Every year, the insurance industry spends millions of Rands on water damage caused by malfunctioning hot water geysers. In winter, when geysers suffer more wear and tear, claims for geyser-related damage increase.

Expansion and contraction of the geyser tank and its components occur during normal usage as hot water leaves the geyser and is replaced with cold water. However, in winter the cold-water temperature can drop considerably. The temperature difference between the cold water entering the geyser and the hot water leaving the geyser is therefore much greater than it is during the summer months. This increases the rate of expansion and contraction, which can lead to metal fatigue.

“A defective geyser is a serious concern. Besides destroying fixtures and fittings in the property, it can also cause serious injury or even death.  Geysers that burst are dangerous. So to prevent devastating consequences, it is worthwhile having your geyser checked out by a professional before the cold weather really sets in,” says Budget Insurance’s spokesperson, Graham Craags.

To ease the burden on your geyser, one has to turn down the thermostat to 60 degrees Celsius and fit a geyser blanket to help reduce heat loss.

“This will help reduce your geyser’s power consumption and ultimately, your electricity bill.”

Mr Craags emphasised the importance of switching off geysers from time to time, especially during peak electricity demand periods. He also said it was best to not let the geyser get cold, as the additional contraction-expansion cycle would decrease the lifespan of your geyser, while also consuming more electricity to warm the water up again.

“Prevention is better than cure, and one must keep an eye out for the early warning signs of geyser failure. If you notice that water coming from the geyser isn’t as hot as it used to be, that the water pressure isn’t high enough, that too much water or steam is coming from the hot water overflow pipe on your roof, that the geyser is making strange humming, hissing or cracking noises, or you notice wet spots near the geyser, disaster may be around the corner and it must be inspected immediately,” Mr Graags advised.

Mr Graags said it was important to switch off the electricity mains immediately if your geyser burst.

“Turn off the water mains, and call your plumber and insurer,” he concluded.

It is important to note that there is no danger of any water heating system exploding, on the condition that the system is installed according to SANS regulations (SANS 10106. SANS 151, SANS 1307 and SANS 10254), as well as to manufacturer’s instructions.

Unfortunately, a lot of water heating systems are not installed according to specification, and therefore the possibility of damage does exist, including damage to element, solar pumps, pipes, etc. All systems installed according to regulation pose no danger to users, no risk of failure, and no danger of explosion.

An expert should be consulted to certify compliance of a heating system if any doubt exists — in this regard the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) or any certified installer can be contacted.

Important tips:

1.      Geyser installation should be within the SANS regulations (SANS 10106. SANS 151, SANS 1307 and SANS 10254), as well as to manufacturer’s instructions.

2.      The installed geyser should have a ‘drip tray’.

3.      Geyser maintenance and ‘wear and tear’ is optional with your insurance but well worth your while when your geyser bursts.

4.      You should specify whether a solar geyser and heat pump is installed.

5.      Home owners’ personal building insurance usually doesn’t cover geysers' wear and tear or maintenance — make sure that your geyser is  properly insured.

6.      Many insurers cover replacements but only if they use their own panel of plumbers and maintenance teams. Contact your broker immediately should there be something missing.

Source:

Technical Training & Development #18

https://www.news24.com/MoveMag/Archive/tips-to-prevent-a-burst-geyser-this-winter-20170728