Geyser (water heater) maintenance: a simple yearly checklist

A storage geyser is one of the highest-power appliances in the house and one of the most ignored. A yearly service extends its life, keeps the electricity bill down, and — most importantly — keeps it safe.

The yearly checklist

• Descale the tank and heating element. In hard-water areas, scale builds on the element, wastes electricity, and eventually burns it out.
• Inspect the anode rod (magnesium rod). It corrodes on purpose to protect the tank; once it's gone, the tank rusts. Replacing it every 1–2 years is far cheaper than a new geyser.
• Test the pressure-relief valve. A stuck valve is a genuine safety hazard on a pressurised tank.
• Check the thermostat and any visible wiring for heat damage.

Signs of trouble

• Water takes much longer to heat than it used to (usually scale on the element).
• Rusty or discoloured water from the hot tap.
• Tripping the MCB or any tingling sensation — stop using it and call an electrician immediately.
• Visible leaking around the tank.

Note the install date and the last descaling. Storage geysers typically last 8–10 years with care; knowing the age tells you whether a fault is worth fixing or a sign it's time to replace.

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