The Finishing Contractor

With all the negative talk about the ESKOM crisis, gas geysers often come up as a savings solution to the increase in electricity prices or the comfort of having hot water to bath or shower in after a days work.

We offer top brands like Bosch, VEC Power, Paloma, Typhoon, Totai, Zero and Dewhot gas geysers.

There are generally two types of geysers:- Those that operate with a diaphram and batteries and the other is what is commonly refered to as a  "Force fan" type geyser. Both work very well however the force fan required electricity to operate where as the diaphram type requires batteries thus the diaphramme type will provide hot water during load sheadding. The force fan types deliver more water per minute at higher temperatures but need electricity to ignite - no electricity= no hot water unless you fit a small USP to the unit.

The easiest way to describe a force fan is that it operates like a Turbo which forces air into the fire chamber, much like blowing into a braai fire the heat intensifies. We suggest a site visit to discuss the advantages of both. With Eskom load shedding and talk of its failure the diaphram types win hands down but deliver less water at lower temperatures.

The force fan units generally deliver more water flow and can attain higher temperatures but cost more - around double the price for the complete installation. We will gladly discuss the different units, Brands and cost options should you require our FREE quotation service. Call Alan 071 551 2108

There is no need to change your lifestyles. A gas geyser is not dependant on the supply of electricity or the sun, thus leaving the control of your usage in your hands. Gas is the ideal South African energy solution for water heating.

Gas Water Heaters or gas geysers provide a real solution to load sheadding and the ever increasing price of electricity in the George Mosselbay area.

There is not much worse than getting home after work and finding the power is off and you have to have a cold shower or bath. I always say a happy wife = a happy life. Gas geysers usually start by means of two torch size batteries thus if the power is off the gas geyser will provide an almost endless supply of hot water until the gas cylinder is depleted.

We generally state that if a gas geyser and gas stove or gas hob is installed the electricity bill will be cut by at least 50%.

We install top brand Gas Geysers like: Atlas, Bosch, Rinnai Totai in the following towns: Wilderness, Glentana, Boths Strand and Grootbrak

Need a COC for gas and you live on the Garden Route or just fed up with load shedding and having no hot water?

Call 071 551 2108 – The Finishing Contractor

Change to a gas water heater today thus saving on electricity bills and get boiling hot water on tap 24/7.

The rising cost of electricity supplied by ESKOM and Local Municipalities and with load shedding it is making the investment in gas water heaters and gas stoves an increasingly attractive investment.

Why a gas geyser?

An instantaneous gas water heater provides hot water only when you require it. By choosing gas you do not pay for hot water to be kept hot in a storage vessel like an electric geyser. You only pay for what you use.

Gas is the most efficient method of heating water. In my home we have 4 showers per day and I use a 9kg cylinder in 30 days. My hot water is costing me around R300 per month.

The initial investment for our gas geysers ranges from R3 600 or the supply of our 12L/min units and up to R30 000 depending on your hot water demand, installation requirements, legislation governing installation and safety.  (Subject to a site visit)(And the R/$)

We supply top brand geysers like Bosch, Renai, Paloma, Typhoon, Cadac and Delta. All these brands have quality products to suit the various requirements in the home.

All gas geysers are imported. Which brand to chose? It depends on the expectation of the home owner however they all produce hot water and as one client said ‘Boiling point is boiling point” – They all do the job of heating water. Being at the coast and taking the rust situation into account I'm leaning towards the diaphramme type.

It is our experience in the Hot Water business that differentiates us. Our back ground is in Solar water heating. Having 40 years experience in heating water helps us guide you in making the right decision for your application. Our team have been pioneers in Solar water heating in SA. Having worked for Kwikot as their first installer of solar, we recon we know domestic water heating.

We do the complete job and take responsibility for our installations – both gas and plumbing. You don't want a gas installer and a separate plumber to do your job. The reason being they will pass the buck if there is a problem. The gas guy will show you the geyser ignites therefor its not his problem. The plumber is going to say look here is the cold in and the water is flowing so it's not my problem but you need hot water. Thats why you want us to install for you. 

The average installation excluding the unit costs around R5000 to install both the gas and the plumbing. The larger units would cost more as a result of the different pipe sizes and time to install.

Geysers range from R3000 to R18000.

Gas certificate of compliance is an extra R750.00

Finance available to home owners - Terms and conditions apply.

A gas geyser is a tank-less heat exchanger that only burns gas and provides hot water when you need it. It is instantaneous. Opening the hot water tap sets a series of processes in motion and the ignited gas heats the water passing through the unit. A gas geyser (water heater) works with a pulse igniters that ignites the instant the hot water tap is opened, thus providing instant hot water when you require it. There is no storage tank (geyser) that requires constant heating. As the hot tap is closed the system stops heating the water thus making a gas geyser the most efficient hot water system.

Our gas geysers deliver from 8lt/min to 27 l/min of hot water at a change in temperature ranging of 25 - 45 degrees C. We also offer the fan assisted gas geyser that can deliver higher temperaturesof up to 70C.

The gas geyser is plumbed in-line into the existing water piping. This translates into very simple plumbing requirements but it does take about 4 to 5 hours to complete. Our installation technicians connect a cold water supply to the inlet, and a hot water draw to the outlet. No pressure relief valves are required. We prefer outdoor installations as there is no breaking of tiles, painting etc or bathroom renovations and the carbon Monoxide that is produced by the burning gas is expelled into the atmoshere.

Why a gas geyser?

The rising cost of electricity supplied by ESKOM and Local Municipalities and load shedding is making the investment in gas water heaters an increasingly attractive investment.

People generally bath or shower in water at a temperature of 40 to 45degrees C. A conventional electric geyser we heat the stored water to a temperature between 55 and 65C and then cool it down by adding cold water to reduce the temperature to around 42C. It doesn’t make sense paying to heat water and store it at a higher temperature than required only to cool it don to utilise it. Electric geysers are set at 55 to 65c to provide more baths at demand times. By tapping in a small amount of 65C water will require about the same amount of cold to allow one to bath. Thus more volume of water will be in the bath. This way 2 baths can be taken from a 200L gegser.

When using water from a gas geyser the idea is to use it at the desired temperature. We do this by adjusting the amount of gas going to the unit and the flow of water. This is done at the unit. Our technicians will show you how it all works during the hand over and giving you the COC

Contact The Finishing Contractor - Alan on 071 551 2108

Reasons to consider changing to a gas geyser.

• Saves electricity. Up to 60% of your electricity bill can be saved
• Replace you burst electric geyser with a gas geyser
• Environmentally friendly with a low Carbon Footprint
• Energy efficient as gas is only used when you require it
• Uses LP Gas (Linked to petrol prices)
• Electronic ignition or hydro ignition on some Bosch units – no pilot flame
• Only uses gas when you require hot water
• Installed outdoors – no water leakages in roof
• Saves money as it doesn’t use electricity
• Not affected by load shedding
• Simple to use and safe
• Affordable initial investment
• LPGSA Certified and COC

Suitable for town houses, flats, houses, factories, warehouses and any where hot water is required.

There is no need to change your lifestyles. A gas geyser is not dependant on the supply of electricity or the sun, thus leaving the control of your usage in your hands. Gas is the ideal South African energy solution for water heating.

Sizing indication

The following provides a guide to sizing of a gas geyser (tank-less water heater)

BOSCH UNITS

11l / minute                                                                           Kitchen

14l/minute                                                                             Shower

18l/minute                                                                             Bath

Top of the range units.

W2 range 24  Fan assisted – needs electricity                   House

W2 range 27  Condensing unit needs electricity                House

The above range can be purchased for LPG or natural gas.

Typhoon, Zero, Dewhot, Delta and Totai

10   Lt/min                                                                              Kitchen  or shower

12   Lt/min                                                                              Shower

16   Lt/min                                                                              Full bathroom

20   Lt/min                                                                              Full bathroom

Call The Finishing Contractor for a quotation if you have a faulty geyser, burst geyser, or just fed up with no hot water as a result of load shedding and power outages.

You can be confident that we will get the job done right, first time.

Alan on 071 551 2108

Electricity is going up annually and we have been warned of the looming power shortage. Save money with a gas geyser.

COC and LPGSASA

We are registered gas practitioners for domestic installations.

All gas work is carried out according to SANS 10087-1:2013 which covers the handling, storage and connection of Liquefied petroleum gas installations for domestic installations

LPGSASA Registration number  4978

Contact The Finishing Contractor - Alan on 071 551 2108

Insert code of ethics

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Gas geysers, also called instantaneous geysers or tankless geyers supply instant hot water on demand. It stores no hot water thus eliminating the constant heating of the water stored in the electric geyser. Gas geysers can deliver hot water as long as the cylinder has gas. Gas geysers save money as one doesn't pay for the re-heating and storage of water.

We supply and install top brands like Bosch, Rennai, Paloma, Zero, Delta, Dewhot, Totai and Typhhon geysers. We offer a complete service by suppling, installing the gas and the plumbing of the geysers thus eliminating the blame game of whom is to blame should the geyser not work as it should. When purchasing directly from us we will honour the suppliers waranty, our installation and take responsibility for our work. We always provide a COC with every installation which will be installed according to SANS 10083-13 guidelines.

We also install gas stoves, hobs and heaters.

We have recently opened in George, Western Cape where we will service George Mosselbay and the surrounding areas.

Our Johannesburg branch operates from Springs to Bedfordview, Edenvale and Kempton Park..

Gas appliance installations

The Finishing contractor specialises in the installation of gas appliances all around the home. We do not supply gas cylinders or refill gas, we concentrate on installations of gas geysers and gas appliances.

We have successfully completed more than 1000 domestic gas installations according to the gas installation regulations and always issue a gas certificate.         

Our job is to fit and connect the appliance to the cylinder according to SANS 10003-87 – 2013 and once completed issue a certificate of conformity (COC).  We don’t make the laws – we just install them according to the requirements of SANS.

Contact The Finishing Contractor - Alan on 071 551 2108

Installing the gas cylinder at home.

The thing the gas comes in… is it a cylinder or a gas bottle?

We don’t mind what you call it, a cylinder or a bottle, but the stuff inside it is an awesome energy source. Top kitchens use it. Many homes use it for space heating in winter. Pleasure resorts, clubs and industry have been using it to heat water for years. We are all experiencing the ever increasing cost of electricity, not to mention the erratic supply of it, as in the dreaded load shedding.

We supply Afrox or Easy Gas in cylinders from 9kg, 19kg and the big 48kg cylinders,  however you can buy or rent your cylinders from your nearest gas shop, we don’t mind what gas you choose, we will still handle it the same way we always handle gas cylinders, safely.

Nearly every home we visit to quote we find there is still this fear that gas is dangerous. We install the gas system according to regulations which are clearly set out in SANS 10087-1:2013. This standard clearly sets out where and how cylinders can be placed in a domestic gas installation. It covers distances from windows, doors, electrical points, air conditioners and drains and which type of piping may be used,  to name a few of the things to take into consideration. It is all for your safety.

Don’t be perturbed, that’s our job to guide you and that’s why you pay us for a COC – certificate of conformity, which insurance companies need and estate agents require when buying or selling a home.

As members of the LPGSASA we have agreed to operate to a code of ethics which can be viewed under the LPGSASA portion of this site;

To provide an understanding of the SANS regulations regarding installations of cylinders, we have included a mini break down of different installations. These are only guidelines and the SANS 10087-1:2013 will always be the standards (Just in case we got it wrong)

There are different types of installation services that we can offer.

• The COC – where the installation has already been completed, an existing installation and a certificate is required.
• An installation where the cylinder is inside – Hob or stove or heater
• An installation where the cylinder is placed outdoors.
• A new dwelling being constructed

Certificate of Conformity

COC – some call it a certificate of compliance, but the LPGSASA call it a certificate of conformity. Either way it is a certificate that is issued by a registered gas installer to indicate that he/she is satisfied that the installation is safe and conforms to the SANS regulations and with municipal by-laws.

Did you know that you are only allowed 100kg of LP Gas on a domestic stand?

COC’s only last for 5 years and then need to be re-certified by a registered gas practitioner. The current SANS standard was produced in 2013. If an installation was done prior to 2013 the system may need to be re-certified as it may no longer be compliant even though nothing has changed on the installation. This is as a result of SANS regulations that are constantly being improved for everyone’s safety. We don’t like it either but the laws have to be obeyed especially when it comes to claim time with insurance companies.

We have a fixed price for issuing a COC of R750 which covers a call out, visual inspection, testing for gas leaks and for a discussion on the safety of the installation.

Should anything not be compliant our qualified installer will be able to quote you for any changes and if in agreement with our fee he can make the necessary changes while on site. Once the required changes have been completed and tested, they will issue you the COC.

All gas appliances that have been approved by the LPGSASA have printed on the box that the appliance is sold in, states that the appliance must be installed by a registered gas installer. It’s the law, we don’t make them just do installations according the regulations as stated below:

The installation of a container(s), complete with all associated equipment and appliances and any subsequent repair or modification to the installation, shall be carried out by a registered installer qualified to the appropriate grade.

The Finishing Contactor staff are qualified for Domestic installations.

An indoor cylinder installation

That means that any gas installation that is permanent like a stove, hob, gas geyser, and heater needs to be installed by a qualified gas practioner, even if it’s a simple job. No arguments please. If it’s done 100% correctly to the SANS regulation great – charge you for a COC.

For the DIY guys that don’t like the rules:

Indoor installations are limited to a 9kg cylinder and low gas consumption appliances like hobs and stoves. The installation needs a metal pipe to go through the cupboard wall or walls and less than 2m of flexible hose with clamps and regulator. A shut off valve is also required.

The cylinder needs to be in a cupboard all by itself. The cupboard needs to be ventilated and sealed with silicone on all joints. (Ventilation should be an air brick to the outside if possible) The cylinder must be vertical and in a cupboard of 400mm width.

The cylinder cannot be below the hob or below a basin

For hobs and stoves; Measure the opening and double check it before buying your appliance. If it doesn’t fit it costs money and lots of cleaning up dust.

An electrical plug needs to be within 2 m of the appliance or you need to get an electrician to do the installation of a plug point.

One appliance – one cylinder – one cupboard – no electrical switch in cupboard

The cylinder outside installation

This is where it gets tricky.

Same SANS rule applies re the gas installation plus a load more.

Remember no more than 100kg of gas on one domestic site or get permission from your local fire department. But here in George they only allow the fitting of 2 x 19kg cylinders per house hold with out fire department approval. Fire department approval costs ectra money for the drawing up of plans and for the fire department to come out and do an inspection. Rather stick to 2 x 19kg cylinders. In my house we use a 9kg cylinder per 30 days for 4 showers per day. So 2 x 19kg should last most houses 2 months or more.

The position of the cylinder or cylinders is always the difficult part. Finding a suitable place to store them is half the battle. We need to consider many things, some of which will be mentioned below

The cylinders need to stand on a solid base.

They need to be in a cage or secured with a chain.

They must be one meter from your neighbour’s single wall.

If it’s a double wall it can be against the wall. See sketch re more than one cylinder.

The cylinders must be located more than 2m from a drain

5m from an electrical point, DB Board, pool pump

2m from an aircon inlet

1m from a window or door

1.5m from an outdoor light

1m from an airbrick

3m under a window unless in a cage with specific conditions

Cages must be 80% open. Expanded metal cage and the roof must be steel.

And more.

Things to consider for outdoor installations:

Do you want to have 2 x 19kg cylinders with a change over valve?

The number of appliances to be fed

The distance of the pipes

Pipes need to be lagged

Pipes need to be saddled

Rubber hoses don’t go outside

Pex or copper class 1 pipes for gas installations

Generally we leave pipes exposed and secured to the exterior walls as chasing concrete and trenching are expensive and time consuming and bring with them a host of more rules. All exterior piping needs to be lagged. Going through the roof can be done but we need to use an expensive stainless steel pipe specially made for gas.

All these rules make it difficult but that’s our job to find solutions.

Installations at a construction site

Early planning is essential as it will save you money.

Most of the outdoor installation rules will apply.

Chasing the gas pipe into a wall needs to be 50mm deep

Trenching needs to be 500mm deep and the piping needs to be sleeved and marked with plastic to identify a gas line.

The best plan is to talk to us at planning stage or meet us on site early in the construction.

If the job is in a complex the worst part is sitting at the gate for 2 hrs just to get in. 

Remember the above info is only a guide. Let a gas practioner come and see what needs to be done and get a quote.

Call Alan for a quotation on 071 551 2108