FAQ’s

Turn off the water supply to prevent flooding, and contact a licensed plumber immediately.

Avoid pouring grease down the sink, use drain covers, and regularly flush drains with hot water and vinegar.

It's recommended to have a plumbing inspection at least once a year to catch potential issues early. Contact Straton Plumbing to schedule an annual inspection.

Signs include water stains on walls, increased water bills, mold growth, or a musty smell.

Look for licensed plumbers with good reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family, and check their credentials.

Costs can vary widely, but on average, plumbers charge between R450 and R900 per hour, depending on the job and location.

Check the flapper valve, adjust the float, and ensure that the chain is not tangled. Replacing the flapper may be needed.

Turn off the power and water supply to the heater, and call a plumber to assess the situation.

Yes, hiring a licensed plumber ensures that the work is done to code and reduces the risk of future issues.

Minor repairs may be manageable for some DIY enthusiasts, but complex issues should always be handled by a professional.

Insulate pipes, let taps drip, and keep the home heated to prevent freezing.

Signs include frequent leaks, corrosion, low water pressure, and old pipe materials like lead or polybutylene.

Pipey is one you hear often. Mario is occasionally thrown about by other tradies. Super Mario, if you're any good with a spanner. And leaky is another one, although we're not sure if this one is meant quite as affectionately.

Creative monikers include “Pipe Jockey,” which refers to plumbers skilled in fixing pipes; “Wrench Wizard,” highlighting those who are masters of using plumbing tools; “Drain Dude,” for the experts in unclogging drains; and “Drip Doc,” for specialists who tackle those pesky leaky taps.

Plumbarius: From plumbum came plumbarius “a worker in lead,” a meaning that held up through Old French plomier, which became, in the 15th century, the English word plumber. Original plumbers were not experts in the flow of water and waste; they were simply people who worked in lead.

A ferrule of plumbers.

Dunny diver — a plumber Example: “The toilet's clogged up again. Better call the dunny diver to sort it out.”

National Hug a Plumber Day is celebrated every year on 25 April, as a reminder to celebrate these often overlooked heroes who help keep our homes running smoothly. Take some time out of your day to show some appreciation to your local plumber, whether it's a hug, a card, or a simple thank you.

A prepaid water meter allows users to pay for their water in advance, similar to prepaid electricity meters.

Users purchase water credits and load them onto the meter. The meter tracks usage and stops water flow when credits are depleted.

Prepaid meters help manage water usage, reduce unexpected bills, and encourage conservation.

Credits can typically be purchased online, at designated locations, or through mobile apps, depending on the provider.

While some may attempt DIY installation, it is recommended to hire a licensed plumber to ensure proper installation and compliance with regulations.

Installation costs vary but can range from R900 to much more, depending on the complexity of the installation and local rates.

Installation can take a few hours, depending on the existing plumbing and meter type.

No, prepaid meters are designed to maintain the same water pressure as standard meters when properly installed.

When credits are depleted, the water supply will stop until new credits are purchased and loaded onto the meter.

Yes, prepaid water meters are designed to be accurate, measuring usage precisely just like traditional meters. In fact the newer ultrasonic meters are more accurate than traditional meters.

Yes, many prepaid meters come with a display that shows current usage and remaining credits, allowing for easy monitoring.

Contact the installation plumber or your water provider for assistance with any issues or malfunctions.

A geyser is a water heating appliance that provides hot water for domestic use, typically powered by electricity or gas.

Signs include water leaks, inconsistent hot water supply, unusual noises, rust on the tank, or the geyser is over 10-15 years old.

Installation costs can range from R5800 and up, depending on the type of geyser, labour, and any necessary plumbing adjustments.

Installation typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the existing plumbing setup and type of geyser.

Signs include leaking water, no hot water, strange noises, or the temperature not reaching the set level.

Geysers should be serviced at least once a year to maintain efficiency and prolong lifespan.

While some may attempt DIY installation, it is advisable to hire a licensed plumber to ensure proper installation and safety compliance.

Turn off the power supply and water supply immediately, and contact a licensed plumber for repairs.

Yes, common types include storage geysers, instantaneous geysers, and solar geysers, each with different features and benefits.

Insulate the geyser and pipes, set the thermostat to 60°C, and perform regular maintenance to improve efficiency.

Noises like popping or banging may indicate sediment buildup. It’s best to contact a plumber to inspect and flush the geyser.

Yes, but this requires professional installation and adjustments to the plumbing and electricity/gas lines, so it’s best to hire a plumber and electrician.

Home Improvement TV Host - Known for hosting "This Old House" and other renovation shows.

Television Host - Host of "Dirty Jobs," showcasing various skilled trades.

Professional Basketball Player - Renowned NBA player, also known as "Dr. J.

Fitness Coach - Popular fitness influencer and author, known for his meal plans.

Comedian/Actor - Creator and star of "The Office," a successful comedic actor.

Actor - Acclaimed actor known for roles in "The Godfather" and other films.

Comedian/Actor - Award-winning comedian and actor, known for his stand-up comedy and roles in film and television.

Lawyer/Politician - Former prosecutor known for high-profile cases, including the Oscar Pistorius trial.

Businessman/Entrepreneur - Founder of a successful construction and plumbing business, known for his contributions to the industry.

Politician/Business Leader - Current President of South Africa, he started in business and was involved in labor activism. He has a background in various trades, including plumbing.

See: How to Save Water in the Shower

See: How to Save Water in the Bathroom

See: How to Save Water in the Toilet

See: How to Save Water in Your Kitchen

See: How to Recycle Water

See: How to Save Water in my Garden

See: DIY: How to Replace a Washer on a Bathroom Tap