Quick answer
Metal water pipes can carry a fault voltage if an electrical fault reaches them. Earth bonding ties the metal plumbing to the electrical earth so everything stays at the same potential, which means no dangerous voltage difference between a tap and the floor. It is a requirement, it is cheap, and its absence is one of the most common reasons a COC inspection fails.
What you can do now
- 1Look for a green-and-yellow bonding conductor clamped to the metal pipework near the geyser and at the water entry
- 2Check whether plastic pipe has been used to replace a section, which can break the bonding path
- 3Note any recent plumbing work, since bonding is frequently not reinstated afterwards
- 4Do not assume bonding exists because the house is modern
- 5Flag it to whoever does your COC inspection so it is checked explicitly
When to call a professional
Missing earth bonding is a top COC failure point and should be fixed at the same visit as any other remedial work. It is a small job with a genuine safety purpose — without it, an electrical fault reaching the plumbing puts voltage on every metal tap in the house. A registered electrician installs the bonding and certifies it.
Typical cost in Johannesburg
R450–R750
Indicative ranges only. We provide written, itemised quotes before any work.
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