Installation Guide

The A. O. Smith HSE-SDS-015 must be installed vertically on a solid wall that can support its weight (approximately 10 kg when filled). A. O. Smith recommends installation by an authorized technician to ensure safety and warranty compliance. If you are installing it yourself, follow these steps carefully.

Tools and materials needed:

1. Drill with masonry bits
2. Spirit level
3. Adjustable wrench
4. Teflon tape
5. Mounting brackets and screws (included)
6. Safety valve (included)
7. Pipe wrench

Step-by-step installation:

1. Choose the location: Select a dry, indoor location close to a power outlet and water supply. The geyser should be at least 30 cm away from any combustible surface. Ensure the wall is strong enough to bear the weight.
2. Mark the mounting holes: Hold the mounting bracket against the wall and use a spirit level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Mark the four screw holes with a pencil.
3. Drill the holes: Use a masonry drill bit suitable for your wall type (concrete, brick, or tile). Drill holes to the depth of the wall anchors. Insert the anchors.
4. Secure the bracket: Screw the mounting bracket firmly into the wall anchors. Ensure it is tight and cannot wobble.
5. Mount the geyser: Lift the geyser and hook it onto the mounting bracket. Ensure it sits securely and is level.
6. Connect the safety valve: Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the safety valve and screw it into the designated port on the geyser. Tighten with a wrench. Do not overtighten.
7. Connect the inlet pipe: Connect the cold water inlet pipe to the inlet port. Apply Teflon tape to the threads. Tighten securely.
8. Connect the outlet pipe: Connect the hot water outlet pipe to the outlet port. Apply Teflon tape and tighten.
9. Connect the drain pipe: Connect a drain pipe to the safety valve outlet and route it to a floor drain or bucket. This allows water to escape safely if the valve releases pressure.
10. Fill the tank: Open the hot water tap and allow the tank to fill. Once water flows steadily from the tap, close it. The tank is now full.
11. Check for leaks: Inspect all connections for leaks. Tighten any that are dripping.
12. Connect power: Plug the geyser into a grounded 230V outlet. Turn on the power switch.

Important: Never turn on the geyser before the tank is full. Running the heating element in an empty tank will damage it within seconds.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance extends the life of your geyser and keeps it running efficiently. Follow this schedule for best results.

How to drain and flush the tank:

1. Turn off the power supply at the circuit breaker.
2. Close the cold water inlet valve.
3. Open a hot water tap to relieve pressure.
4. Connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the geyser.
5. Route the hose to a floor drain or outside.
6. Open the drain valve and allow the tank to empty completely.
7. Once empty, open the cold water inlet briefly to flush out sediment. Repeat until the water runs clear.
8. Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and refill the tank.
9. Restore power.

Energy Saving Tips

Water heating accounts for a significant portion of household electricity bills. These tips can help you reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

• Set the temperature to 55°C: Most households do not need water hotter than 55°C. Every 5°C reduction in temperature can save 3-5% on water heating costs.
• Turn off the geyser when not in use: If you only need hot water in the morning, turn off the geyser after your morning shower. Use a timer plug to automate this.
• Insulate the pipes: Insulating the first 2-3 metres of hot water pipes reduces heat loss and delivers hotter water to the tap faster.
• Fix leaks promptly: A dripping hot water tap wastes both water and the energy used to heat it.
• Use low-flow showerheads: Less hot water used means less energy consumed.
• Install a timer: If your geyser does not have a built-in timer, use an external plug-in timer to heat water only during the hours you need it.
• Consider a solar water heater: If you live in a sunny area, a solar water heater can pre-heat water before it enters the electric geyser, reducing electricity consumption by up to 70%.
• Use the 5-star rating wisely: The HSE-SDS-015 is already highly efficient. To maximize savings, avoid setting the temperature higher than necessary and avoid leaving the geyser on 24/7.

Comparison with Other Models

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Turning on the geyser before filling the tank: This is the most common and most damaging mistake. The heating element will burn out within seconds if it is not submerged in water. Always fill the tank first.
• Setting the temperature to maximum: Setting the knob to 75°C wastes energy, increases the risk of scalding, and accelerates scale buildup. Set it to 55°C for most uses.
• Ignoring the safety valve: The safety valve is a critical safety component. Never block it, plug it, or remove it. Test it monthly to ensure it is not stuck.
• Using an extension cord: The geyser draws 2000W, which can overload an extension cord and cause a fire. Plug it directly into a grounded wall outlet.
• Skipping maintenance: Sediment buildup and a corroded anode rod are the leading causes of tank failure. Follow the maintenance schedule.
• Installing on a weak wall: A 15-litre geyser weighs approximately 25 kg when filled. Ensure the wall can support this weight. Use appropriate anchors for your wall type.
• Ignoring leaks: Even a small leak can cause significant water damage and indicates a problem that will worsen over time. Fix leaks immediately.
• Using the geyser with hard water without descaling: Hard water causes scale to build up on the heating element, reducing efficiency and shortening its life. Descale regularly if you live in a hard water area.

Warranty & Service Information

The A. O. Smith HSE-SDS-015 comes with one of the most comprehensive warranties in the electric geyser market. Understanding what is covered, what is not, and how to claim service will help you get the most from your investment.

Warranty Coverage

The 7-year inner tank warranty covers leakage or failure due to manufacturing defects in the Blue Diamond glass lining. The 4-year heating element warranty covers the glass-coated element against failure under normal use. The 2-year comprehensive warranty covers all other parts and labour for manufacturing defects.

What Is Covered

• Manufacturing defects in the inner tank, heating element, thermostat, thermal cutout, safety valve, and other electrical components.
• Leakage from the inner tank due to a manufacturing defect.
• Failure of the heating element under normal operating conditions.
• Free service visits during the warranty period for covered defects.

What Is Not Covered

• Damage caused by improper installation, incorrect voltage, or use of an ungrounded outlet.
• Damage from hard water scale buildup, sediment, or lack of maintenance.
• Physical damage from dropping, impact, or improper handling.
• Damage from lightning, power surges, or floods.
• Normal wear and tear of consumable parts (e.g., gaskets, washers, magnesium anode rod).
• Products with altered or removed serial numbers.
• Damage caused by unauthorized repair or modification.

How to Claim Warranty Service

1. Locate your invoice: The warranty is valid only with proof of purchase. Keep your original invoice or a digital copy.
2. Note the serial number: The serial number is on the rating label on the side or bottom of the geyser.
3. Contact A. O. Smith Customer Care: Call the toll-free number or visit the website to register a complaint.
4. Schedule a service visit: A technician will be assigned to inspect the product. If the defect is covered under warranty, the repair or replacement will be done free of charge.
5. Keep the service report: After the visit, ask for a service report. This is useful for future claims or if the issue recurs.

Service Tips

• Register your product: Register your geyser on the A. O. Smith website within 30 days of purchase to activate your warranty and receive updates.
• Keep the invoice safe: Without proof of purchase, the warranty may be denied. Store the invoice in a safe place or take a photo of it.
• Use authorized service only: Unauthorized repairs void the warranty. Always call A. O. Smith customer care for service.
• Follow the maintenance schedule: Regular maintenance, including descaling and anode rod replacement, is required to keep the warranty valid. Keep records of maintenance.
• Be clear about the issue: When calling customer care, describe the problem clearly (e.g., “no hot water,” “leaking from safety valve,” “heating indicator not glowing”) to help the technician prepare.
• Escalate if needed: If your issue is not resolved within a reasonable time, ask for the service manager or escalate through the website’s grievance portal.

Out-of-Warranty Service

If your geyser is out of warranty, A. O. Smith still provides paid service. The technician will inspect the product and provide an estimate for parts and labour. You can approve the estimate before work begins. Genuine A. O. Smith spare parts are used to ensure quality and safety.