What to Do If Your Geyser Bursts

Imagine this: you’re relaxing at home when you hear a loud bang followed by the sound of rushing water. Your heart races as you realise your geyser has burst. In moments like these, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. This guide walks you through the steps to handle a burst geyser effectively, minimising damage and ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.

1. Safety First

The safety of you and your family should always be your top priority. If you discover a burst geyser, follow these safety measures immediately:

Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate the main water supply valve to your home and shut it off to stop the flow of water.
Switch Off the Electricity: Immediately switch off the electricity at the main switch to eliminate the risk of electrocution and electrical damage.
Evacuate the Area: Evacuate the area immediately if water has flooded the space around the burst geyser to reduce the risk of slips, falls, and other safety hazards.

2. Assess the Damage

Once everyone is safe, assess the extent of the damage caused by the burst geyser:

Inspect the Affected Areas: Check walls, ceilings, floors, cupboards, and nearby belongings for signs of water damage. Look for swelling, staining, sagging ceilings, or any structural issues that may require immediate attention.
Document Everything: Take clear photographs and videos of all affected areas before any clean-up or repairs begin. Record the extent of the damage to support your insurance claim and simplify the assessment process.

3. Contain the Water

Act quickly to limit water damage and prevent it from spreading throughout the property.

Remove Standing Water: Use towels, mops, or a wet vacuum to remove standing water from floors and surrounding surfaces as soon as possible.
Catch Ongoing Leaks: Place buckets or containers beneath the burst geyser to collect dripping water and protect nearby areas from further damage.

4. Call the Right Professionals

A burst geyser requires prompt professional attention to restore your plumbing system safely and minimise further damage.

Plumber: Contact a licensed plumber immediately to isolate the fault, assess the extent of the damage, repair or replace the geyser, and inspect the surrounding plumbing to ensure the system is safe and fully operational.
Electrician: If water has reached electrical components, wiring, or appliances, have a qualified electrician inspect and repair any damage before the power is restored.
Water Damage Restoration Specialists: If extensive flooding has occurred, engage a water damage restoration company to extract the water, thoroughly dry the affected areas, prevent mould growth, and restore the property.

5. Prevent Future Geyser Bursts

Once the emergency has been resolved, take steps to reduce the risk of another failure.

Service Your Geyser Regularly: Arrange routine inspections and maintenance to identify worn components, leaks, corrosion, or pressure issues before they lead to a burst.
Replace an Ageing Geyser: If your geyser is approaching the end of its service life or showing signs of deterioration, replace it before it fails unexpectedly.
Upgrade Your Safety Measures: Ensure your geyser is fitted with the correct pressure and temperature safety valves, and have them inspected regularly to confirm they are operating correctly.