As winter sets in, water geysers become a staple in many households, ensuring a continuous supply of hot water for daily needs. However, while they provide comfort and convenience, water geysers require regular maintenance to function efficiently and safely. Ensuring that your geyser is in top condition not only helps avoid unpleasant surprises but also prolongs its life.
Many people overlook the importance of servicing their geyser, assuming that once installed, it will continue to work without a hitch. But just like any other appliance, geysers need attention. Dr. Rinky Kapoor, a renowned consultant dermatologist, emphasizes the need for clean and soft water from the geyser. She explains, “Every machine needs servicing. Geysers are no different. We are using it to wash our skin and hair, so the water that is coming through it needs to be clean and soft.”
Geysers work by heating water and storing it in an insulated tank until it’s needed. Over time, minerals from hard water can accumulate inside the tank and on the heating elements, causing scale buildup. This accumulation can affect the efficiency of the geyser, leading to higher energy consumption, longer heating times, and, eventually, a breakdown if not addressed. Regular servicing helps in cleaning these deposits and ensuring that the geyser works at its optimal level.
How often should a geyser be serviced? The general recommendation is to have it serviced at least once a year. However, the frequency may vary depending on factors like the quality of water in your area, the brand of the geyser, and how often it is used. In areas with hard water, it’s advisable to service the geyser more frequently to prevent mineral buildup. If you live in an area with soft water, you might get away with servicing it once every 12 months.
During a routine servicing, technicians typically check for several factors. They inspect the heating element to ensure it is functioning properly and clean any limescale buildup. They also check the thermostat to ensure it’s regulating temperature correctly and safely. The anode rod, which helps prevent rusting inside the tank, is also inspected and replaced if necessary. Additionally, the valves and connections are checked for leaks, and any issues with the electrical components are addressed.
Besides improving efficiency and extending the life of the geyser, regular servicing can help prevent safety hazards. A poorly maintained geyser can lead to issues like overheating, electrical malfunctions, or even leakage. If your geyser is gas-powered, servicing ensures that there are no gas leaks, which could be dangerous.
What happens if you skip servicing your geyser? Over time, skipping servicing can lead to problems such as inconsistent water temperatures, increased energy bills, and eventual breakdowns. Scale buildup can also reduce the lifespan of the heating elements, making the geyser less efficient and more expensive to repair. In extreme cases, neglecting regular servicing can even pose a safety risk. A geyser that’s not serviced regularly is more likely to malfunction, leading to potential accidents.
One important aspect of geyser maintenance is to ensure proper installation. The geyser must be mounted securely on the wall, with adequate space for ventilation and easy access for maintenance. Poor installation can lead to reduced efficiency and may even cause safety issues in the long run.
While servicing is crucial for the performance and safety of your geyser, you can also perform a few simple checks yourself. If you notice any water leaks, strange noises, or inconsistent heating, it may be time to call a technician. Keeping the surrounding area of the geyser clean and free from dust can also help maintain its functionality.
In addition to the obvious benefits of efficiency and safety, regular geyser servicing can also help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Many geyser issues, such as mineral buildup or worn-out parts, can go unnoticed until they result in a major malfunction. If addressed early during a routine checkup, these problems are often fixable with minimal cost. On the other hand, neglecting maintenance can lead to more serious damage, which might require expensive repairs or even a complete replacement of the geyser.
Servicing your geyser can also help improve its energy efficiency. As scale builds up inside the tank, the heating elements need to work harder to heat the water. This increases the energy consumption, driving up your electricity bills. A well-maintained geyser, on the other hand, operates more efficiently, using less energy to heat the water to the desired temperature. This is particularly important in the long run, as energy-efficient appliances can save you significant amounts of money over their lifespan.
It’s also important to note that different types of geysers—such as storage water heaters and instant water heaters—may require slightly different maintenance. Storage geysers typically need to be serviced more regularly, as they store large volumes of water, making them more prone to mineral buildup. Instant geysers, while less prone to limescale accumulation, still require attention to ensure their heating elements and electrical components are functioning properly. Regardless of the type, scheduling a service ensures that any specific issues are addressed.
For those looking to extend the lifespan of their geyser, another key aspect of maintenance is checking the water quality in your area. In regions where water is hard, containing high levels of calcium and magnesium, geysers are more prone to scale buildup. Investing in a water softener system for your home can help reduce the frequency of mineral deposits in the geyser. This, in turn, can lower the wear and tear on the appliance and reduce the need for frequent servicing.
Regular geyser maintenance also ensures that any potential issues are identified and resolved early. For example, if the thermostat is malfunctioning, it could cause the water to overheat, posing a risk of burns or even causing the geyser to overheat and damage itself. A technician will be able to identify such faults and correct them before they escalate into larger, more dangerous issues.
Lastly, while the thought of geyser servicing might seem like an additional expense, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. By investing in annual servicing, you are not only ensuring a safer and more efficient appliance but also reducing the likelihood of having to replace a damaged or worn-out geyser prematurely. This small investment in maintenance can lead to substantial savings in repair costs, energy bills, and even the lifespan of the geyser itself.