A burst pipe can dump 200 litres an hour into your walls or floor. The first 10 minutes matter more than anything a plumber does later. Here's the exact sequence we tell Sandton and Midrand homeowners over the phone.
Step 1 — Shut the main stopcock
Every Joburg home has a stopcock at the municipal meter on the boundary, and ideally a second isolation valve where the supply enters the house. Turn both clockwise until they stop. If you've never tested them and they're seized, this is the moment to discover it — phone us anyway and we'll talk you through isolating from the meter.
Step 2 — Open the lowest tap in the house
Opening a downstairs garden tap drains the pipework above it, dropping the pressure on the burst and slowing the leak dramatically while you wait.
Step 3 — Switch off the geyser
If the burst is on a hot-water pipe, isolate the geyser at the DB board so the element doesn't dry-fire and burn out.
Step 4 — Move valuables and lift rugs
Photograph the damage for insurance before you start mopping. Lift rugs, pull furniture clear, get electronics off the floor.
What burst pipe repair costs in Joburg
- Exposed copper or PEX joint repair: R750–R1,400
- In-wall or in-ceiling burst with limited reinstatement: R1,500–R3,200
- Slab leak (concrete floor) with leak detection + bypass: R6,500–R12,000
- Polycop main supply burst in garden: R1,800–R3,500
Will insurance pay?
Most South African household policies cover the burst-pipe repair, leak detection costs and resulting water damage (drying, ceiling boards, paint). They generally don't cover the original pipe if it failed from age. We supply itemised invoices and detection reports formatted for Santam, OUTsurance, Discovery, MiWay and King Price claims.
Active burst right now? Phone 082 886 9119 — we cover Sandton, Midrand, Bryanston, Fourways and Randburg with same-day burst-pipe response.