Safety Tips for Using Instant & Storage Geysers at Home

Stay safe while enjoying hot showers! Learn expert safety tips for instant and storage geysers. From installation and daily use to maintenance. Trusted guide by Concord Services Kolkata.

Picture this: It’s 6 AM on a chilly Kolkata morning. You step into the bathroom, turn on the geyser, and wait for that perfect warm shower. But here’s the thing: most of us rarely think about geyser safety until something goes wrong.

A faulty geyser isn’t just about cold showers. It can lead to electrical shocks, water damage, or worse. The good news? Simple safety habits can prevent accidents, save money, and make your geyser last years longer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using instant and storage geysers safely at home. At Concord Services, we’ve serviced hundreds of geysers across Kolkata, and we know exactly what keeps them running smoothly and what puts families at risk.

Let’s keep your mornings warm and worry-free.

Do You Know About Your Geyser?

Before we talk safety, let’s get clear on what type of geyser you have at home. There are two main types, and they work quite differently.

Storage Water Heaters 

These are the classic ones you see in most Kolkata bathrooms. They come in capacities ranging from 6 litres to 35 litres or more. These geysers have a tank that stores water, heats it up using an electric heating element, and keeps it warm for hours thanks to thick insulation. You switch it on well before your bath, usually 15 to 30 minutes ahead, and the hot water stays ready even after you turn off the power.

Instant Water Heaters

On the other hand, are compact units (typically 1 to 6 litres) designed for quick heating. They heat water as it flows through, which means you get hot water within seconds. Perfect for kitchens or smaller bathrooms where space is tight.

Now, here’s why this matters for safety. Storage geysers operate at lower wattage (usually 2000W) but need safety valves to handle pressure build-up as water heats and expands. Instant geysers use higher power (up to 3000W) and must never run dry, or the heating element can burn out.

At Concord Services, we work with all major brands across Kolkata: AO Smith, Bajaj, Havells, Racold, V-Guard, and more. Each brand has unique safety features, but the basic principles of safe usage remain the same. Understanding your geyser type is the first step to using it safely.

If you are not confident to repair it by yourself, contact us now! We, Concord Services are one of the few famous geyser service center in Kolkata.

Before Installation: Setting Up for Safety

Getting your geyser installed correctly is half the battle won. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Location Matters

• Install indoors only, away from direct sunlight and rain (as per all manufacturer manuals)
• Keep away from areas where water splashes directly on the unit
• Maintain minimum 50 cm clearance from ceiling and sides, at least 1.8 m from ground (Bajaj, Havells guidelines)
• For horizontal models, keep 50 cm between wall and inlet/outlet pipes for easy servicing

Wall Strength is Critical

• Wall must support at least twice the weight of a fully filled geyser
• For hollow brick walls: dig 100 mm deep, fill with cement concrete, let it cure properly
• For solid walls: drill holes (6-10 mm diameter, 32-60 mm deep depending on model)
• Use expansion anchors and mounting screws provided with the unit

Electrical Safety First

• Ensure reliable earthing. Never connect earth wire to neutral line or water pipes (emphasized in all manuals)
• Use independent 16A socket, no adapters or multi-plugs
• Some models like Havells Instanio and Symphony SPA come with built-in ELCB/shock-safe plugs
• Use Type C 16A double pole MCB as backup protection

High-Rise Building Considerations

• If inlet pressure exceeds 0.8 MPa (8 bar) or height more than 70-80 feet, install pressure reducing valve
• Install Vacuum Relief Valve (VRV) in multi-storeyed buildings to prevent tank collapse
• Products like Racold and Havells support up to 8 bar pressure

Hard Water Considerations

• Hard water causes scaling on heating elements and tank
• Choose geysers with glass-coated/Incoloy elements (AO Smith Blue Diamond, Havells Feroglass coating)
• Special anode options available for highly conductive water

Why Professional Installation Matters? 

All manufacturers clearly state: improper installation voids warranty. AO Smith, Bajaj, and Havells manuals specifically mention that installation must be done by authorized service technicians to avoid damage and ensure safety.

Daily Usage Safety Tips

For Storage Geysers:

• Never switch on the geyser before filling it completely with water. Open the hot water tap first, let water flow out, then close it before switching on power
• Always keep the inlet control valve open. Closing it can create dangerous pressure build-up
• Switch on the geyser well in advance (15-30 minutes before use) as storage geysers take time to heat water
• Set temperature between 55°C to 60°C for daily use. Higher settings increase energy consumption and scaling
• The thermostat will automatically cut off power when water reaches set temperature (indicated by green/power lamp switching off)

For Instant Geysers:

• Adjust hot water tap to minimum flow before switching on power
• Wait approximately 40 seconds for hot water to flow at constant temperature
• Never use it for bathtubs or large volume requirements. They’re designed for quick, small quantity heating only
• Ensure continuous water flow. Running dry can burn out the heating element instantly

Common Safety Rules for Both Types:

• Never operate the geyser without water inside the tank. This causes dry heating and damages the heating element permanently
• Don’t splash water directly on the unit while cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth only
• Avoid using benzene, pesticides, thinner, or alcohol for cleaning
• Keep children away from hot water taps. Water above 52°C can cause severe burns instantly
• During thunderstorms, it’s safer to switch off and unplug the geyser
• If the red indicator lamp glows (in models with dual indicators), switch off immediately and call a technician. This indicates thermostat failure

Suggested Read:
How to Uninstall Geyser – Step By Step Guide
Geyser Not Heating Water? 8 Common Causes & Quick Fixes

Do’s and Don’ts for Using Geyser

DOs:

DON’Ts:

Suggested Read: How to Install an Electric Geyser at Home Safely? Step-by-Step Guide

Your geyser is more than just an appliance; it’s your comfort companion through Kolkata’s chilly winters. A little attention to safety goes a long way in preventing accidents and extending its life. Remember, when in doubt, always call professionals.

At Concord Services, we’re just a call away for all your geyser installation, geyser repair, and maintenance needs across Kolkata. Stay safe, stay warm.