Episode 9 – Water Heater Maintenance (Part 2)
Water Heater Maintenance – Part 2
In Episode 8, KK and Chantelle introduced the basics of geyser care: switching off safely and checking for leaks. In Episode 9 of the KwikTok series, they go deeper, showing the final three steps every South African homeowner needs to know: testing the pressure control valve, draining sediment and inspecting the sacrificial anode.
These are the advanced checks that make the difference between a geyser that fails after five years and one that lasts 15 or more. KK explains the technical side, while Chantelle keeps things memorable with her dry humour: “Even your geyser’s rod needs checking now and then.”
These are the advanced checks that make the difference between a geyser that fails after five years and one that lasts 15 or more. KK explains the technical side, while Chantelle keeps things memorable with her dry humour: “Even your geyser’s rod needs checking now and then.”
Step 3 – Test the Pressure Control Valve
The pressure control valve is a safety feature that prevents your geyser from over-pressurising. Without it, tanks could rupture violently.
● Constant dripping = valve failure.
● No dripping at all = potential blockage.
● Twist the expansion valve to flush out debris.
● If not, call a plumber immediately.
Replacing a faulty valve is inexpensive compared to the cost of a burst geyser and ceiling damage.
What to Look For
● A healthy valve drips occasionally.● Constant dripping = valve failure.
● No dripping at all = potential blockage.
How to Test
● Twist the expansion valve to flush out debris.● Twist the expansion valve to flush out debris.
● If not, call a plumber immediately.
Replacing a faulty valve is inexpensive compared to the cost of a burst geyser and ceiling damage.
Step 4 – Drain Sediment from the Tank
Over time, minerals like calcium build up inside your geyser. This sediment insulates the heating element, making it work harder and driving up electricity use. Left unchecked, it also causes corrosion.
2. Close the stopcock.
3. Attach a hosepipe to the draincock at the bottom of the geyser.
4. Direct the hose outside or into a drain. Open the draincock and flush until clear water flows.
Plumbers recommend flushing every 2 - 3 years, especially in areas with hard water.
● Reduces electricity bills.
How to Flush Sediment
1. Switch off the power at the DB board.2. Close the stopcock.
3. Attach a hosepipe to the draincock at the bottom of the geyser.
4. Direct the hose outside or into a drain. Open the draincock and flush until clear water flows.
Plumbers recommend flushing every 2 - 3 years, especially in areas with hard water.
Benefits of Draining
● Prevents sediment from entering your taps and shower heads.● Reduces electricity bills.
Step 5 – Inspect the Sacrificial Anode
The sacrificial anode is a magnesium or aluminium rod inside your geyser that corrodes over time to protect the tank from rust. Think of it as your geyser’s personal bodyguard.
Why It Matters
If the anode is gone, your geyser tank starts rusting directly, drastically reducing its lifespan.How Often to Replace
Every 3 - 4 years. More frequently in areas with hard or corrosive water.Professional Inspection
A licensed plumber will remove the rod, check its condition, and replace it if necessary. Using a Kwikot-approved anode ensures compliance with your warranty.Insurance and Safety Considerations
South African insurers often require regular servicing, including valve checks and anode inspections. Failing to maintain your geyser could leave you footing the bill for water damage repairs.
By choosing Kwikot Superline Electric Geysers or Kwiksol Solar Geysers and maintaining them properly, you protect both your comfort and your insurance coverage.
By choosing Kwikot Superline Electric Geysers or Kwiksol Solar Geysers and maintaining them properly, you protect both your comfort and your insurance coverage.
Everyday Reliability with Kwikot
The final three steps in this maintenance guide are about more than just mechanics. They’re about peace of mind. With Kwikot products - from the Superline Electric Geyser to the Kwiksol Solar Geyser - you’re investing in a system built to last. Proper care ensures you get every year of value.
FAQs About Advanced Geyser Care
- Every 2–3 years, or yearly in hard-water areas, to lower electricity use and protect the heating element.
- Best left to a plumber for safety.
- Once the anode is consumed, the tank itself begins to corrode, shortening lifespan and risking leaks or failure.
- A fraction of what a burst geyser and ceiling repairs would cost.
- Yes - by up to 10 years, turning a standard lifespan into long-term reliability.
Final Thoughts
Episodes 8 and 9 of KwikTok form a complete geyser care roadmap. Together, they show South Africans how to extend geyser lifespan, reduce electricity bills and protect their homes from costly disasters.
Chantelle sums it up best: “Show your geyser a little love, and it’ll return it tenfold - in hot showers and lower bills.”
Book service today: Kwikot Service Support
Chantelle sums it up best: “Show your geyser a little love, and it’ll return it tenfold - in hot showers and lower bills.”
Book service today: Kwikot Service Support