When you sell a home in Cape Town, most people remember the electrical certificate. Fewer know that the City of Cape Town also needs a plumbing certificate before your home can transfer to its new owner. Here is what you need to know, so it doesn’t catch you by surprise.
What is the plumbing certificate in Cape Town?
The City’s Water By-law says that before a property is transferred, the seller must hand in a plumbing certificate (officially a Certificate of Compliance) from an accredited plumber. The plumber inspects your water installation and signs a form confirming it meets the City’s requirements. Your conveyancer, the attorney handling the transfer, then sends it to the City.
What does the plumber check?
The City’s form lists exactly what the plumber looks at:
- Your geyser – that it is installed according to the national standards.
- Pipes in the roof – that they are properly secured.
- The water meter – that it turns when water is used and stops when the taps are closed.
- The isolating valve – the valve on your side of the meter that shuts off water to your home is there and working.
- Taps and fittings – that nothing leaks and everything is fixed firmly in place.
- Rainwater – that none of it drains into the sewer.
- Boreholes, tanks and greywater – that none of them are connected to the City’s drinking water supply.
Two things worth checking early
Rainwater going into the sewer. If downpipes or paved areas drain into the sewer, this has to be redirected before the plumber can sign the certificate.
Boreholes, wellpoints and rainwater tanks. Many Cape Town homes have them, and they are allowed. They just may not be connected to the City’s water supply.
What the certificate doesn’t cover
The certificate only covers the items on the City’s form. It is not a guarantee of your whole plumbing system. It is also separate from your electrical certificate and any gas or electric fence certificates your home may need.
Plan ahead
If the plumber finds a problem, it must be fixed before the certificate can be issued. My advice is to arrange the inspection when you put your home on the market, not once you already have a buyer. That gives you time to get quotes and sort things out without holding up the transfer.
For more on getting ready to sell, read our articles on making sure your building plans are compliant and the hidden costs of selling property.
Thinking of selling? We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Useful links
- City of Cape Town Water By-law, 2010 (section 14)
- City of Cape Town: Certificate of Compliance for a water installation
- City of Cape Town: Certificate of Compliance form (transfer of ownership)
Sally Gracie
Chas Everitt Cape Town South
This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can change, so confirm what your property needs with your conveyancer.