A geyser is a pressurised water heating tank that stores and heats water for domestic or commercial use. Most South African homes use an electric resistance geyser — a steel tank with a heating element, thermostat, pressure control valve, and temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve).
The geyser receives cold water from the municipal supply, heats it to a set temperature (typically 60°C–65°C), and stores it under pressure until needed. When a hot tap is opened, pressurised hot water flows out and cold water enters to replace it.
Tank (inner glass-lined steel, outer casing)
Heating element
Thermostat
Pressure reducing valve (PRV)
Temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve)
Sacrificial anode rod
Cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes
Drip tray and drain pipe
Overflow pipe
Caused by: failed heating element, tripped thermostat, tripped circuit breaker, or complete geyser failure. We diagnose the exact cause before recommending repair or replacement.
Caused by: failed T&P valve, corroded tank, leaking inlet or outlet connections, or cracked drip tray drain. A leaking geyser must be attended to immediately — ignored leaks cause ceiling and structural damage.
Caused by: excessive pressure, failed pressure reducing valve, age-related tank corrosion, or blocked overflow pipe. A burst geyser is a plumbing emergency — call us immediately.
The overflow pipe dripping occasionally is normal — it releases excess pressure. Constant dripping indicates a faulty T&P valve or excessive system pressure. This must be investigated.
Caused by: corroded tank interior or failed sacrificial anode rod. This is a sign your geyser is nearing end of life.
Caused by: undersized geyser for household demand, failed element, incorrect thermostat setting, or significant sediment buildup reducing tank capacity.
Popping or rumbling sounds indicate sediment buildup on the heating element. This reduces efficiency and shortens element life.
Caused by: failed element with earth fault, wiring fault, or moisture ingress into the electrical connections.
All new geyser installations in South Africa must comply with SANS 10252 and SANS 10254 standards. This includes:
Correct sizing for household demand
Proper pressure reducing valve installation
Compliant T&P valve and overflow pipe routing
Drip tray installation with drainage
Correct electrical connections by a qualified person
We supply and install all major geyser brands including Kwikot, Franke, Ariston, and Chromagen. We also install heat pump geysers and solar geyser systems. Important: Your home insurance policy requires a valid COC for your geyser. An installation without a COC may void your insurance claim in the event of a burst or water damage.
Proper maintenance extends your geyser lifespan and prevents costly emergencies.
Lift the lever on the T&P valve briefly to confirm it opens and reseats correctly. If it drips continuously after testing, replace it immediately.
The anode rod protects the tank interior from corrosion. When it is depleted the tank corrodes rapidly. Replacement is inexpensive compared to a new geyser.
Install a pressure gauge on your system. Pressure above 400kPa accelerates wear on all geyser components. Install a PRV if pressure is excessive.
A geyser blanket reduces heat loss and electricity consumption. Insulating hot water pipes reduces the time to get hot water at the tap.
The recommended thermostat setting is 60°C. This is hot enough to kill legionella bacteria but not so high that it accelerates scale buildup and element wear.
The average South African geyser lasts 8–12 years. If yours is approaching this age, plan a replacement before it fails — a planned installation is significantly cheaper than an emergency replacement with ceiling repairs.
Have a PIRB-registered plumber inspect your geyser annually — checking pressure, valve condition, element performance, and overall tank condition.
Install a pressure reducing valve if not already fitted
never ignore a constant dripping overflow pipe
Replace aging geysers before they fail
Ensure your geyser has a complaint drip tray and drain
Ensure your geyser COC is current and valid
Available 24/7 — For geyser repair
PIRB-registered plumbers
Supply and installation of all major brands
All work guaranteed
COC certificates issued where required