Most plumbing disasters don't start with a burst pipe — they start with a small habit or shortcut. After 16 years of callouts, here are the mistakes we see cost Johannesburg homeowners the most.
1. Ignoring small leaks
A dripping tap or running toilet wastes thousands of litres and never fixes itself. Small problems get bigger and more expensive.
2. Reaching for chemical drain cleaners
Caustic cleaners damage seals and traps, rarely clear real blockages, and are hazardous. Mechanical clearing is safer and actually works.
3. Pouring the wrong things down drains
Fats, oils and grease; coffee grounds; wet wipes (even "flushable"); sanitary products — the leading causes of blocked drains and sewer backups.
4–6: Over-DIY-ing it
Over-tightening fittings, using the wrong parts, and DIY on geysers or gas cause leaks, floods and voided warranties. Geyser, pressure and COC work belongs with a registered plumber.
7. Not knowing the stopcock
In a burst, every second counts — know where your stopcock is before you need it.
8. Skipping geyser maintenance
No servicing, no anode replacement — and the geyser fails years early, often with ceiling damage. A periodic service is cheap insurance.
Avoid the costly ones
When in doubt, a quick professional check beats an expensive repair later. We're a call away across Sandton, Midrand and the East Rand.