Buying a geyser in Diwali? Free installation may not be entirely free

With Diwali sales bringing discounts on home appliances and winter just around the corner, this is when many households start shopping for geysers. A 15-litre storage geyser or an instant model might look like a good deal, particularly when retailers are offering discounts and free installation. But the price displayed on the product page may not be what you eventually pay.

You order a geyser, schedule an installation and expect the technician to get everything running. However, once they inspect your bathroom, you might be asked to pay extra for connection pipes, valves, electrical fittings or other accessories. 

Some of these requirements are genuine, but they can still add to your overall purchase cost.

Free installation, but not the accessories

The catch is that free installation usually covers only the basic fitting work. Pipes, valves and other accessories may cost extra, depending on the brand and what your bathroom needs.

Read more: Instant vs storage geyser: Which one is better for your home?

For instance, A.O. Smith offers free installation on selected models and in selected locations, but connecting hoses, extension nipples, additional materials and electrical fittings aren’t included. Removing an old geyser can also attract separate charges.

Bajaj has similar exclusions. Its consumer care terms mention that hose pipes are chargeable separately, while customers need to arrange plumbing, electrical and carpentry work wherever required.

So, even if the installation labour is free, the materials and additional work needed at your home may not be.

A few fittings can push up the bill

Racold’s published installation rates give a better idea of what some of these accessories can cost. An angle valve is listed at Rs 200, while a 2-ft connection pipe costs Rs 300 and a 3-ft pipe costs Rs 400. The company also lists fasteners at Rs 100 for two pieces and an X Scale at Rs 700.

Racold’s standard installation covers wall mounting, connection to existing water lines up to 1.5 ft and an existing electrical point within one metre. Additional plumbing and electrical work can attract separate charges.

A connection pipe, valve and a few other fittings can easily add a few hundred rupees to the installation bill. If the bathroom needs electrical or plumbing work as well, the final amount could be considerably higher than what you had budgeted for the geyser.

Not every extra charge is necessary

If your bathroom doesn’t have suitable plumbing connections, additional pipes or valves may genuinely be required. Similarly, electrical modifications may be necessary depending on the geyser’s power requirements and the existing wiring.

However, before paying for these extras, ask the technician why they are needed and whether the existing fittings can be used. Also, check how much piping or how many accessories are being added to the bill. You can compare their prices with the rates listed on the brand’s website.

If the technician recommends replacing existing fittings, ask why they cannot be reused. You should also request an itemised estimate before installation begins rather than finding out the total after the work is completed.

Don’t let installation eat into your Diwali savings

If you’re planning to buy a geyser this Diwali, check the manufacturer’s installation policy before placing the order. Find out which accessories come in the box and whether connection pipes, valves and electrical fittings are included.

That Rs 5,000 geyser may not remain a Rs 5,000 purchase once the installation is done. Check the extra charges before ordering so you know how much you’ll actually spend.

Read more: Why does your geyser make popping or rumbling noises?