Water leaks? Saving tips and reparation advice from Silulumanzi

Silulumanzi is a public/private partnership with a 30-year concession with the City of Mbombela Local Municipality to provide water and waste water utility services to the greater Mbombela area, South Nsikazi and Matsulu. Read their water saving tips and advice on water leaks.

March 17, 2021

How to manage your water

Small changes in your home and everyday behaviour can go a long way to reduce your water bills, energy bills and your impact on the environment.

Water leaks – tips on fixing leaks and saving water

Meters and mains

Learn how to take readings from your water meter to determine if you have a household leak and find out where your water mains’ tap is. How can I check my water meter? Where can I find my meter? The meter is generally located at the boundary of your property. If you live in a gated estate, you will need to contact your homeowners association for the location.
How can I read my meter? Take note of the readings in white on the meter, which measure in kilolitres, and in red, which measure in litres. Silulumanzi invoices you in kilolitres.
How can I monitor my consumption? Refer to your last water account and note the closing water meter reading. Thereafter, by inspecting the water meter at your residence, you will be able to establish how much water has been utilised by subtracting the closing reading as per the last water account from the new reading you have taken. If you turn off all of the taps and notice your meter is still turning, this is generally an indication of a leak.

Taps

A leaking or dripping tap can waste up to 60 litres of water a day. That is approximately 1 800 litres a month. Fixing leaking or dripping taps is simple and can be done at home. An easy DIY solution can be the answer to unnecessary water loss and high water bills.

An unusually high water bill may indicate a leak in your home or garden. Water leaks can be very costly and a waste of South Africa’s most precious natural resource. Common types of leaks found in the home include faulty toilet washers, dripping taps and other leaking valves. Up to 10 per cent of households have leaks. Fixing a dripping tap is a simple way to prevent water wastage as a result of leaks and can be done by anyone at home.

Toilets

Unusually high water bills may be the result of a leaking toilet. A leaking toilet can result in a lot wastage of clean water, subsequently causing a high bill. It is wise to have DIY solution to repair a leaky cistern. Most leaky toilets are the result of old or worn-out washers.

How can I check my water meter?

Where can I find my meter?

The meter is generally located at the boundary of your property. If you live in a gated estate you will need to contact your homeowners association for the location.

How can I read my meter?

Take note of the readings in white on the meter, which measure in kilolitres, and in red, which measure in litres. Silulumanzi invoices you in kilolitres.

How can I monitor my consumption?

Refer to your last water account and note the closing water meter reading. Thereafter by inspecting the water meter at your residence you will be able to establish how much water has been utilised by subtracting the closing reading as per the last water account from the new reading you have taken. If you turn off all of the taps and notice your meter is still turning, this is generally an indication of a leak.

Checking for a leak

1. Ensure that all the water fittings on your property are operating correctly and are watertight when closed.
2. Ensure that all water-consuming appliances (e.g. geysers, toilets, washing machines, taps, etc.) are all closed and not utilising water.
3. Take note of all the readings in white on the meter.
4. After approximately 10 to 30 minutes, take another reading. If the reading has advanced, you probably have a leak with your internal water network or some of the appliances.
5. Engage the services of a qualified plumber to locate and repair the leak as soon as possible.
6. Submit the plumber’s invoice and pictures of the water leak to Silulumanzi’s Consumer Services.

Who is responsible for burst or leaking pipes on your property?

The by-laws state that tenant or owner of the property is responsible for burst pipes on the property. Silulumanzi is only responsible for fixing leaks and burst pipes in the street up to the meter. It is in your own interest to attend to any known leakage promptly, as all water lost will result in a higher than normal meter reading and subsequently higher bill.

Who is responsible for burst or leaking pipes in your street?

Silulumanzi is responsible, but you should contact our call centre and report the leak. Give accurate information.

Please submit to us the following:
• Is lots of water being lost?
• Is there damage to any property?
• The street name and number
• Your telephone numbers.