Plumbing Tips, Advice & Updates

A burst pipe can flood your home in minutes. Knowing the right steps can save thousands in water damage. Act fast — every second counts.

• Turn off your water main immediately — usually near your meter
• Switch off your electricity at the mains if water is near wiring
• Open taps to drain remaining water from the pipes
• Call a licensed plumber — do not attempt patching on pressurised pipes

Not sure whether to fix or replace your geyser? Here's how our Fourways team decides — and how to get the most value for your money.

• Repair if the geyser is under 8 years old and the element failed
• Replace if it's leaking from the body — the tank is corroded
• Replace if it's over 10–12 years old regardless of fault
• Always get a compliance certificate after any geyser work

Hidden leaks waste thousands of litres and cause structural damage before you even notice them. Watch for these warning signs in your Fourways home.

• Water bill suddenly higher than normal with no change in usage
• Damp patches, peeling paint or mould on walls or ceilings
• Sound of running water when all taps are closed
• Meter reading changes overnight when no water is in use

Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing calls we get in Fourways. Most are entirely preventable with these simple habits.

• Never pour cooking oil or grease down the kitchen sink
• Use a drain strainer in showers to catch hair
• Only flush toilet paper — wet wipes block drains even if "flushable"
• Flush drains monthly with boiling water to clear grease build-up

Fourways and northern Johannesburg can get cold enough overnight to freeze exposed pipes. A small prevention effort avoids a costly burst.

• Insulate exposed pipes outside or in unheated garages
• Disconnect garden hoses overnight in winter months
• Let taps drip slightly on very cold nights to keep water moving
• Know where your water main is so you can act fast if a pipe freezes

A dripping tap wastes up to 20 litres of water a day. Many homeowners can fix a simple drip — here's when to DIY and when to call us.

• Turn off the water supply under the basin or at the main
• Remove the tap handle and replace the worn washer or O-ring
• If the tap body is cracked or corroded — replace the whole unit
• Call a plumber for mixer taps, ceramic disc valves or if unsure