Tips to handle geyser emergencies before a plumber arrives
Tips to handle geyser emergencies before a plumber arrives
Many of us have been there: stepping into the shower on a chilly morning, only to be greeted with no hot water. Or worse, waking up in the middle of the night to a loud noise and water dripping from the ceiling.
At Alpha Plumbing we understand how stressful a geyser emergency can be. That’s why our PIRB-licensed geyser plumbers are on standby for 24/7 emergency plumbing support — and we never charge extra after hours. You can rely on us for the same fair day or night throughout the year.
For more than three decades, we’ve been helping households in Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding suburbs with geyser repair, replacement and maintenance. Alpha Plumbing promises fast, reliable and fully guaranteed services that get the hot water flowing again and restore uninterrupted living.
The geyser problems we get asked about most
At Alpha Plumbing, we know that a faulty geyser can be confusing — and stressful. This section answers some of the most common questions we get from customers, helping you understand what might be happening with your geyser, why it matters, and when it’s the right time to call a plumber.
This usually means there’s an electrical fault, a burned-out element, or thermostat failure.
Often caused by a failing element, faulty thermostat, or moisture in the wiring. It’s a safety issue and should be checked right away.
Occasional drips are normal, but a constant stream or gush means the pressure valve or thermostat may have failed.
If water gets too hot, the thermostat may be stuck “on.” This can cause dangerous pressure build-up and must be fixed immediately to avoid tank rupture.
This is a serious earthing or wiring fault. Switch the geyser off at the isolator and call a licensed plumber immediately.
These usually point to corrosion or sediment build-up inside the geyser and should be inspected before the tank fails.
This could be a leaking pipe, a failed drip tray outlet, a slow leak from the geyser, or in some cases, a burst geyser. Either way, it should be investigated immediately to prevent damage to ceilings and electrical systems.
What should you do in a geyser emergency?
While we recommend calling a professional plumber as soon as possible, there are a few quick actions you can take to reduce damage while you wait for help:
Avoid tampering with fittings, as DIY adjustments can make things worse or cause injury. Instead, get professional help - Alpha Plumbing is available for geyser repairs 24/7 with no after-hours fees. Call us at 010 001 8364 or WhatsApp us anytime.
Do not attempt DIY geyser installation
According to South African law (SANS-10254), it’s illegal to install or replace a geyser if you’re not a qualified plumber registered with a recognised professional body like the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB). Additionally, DIY geyser work hold serious risks, including:
- Property damage
- Electrical shock
- Gas leaks (for gas geysers)
- Insurance issues (as non-compliant installations may void your insurance policy)
- Void the manufacturer's guarantee on the geyser and the geyser components
How can Alpha Plumbing help you with geyser problems?
Our geyser technicians are fully qualified, PIRB-certified and accredited to repair or install both electrical geysers and solar geysers. We arrive with the right parts, tools, and know-how to get you back to hot showers — safely and quickly. We can assist with:
- Burst geyser replacement (a burst geyser cannot be repaired)
- New geyser installation (electric and solar models)
- Geyser repairs including valves, vacuum breakers and drip tray installations
- Element and thermostat replacement
- Routine maintenance to extend your geyser’s lifespan
- Geyserwise system installation — smart geyser controllers that let you monitor, manage, and optimise your water heating. It can reduce your power bill and can even be controlled remotely for maximum efficiency.
Alpha Plumbing brings you smart geyser control with Geyserwise
Looking to take control of your hot water system and cut back on energy costs? We install Geyserwise controllers – intelligent systems that let you monitor and manage your geyser (electric or solar), set heating schedules, and even control it remotely.
A Geyserwise system helps reduce energy waste, protect your geyser components, and keep your home running efficiently — all while giving you peace of mind.
Need emergency plumbing support or a geyser installer you can trust?
Alpha Plumbing is available 24/7 - no after-hours charges. Our PIRB-licensed plumbers assist customers in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Centurion and surrounding suburbs with everything from geyser repairs to leak detection.
Call 010 001 8364 or WhatsApp us anytime for plumbing assistance or answers to your plumbing questions.