We can all agree that we would like to avoid mouldy carpets, ruined furniture, spoilt ceilings and damaged electronics at all costs.
The insurance industry spends millions every year on geyser-related water damage.
Burst geysers are a popular complaint these days. If you haven’t experienced a burst geyser yourself, you likely know someone who has.
Let’s take a look at some common causes of geyser bursts, how you can prevent them from happening, and most importantly, what to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
What Are Common Causes of Burst Geysers?
- A damaged thermostat can create temperatures (often above boiling point), and pressure that is too high for the geyser to handle.
- Over-pressure as a result of faulty valves or sediment build-up make geysers erupt.
- Rust and corrosion are high-risk for bursts and geyser leaks.
- Cheap, low-quality geysers are badly regulated and can be faulty.
- Metal fatigue due to expansion and contraction of the geyser tank during the colder winter months.
How Can You Take Care of Your Geyser To Avoid Issues?
It is advised that a plumber checks your geyser every 3 years since most geysers have a 5-year lifespan and you may need to replace parts.
As a preventative measure, install a drip tray underneath your geyser to catch water and limit damage to your home in the case of geyser failure.
Have your geyser’s sacrificial anode rod inspected every 2 years to avoid a build-up of rust.
Ensure that the thermostat is set below 60 degrees to avoid excess steam which can cause several issues.
Bonus tip: Save on your electricity bill and your geyser’s lifespan with a geyser blanket. This will reduce heat loss and you can expect to wake up to lovely, hot water!
What To Do When You Have A Burst Geyser?
A burst geyser is many people’s worst nightmare. You should ensure that you are familiar with what to do if this happens to prevent significant damage to your home.
- Turn off the geyser isolator switch on your electricity board.
- Switch off your water at the main supply immediately.
- Run hot water from the tap to relieve pressure in the geyser.
- Call a place such as RJ Martindale Plumbing, or a plumber in your area right away.
- Contact your insurance company to claim for any damage to your home and valuables. Ensure that your plumber gives you an invoice for your claim, the geyser’s warranty, as well as confirmation of a guarantee.
How Do You Know If Your Geyser Is Going To Burst?
If you notice anything unusual such as reduced water pressure, cooler water than usual, constant temperature changes in your shower water, or funny noises – your geyser needs some urgent attention.
Another sign of a geyser burst is watermarks on your ceiling. A sudden appearance of new marks or spots is an immediate sign of trouble and shouldn’t be ignored.
Look out for discoloured, brown or ‘dirty’ water running out of your hot water taps. It could be a sign that there is corrosion inside your geyser.
These warning signs could indicate that your geyser could burst at any time. It’s always best to get a professional opinion or assistance from a plumber in these situations.
To Conclude
Having a burst geyser is always a nightmare and no one wants to deal with the issue. That is why following some of the easy steps provided above will help to alleviate the stress involved with sorting out the problem.
Always ensure that you get a professional to help and avoid any attempts to DIY the problem.
