Geyser installation

Compiled by Tanya Olckers

In this second instalment of our geyser series, we take a look at what goes into installing a geyser (or water heater.)

Illegal geysers are a danger. Supplied by © Plumbing Africa

The most important part of geyser installation is that it be done by a competent, compliant and qualified plumber and electrician. Manufacturers take the utmost care in creating a compliant product: however, they are not responsible for incorrect installation on the part of the plumber or electrician.

Unqualified operators have caused untold damage, not just to the homes of clients, but to the overall reputation of the plumbing and electrical industry. What’s more, you, the qualified plumber/electrician, may be called in to fix someone else’s mess, which can lead to a great deal of frustration.

In step-by-step terms, installing a geyser can include the following steps:

1. Assess the installation area to ensure that there is sufficient space to install the water heater
2. Ensure the area is safe to work in and safe to mount the water heater
3. Turn off the water and electrical supply
4. Install the water heater in position and ensure it is securely mounted
5. Flush the cold-water supply line prior to connecting the water heater
6. Connect the relevant valves and piping, ensure the orientation of the drain cock is correct to avoid the pipes obstructing the flange area
7. Check that the pressure control valve is free from dirt and should be of the correct pressure rating
8. After completing the installation, fill the water heater and open one or more hot water taps to dispel the air from the system
9. Close all hot taps to bring water heater under pressure and check all plumbing connections for leaks
10. Installation diagrams and regulations must be complied with in all respects
11. The installation of a drip tray is required where water leaking from the water heater or connections could cause consequential damage
12. Have a registered electrician connect the electrical wiring

That last bit there – connect the electrical wiring – must be done by a qualified and competent electrician and must comply with SANS 10142-1.

Constant checks during manufacture are important. Supplied by Kwikot

Trouble shooting and maintenance

There are several issues that are quite common with geyser installations. Knowing what is going on and what you need to do to fix it is half the job done.

No hot water

• Ensure that the electrical supply to the water heater is turned on and correctly functioning (To be done by a registered electrician)
• Alternatively check and test the heating element and thermostat and replace the faulty component if required

Inadequate hot water (to be done by a registered electrician)

• Ensure the installation of the water heater and piping is correct
• Adjust the temperature of the thermostat higher
• Check and test the heating element and thermostat and replace faulty component if required
• Adjust the temperature of the thermostat higher (to be done by, a registered electrician)
• Alternatively check and ensure that there are no leaks on the hot water pipes

Water leaks

• Inspect and repair any water pipes and fittings that are showing any signs of a leak
• Inspect and replace any valves that are showing any signs of malfunctioning or leaks
• Inspect the flange for any signs of a leak and repair or replace if required
• Alternatively replace the water heater if the tank is leaking

A water heater should be inspected and maintained at least once a year to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Geyser maintenance includes repairs and replacements. This is also an opportunity for you, the plumber, to add this onto your list of services to add value to your customers and to bring in revenue.

A nice way of doing this is to create a ‘geyser vaccination card’ that you can give to the customer after installation, stating a date when the geyser needs to be serviced. Diarise this date for yourself and make sure that the customer gets a call from you or a staff member a month before the service is due to remind them to get the geyser serviced. Be sure to let your customer know upfront what the inspection and service involves as well as the price.

Geyser coming off assembly line. Supplied by Kwikot

What repairs can be performed on a geyser?

• Can be performed: Replacing the thermostat, heating elements, anode, and pressure relief valve, fixing leaks on the flange and fittings and flushing the tank
• Can’t be performed: Major structural repairs to the tank itself, which typically require replacing the entire product

According to Raymond Saayman from Ariston, “Unfortunately, as manufacturer we can’t control what happens with the removed products. For products damaged during transport or warranty replacements, Ariston destroys and scraps the products so that it can’t re-enter the market as second-hand or reconditioned products. We strongly encourage all other role-players to do the same.”

Testing Procedures and Compliance Checks

Before energising the geyser circuit, several vital tests must be conducted:

• Insulation Resistance: Ensure that insulation resistance is not less than 1MΩ between the live conductors and the earth conductor to verify no damage to the conductors occurred during installation.
• Earth and Bonding: Properly earth and bond hot and cold- water pipes to maintain a resistance not exceeding 0.2Ω, keeping electrical potential at zero volts across exposed conductive parts.
• Earth Continuity Resistance: Ensure that the earth continuity resistance to the geyser terminals aligns with Table
• 1 in SANS 10142-1, ensuring proper earthing and effective circuit breaker operation.
• Voltage Tests: After circuit activation, measure the no-load voltage at the geyser terminals and calculate the full-load voltage to confirm that voltage drop does not exceed 5% at the consumption point.

The anatomy of a geyser. Supplied by Ariston

Certification of Compliance (CoC)

If your geyser is part of a new installation, it should be covered by the initial CoC. If you need to replace the geyser or any of its components, such as the element, thermostat or switch disconnector in an existing installation, a supplementary CoC is necessary. This includes all previously mentioned tests, along with all of the safety tests conducted at the distribution board. Additionally, if any modifications are made to the electrical circuit, thermostat or element, and the geyser was not previously protected by an earth leakage, it is essential to install a new earth leakage or rewire the geyser circuit to include earth leakage protection. Obtaining this certification is vital to ensure that your geyser meets all the relevant safety and performance standards.

Understanding these electrical requirements will not only help in maintaining efficiency and safety in your home’s plumbing but will also ensure compliance with local regulations, giving you peace of mind.

With technical input from ECASA, IOPSA, Ariston and ISS Western Cape.

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