Guides · Emergencies
Tokai sits on the foothills of the Constantiaberg, with Steenberg to the west, Kirstenhof to the south, Bergvliet to the east and Dennendal to the north. Most of the suburb was built in the late 1940s to house soldiers returning from the Second World War, and it has tree-lined streets, streams and pine plantations. Those facts are worth keeping in mind when something goes wrong.
What is different about plumbing in Tokai
- Homes of that age. A house built in the late 1940s has been altered many times since. Some pipework, taps and isolating valves may be old, and some may have been replaced piecemeal. We check what is actually there rather than assuming.
- Mature trees and streams. Tree-lined streets and streams are part of Tokai's character. Roots can find their way into old drain joints, so a slow or repeatedly blocked drain on a tree-lined street is worth inspecting rather than just clearing.
- Older geysers. If your geyser is old, a drip from the pipework or the tank is the sign to act on. Our guide to a leaking geyser explains what to do while you wait.
If the taps run dry: is it you or the City?
In May 2023 residents of Tokai and Constantia were left with low water or none after a restriction in the supply to the reservoir serving both areas. The City of Cape Town removed the restriction and arranged tankers for homes with no water.
The lesson is a practical one. Before you call a plumber, check whether your neighbours are also dry. If they are, it is a supply problem on the City's side and the City is the one to report it to. If only your house is affected, close the main valve, check the meter and call us.
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 looks after the supply up to and including the meter, and you look after the pipes after it. Water coming up through the pavement or verge, or from the meter itself, is a City report. A leak inside your boundary is a plumber's job.
Boreholes in Tokai
If your Tokai property uses a borehole or wellpoint next to the City supply, note that 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 a house in Tokai
When a property is transferred in the City of Cape Town, the seller needs a plumbing (water) certificate of compliance. We arrange plumbing, electrical, gas and beetle inspections together and give you a written report with photos. For the electrical side, read what is inspected before the inspector arrives.
Plumbing around Tokai
We work in Tokai, Bergvliet, Kirstenhof, Steenberg, Constantia and Meadowridge, 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 Tokai 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 has my water stopped in Tokai?
Check whether your neighbours are also without water. If they are, it is probably a supply problem and should be reported to the City of Cape Town. If only your house is affected, close the main valve, look at the meter and call us.
Do older Tokai houses need their plumbing replaced?
Not automatically. Age alone is not a fault, and we look at what is installed and what condition it is in before suggesting anything. A visible leak, a stained wall or ceiling, or repeated repairs are the signs that a section needs attention.
Do I need a plumbing certificate to sell in Tokai?
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.