Plumbing Basics: Step-by-step Guide to Installing a New Geyser In Your Home

Step-by-step Guide to Installing a New Geyser in Your Home 

Are you a new or existing homeowner looking to install a new geyser in your home? Well, if you are, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to BUCO’s comprehensive guide on everything geyser-related – this includes how to connect a geyser to a DB board, what it is, and how to install it in your home.  

Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-timer, you will possess all the essential knowledge to install one safely and efficiently.  

What is a Geyser? 

A geyser is a water heating system used to provide hot water for daily activities such as bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Geysers are essential for maintaining comfort and convenience in a home, particularly in colder climates where hot water is necessary for daily living. 

Why Install a Geyser? 

Installing a geyser offers many benefits in colder months. Not only does it provide a reliable source of hot water, it can also help improve energy efficiency by using less electricity compared to other water heating methods. Modern geysers come with advanced features like temperature control and insulation, which help reduce energy consumption and costs. 

Preparing for Installation 

Before choosing a new geyser to install in your home, there are a few things that you need to consider, such as: 

1. What size geyser is ideal for your home? This involves considering how many people live at home and your hot water usage patterns. 
2. What geyser capacity are you looking for? You need to choose a geyser that can meet peak hot water demand. 
3. How much electricity do you want to save? Ideally, you should consider an energy-efficient geyser to lower your electricity rates. 
4. How much space is available for installation? Make sure the geyser fits within the designated area.  

Here is a list of tools and materials needed to complete the installation: 

Geyser Installation Tools: 

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Pipe wrench
• Pipe cutter or hacksaw
• Spirit level
• Tape measure
• Drill with appropriate bits
• Pliers
• Insulation tape 

Geyser Installation Materials: 

• Geyser unit (make sure it includes necessary fittings)
• Copper pipes and fittings
• Pipe insulation
• Electrical cable and connectors (if electric geyser)
• Isolation valves
• Teflon tape (for sealing threaded connections)
• Mounting brackets or straps (for securing the geyser)
• Safety goggles and gloves (for personal protection during installation) 

Safety Precautions 

Electrical Safety 

Always turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent the risk of electric shock or short circuits. Use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is completely off before starting any work. 

Water Safety 

Before starting, shut off the water supply to the geyser area to prevent flooding or accidental water discharge. Inspect all plumbing connections for signs of wear or corrosion, and replace any damaged parts as needed.  

Installing the Geyser 

Mounting the Geyser 

1. Choose a suitable location for the geyser. 
2. Use a spirit level to ensure the mounting surface is level.  
3. Mark the positions for mounting brackets or straps on the wall. 
4. Securely attach the mounting brackets or straps to the wall using appropriate screws and anchors. Ensure they are aligned and stable to support the weight of the geyser. 
5. Lift the geyser into position and align it with the mounting brackets or straps.  
6. Securely fasten the geyser to the brackets or straps using bolts or screws provided with the geyser.  
7. Double-check the level to ensure it is correctly positioned. 

Connecting the Geyser to the Electrical Supply 

• Make sure to switch the power off at the main breaker or fuse box before proceeding. 

• Remove the geyser's electrical cover to access the wiring terminals.  

• Connect the supply wires to the corresponding terminals on the geyser. There should be terminals marked for live (L), neutral (N), and earth (E). Use appropriate connectors (e.g., cable glands) to secure the wires and prevent them from coming loose. 

• Double-check all connections are tight and secure.  

• Replace the electrical cover and ensure it is properly sealed to protect the wiring. 

• After installation, turn on the electricity at the main breaker and test the geyser to ensure it functions correctly.  

Connecting the Geyser to the Water Supply 

1. Turn off the main water supply to the installation area. 
2. Cut and prepare copper or PVC pipes to connect the geyser to the existing water supply. You can use a pipe cutter or hacksaw to cut the pipes to the required length. 
3. Install isolation valves on both the cold-water inlet and hot-water outlet pipes. This allows you to shut off water to the geyser without affecting the rest of the household water supply. 
4. Use appropriate fittings and connectors to connect the cold-water inlet and hot-water outlet pipes to the corresponding connections on the geyser.  
5. After connecting the pipes, carefully inspect all connections for leaks. Turn on the water supply gradually and monitor for any signs of water leakage.  
6. Once connections are secure and there are no leaks, fully open the isolation valves and test the geyser to ensure hot water flows correctly from the outlet. 

Testing and Troubleshooting your Geyser

Testing the Installation 

1. Inspect the geyser installation for leaks, loose connections, and proper mounting. 
2. Gradually open the water supply isolation valves and check for any leaks around the geyser connections. 
3. Ensure the electricity is turned on at the main breaker or fuse box.  
4. Listen for the sound of water heating inside the geyser. Some models may have indicator lights that show when heating is active. 
5. Open a hot water tap in your home to verify that hot water flows consistently from the geyser.  
6. Check the temperature of the hot water and adjust the thermostat if necessary to ensure it meets your household's needs. 

Troubleshooting Common Geyser Installation Issues 

• If you have no hot water, first ensure the geyser is connected to electricity and the heating element or thermostat is working properly. Also, check that the water supply valves are fully open and there are no blockages in the pipes.  

• For water leaks, inspect all connections and fittings, tightening loose ones, and replacing damaged seals. Properly align and support pipes to avoid stress on connections.  

• If the geyser heats inconsistently, adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature and watch its performance. Consider cleaning the heating element for sediment buildup that affects efficiency.  

• Strange noises may indicate air trapped in pipes or sediment inside the geyser; bleed air from the system or flush the geyser if needed.  

• For electrical issues like the geyser not powering on or faults, immediately turn off the power and inspect wiring and connections for damage. If problems persist, we recommend that you contact a qualified electrician. 

Congratulations on successfully installing your new geyser! Remember to follow all stipulated safety guidelines and consult a professional if you encounter any difficulties. Enjoy the benefits of hot water in your home all year round, and the achievement that you did it all on your own!