Checklist for Homebuyers in South Africa

Plumbing Checklist for Homebuyers in South Africa

Introduction:

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and the one thing most buyers forget to check properly is…the plumbing.

A beautiful kitchen means nothing if there’s a geyser about to explode. A stunning bathroom loses all value when water pressure is pathetic or sewage smells sneak in a week after moving in.

In South Africa, hidden plumbing problems are one of the most expensive surprises new homeowners face — and insurance won’t help if you bought the problem “as-is”.

Before you sign that offer, do this plumbing check first. Trust us — it could save you tens of thousands.

This homebuyer checklist for South Africa is designed to help you avoid the most common plumbing disasters that get overlooked during house viewings.

1. Check for Signs of Leaks

Use your nose and your eyes:

Any wet spots on ceilings, floors, or behind toilets?
Is there a sewage smell near the bathroom or kitchen?
Are there fresh paint jobs in strange areas? Could be hiding water stains

2. Flush and Run Everything

Flush all toilets. Let the shower run. Open the taps and watch the drainage:

Do the basins drain slowly?
Does the toilet refill properly?
Any gurgling sounds?

These can indicate blocked drains, partial pipe collapses, or ventilation issues — not something you want to inherit.

3. Ask for Plumbing Documentation

You have every right to ask:

Was any plumbing work done recently?
Who did it? Were they a registered plumber?
Is there a compliance certificate? (Especially for geyser or bathroom work)

If there’s no paper trail, it might’ve been a cheap job — or worse, illegal.

4. Check the Geyser Setup

Is the geyser mounted inside the ceiling or outside on brackets?
Are the vacuum breakers, drip tray, and overflow pipe installed correctly?
Is the temperature pressure valve working?
Look for any signs of water stains or previous geyser bursts

💥 Tip: Ask the seller when the geyser was last replaced or serviced. A geyser older than 10 years is a red flag.

5. Test Water Pressure at All Taps

Turn on:

Basin taps
Kitchen sink
Shower
Bath

If the pressure is weak or inconsistent, it could mean blocked pipes, undersized piping, or even municipal pressure problems — and those are expensive to fix.