Don't let your money go down the drain, use a qualified plumber

26 September 2024

Property owners are reminded to use plumbers who are qualified from an accredited education and training institution under the South African Qualifications Authority.

The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien joined the Water Inspectorate Unit on an inspection of the plumbing installations at a residential property, as part of the City’s water installation Certificate of Approval (CoA) regulatory process.

The Water Inspectorate unit is part of the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, responsible for issuing CoA’s for new and altered water installations. This service is offered at no cost to property owners and gives comfort that water installations are sound.

To maintain the plumbing requirements in Cape Town, a plumber must be qualified and have obtained a trade certificate from an accredited training institution. Using a qualified plumber comes at great benefit to the property owner, which includes:

Prevention of cross-connections between stormwater and sewer systems
The use of long-lasting, high-quality water installation materials and fittings, to prevent leaks due to poor plumbing components
Compliance by adherence to the City's water by-laws
Peace of mind and savings on money spent paying for water wasted through leaks and/or correcting poor workmanship

A qualified plumber is trained to ensure compliance with relevant SANS codes of practice, the City's Water By-Law 2010, the Water Amendment By-Law 2018, as well as the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977.

Property owners are encouraged to be mindful that they have a legal requirement to use a qualified plumber in these specific circumstances:

New and altered hot water cylinder installations;
New and altered water installations (i.e. pipes, valves and fittings, etc.);and
Alternative water supply (AWS) Installations.

To obtain a valid Certificate of Approval (CoA), your appointed qualified plumber is required to follow these steps:
1: Send an email to water@capetown.gov.za to notify the City, before the commencement of any new or altered water installations.

2: Complete a CoA form and send an email to water@capetown.gov.za, to notify the City upon completion of any new or altered water installation. Download the latest CoA form.

Residents should note:

(i) Applicants must allow at least two working days between sending notification of completion of a water installation and the requested inspection date and time.

(ii) The property owner needs to arrange for the City of Cape Town's District Water Inspector to have access to the property, at the requested date and time of inspection.

(iii) A CoA can only be issued once the City determines that all conditions and compliance requirements are met.

3: Alternatively, call 0860 103 089 to log a call for a water installation inspection; or submit a request via the City’s App.

Should you require any additional information or clarity, please do not hesitate to contact the District Water Inspector of your area. Their contact details are provided in the Endorsement Letter (item 4) issued to property owners, after the approval of their building plans.

‘During the 2023/2024 financial year, the Water Inspectorate unit issued over 1 413 CoAs following compliant plumbing installations or alterations at those residential and business properties.

‘Using a qualified plumber comes with dual benefits for the City and property owner. In the long run, it saves the property owner time and money. It further assists the City to prevent water losses and to reduce illegal connections which often lead to sewer overflows into the stormwater and river systems,’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

plumbing water and sanitation