Spoiler: It’ll be you if you don’t maintain and insure it
Your geyser. You probably never think about it… Until it suddenly decides to host a pool party in your ceiling. And by ‘pool party’, we mean a deluge that pours down your walls, collapses your ceiling, and drowns your furniture and appliances. In other words, not a fun kinda party at all.
Turns out, your trusty geyser could be a ticking time bomb. And when its time is up, you won’t only have cold showers to contend with. You might also be looking at some pretty costly repairs.
Right about now you’re probably asking why geysers fail, and how can you prevent this from happening. So, let’s dive into why maintaining your geyser is as crucial as insuring it; as well as who exactly should cover the insurance aspect, and who will foot the bill if the water hits the fan.
Geysers don’t burst; they leak (and that’s a problem)
Firstly, contrary to popular belief, your geyser isn’t likely to explode like a Hollywood special effect. The truth is far less dramatic but still highly inconvenient. Geysers are more prone to slow wear and tear, which can lead to leaks. These leaks may seem small at first but, over time, they can cause damp in your walls, mould, water pouring through your ceiling, and damage in ways you never imagined.
Is your geyser insured? It should be…
The good news? If your geyser leaks, with or without further damage to your home and its immovable fixtures like fitted carpets ad laminate floors, you’re likely covered *if* you have the right insurance. For standalone and full title homeowners, buildings insurance usually covers the repair or replacement of a geyser.
And if you live in a sectional title complex? Good news again. In most cases, your geyser should be covered under your complex’s buildings insurance policy. Still, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your trustees or managing agent to make sure you’re not about to get wet under the collar.
Both personal buildings insurance, and community insurance for sectional title complexes, should cover any damage caused by a faulty geyser to the actual structure of your home (like ceilings and floors) provided that the claim for the geyser itself is deemed valid.
However, any ‘resulting damage’ to things that would fall out if you turned your home upside down, like couches, rugs, and curtains would fall under your home contents insurance. Having this cover in place, and ensuring that the insured value of all your home contents combined is enough to replace them at their current market value, could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a financial disaster.
What do we want? No more geyser drama
And when do we want it? Right now!
The best way to avoid a geyser meltdown (or flood) is by carrying out regular maintenance. Here’s what you can do to keep your geyser working properly:
Clear the sediment: Over time, sediment builds up in your geyser, reducing its efficiency and increasing the risk of leaks. Regular cleaning can help.
Lower the temperature: Keeping your geyser at a lower temperature can help to prevent wear and tear.
Wrap it up: Insulating your geyser drum and pipes keeps it working efficiently for longer.
Install a drip tray: By law, all electric geysers must have a drip tray with an outlet pipe that directs any water leakage away safely. If your geyser does spring a leak, the drip tray will help to minimise the mess and protect your home from water damage.
Check the anode rod and pressure valve: These small components can cause big problems if they’re not working properly.
If you, like the person writing this post, have absolutely no idea what an anode rod looks like even if 1 smacked you on the bum, bring in a professional. #SafetyFirst
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Keep your insurer in the loop
If you decide to switch to a solar or gas geyser, or if you add an additional geyser to your property, make sure you let your insurer know. Otherwise, you might not be covered if something goes wrong. And remember, always use a certified professional to install a geyser and make sure they give you a certificate of compliance when they’re done. A faulty installation can lead to more than just cold water; it could potentially wash your insurance coverage right away.
Click here or WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50 for a commitment-free insurance quote.
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Psst… This blog provides general info only, and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here.
Our website T’s and C’s can be found here.
