In South Africa, the rising cost of electricity and the persistent issue of load shedding have left many homeowners searching for alternative methods to heat water in their homes.

 

With these challenges affecting our daily lives, it’s essential to explore practical and sustainable solutions.

In this blog post, we will explore geyser installation in South Africa and answer some frequently asked questions about regular geysers, gas geysers and solar geysers. 


Geyser Installation: Safety First

When it comes to installing a hot water geyser, safety should always come first. Here are a few essential safety precautions to remember if you are attempting any form of DIY geyser installation:

     

      1. Before starting the installation, make sure to switch off the electricity and water supply to the geyser.

      1. Wear the necessary safety gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to ensure your protection throughout the installation process.

      1. If you have any doubts or uncertainties about any aspect of the installation, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a reputable plumber or professional.

    Geyser Installation - Switching off geyser

    Electric Geysers: How to Install a Geyser

    If you are considering installing a new electric geyser in your home, it is best to have it professionally installed by a geyser installation specialist like Absolute Plumbing. Because of the nature of the installation, which involves working with electricity and water, there are safety protocols that need to be followed, and you will need a sound knowledge of electrical work. Besides that, it is crucial that your geyser installation is compliant with South African laws and regulations to avoid health and safety hazards.

    That being said, here is a brief guide to the process followed when we install a geyser:

       

        1. Safety First: Before starting any installation work, we ensure that the power supply is turned off and that we have the necessary safety gear, such as gloves and goggles.

        1. Choosing the Right Location: We will select a suitable location for the geyser, preferably near the water source and close to an electrical outlet. We will also ensure there is ample space around the geyser for easy maintenance and repairs.

         

          1. Mounting the Geyser: For a wall mounted geyser installation, we will install mounting brackets or hangers on the wall at the desired height, place the geyser onto the brackets and make sure it is securely fastened.

        Geyser Installation - Plumber installing a Geyser

           

            1. Plumbing Connections: Our plumbers will then connect the water supply line to the cold water inlet on the geyser and the hot water outlet to your plumbing system. We use the appropriate fittings and seal them properly to prevent leaks.

             

              1. Electrical Connections: We will then connect your new geyser to the electrical supply. We will ensure proper wiring, grounding, and safety measures are in place to guarantee compliance.

               

                1. Thermostat Settings: We will then set the geyser’s thermostat to the desired temperature. It is recommended to keep it at around 55-65 degrees Celsius to balance energy efficiency and hot water demand.

                 

                  1. Testing and Insulation: Once the installation is complete, our plumbers will turn on the water supply and electricity. We will also check for any leaks and ensure the geyser is functioning correctly. We can also include insulation of geyser pipes, a geyser blanket or even a geyser timer installation to enhance energy efficiency.

                Recommended Reading: Geyser FAQ: Everything You Need To Know

                Gas Geyser Installation

                Depending on where you live in South Africa and your hot water usage patterns, a gas geyser may be the best solution for your household. Gas geysers are excellent as they provide hot water on demand even when the power is out or on cloudy days when a solar geyser may be ineffective.

                Depending on your home’s hot water demands, you will need to choose a gas geyser that is an appropriate size to meet your requirements. Or consider installing more than one to ensure an adequate supply of hot water to all the taps in your home.

                As a general guide, the following table provides an estimate of the required geyser size based on the amount of hot water used per appliance:

                   

                    • One tap/washing machine: 6-12L

                    • One shower: 16L

                    • One shower and a single tap: 20L

                    • Two showers: 26L

                    • Three-four showers: 32L

                  Gas Water Cylinder

                  How to Install a Gas Geyser

                  Just like electric geysers, it is critical that you hire a professional plumber to do your geyser installation in South Africa. There are compliance regulations pertaining to gas, and you will need to ensure your system is compliant with rules and regulations. Here is a brief guide on how to install a gas geyser:

                     

                      1. Start by carefully reviewing the product manual provided by the manufacturer and familiarising yourself with the geyser parts names. Follow any specific instructions given for installation before proceeding with general installation steps.

                       

                        1. Position your new gas geyser near an external wall for easy venting connections without excessive bends.

                         

                          1. Clean any surface rust off existing pipework using an abrasive cloth or wire brush before connecting new geyser parts.

                           

                            1. Connect the supply piping using the appropriate fittings, making sure to tighten each connection securely with an adjustable wrench. Apply a small amount of pipe thread sealant tape around the threads and give it an extra little twist.

                             

                              1. Test all joints for leaks using a soap solution. If any leaks are detected, tighten the geyser connections again until no more bubbles appear, indicating an airtight system.

                               

                                1. Install a shut-off valve between the main supply point and the meter. This allows you to control the flow rate when necessary without shutting down the entire system.

                                 

                                  1. Attach the flue manifold to the side of the unit according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, using small screws to secure it in place.

                                   

                                    1. Thoroughly check all connections and turn on the main valve to see if the water flows correctly. Adjust the pressure regulator dial to achieve the desired temperature settings.

                                     

                                      1. After testing is completed, turn off the main valve and leave it in the set position for future use.

                                       

                                        1. Double-check all connections made during the installation process to ensure that nothing has been left undone, which could pose hazards in the future.

                                      Geyser Installation - Gas Water Heater

                                      As you can see, this is quite a complex process; that’s why we advise against performing a DIY gas geyser installation. By using a professional plumber, you can have peace of mind that the geyser is safe for you and your family to use, and you won’t have any issues with local authorities for being non-compliant.

                                      How Much Does it Cost to Install a Gas Geyser?

                                      For replacement installations, the installation cost typically falls within the range of R4000 to R6000. However, in the case of new installations, additional expenses may arise due to the requirement for new pipes, geyser fittings, geyser components and cables to accommodate the new water system. This can result in an increased cost for extra plumbing components, a gas cage if it’s a large gas bottle, and the cost of the labour for installation.

                                      We recommend contacting Absolute Plumbing Cape Town for expert advice and a free quote.

                                      Geyser Installation - Gas Water Heater Installation

                                      Solar Geyser Installation

                                      Solar geysers are an excellent choice for harnessing renewable energy for hot water needs. Installing solar geysers not only reduces reliance on traditional energy sources but also helps lower utility bills and minimise carbon footprint. However, prioritising safety during the installation process is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps to install solar geysers safely, as well as the costs of solar geysers.

                                      Solar Panel

                                      How to Install a Solar Geyser?

                                      There are several steps involved in the installation of a solar geyser. Here’s a guide to walk you through each step:

                                         

                                          1. Mount the solar collectors on your roof. This is usually the first step in installing a solar hot water system. The collectors should be positioned to absorb maximum sunlight.

                                           

                                            1. Connect the solar collectors to the storage tank. This involves connecting the pipes from the collectors to the storage tank, ensuring proper alignment and sealing.

                                             

                                              1. If your cylinder/geyser sits lower than your solar panel, you will need to install a circulation pump. This pump transports the heated water out of the panel and into the geyser/cylinder, thus ensuring you have an adequate supply of hot water throughout your home.

                                               

                                                1. Connect the solar geyser to the existing plumbing system. This includes connecting the outlet pipe from the solar geyser to your home’s main water supply line.

                                                 

                                                  1. Install a backup heating system. While solar geysers rely on sunlight for heating, it’s crucial to have a backup heating system in case of limited sunlight or increased hot water demand.

                                                   

                                                    1. Test the system for leaks and functionality. Once the installation is complete, check for any leaks and ensure that the solar geyser is functioning correctly.

                                                  Geyser Installation - Solar Geyser

                                                  Please note that these steps are general guidelines and may vary depending on the specific solar geyser system you are installing. Hiring a professional plumber, like Absolute Plumbing, is essential for peace of mind and long-term cost savings. Our expertise ensures that the job is done right the first time around, preventing future issues, time-wasting and expensive repairs.

                                                  How Much Does It Cost to Install a Solar Geyser? 

                                                  Solar geyser installation prices, specifically a closed coupled high-pressure system, can vary between R12000 and R25000 and above. Our estimation is just for a solar geyser, not an entire solar powered system that provides electricity to your home.

                                                  It is important to note that this cost estimate does not include the plumber’s labour charges for the installation and can be more expensive than gas geyser installation prices due to the complexity of solar geyser systems.

                                                  Recommended reading: Solar Geyser in Cape Town: FAQs and Benefits

                                                  South African Rand

                                                  Geyser Installation: 5 Benefits of Using Absolute Plumbing

                                                  1. Compliance with Regulations

                                                  Absolute Plumbing Cape Town ensures full compliance with the necessary regulations governing geyser installations. Non-compliant installations can hinder the sale process of a property and potentially result in costly re-installation. By choosing Absolute Plumbing Cape Town, homeowners can ensure a compliant installation from the start.

                                                  2. Professional Expertise

                                                  The team at Absolute Plumbing Cape Town consists of highly skilled and experienced professional plumbers who are fully insured and registered with the City Of Cape Town. Their expertise guarantees a high-quality installation that meets industry standards.

                                                  3. Cost Savings on Geyser Installation

                                                  Geyser installations by Absolute Plumbing Cape Town can enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption, leading to lower energy bills over time.

                                                  Geyser Installation - Plumber with a Geyser

                                                  4. Range of Services

                                                  Apart from geyser fitting and installation, Absolute Plumbing Cape Town offers a range of services, including burst geyser replacements, geyser elements, thermostat and anode replacement, SANS compliance, and more.

                                                  5. Customer Satisfaction

                                                  With their professional service and commitment to saving homeowners money, Absolute Plumbing Cape Town consistently prioritises customer satisfaction and delivers exceptional results.
                                                  Recommended reading: Burst Geyser 101: What to Do When Your Geyser Bursts

                                                  Geyser Installation: Final Thoughts

                                                  If you need assistance deciding which type of geyser is best for your home or need assistance with geyser installation, Absolute Plumbing Cape Town is just a phone call away. Our expertise ensures compliance with regulations, delivers top-notch workmanship, and we can even assist with repairs and routine maintenance of all types of geysers to ensure your home always has an adequate supply of hot water.

                                                  Absolute Plumbing Cape Town also offers a comprehensive range of services, including but not limited to drain cleaning, leak detection, pipe relining, bathroom renovations and general plumbing services in Cape Town. So, there is no need to continue browsing online for ‘geyser installation near me’; contact Absolute Plumbing Cape Town today on 084 8722 758 or visit our website for a FREE quote.