burning out

I’m guessing myself and mfgs misinterpreted what was said, I wasn’t thinking the whole unit’s getting replaced. In which case, no need to prove dead for a water component, on a water pipe.

 

[WaterTight]

Thanks all

What do I do with a voltage pen? So I turn of the switch to the machine and then.....wave in the general area around the switch or the unit?

 

[oz-plumber]

Try it out on a lead connected to a power point.
Eg, Toaster, kettle fridge, lamp
Turn the power point on an off and see whet the voltage pen does

 

[WaterTight]

Ok will do, sound quite fun.

Well when you're as lonely and boring as I am.

I shall report back.