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What are the new geyser regulations in South Africa?
In South Africa, it is also required by the so-called “geyser law” that a certificate of compliance is issued with every installation or repair of a geyser. In order to do this, a plumber must strictly adhere to SANS 10254 security measures and be registered with the Plumbing Institute Regulatory Board (PIRB).
Can I install geyser myself?
DO I NEED A PROFESSIONAL TO INSTALL A GEYSER OR CAN I DO IT MYSELF? No, it's a tricky job best, left to a qualified plumber. As you are dealing with both water and electricity, you should also call in an electrician to earth your geyser.
You can save on costs when installing a new geyser by doing it yourself. However, if you don’t know how to do it right, the project may end up costing you more in the long run.
Today, most geysers mount horizontally. These units typically hold 100 to 200 litres.
Some older homes still have low-pressure Latco systems. The parts of the old low-pressure system are not interchangeable with a new high-pressure geyser.
If your old model geyser has reached the end of its lifecycle, you need to replace it completely. When installing a geyser, you’ll need to use a high-pressure geyser and arrange it according to current specifications.
There are a few prime aspects you should focus on when figuring out how to connect a geyser.
A geyser diagram can help you recognize the main parts of the system. You may also want to review a geyser pressure valve diagram.
Today’s geyser systems have vacuum breakers that stop the water from siphoning out of the geyser if the cold water shuts off. They also have a shutoff valve.
After the shutoff valve, new high-pressure geysers incorporate a pressure control valve. The pressure rating of the valve must match the pressure rating on the geyser. You must have this valve on your high-pressure geyser.
You must also have an electrical isolator switch. You must install the switch within one meter of the geyser.
Geysers also have supports under the feet. It supports the weight of the geyser on the roof trusses.
Every hot water heater should come with a standard set of parts. These include:
A drip tray
A drainpipe
A temperature and pressure valve
A shut-off tap
A pressure control valve
An overflow pipe
Vacuum breakers
An anti-corrosion anode rod
A covered thermostat and heating element
An electrical isolator switch
These components are critical for both geyser repairs and installation. While some can be fixed by a homeowner, others require the expertise of a professional.
Your geyser should have a miniature circuit breaker to prevent potential damage from excess electricity. Additionally, switches should be located away from water and insulated to avoid electrocution.
Water pipes and lines must remain clear to provide water to the geyser. Typically, wooden blocks are used to support these lines and ensure a steady flow. This is usually carried out by qualified professionals.
Safety is paramount in geyser installation. Considerations include:
Spacing: Proper geyser installation ensures sufficient space between the unit and walls, as well as ample height for strong water flow. This is crucial for safe inspection and maintenance.
Location: The location of your geyser can greatly affect safety. For instance, the unit should be installed away from water sources, such as bathrooms, to reduce electrical hazards.