The Shocking Truth: Why Your Geyser Could Be a Silent Killer If Left On While Bathing

It's a routine many of us follow: step into the shower, turn on the geyser, and sometimes, even leave it running for continuous hot water. But what if this seemingly harmless habit is actually a ticking time bomb lurking in your bathroom? Experts are sounding a stark warning, urging households to always switch off their geysers before entering the shower or bath, or even while bathing.

The reason? A potentially fatal risk of electrocution that is far more common than you might imagine.

The primary danger lies in the deadly combination of water and electricity. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and even a minor electrical fault in your geyser or its wiring can turn your entire bathwater into a lethal electrical field.

Imagine a faulty heating element, a worn-out wire, or a damaged thermostat allowing current to leak into the water supply. In a wet environment like a bathroom, where your body is highly conductive, touching the water or any electrically charged surface can lead to instantaneous and often fatal electrocution.

Consider scenarios: you might innocently touch a switch with wet hands, or there could be a short circuit in the geyser's internal components.

If the geyser is not properly earthed, or if the earthing itself is compromised, the current has no safe path to dissipate. Instead, it seeks the path of least resistance – which could be you. The current can pass through your body, causing severe burns, cardiac arrest, and ultimately, death.

Electrical engineers and safety professionals consistently emphasize that the safest practice is to heat the water, then switch off the geyser's power supply entirely before stepping into the bathroom.

This simple act creates an invaluable buffer, eliminating the risk of electrical current flowing through the appliance while you are in contact with water. It's a small change in habit that offers immense peace of mind and protection.

Beyond the immediate act of switching off, there are other crucial measures to ensure your bathroom's electrical safety.

Regular maintenance of your geyser by a qualified technician is paramount. Ensure that all wiring is up to code, properly insulated, and free from damage. Always verify that your geyser, and indeed your entire home, has robust and functional earthing. Never attempt DIY repairs on electrical appliances, especially something as critical as a water heater.

Invest in good quality, ISI-marked appliances and always prioritize professional installation.

Don't let convenience override safety. The comfort of a hot shower should never come at the cost of your life or the lives of your loved ones. Make it a strict rule in your household: switch off the geyser before you shower.

This small, conscious act is a powerful step towards preventing a devastating electrical accident and ensuring your bathroom remains a sanctuary, not a hazard.