If you’ve spotted water dripping or running from your geyser’s overflow pipe, it’s natural to worry. Is it a minor issue — or a warning sign of something serious like a burst geyser?
But not every drip means disaster. In fact, a little overflow can be entirely normal. So how do you tell the difference between a harmless drip and a serious warning sign?
Here’s how to tell what’s normal, when to act, and when to call a licensed plumber.
As your geyser heats up, the water expands. That excess pressure gets released through the temperature and pressure valve, causing a small amount of water to drip from the overflow pipe. This is usually:
When your geyser is constantly dripping or gushing water from the overflow, it may signal a fault. These are the most common issues we encounter:
A worn or faulty pressure control valve (PCV) can cause continuous dripping or overflow. Left unchecked, this can waste water and eventually stress the system.
In rare cases, the thermostat may malfunction and overheat the geyser. This can cause:
Here’s what to do immediately if you notice steam or hissing:
At Alpha Plumbing, we understand that plumbing problems don’t wait for office hours. That’s why our emergency plumbing team is available 24/7 — with no extra call-out fees at night or on weekends.
We’ve been helping homeowners in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria with geyser repairs or installations and emergency plumbing issues for over 35 years. Expect fast, professional service — and peace of mind that lasts long after the repair is done.
Expect fast, professional service — and peace of mind that lasts long after the repair is done.
Symptom | What it Means | What to Do |
Occasional drip | Normal pressure release | No action needed |
Constant dripping | Faulty pressure valve | Call Alpha Plumbing |
Hot water or steam | Overheating geyser | Switch off immediately and call us |