GEYSER
Geyser inspection is one of the most important tasks every homeowner should do. Geysers are one of the appliances we rely on every day. In fact, we are so used to it that we never even think about it let alone inspect it until the day you need hot water and there is no hot water, or even worse is when you find water pouring down through the ceiling.
When this happens it normally comes with other damages to walls, ceiling, carpets. Cupboards and floors. Water heaters are generally very dependable and quiet until the day it reminds you of a splash.
Although good Geysers can last up to 15 years (Depending on the type of water used) you can extend the life of your water geyser even further with a proper inspection and maintenance plan and save money in the process.
The annual inspection and maintenance plan
You can significantly extend the life of your Geyser if you follow a simple inspection and maintenance plan
- Check for water leaks indications
- Set down the temperature
- Test the T&P relief valve
If your Geyser is installed inside the ceiling, be careful where you step some beams inside the ceiling will not
carry weight, rather get a platform to step on which you can move along the
beams inside your roof a 150mmx50mmx1.5m beam will do the trick. While other
ceilings will be too small to crawl in you will have to gain entrance through
the roof. If you are unable to climb into the ceiling call VIP Plumbers in
Pretoria to do the inspection for you.
Start the inspection all around the Geyser looking for signs of corrosion or leaks pay attention to connections like cold water inlet connection, shutdown valve, hot water outlet connection, vacuum breakers, T&P valve also the housing of the water heater. If you are unsure about anything, rather call VIP Plumbers in Pretoria to do this for you.
Check that the drip-tray is dry and no water is inside the drip tray. Should you find water in the tray this indicates that you have a leak on or near the water heater. Do not take chances with your plumbing system, this could end up in disaster, rather call a Plumber.
A sign of corrosion is in most cases a warning of a upcoming problem.
Check that your drip_tray has a 50mm PVC pipe leading to the outside of the building. The T&P valve should also have a 20mm metal pipe leading to the outside of the building. (NOT INTO THE DRIP_TRAY) This is a must be in all buildings that are fitted with a Geyser in the roof.
Check that the Geyser is positioned in the center of the drip tray and no part or parts overlapping the sides of the tray.
Switch off the electric supply (Circuit breaker next to the Geyser) then remove the electrical cover plate the wires, element and thermostat will now be visible. Check for any signs of leaks or damp around the element. Inspect the wires for signs of melt or burned wires.
Set down the temperature
On the thermostat check, the temperature on the dialer is set to 60° Celcius.(If not reset it) This can be done with a small flat screwdriver insert to a slot on the dialer. Reducing the temperature setting on your Geyser saves money and wear and tear. This lowered setting will protect the tank from overheating and will reduce the energy used by the Geyser.
REMEMBER any sign of leakage or corrosion must get immediate attention.
Test the T&P relief valve
The T&P valve is essential for the safe operation of your Geyser and must be in 100% working condition. It is also very important that it is installed correctly.
The temperature and pressure relief valve is critical to the safety and proper operation of your Geyser. It's a simple but important valve and can be easily checked:
- To test the T&P valve simply turn the black knob part situated on top of the valve, this will allow it to open and rapidly snap back. (Depending on the model T&P valve you have installed) this knob will be a black round plastic head on the top of the valve)
- You should hear a gurgling sound as the valve allows some water to be released down into the drain tube towards the outside of the building.
- If the T&P valve did nothing then it is bad and needs to be replaced.
- Safety valve
plumbing system but also helps you to do in time repairs, which otherwise would have you end up with huge damage and expensive repairs which could have been avoided.
Some Plumbing problems are easy to be repaired while on the other hand others are tricky and should rather be left to be done by a Plumber.
If you are in doubt of any plumbing issue or you would like a plumber to do the inspection for you, call VIP Plumbers in Pretoria to do it for you.
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