Property Water Leaks
Leaks from pipes, plumbing fixtures and fittings can occur in any property, at any time, regardless of its age, location or construction method. They can occur in new homes, old homes, outside, inside, above or under the ground.
How to check if you have a leak
We recommend you complete the following test regularly to ensure you don’t have a leak on your property.
- After checking for visible leaks from taps, toilets and showers, turn off all taps and take a reading of your water meter . Don’t use any water for at least one hour (don’t even flush the toilet). Take another reading of your water meter and pay attention to the red numbers and dials.
- If the dials of the meter continue to turn, or there has been an increase in the readings, you may have a leak.
- If you are having difficulty accessing your water meter, or if you live in a unit or apartment block and don’t have an individual meter, please contact us.
- If you find bees in your water meter, please do not kill them as native bees are protected. We will remove the bees from Urban Utilities owned meter boxes only. If the meter is not owned by Urban Utilities, you can arrange safe removal of the bees by visiting the South African Beekeepers’ Association website.
Fixing the leak
Depending on where the leak is, we may be able to help.
You can speak with the Master Plumbing team from Urban Utilities on +27 (0) 11 780 8235 between Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm, for a solution to the problem you may have.
Your leak or blockage our solutions, please Call Out our Plumbers
Ways to minimise the risks associated with leaks
We understand leaks can cause distress for our customers. They not only waste water and increase your water bill, but they can also damage your home. We have several options available to help protect you against the impacts of leaks.
Identifying where the leak is
Sometimes the source of a leak is obvious and can be located by conducting some of the following checks. However, there are often no visible signs of leaks, especially if they are underground, within walls, or in areas that are difficult to access.
- Taps and sinks – check to see if any taps are dripping. Dripping taps will often just need a replacement washer.
- Kitchen – check to see if there is water pooling under the dishwasher or fridge (if it is connected to the plumbing). You should also look for warped or discoloured cupboards, bench tops or walls. This is a sign that water is leaking from somewhere close by.
- Bathroom – check to see if the toilet cistern is continually running. If it is you’ll need to contact a licensed plumber to help you fix the problem.
- Laundry – check for water pooling under the washing machine or laundry tub. If you see pooling water in these areas, check the hoses connecting the washing machine to see if they are cracked, frayed, bulging or wet.
- Yard – if you can see wet patches or bright green areas of grass in your yard, this could indicate that there is a concealed leak in a pipe underground. You should contact a licensed plumber to investigate.
- Around the home – other things you can look for around the home that could indicate a leak include: Warped or discoloured walls and floorboards, damp carpets, drips on the side of the hot water system.
If you think you have a leak and a plumber is needed, you will be responsible for the cost. You will also be charged for the water that your property uses while the leak remains unprepared.
Call Out our Plumbers
AquaTrip
AquaTrip is a leak detection system that acts like a safety switch for a home’s water supply. It is installed on the incoming main water pipe leading to a property (just after the water meter) and automatically shuts off the water supply if it detects a continuous flow for longer than a pre-
Speak to us to find out more about AquaTrip and other pre-
