Guides · Emergencies
Constantia is a long valley on the east side of the Constantiaberg, and one of the oldest wine-growing areas in the southern hemisphere. Many of its properties are large, with a main house, sometimes a cottage, a garden, a pool and a long run of pipe between the meter and everything else. That changes what goes wrong, and how you find it.
What is different about plumbing on a large property
- Long pipe runs. A leak can sit underground between the meter and the house for months. The first sign is often the water bill. Close every tap and check whether the meter is still moving.
- More than one building. A cottage, a garage and a pool house each have their own taps, geyser and isolating valves. In an emergency, know where each one is.
- Irrigation and pool plumbing. These add joints and valves that fail slowly, usually out of sight.
- Large households. A bigger family or a guest wing puts more demand on a single geyser. Our Bishopscourt guide covers hot water that takes too long to arrive.
Burst pipe or geyser: the first ten minutes
- Close the water at the main valve or the meter. For a leaking geyser, closing the cold water valve into it is enough.
- Switch off the geyser at the distribution board, unless the board is wet. If water is near plugs or lights, stay away and call us.
- Open a tap to drain the pipes, protect furniture and electronics, and take photos for your insurer.
Whose side of the meter is it?
As a rule, the City of Cape Town looks after the supply up to and including the meter, and you look after the pipes after it. If the water is coming up through the pavement or the verge, or the meter itself is leaking, report it to the City. If it is inside your boundary, it is a plumber's job.
Boreholes
Many properties here use a borehole or wellpoint alongside the City supply. The City has rules for these, and a pump is also electrical work. Our guide to boreholes in Tokai and Constantia sets them out.
Selling in Constantia
If you are selling, the City requires a plumbing (water) certificate of compliance on transfer. We arrange plumbing, electrical, gas and beetle inspections together and give you a written report with photos. If you have an inverter or solar system, read what the City requires before you list.
Plumbing around Constantia
We work in Constantia, Bishopscourt, Tokai, Bergvliet, Meadowridge, Claremont and Newlands, and across the Southern Suburbs and South Peninsula. For anything that isn't an emergency, WhatsApp us on 074 490 3100 or email enquiries@lightningfast.co.za. Office hours are Monday to Friday 07:30 to 17:30 and Saturday 08:00 to 13:00.
Common questions
Do you have a plumber in Constantia for emergencies?
Yes. We take emergency calls day and night on 074 490 3100, and emergencies carry no after-hours charge. Our office is in Fish Hoek, and on the phone we tell you how soon someone can be with you.
Why are water bills and leaks harder to spot on a big property?
Pipes on a large plot run a long way between the meter, the house, cottages and the garden, and a leak underground may never show on the surface. A meter that keeps turning when everything is closed is the first sign.
Does Constantia have its own water supply rules for boreholes?
The City of Cape Town has rules for boreholes and wellpoints, and we explain them in our guide to boreholes in Tokai and Constantia. Check them before you drill or connect a pump.
Do I need a plumbing certificate to sell in Constantia?
Yes. A water installation (plumbing) certificate of compliance is required in the City of Cape Town when a property is transferred. We inspect plumbing, electrical, gas and beetle together and give you a written report with photos.