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Request a temporary water shut-off

<div class="ExternalClassCC65B5853D474551B82F30C49B943351"><p>Property owners who need to carry out plumbing repairs or installations can request a temporary shutdown of the municipal water supply to a street or area. This is only necessary if the property does not have access to a functioning private isolating valve (stopcock). </p></div>

<span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Private isolating valves (stopcocks)</h2></span> <p>A stopcock allows the water supply to a specific property to be shut off independently, without affecting neighbouring properties. Where these valves are missing or not working, City teams are often required to shut down water supply to an entire street or area to allow work to take place. This results in avoidable inconvenience to surrounding residents and businesses, as well as an avoidable cost to the property owner of R1 339 (VAT included). </p><p>Property owners can install a stopcock to prevent unnecessary water supply disruptions, delays and costs, while helping to protect Cape Town’s valuable water supply.</p><h4>What property owners need to know:</h4><ul><li>Check if your property has a stopcock. If it does, please test it periodically to ensure it works. </li><li> If you do not have a valve or it is faulty, arrange for installation or repairs by a qualified and accredited plumber. </li><li>Property owners are responsible for installing and maintaining a private isolating valve within their property boundary. </li><li>The City’s responsibility generally extends to the municipal water connection point, while internal plumbing infrastructure remains the owner’s responsibility. </li><li>The property owner will be billed if City Water teams have to temporarily turn off the water supply. Installing a working stopcock on the property will allow the supply to be shut off when needed and will prevent disruptions to other properties, avoiding this cost. </li><li>Not having a private isolating valve causes unnecessary water supply disruptions to the household and neighbours and can delay urgent repairs and emergency responses, placing additional pressure on the water network, leading to water losses, particularly during peak demand periods.</li></ul><p>You'll find your property's stopcock about 1,5 m from your water meter. Turn it in a clockwise direction to fully close the valve.</p> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Stopcock-inline.jpg" alt="" /></figure><h2 class="sectHeading"> How to request a temporary water shut-off</h2><h4>Step 1: Check access to your stopcock</h4><p>First, establish whether you or your plumber have access to the property’s stopcock (water shut-off valve).</p><ul><li><strong>If you have access:</strong><br> You or your qualified, certified plumber should shut off the water supply directly at the stopcock. No City help is needed. </li><li><strong>If you do not have access: </strong><br>You need to ask the City for help. The process depends on whether the shut-off is urgent or planned.</li></ul><h4>Step 2: If the shut-off is required for a future date</h4><p>If the shut-off is planned in advance (for example, scheduled plumbing work):</p><ul><li>The property owner must apply in person at a City Revenue<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Walk-in%20centres"> walk-in centre</a>. </li><li>The call-out fee of R1 339 (including VAT) must be paid upfront. </li><li>Once payment is made, the request will be captured and the <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Water%20and%20Sanitation">Water and Sanitation Directorate </a>will action the shut-off on the agreed date.</li></ul><p></p> <span> <div class="lrg-icon-content bordered"><div class="lrg-icon lrg-check"><p> <b>Documents required:</b><br><br>When applying for a planned water shut-off, residents must bring:</p><ul><li> A written request signed by all property owners </li><li>A copy of the identity document (ID) of all property owners </li></ul></div></div></span> <p>Residents are encouraged to plan where possible and ensure they know the location of their stopcock to avoid unnecessary delays and costs. </p><p>Further enquiries can be directed to: <a href="mailto:water@capetown.gov.za">water@capetown.gov.za</a>. </p>

Property owners who need to carry out plumbing repairs or installations can request a temporary water shut-off.