Old hot water system as boiler?

[stilly_bugger]

Okay, this may be a stupid question. Can I use an old electric hot water system as a boiler and not risk poisoning myself?

I know kegs are the boiler of preference but I can't get my hands on one cheap. So, today I started cutting the outer off an old 50lt electric hot water system that I had sitting behind the shed. I was going to turn it into an outdoor wood heater. Then I had a "Eureka! ... maybe" moment.

I'd cut the insulation layer off the system when I thought, "hang on, this is the same setup as a boiler -- a steel container with a heating element in it." So I stopped cutting it up jumped on here to ask if anyone has used an old hot water system as a boiler, or if not, why not.

I know very little about metals (don't solder ya copper still with lead is about it). Any advice?

Here are some shots of the heater stripped down:

I included the dog for scale.

heater_02.jpg

Shot of the top

heater_03.jpg

The element, which could be cut out and replaced.

heater_04.jpg

I know these units have a "vitreous enamel" lining, which may be a problem. I could always grind this off after I cut the top off. Otherwise, I'll go back to looking for a cheap keg and turn this into the outdoor heater it was always going to be.

Cheers.

[MacStill]

If it was a copper tank in your hot water system I would say you struck gold, but you best keep searching for the end of the rainbow :lol:

Kegs arent that hard to find, we've all got at least a few ;)

Talk to your local publican, offer him a redback or two for an ugly one :lol:

[maheel]

that metal is not going to be any good (steel) it will rust out real quick
keep you eye's open for a "saxon" hot water systems "copperflow system". they are nice copper

not sure if they sell saxon in Vic but ?

you can also get old car LPG tank in stainless steel, mytons was the brand of tank and they still show up around the place


but a beer keg is the go !!! easy to work with and show up around the place when you start looking

[MacStill]

.... even the dog looks worried :lol:

[stilly_bugger]

Thanks for the tips.

And the dog does look worried, doesn't he. He always knows best. Guess he's learned from experience.

[hubs]

Try a scrap metal yard. Be about $60.