Property owners can install stopcocks to prevent water supply disruptions and save water

26 January 2026

Private isolating valves, also known as stopcocks, play a vital role in preventing unnecessary water supply disruptions to individual households and neighbouring properties, while helping to protect Cape Town’s valuable water supply.

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has noted an increase in requests from property owners to temporarily shut down municipal water supply to residential, industrial and business properties to carry out plumbing repairs or installations. Many of these requests arise because properties do not have their own functioning private isolating valves.

A private isolating valve 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).

What property owners need to know:

• Check if your property has a private isolating valve or stopcock. If it does, please test it periodically to ensure it works.      
  
• If no valve is present or if it is faulty, property owners should arrange for installation or repairs by a qualified and accredited plumber.
  
• Property owners are responsible for installing and maintaining a private isolating valve within their property boundary.
  
• The City’s responsibility generally extends to the municipal water connection point, while internal plumbing infrastructure remains the owner’s responsibility.
  
• 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.
  
• 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.

‘A functioning private isolating valve is a simple but critical piece of infrastructure that helps protect water supply reliability for entire communities. When properties do not have these valves in place, it often results in wider water shutdowns that could have been avoided. We strongly encourage all property owners to check that they have a working isolating valve and to address any issues proactively.

‘While some private property related water shutdowns remain unavoidable for major infrastructure work or emergencies, the City stresses that many disruptions can be prevented through proper on-site plumbing infrastructure. By taking responsibility for private isolating valves, property owners can help minimise water supply interruptions and support a more resilient water system for all,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

How to request City assistance for a temporary water shut-off

Step 1: Check access to your stopcock

First, establish whether you or your plumber have access to the property’s stopcock (water shut-off valve).

• If you have access:
  You or your qualified, certified plumber should shut off the water supply directly at the stopcock. No City help is needed.
• If you do not have access:
  You need to ask the City for help. The process depends on whether the shut-off is urgent or planned.

Step 2: If the shut-off is required for a future date

If the shut-off is planned in advance (for example, scheduled plumbing work):

• The property owner must apply in person at a City Revenue Walk-In Centre.
• The call-out fee of R1 339 (including VAT) must be paid upfront.
• Once payment is made, the request will be captured and the Water and Sanitation Directorate will action the shut-off on the agreed date.

Documents required

When applying for a planned water shut-off, residents must bring:

• A written request signed by all property owners
• A copy of the identity document (ID) of all property owners

Residents are encouraged to plan where possible and ensure they know the location of their stopcock to avoid unnecessary delays and costs.

Further enquiries can be directed to: water@capetown.gov.za        

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office