Water interruptions—whether from scheduled maintenance or emergency repairs—are a growing reality in many parts of South Africa. While these outages are often short-lived, they can pose serious risks to your home or property if you’re not adequately prepared.
At RBS, we believe in helping our clients proactively manage risk, rather than just reacting to it. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on what to do if your water supply is disrupted, especially when it comes to protecting one of your most vulnerable appliances: the geyser.
1. Why Water Outages Pose a Risk to Your Geyser
Your geyser is designed to heat water, but if the water supply is cut off, it could end up heating air instead. This can lead to overheating, internal damage, or even bursting, resulting in costly repairs and water damage once the supply returns.
These kinds of mechanical failures are entirely preventable with a few simple steps.
2. Precautionary Measures to Take
Here’s what you should do as soon as you’re notified of a planned outage or notice low water pressure:
- Switch off your geyser at the DB board. This cuts power to the geyser, preventing the element from operating without water.
- Avoid using appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during the outage.
- Store water in clean, sealed containers for essential use (drinking, flushing, cooking).
- Check taps and close them properly to prevent flooding when the water supply is restored.
3. Advice for Body Corporates and Landlords
If you manage residential complexes or multiple units, communicate the above steps to all residents proactively. Consider:
- Sending out bulk SMSs or WhatsApp messages.
- Placing reminder notices in common areas or elevators.
- Asking building managers to check common-area geysers and shutoffs physically.
Preventing a single geyser failure in a multi-unit block could save thousands in repairs.
4. After the Water Supply Is Restored
Once the supply returns:
- Wait 15–30 minutes before switching the geyser back on. This allows the tank to refill properly.
- Turn taps on slowly to release trapped air in the pipes and prevent splashing.
- Inspect the geyser and pipes for any leaks or unusual noises.
5. How Insurance Comes Into Play
It’s essential to note that some insurance policies may not cover damage resulting from negligence or preventable appliance failure. If you’re unsure whether you’re covered, reach out to your RBS broker—we’ll help you understand your policy and guide you on any necessary updates.
6. When to Call a Professional
If you’re not familiar with your DB board or feel unsure about switching off geysers or dealing with pressure-related plumbing issues, you can call in a qualified electrician or plumber. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
While water outages are often unavoidable, the damage they can cause doesn’t have to be. Taking a few simple precautions, like switching off your geyser, storing water, and notifying residents, can go a long way in protecting your home and appliances. Staying informed, acting quickly, and knowing what to do before and after a disruption can help you avoid unnecessary costs and stress.
About RBS
Risk Benefit Solutions, better known as RBS, originated as an entrepreneurial-focused services business in 1998 and today is one of the largest fully-fledged black-owned insurance brokers in South Africa and a Level One B-BBEE contributor. Celebrating 25 years in business this year, our growth has contributed to offering clients a unique approach to risk management by positioning our skilled resources as an extension of our client’s risk management team. Our company covers various services, including Insurance Broking, Risk Management, Commercial and Corporate Risk Advisors, and Corporate Vehicle Hire Services. With its head office in Cape Town, RBS has offices in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and globally, represented through its board membership with WING (Worldwide Insurance Network Group).