Winter months mean thick socks, marshmallows in hot chocolate and extra hot baths. But winter is also the time of year when your geyser is more likely to burst, with the potential to cause major damage to your property.
Many individuals only find out too late that they are not appropriately covered for a burst geyser. So it is important to ensure that you have the right cover in the event of an unexpected emergency.
Why do geysers burst?
Geysers can burst due to internal rust, damaged or old anodes, faulty thermostats or extreme temperature drops that cause geysers to strain as they try to maintain the water’s temperature.
How to prevent a burst geyser:
Most geysers last between 10 – 12 years before they need to be replaced, but occasionally a geyser may burst without warning. We’ve assembled some helpful tips that may prolong the life of your geyser and assist in preventing the geyser from bursting or at least minimise the damage caused if it does burst.
- Get your geyser serviced every 3 years by a qualified plumber. A plumber will make sure that geyser components, safety features (like the shut-off valve), and pipes are all in good order.
- Make sure that there is a cover over the thermostat and element, as these are often left uncovered next to the geyser.
- Install a drip tray to limit any water damage from a leak or burst.
- Set the thermostat to 60 degrees Celsius to prolong the life of your geyser and to save electricity.
- Insulate your geyser with a geyser blanket. This will not only help you save electricity but will also increase the lifespan of the geyser.
- Switch your geyser off for a short period occasionally or use a timer, but don’t let the water cool down too much so that the geyser needs to work extra hard to reheat the water.
- Consider installing surge protection on your geyser circuit to protect against the effects of power spikes during load shedding.
Whilst these tips may come in handy, it’s also important to know where all the safety features are, such as the shut-off valve for the water intake pipe, and the geyser switch on your circuit board.
Warning signs that your geyser may be about to burst:
If your geyser is making unusual sounds (such as cracking or rumbling), there are any wet patches near the geyser, or steam comes out when you open the hot tap, your geyser may be about to burst. Switch the geyser circuit off at the DB board and then call us immediately on 0860 999 888. Follow the voice prompts to report the issue so that we can get a certified plumber to check on your geyser’s condition.
- Get your geyser serviced every 3 years by a qualified plumber. A plumber will make sure that geyser components, safety features (like the shut-off valve), and pipes are all in good order.
- Make sure that there is a cover over the thermostat and element, as these are often left uncovered next to the geyser.
- Install a drip tray to limit any water damage from a leak or burst.
- Set the thermostat to 60 degrees Celsius to prolong the life of your geyser and to save electricity.
- Insulate your geyser with a geyser blanket. This will not only help you save electricity but will also increase the lifespan of the geyser.
- Switch your geyser off for a short period occasionally or use a timer, but don’t let the water cool down too much so that the geyser needs to work extra hard to reheat the water.
- Consider installing surge protection on your geyser circuit to protect against the effects of power spikes during load shedding.
Whilst these tips may come in handy, it’s also important to know where all the safety features are, such as the shut-off valve for the water intake pipe, and the geyser switch on your circuit board.
What to do if your geyser bursts:
- Switch off the main power supply straight away.
- Turn off the water supply to the geyser to prevent any further water loss.
- Call Barton Insurance Brokers immediately on 0860 999 888 and follow the voice prompts to report the incident, so that we can advise and assist you with the claim.
How to ensure that you have the right geyser insurance cover:
If you have building insurance, your geyser will be covered in the event of a leak or burst, but you may not be covered for the water damage that could occur to your belongings. For this you will need home contents insurance. So be sure to contact us and confirm the cover you currently have on your insurance policy and what additional cover you may need in order to be protected in the event of a burst geyser claim.
Important to note: Your insurer also covers gas geysers and solar geysers. Don’t hesitate to find out more by contacting us on 0860 999 888 OR info@barton.co.za.
When it comes to geysers, you don’t want to be left without hot water on a cold winter’s day!