Geyser Thermostat & Element Replacement Kenilworth | Quick Fix

About Thermostat & Element Replacement in Kenilworth

The thermostat and heating element are the two components that fail most frequently in electric geysers, and fortunately, both are straightforward to replace without needing a new geyser. The element is the metal rod inside the geyser that heats the water - similar to a kettle element. Over time, mineral scale from the water coats the element, reducing its efficiency and eventually causing it to overheat and burn out. The thermostat controls the element, switching it on when water temperature drops below the set point and off when it reaches the target. Faulty thermostats can cause no heating, overheating, or intermittent hot water.

In the Western Cape, water hardness varies by area. Suburbs supplied by dams with softer water experience slower scale buildup, while areas with borehole water or harder municipal supply see elements scale up faster. Regular element inspection and replacement every 3-5 years in hard water areas can prevent unexpected failures and the inconvenience of cold showers.

Abacas Solution carries common element and thermostat sizes on our service vehicles, allowing same-day repair in most cases. The process involves draining the geyser, removing the old element and thermostat, cleaning out accumulated scale and sediment from the tank, installing new components, refilling, and testing. While the geyser is open, we also inspect and replace the sacrificial anode rod if it is depleted - this magnesium rod protects the tank from corrosion and is an often-overlooked maintenance item.

This is one of several specialist services we offer under geysers & water heaters in Kenilworth. As part of our Kenilworth plumbing team, we bring over 25 years of hands-on experience to every job.

Thermostat & Element Replacement in Kenilworth - Abacas Solution

When to Call for Thermostat & Element Replacement

Call when you have no hot water and the geyser breaker is not tripping (possible open-circuit element), when the geyser breaker trips immediately when switched on (possible short-circuit element), when hot water temperature fluctuates unpredictably (faulty thermostat), when water gets dangerously hot (thermostat stuck on), or when your geyser element has not been replaced in over 5 years.

Our Thermostat & Element Replacement Process

1

Electrical Isolation & Diagnosis

We switch off the geyser at the DB board and test the element and thermostat with a multimeter to confirm the fault. We also check the wiring for damage and the earth leakage for trips, as these can mimic element failure.

2

Drain & Access

We connect a hose to the geyser drain valve and empty the tank completely. Once drained, we remove the element flange cover to access the element, thermostat, and anode rod inside the geyser.

3

Replace Components

We remove the failed element and thermostat, clean accumulated scale and sediment from the tank interior, install a new element and thermostat matched to the geyser specifications, and replace the anode rod if it is more than 50% depleted.

4

Refill & Test

We refill the geyser, bleed air from the system, restore power, and monitor the heating cycle. We verify the thermostat cuts in and out at the correct temperatures and confirm no leaks at the element flange seal.

Many homeowners in Kenilworth who need thermostat & element replacement also require geyser installation in Kenilworth and geyser repair. We handle everything, so you only need one call.

Safety & Compliance

Always isolate the geyser electrically at the DB board before any work. The element operates at 220V and contact with a live element or its connections is potentially fatal. The thermostat has a high-limit safety cutout that trips if water temperature exceeds approximately 85 degrees Celsius - if this trips repeatedly, the thermostat must be replaced, not just reset, as it indicates a control fault. Never bypass or disable the high-limit cutout.

Thermostat & Element Replacement Cost in Kenilworth

Thermostat replacement costs R350-R650 including the part and labour. Element replacement costs R500-R900 including draining, the new element, a gasket, and refilling. Combined thermostat and element replacement costs R700-R1,200 and is recommended when one has failed because the other is often near the end of its life too. Anode rod replacement, if done at the same time, adds R200-R400.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my geyser element has failed?

The primary symptom is no hot water despite the geyser breaker being on and not tripped. If you switch the geyser on and the breaker trips immediately or within a few minutes, the element has likely short-circuited. If the breaker stays on but water never gets hot, the element may have burned out (open circuit). Both scenarios need a professional to confirm and replace the element.

How much does element replacement cost in Kenilworth?

Geyser element replacement in Kenilworth typically costs R500-R900 including the new element, gasket, draining and refilling the geyser, and labour. If the thermostat is replaced at the same time (recommended), the combined cost is R700-R1,200. We carry common sizes on our vans for same-day repair.

How long does a geyser element last?

A geyser element typically lasts 3-7 years depending on water quality. Hard water with high mineral content causes faster scale buildup on the element, shortening its life. Setting your thermostat to 60 degrees Celsius rather than higher temperatures reduces scale formation and extends element life. In hard water areas, a 3-year replacement cycle prevents unexpected failures.

Should I replace the thermostat and element at the same time?

We generally recommend it if either component has failed. They have similar lifespans and work together - replacing both at once costs only marginally more than one alone (since the geyser is already drained and open) and avoids a second callout if the other fails shortly after. It also gives you a clean baseline for the geyser's performance.