Tap Tap Plumbing

geyser repairs

a 100-liter geyser in an enclosed space installation

Understanding Burst Geysers: Causes, Signs, and Preventive Measures

Previous Next Understanding Burst Geysers: Causes, Signs, and Preventive Measures Burst geysers can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare — a sudden torrent of water damaging property and creating an emergency situation. In some places, these geysers are known as hot water heaters or boilers, but regardless of the name, it’s essential to understand what causes them, the signs to watch for, and how to prevent potential disasters. What Causes Burst Geysers? A burst geyser typically occurs due to a combination of factors: 1. Pressure Buildup: Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can accumulate in the geyser, particularly at the bottom where water is heated. This buildup can cause the water to overheat and create excessive pressure within the tank. Eventually, the pressure exceeds the tank’s capacity, leading it to burst. 2. Corrosion: Aging geysers, or those not properly maintained, can suffer from corrosion. Rust can eat away at the tank, weakening it over time until it fails. Regular inspections can help spot early signs of corrosion. 3. Temperature Settings: Setting your hot water heater too high can lead to overheating. Most experts recommend keeping the temperature at or below 140°F (60°C) to prevent both pressure and scalding risks. 4. Poor Installation: Incorrectly installed geysers, particularly concerning pressure relief valves or poor drainage systems, can contribute to the risk of bursting. Signs That Your Geyser May Burst Being attentive to your geyser’s condition can prevent a disastrous rupture. Here are signs that may indicate trouble: 1. Water Leakage: Regularly check for water pooling around the base of your hot water heater. This could indicate that the tank is developing weaknesses or leaks. 2. Unusual Noises: If you hear rumbling, popping, or hissing sounds coming from your geyser, it may be a sign of sediment buildup or excessive pressure. 3. Decreased Water Pressure: Sudden drops in water pressure can indicate a problem inside the geyser, potentially signaling a rupture or blockage in the pipes. 4. Temperature Fluctuations: If you experience inconsistent hot water supply or temperatures, it could suggest an issue with the thermostat or other mechanical parts of the boiler.  Preventive Measures Taking proactive steps can help extend the life of your geyser and prevent bursting: 1. Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual inspections by a certified technician. They can flush the tank to remove sediment and limescale buildup and check for signs of corrosion and other issues. 2. Check Pressure Relief Valves: This crucial component helps regulate the internal pressure of your geyser. Test the valve regularly to ensure it opens and closes properly. 3. Adjust Temperature Settings: Maintain your geyser at a safe temperature. As mentioned, keeping it at or below 140°F can prevent overheating. 4. Insulate Your Geyser: If you live in an area with colder temperatures, insulation can prevent potential freezing of pipes and components, which can lead to pressure buildup. 5. Install a Pressure Reducing Valve: If your home water pressure is excessively high, installing a pressure-reducing valve can help manage the flow, reducing stress on the system. 6. Replace Aging Units: If your geyser is nearing the end of its lifespan (typically 8-12 years), consider replacement before issues arise. Newer models are often more efficient and have better safety features. Conclusion Burst geysers can be a frustrating and damaging experience, but by understanding the causes, being aware of the signs, and taking preventive measures, homeowners can mitigate risks associated with their hot water heaters or boilers. Regular maintenance and vigilance can save you from costly repairs and water damage, ensuring your home remains safe and comfortable. Stay proactive and enjoy peace of mind knowing your geyser is in tip-top shape! If you think your geyser might have burst or is noticing water streaming down your ceiling or exterior wall, remember having your geyser repaired or replaced by a professional makes all the difference. Call Tap Tap Plumbing today to assist with your burst geyser replacement. Do not hesitate to call us at any time, our geyser replacement teams are ready to assist you during all times day or night, week or weekend. 

Understanding Burst Geysers: Causes, Signs, and Preventive Measures Read More »

Quick plumbing advice for emergencies: burst geysers, burst pipes, blocked drains, and more. Be ready for any plumbing issue!

What to do in the event of a plumbing emergency – burst geyser

How to shut off your burst or leaking geyser Quick Guide Locate and turn off the water supply to the geyser. Shut off isolating valve Open a warm water faucet/tap to reduce warm water pressure and reduce water wastage Switch off electrical supply to geyser, circuit breaker is located on the electrical DB If the geyser is located in the roof and water leaks through the ceiling, put a bucket underneath it and reuse the water Call Tap Tap Plumbing Detailed guide The reason we made a quick guide above, is because we know during a plumbing emergency, you want quick and to the point advice, after you have done the aforementioned steps and are now waiting for our friendly technicians to arrive on site, here is some additional reading material and a more thorough explanation of why each step is needed and some clarity on where stop taps or isolating taps can be found. Locate and turn off the water supply to the geyser. Shut off isolating valve. The isolating valve why is it called an isolating valve, well simply because off the function that it does, it completely isolates the water from that point on. In South Africa, it is more commonly referred to as a stop tap or stop valve. Well, this one is simple enough, if the water is leaking through your roof, closing the stop tap will stop new water entering the geyser and reduce the amout of wastage and limit the damage that the water causes to your property and ceiling. If the water is not leaking through your ceiling, it is still a good idea to close the water, no use in wasting a resource and increasing your water bill now is there? Now i the video I said it must go quite easily, some of the older taps, might struggle a little bit and some light force might be required, please exert caution when doing so, you do not want to break the tap and make an already bad situation worse.  Open a warm water faucet/tap to reduce warm water pressure and reduce water waste We open a water tap, to reduce the pressure on the geyser, remember it is a pressurized system and therefore if the pressure is not reduced, the water will continue to leak out at the geyser and might cause additional damage to the ceiling if the geyser is located in the interior of the roof. Opening a warm water tap also ensures that the leak or burst does not worsen and create more damage. The geyser will not drain through this method as during the installation process an Anti-syphon loop is installed to prevent this from happening. The geyser will still have to be drained by our technicians during the replacement process.  Switch off electrical supply to geyser, circuit breaker is located on the electrical DB We switch off the geyser, because whenever there is a water leak and an electrical connection it might result in an unwanted result or leave you without electricity for a little while. The circuit breaker can be found on the electrical distribution board, it is usually located next to the stove and should be clearly marked. To switch it off, flip/push it down. To know if it is in the off position is quite easy, it should point in a different direction than all the other circuit breakers. Even though it is off, do not be a hero, electricity should not be played with, leave it to the professionals.  If the geyser is located in the roof and water leaks through the ceiling, put a bucket underneath it and reuse the water Should it leak through your ceiling, put a bucket underneath it, if the water is coming out of various areas of the ceiling, it might be a good idea to poke a hole in the ceiling and concentrate the water on the area where the bucket is, make sure it is a lower point to ensure water flows there easily. Afterwards use the water to water your plants or to clean something on the outside, do not let the water go to waste it is a precious resource. Even if the geyser is located outside or the overflow outside is leaking, harvest the water and put it too use! Call Tap Tap Plumbing Now we know you want a no-nonsense plumber to resolve your plumbing issue or query the same day. At Tap Tap plumbing, that is exactly what we do, we render services on the same day. Our philosophy is to spread joy and happiness wherever we go. Now we know with a plumbing tragedy it might not be a joyous occasion, and we understand that, but why make it worse by not using our fantastic services which we have curated exactly for you the homeowner. So, try our service today and see how joyous a plumbing interaction can be.  Thank you for taking the time to read this, we really appreciate your time, should you have any questions or need assistance in any way feel free to reach out to us.  For more information on geysers feel free to view and visit the website of geyser manufacturers themselves such as Ariston/Heat Tech and Kwikot.

What to do in the event of a plumbing emergency – burst geyser Read More »