Geyser installations need to be done by qualified and experienced plumbers, otherwise disasters can occur within a short period of time. Reliable geysers are manufactured according to SABS standards, which specify acceptable standing heat loss and insulation requirements.
Correctly installed geysers
The SA Government Gazette has stipulated that all fixed electric storage water heating systems must comply with SANS 10254 installation specifications. In addition, all new geyser installations and replacement installations require that a drip tray with an overflow pipe reaching the exterior of the building are to be put into place, together with the overflow pipes from the safety and expansion relief valves.
Why should you bother about legislated installation regulations?
A professional geyser installation will save your business from unexpected losses due to emergency repairs resulting from poor labour, sub-standard equipment and mechanical or electrical problems. New developments can be prone to such blights where contractors are employed to provide the cheapest solutions, which may not be the safest. Speak to Savvy Civils & Plumbing if you have a concern about the quality of the geyser(s) used or the installation standards.
Maintenance checks to prevent a burst geyser or other complications.
Part of the operational standards for your business include regular safety checks on key electrical installations. Geysers should form part of this procedure. Watch for these signs to establish the condition of your geyser(s):
- Water is dripping from the geyser overflow pipe.
It is a normal part of the day-to-day operation of a geyser if there is an intermittent drip. This is due to the water in the geyser heating (and expanding) and cooling, actions which are regulated by the pressure control, allowing any unwanted water under pressure to be released.
However, if you see a continuous drip or flow of hot water from the overflow pipe (more than 4 litres per day), that means something is wrong with one of the components. Contact Savvy Civils & Plumbing on 087 806 6262 to have your geyser checked out to prevent a burst geyser in future. - You see steam escaping from the overflow pipe.
This is a sign that the geyser is overheating and is likely caused by a thermostat failure. The thermostat’s job is to ensure that the temperature set for the geyser (should be around 65 – 75 degrees C for a normal household) is not exceeded under normal conditions. If there is a thermostat failure, the water boils at a higher temperature and the safety valve blows to prevent the geyser from bursting.
This could result in a dangerous situation with the resultant expense and OHASA transgressions. Switch off the geyser at the DB Board and then run the hot water tap so the boiling water is drained from the geyser, allowing fresh water in which will cool down the existing water and geyser. Call your local plumber for assistance, as both the thermostat and safety valve will need to be replaced. - You’re not getting hot water or your electricity keeps switching off.
A properly wired office, community centre or hospitality venue has safety mechanisms to prevent a complete “short” in electricity. You have a ‘trip switch’ on your electrical distribution board (DB board) which switches off the electricity automatically if there is too much load on the circuits, or if there is some error in one of the connections. Lack of hot water coming through the taps after a reasonable time that water has been running, or if the electricity keeps switching off, mean that there is a malfunction with one of the geyser’s components – you should have this looked at right away.
Are there other options to electrical geysers?
You may wish to consider a gas geyser. There are two types available in South Africa – standard and advanced. Standard geysers are affordably priced, battery operated, as well as being simple to operate and maintain. They can vary in size from 6 litres to 26 litres depending on your hot water needs and should be serviced annually. Advanced gas geysers are extremely gas efficient, can be pre-programmed for the desired temperature and have electronic systems which automate a variety of functions. They should be serviced every six to eight months.
Solar geyser systems and tanks are becoming more popular in South Africa due to the rising price of electricity, reliability of supply and the obvious benefit of taking advantage of almost year-round sunny conditions to save money. Quality geysers should bear the mark of approval by reputable organisations.
Savvy Civils & Plumbing can install and replace gas, electric and solar geysers with minimum delay. If you are insured, we will provide the right documentation for you to claim on your insurance policy.
Savvy Plumbing is part of the Boksburg-based Savvy Holdings Group, which has been around since 2012. Our experienced management and staff have collectively been in this industry for over twenty-five years, so you can be assured of knowledge, professionalism and technical know-how. Call us today on 087 806 6262 or email info@savvyplumbing.co.za or send us a message for help.
