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Gas Geysers – How Do Gas Geysers Work?

Gas geysers provide hot water on demand by using LP Gas (or Natural Gas, where available) to heat cold water instantly. Unlike traditional electric geysers, gas geysers do not store hot water—they only operate when you need them, making them highly efficient and cost-effective.

A gas geyser is activated the moment you open a hot water tap. Cold water flows into the unit, triggering the gas burner to ignite automatically. As the water passes through the heat exchanger, it warms up and flows directly to your tap or shower.

When you close the hot tap, the gas burner switches off again.
This means:
➡️ Gas is only used while hot water is running
➡️ No wasted energy, no reheating of stored water, and lower running costs

Most SABS / LPGSA-approved gas geysers are designed for outdoor installation, typically mounted against an external wall under the roof eaves.

Outdoor Installation

  • Suitable for the majority of South African homes
  • If you live in a very windy area or have a flat-roofed house, you may need a weather cover to protect the geyser from wind and rain

Indoor Installation (Legal Requirements)

Gas geysers approved for indoor use must:

  • Be fitted in a well-ventilated area
  • Have a properly installed flue pipe that safely expels heat and combustion gases outside
  • Use a flue routed through the wall or through the ceiling and roof

These rules ensure safe operation and compliance with South African gas regulations.

Water pressure is very important, especially for Standard (Manual) Gas Geysers.

In Borehole Water Areas

If your home relies on borehole water, the pressure may fluctuate. This can cause:

  • Failure to ignite
  • The geyser switching off shortly after turning on

Solution:
Install a pressure pump to stabilise the water pressure.

Advanced Gas Geysers

Forced Fan / Advanced gas geysers are designed to cope with:

  • Low water pressure (as low as 1–1.5 bar)
  • Fluctuating pressure

Their internal electronic systems ensure more reliable ignition and temperature control.

Municipal Water Areas

Homes with municipal supply usually have:

  • Stable pressure
  • No issues running either type of gas geyser

In most urban areas, water purity is not a major issue. However, in regions with dirty or sediment-heavy water, the geyser’s filter can become blocked & the geyser’s Heat Exchanger can block up with sediment.

Important to know

  • Most gas geysers have a removable water filter on the inlet
  • A clogged filter will prevent the geyser from igniting
  • In poor water-quality areas (especially mining areas) the geyser should have an inline water softener fitted before the geyser & the filter should be cleaned regularly

This quick maintenance step keeps your geyser working efficiently.

Advanced Gas Geysers

  • Require servicing every 12 months
  • Necessary to maintain performance and preserve warranty
  • Servicing includes cleaning, safety checks, and calibration

Standard / Manual Gas Geysers

  • Do not require frequent servicing
  • But if you live in a dusty or dry region, periodic cleaning is recommended
  • Dust build-up can affect ignition and airflow

Regular maintenance ensures efficient operation and extends the lifespan of your unit.

⚠️ Need Help or More Information?

If you have questions about choosing, installing, or maintaining a gas geyser, we’re here to help.

📞 Call:  082 452 4488 / 082 441 2126
📧 Email: penny@giveitgas.co.za