Of all the parts on a geyser, the humble vacuum breaker causes more mystery "roof leaks" than almost anything — and almost nobody knows what it is. Here's the small component every Johannesburg homeowner should understand.
What it does
Your geyser has two vacuum breakers — one on the hot line, one on the cold. They let air into the system to prevent a vacuum forming, which would otherwise siphon the geyser empty and damage it if the water supply drops. They're a required safety component under SANS 10254 — small and cheap, but important.
The mystery roof leak
When a vacuum breaker perishes, it leaks — often onto the roof or out an overflow. Homeowners frequently mistake this for a roof leak and chase the wrong problem. In reality, replacing the perished vacuum breaker is a cheap, quick fix that stops the water.
Why they fail
They perish over a few years, faster with high water pressure, making them a frequent cause of geyser-area leaks. Replacing them during a geyser service heads off both the leak and the damp damage it can cause.
Catch it early
It's an inexpensive part, but ignored it lets water track into ceilings. If you've spotted water near the geyser or on the roof, have the vacuum breakers checked before assuming the worst — see valve replacement or book a geyser check.