Episode 2: The Heat Is On – Unless It’s Leaking Out Your Pipes: Why Geyser & Pipe Insulation Matters
August 15, 2025Episode 3: Install It Once. Not Twice. Why a Qualified Tradesman Is Worth Every Cent
Want to Save Money? Start by Hiring Someone Who Knows What They’re Doing
You wouldn’t let your cousin wire your house because he once built a drone in high school, right? So why do people keep risking geyser damage, safety hazards, and massive electricity bills just to avoid calling a professional?
Willie says:
“There’s nothing cheap about doing it twice or calling us to fix what you did wrong the first time.”
What a Qualified Tradesman Brings to the Table
When you hire a qualified plumber or electrician, you’re getting more than someone with a toolbox. You’re paying for experience, regulation compliance, and work that holds up under pressure.
- Correct installation of elements and thermostats
- Safe electrical connections
- Calibrated settings based on your geyser and usage
- Advice on timers, insulation, and energy savings
- Full compliance with SANS plumbing and electrical codes
- A job done ONCE. Properly.
Why XTEND Needs a Qualified Tradesman
XTEND elements are smart tech, built for efficiency, hard water, and inverter compatibility. But that only works if the install is done professionally.
Here’s why a qualified plumber or electrician is essential:
- Thermostat and element must be correctly inserted and wired
- Electrical terminals must be fully inserted and tight
- Thermostat must be in good working condition. Test or Replace
- Element must be tested to ensure it draws current
- Timer and temperature settings must be set according to household size
- Must follow SANS codes and issue a COC for warranty
Dan puts it this way:
“If your geyser’s smarter than your installer, you’re in for a hot mess.”
What Makes XTEND Different (And Needs That Pro Touch)
XTEND isn’t your average geyser element. It’s PTC ceramic, marine-grade, and engineered to outlast, but only if installed right.
Correct Electrical Connection Vital:
If the terminals are not connected correctly, the element will not draw full power or may even trip circuit breakers or blow fuses.
Grub-Screw Hole Must Be Dry:
Don’t let water sneak in during install, it will short the element instantly and may trip breakers.
Self-Regulates, But Not Magic:
Yes, it’s dry-burn safe, but you still need to test it draws current and reacts to the thermostat.
XTEND Installation Checklist (For the Pros)
|
Step |
What to Check |
Why It Matters |
|
1. Thermostat fitted and tested |
Inserted correctly, stat functional |
No heat or overheating if wrong |
|
2. Electrical terminals |
Fully inserted, tightened |
Loose wiring = tripping breakers or fuses blown |
|
3. Dry grub-screw hole |
Keep water out during install |
Moisture inside element leads to immediate failure |
|
4. Power test |
Ensure element turns and drawing correct power |
Confirms element is working |
|
6. Temperature & timer settings |
Adjust based on usage of home (Min 55ºC) |
Saves money and prevents overheat |
|
7. Issue compliance certificate |
Must be PIRB-registered |
No COC = no warranty or resale value |
Willie:
“If they can’t show you a certificate, they’ve got no business touching your geyser.”
Common DIY Disasters
|
DIY Mistake |
What Happens Next |
|
Wrong thermostat setting |
Water boils or barely warms |
|
Loose wiring |
Breakers trip, fuses blow |
|
No dry grub-screw |
Moisture in = blown element |
|
No power draw test |
You assume it’s faulty, but it may be your wiring |
|
Timer left off or too high |
You burn power instead of saving it |
|
No COC issued |
No warranty, and resale gets messy |
|
No safety cut-off calibration |
Scalding water, element failure |
|
Geyser leaks from poor seals |
Water damage, insurance void |
Dan says:
“Trying to save R800 could cost you R8,000. Or your DB board. Or your eyebrows.”
How to Spot a Good Tradesman
- They’re registered or licensed
- They provide a compliance certificate (COC)
- They check your geyser's age, condition, and setup
- They test their work, not just plug and go
- They don’t quote “off the back of a bakkie”
Ask questions. Check reviews. Don’t just go for the cheapest, go for the guy who knows the difference between kilowatts and kettle cords.
Trade Pros Help You Stick It to the Man
The truth is, many of the energy-saving tips we’ve shared only work when your system is set up right. A pro ensures:
- Correct electrical connections
- Smart use of timers
- Effective insulation
- Safe wiring
- Longevity of your geyser
Final Word: Shortcuts Aren’t Savings
Hiring a qualified tradesman is an investment in:
Your safety - Your efficiency - Your long-term savings
So, skip the guesswork, and stick it to the man….not your geyser!
“If you want pro results, hire a pro. It’s Eskommen Sense.”
Want to Save Money? Start by Hiring Someone Who Knows What They’re Doing
You wouldn’t let your cousin wire your house because he once built a drone in high school, right? So why do people keep risking geyser damage, safety hazards, and massive electricity bills just to avoid calling a professional?
Willie says:
“There’s nothing cheap about doing it twice or calling us to fix what you did wrong the first time.”
What a Qualified Tradesman Brings to the Table
When you hire a qualified plumber or electrician, you’re getting more than someone with a toolbox. You’re paying for experience, regulation compliance, and work that holds up under pressure.
- Correct installation of elements and thermostats
- Safe electrical connections
- Calibrated settings based on your geyser and usage
- Advice on timers, insulation, and energy savings
- Full compliance with SANS plumbing and electrical codes
- A job done ONCE. Properly.
Why XTEND Needs a Qualified Tradesman
XTEND elements are smart tech, built for efficiency, hard water, and inverter compatibility. But that only works if the install is done professionally.
Here’s why a qualified plumber or electrician is essential:
- Thermostat and element must be correctly inserted and wired
- Electrical terminals must be fully inserted and tight
- Thermostat must be in good working condition. Test or Replace
- Element must be tested to ensure it draws current
- Timer and temperature settings must be set according to household size
- Must follow SANS codes and issue a COC for warranty
Dan puts it this way:
“If your geyser’s smarter than your installer, you’re in for a hot mess.”
What Makes XTEND Different (And Needs That Pro Touch)
XTEND isn’t your average geyser element. It’s PTC ceramic, marine-grade, and engineered to outlast, but only if installed right.
Correct Electrical Connection Vital:
If the terminals are not connected correctly, the element will not draw full power or may even trip circuit breakers or blow fuses.
Grub-Screw Hole Must Be Dry:
Don’t let water sneak in during install, it will short the element instantly and may trip breakers.
Self-Regulates, But Not Magic:
Yes, it’s dry-burn safe, but you still need to test it draws current and reacts to the thermostat.
XTEND Installation Checklist (For the Pros)
|
Step |
What to Check |
Why It Matters |
|
1. Thermostat fitted and tested |
Inserted correctly, stat functional |
No heat or overheating if wrong |
|
2. Electrical terminals |
Fully inserted, tightened |
Loose wiring = tripping breakers or fuses blown |
|
3. Dry grub-screw hole |
Keep water out during install |
Moisture inside element leads to immediate failure |
|
4. Power test |
Ensure element turns and drawing correct power |
Confirms element is working |
|
6. Temperature & timer settings |
Adjust based on usage of home (Min 55ºC) |
Saves money and prevents overheat |
|
7. Issue compliance certificate |
Must be PIRB-registered |
No COC = no warranty or resale value |
Willie:
“If they can’t show you a certificate, they’ve got no business touching your geyser.”
Common DIY Disasters
|
DIY Mistake |
What Happens Next |
|
Wrong thermostat setting |
Water boils or barely warms |
|
Loose wiring |
Breakers trip, fuses blow |
|
No dry grub-screw |
Moisture in = blown element |
|
No power draw test |
You assume it’s faulty, but it may be your wiring |
|
Timer left off or too high |
You burn power instead of saving it |
|
No COC issued |
No warranty, and resale gets messy |
|
No safety cut-off calibration |
Scalding water, element failure |
|
Geyser leaks from poor seals |
Water damage, insurance void |
Dan says:
“Trying to save R800 could cost you R8,000. Or your DB board. Or your eyebrows.”
How to Spot a Good Tradesman
- They’re registered or licensed
- They provide a compliance certificate (COC)
- They check your geyser's age, condition, and setup
- They test their work, not just plug and go
- They don’t quote “off the back of a bakkie”
Ask questions. Check reviews. Don’t just go for the cheapest, go for the guy who knows the difference between kilowatts and kettle cords.
Trade Pros Help You Stick It to the Man
The truth is, many of the energy-saving tips we’ve shared only work when your system is set up right. A pro ensures:
- Correct electrical connections
- Smart use of timers
- Effective insulation
- Safe wiring
- Longevity of your geyser
Final Word: Shortcuts Aren’t Savings
Hiring a qualified tradesman is an investment in:
Your safety - Your efficiency - Your long-term savings
So, skip the guesswork, and stick it to the man….not your geyser!
“If you want pro results, hire a pro. It’s Eskommen Sense.”
