It doesn’t take long for first time travelers of India to become accustomed to a new way of retrieving hot water. India has implemented a highly efficient system for hot water as a way to save countless amounts of electricity. The ever elusive water geyser, or as the western world refers to it, the water heater, sneakily sits somewhere in the bathrooms waiting to be called to action. Water geysers are most commonly used in Indian Budget and Mid-Range hotels. Five-star properties, with some exceptions such as desert tent camps or houseboats, have full time hot water supplied from massive central boilers not located in individual rooms.
How to Use
Roughly 15 minutes before hot water is desired, flip the switch which turns on the water geyser. Typically one of the hotel staff will show this process to arriving guests. If not, check the bathroom shower for one of these handy devices. They’re almost always mounted above the shower or near it. Two water lines run into the tank, one cold, one hot.
Near the bottom of the tank you will find two indicator lights. Once the geyser is switched on, both lights will appear. One light is to signal the tank is on, the other light is to signal the tank is actively heating water. If the second light does not switch on immediately, there may be an issue with the tank. Rarely do you find a burnt out light. Once the tank has successfully heated the water, this light will turn off indicating it is ready to use.
This hotel made a step-by-step instruction sticker for how to operate the water geyser
Most places will have the On/Off switch installed on the same plug-in panel. Trace the power cord running the geyser to the outlet. If this isn’t the set-up, you may have to fumble through several switches. Remember, look for the indicator lights to illuminate when switched ON.
When Can I Use?
Users can begin drawing water before the indicator light has switched off, however, you obviously will not be accessing a full tank of hot water. The tank will continue to heat water as it is in use but eventually cold water will slowly find its way through.
How Much Hot Water Do I Get?
Average water geysers are 15 liters. This gives travelers about 5-10 minutes of hot water depending on flow rate. Extend hot water by:
1. Turn off the tap after an initial rinse
2. Keep water off as you clean with soap/wash/shampoo
3. Turn shower on to rinse, repeat as necessary until finished.
Save Electricity Save India
Now that you know how to avoid cold showers in India, remember to turn off the water geyser when finished. Once you, or all parties in the room, are finished with hot water simply turn OFF the tank with the same switch used to turn ON the tank. You will still have access to running water as well as any hot water left in the tank.
