Common Geyser Problems and How to Fix Them?
08th August 2025 | Written By: Rika Aash | Read Time: 3min | Last Updated: 20th January 2026
A geyser (also known as a water heater interchangeably), like any electrical appliance, is susceptible to breakdowns. It could be due to wear and tear or issues related to water quality, electrical supply, etc. It is advisable to contact a qualified electrician, plumber or geyser technician to identify the exact issue and mainly for safety purposes. However, you should also have knowledge of these problems for the right approach. This blog lists common geyser problems and ways to troubleshoot them.
Safety Note: Geysers are electrical appliances, and certain inspection or maintenance tasks can be potentially hazardous. Always switch off the power supply before checking the unit, and for any technical, electrical, or internal work, it is strongly recommended to seek assistance from a qualified electrician or professional technician
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Not Heating Water
The possible cause could be an issue with the power supply, low voltage, thermostat or heating element.
How to troubleshoot
- Check if the geyser is plugged into the socket properly and whether the power indicator is on. If you notice a loose plug, then plug it properly.
- Check if the Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) has tripped and shut down the electrical supply completely. If yes, turn on the MCB.
- Check the thermostat setting, if your geyser has this feature. The setting should be adjusted according to the weather conditions — low for summer, medium for spring, and high for monsoon. If it is adjustable, set it to the desired temperature to ensure an adequate supply of hot water.
- If the thermostat is working properly, then the issue could be with the heating element.
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Underheating or Overheating
Underheating happens when the geyser heats the water slowly or not hot enough. Overheating refers to excessive heating, which could scald your skin or cause the geyser to explode. These problems could arise due to thermostat malfunction, sediment build-up or faulty heating element.
How to troubleshoot
- Check if the geyser is undersized to meet your household needs and upgrade to a larger capacity if needed.
- Reset the thermostat setting (if available) to the desired temperature.
Caution: It is always better to consult an expert or a technician to avoid any mishaps
- Replace the thermostat if it is faulty.
- Check for crossed hot and cold connections.
- Clean the sediment build-up by flushing the tank.
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Water Leakage
The most common causes of leaks are loose pipe connections, corrosion and faulty valves.
How to troubleshoot
- Check the inlet/outlet pipes for loose connections and tighten them with a wrench. If the leakage continues, consider replacing the pipes or faulty valves.
- If rust or corrosion is the reason, then consider servicing your geyser or replacing it.
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Unusual Noises
Geysers can make strange noises like rumbling, hissing, humming or popping. The reasons could be mineral build-up in the tank or trapped air inside the pipes.
How to troubleshoot
- Drain the tank to get rid of mineral build-up.
- Run hot water through the pipes with one end kept open to release the trapped air.
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Dirty/Discoloured/Smelly Water
This could be due to rust or bacterial build-up inside the tank or pipes.
How to troubleshoot
- Flush out the stagnant water from the tank and disinfect it with a hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Replace the worn-out magnesium anode rod to prevent further corrosion.
- If rust or discolouration persists, consider installing a water softener or filtration system to improve the quality of water.
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Turning Off Unexpectedly During Use
This might happen due to electrical or mechanical problems. Issues like overheating due to a faulty thermostat, electrical wiring issues or a worn-out heating element can also lead to geysers turning off during use.
How to troubleshoot
- Press the reset button (if available) to reset the thermostat.
- Check for any damaged or loose wiring.
- Replace heating elements or the thermostat.
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Burning Smell
A burning smell could be due to electrical issues, a malfunctioning thermostat or heating element, bacterial growth and dust accumulation on components.
How to troubleshoot
- If you are using the geyser after a long gap, the smell could be due to dust burning off. It should disappear after a few hours.
- Melted plastic and electrical sparks are dangerous signs. Turn off the geyser immediately and refrain from using till the problem is solved.
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Low Water Pressure
Pipe/valve blockages, clogged filters or lime scale build-up can reduce the water supply pressure in the taps.
How to troubleshoot
- Clean the pipes, valves and filters.
- Flush the tank to remove mineral deposits.
Conclusion
Routine maintenance and servicing are the preventive measures for the smooth functioning of geysers. However, geysers can still give trouble at times. Make sure you buy geysers from reputed brands and use only high-quality components for replacements. These measures can extend the lifespan of geysers and save you from unnecessary repair costs. It is highly recommended to call a professional for geyser problems rather than fixing them yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
- Q1. Is it safe to use a geyser with low water pressure? No, it is not recommended to use a geyser with low water pressure, as it reduces heating efficiency and may damage the geyser over time. It is recommended to adhere to the minimum pressure requirements mentioned on the geyser before installation.
- Q2. How often should a geyser be serviced to avoid problems? It is recommended to service the geyser once a year to ensure efficient performance and extend its lifespan.
- Q3. Why does my geyser take too long to heat water? A geyser may take too long to heat water due to sediment build-up in the tank, a faulty heating element, or a low power supply. Regular maintenance can help improve its performance.
- Q4. How do I know if my geyser thermostat is faulty? If your geyser isn’t heating water properly, overheats, or runs continuously without shutting off, it could be a sign of a faulty thermostat. You may also notice unusually high electricity bills or inconsistent water temperatures.
