How to prevent burst pipes and geyser failures
5 min read · updated 9/16/2026
Most burst pipes and geyser failures give warning signs weeks before they flood a ceiling. A ten-minute check every few months is usually all it takes to avoid a repair bill ten times the cost of a service call.
Warning signs to look for
Rusty or discoloured water from the hot tap usually means the geyser's sacrificial anode is spent and the tank is corroding from the inside.
Damp patches on a ceiling below a roof-mounted geyser, or a drip tray that is never dry, means the overflow is already doing its job.
A water meter that keeps ticking when every tap in the house is closed points to a hidden underground leak.
What to check yourself
Open the pressure-relief valve briefly once a quarter; water should run freely and then stop cleanly when you release it.
Feel the exposed pipes near the geyser — hot pipes that stay hot for hours mean the lagging has failed and you are paying for the heat loss.
Before a cold snap, insulate exposed outdoor pipes. Water expanding as it freezes is the most common cause of a split copper line.
When to call a plumber
Call a licensed plumber if you see water in the drip tray, hear knocking in the pipes, or if the geyser thermostat trips more than once.
Geyser replacement and any work on pressure valves is licensed work — ask to see the trade licence before work starts.