Removing a geyser or water heater involves handling plumbing and electrical systems. By following proper steps – disconnecting power supplies, draining water, and capping pipes – you can safely uninstall your geyser. Always ensure to use appropriate tools and sealant, or consult a professional for a smooth removal process.
A geyser, commonly referred to as a water heater, can be difficult to remove because it involves working with electrical and plumbing components. It is highly advised to engage a qualified plumber or electrician to safely and correctly uninstall your geyser if you are unfamiliar with these systems. However, if you possess the necessary skills, here’s a general guide on how to remove a geyser.
First, gather the tools you will need: screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips), a flexible wrench, a pipe wrench, a pipe cutter if necessary, sealant for pipe threads, a drain hose or bucket, a circuit breaker or electrical disconnect switch, and a voltage tester.
Begin by cutting off both the water and power supplies. Make sure the geyser’s water and electricity are completely shut off, either using the circuit breaker or an electrical disconnect switch. Next, shut off the geyser by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the geyser. Open the drain valve and let the water drain into a bucket or outside. Wait until the geyser is completely empty before proceeding.
Unplug the electrical wiring by removing the cover plate on the geyser’s electrical connection box. Use a voltage tester to ensure there is no power running through the wires. Then, disconnect the wires from the terminal block, taking note of the cable connections for when reinstalling later.
Next, disconnect the water pipes. Use an adjustable wrench and pipe wrench to carefully disconnect both the inlet and outlet water pipes from the geyser. If the pipes are soldered, you may need to use a pipe cutter to remove them.
Now, remove the geyser by carefully sliding it out of the straps or mounting bracket. Be mindful that geysers can be heavy, so consider asking for assistance from another person if needed.
Once the geyser is removed, cap or seal the water pipe connections using the appropriate fittings and pipe thread sealant to prevent any potential leaks.
Lastly, dispose of the old geyser by adhering to local laws and regulations. Some areas may require the water heater to be recycled or disposed of in a specific manner. If you’re replacing rather than removing permanently, see our installation guide for adding auto ignition to the new unit.
How to Safely Uninstall a Gas or Electric Geyser
- Turn off the power or gas supply: Switch off electrical power at the breaker, or close the gas valve feeding the unit, before doing anything else.
- Drain the tank fully: Connect a hose to the drain valve and empty the tank completely to reduce weight and avoid water spilling during removal.
- Disconnect water inlet and outlet pipes: Use appropriate tools to detach the plumbing connections, having towels or a bucket ready for residual water.
- Disconnect the gas line (gas models only): This step should be handled by a qualified technician, who will properly cap the gas line to prevent leaks.
- Remove the mounting bracket and unit: Carefully detach the geyser from its wall mount or stand, with a second person helping to support its weight.
- Dispose of or store the unit safely: Old geysers may contain residual water and, for gas models, should be handled by someone aware of any remaining gas line considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I uninstall a geyser myself?
For gas geysers, uninstallation involves disconnecting a gas line and should be done by a qualified technician; for electric geysers, disconnecting power and plumbing is more accessible but still carries risk if you're not familiar with the connections.
What should I do before uninstalling a geyser?
Turn off and disconnect the power or gas supply first, drain the tank fully to reduce weight and prevent water damage, and have a plan for safely disposing of or storing the old unit.
Is it safe to leave a gas line capped after removing a geyser?
Yes, as long as it's capped properly by a qualified technician — an improperly sealed gas line left disconnected is a serious safety hazard and should never be left open or loosely capped.
Should I uninstall my old geyser myself if I'm replacing it with a new one?
It's safer to have the same technician handle both the removal of the old unit and installation of the new one in a single visit, ensuring gas and water connections are properly capped and reconnected without gaps.