Free Leak Detection – In a major move to tackle water scarcity and soaring utility costs, the South African government, in partnership with local municipalities, has launched a Free Leak Detection and Repair Programme starting August 23, 2025. This initiative aims to help households identify and fix hidden water leaks that may be draining over 35% of their monthly water supply, often without their knowledge. With water demand increasing and infrastructure ageing, the programme is expected to ease pressure on municipal supply systems while also cutting consumer water bills significantly. The Department of Water and Sanitation estimates that nearly 40% of water losses across households stem from internal leaks—often unnoticed drips, broken underground pipes, or faulty toilet systems. This not only strains the environment but also puts a dent in family budgets, especially in low- to middle-income communities. To counter this, the Free Leak Detection campaign will provide eligible households with no-cost plumbing inspections, automated leak sensors, and free repairs for minor to moderate leaks. With over R250 million allocated nationally, the campaign will roll out in a phased manner, prioritising high-loss areas first. Homeowners and tenants are encouraged to register early as slots are limited per region. Municipalities have set up dedicated leak response teams, and in most areas, bookings will be available online and via WhatsApp. The program also includes awareness workshops and live demos in key metros like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Tshwane.
Why Free Leak Detection Is Now a Priority
Unchecked leaks can waste thousands of litres per month. Here’s why this programme has become essential:
- Over 35% of household water usage is lost due to silent leaks.
- South Africa is facing repeated droughts and declining dam levels.
- Average family loses R500–R1000 monthly due to undetected plumbing issues.
- Municipalities are under pressure to reduce water waste under new national targets.
- Detecting leaks early reduces structural damage and costly repairs.
- Automated sensors can help track water usage trends in real-time.
Key Benefits of the August 2025 Free Leak Detection Programme
This national campaign offers a range of services for free. Households participating in this initiative will receive:
| Service Offered | Cost to Consumer | Who Provides It | How to Access | Repair Type | Eligibility Criteria | Booking Start Date | Area Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leak Inspection by Plumber | Free | Municipal Plumbers | Online/WhatsApp | Minor Leaks | Households below R350K income | Aug 23, 2025 | High-leak zones |
| Free Pipe Repair (minor faults) | Free | Certified Contractors | Door-to-door visits | Small pipe leaks | Municipal billing account | Aug 23, 2025 | Johannesburg |
| Water Meter Leak Detection | Free | Leak Response Unit | Scheduled visits | Meter/Valve issues | Prepaid or billed meters | Aug 24, 2025 | Durban, Gqeberha |
| Toilet Leak Fix (float valve, cistern) | Free | Partnered Plumbers | Community call-ins | Bathroom leaks | 1 toilet per household | Aug 25, 2025 | Tshwane, Soweto |
| Leak Detection Sensors (if needed) | Free (limited) | SmartWater SA | By appointment only | Monitoring tool | Households with history leaks | Aug 26, 2025 | Cape Town |
| Awareness Workshops & Demos | Free | Dept. of Water & NGOs | Community centres | Educational | Open to all | Aug 30, 2025 | All provinces |
| Emergency Follow-up Visit | Free (first only) | Water Action Teams | Hotline request | Urgent cases | Leak reported in 48 hours | Sept 1, 2025 | National |
Who Qualifies for the Free Leak Detection Programme?
This section clarifies eligibility and prioritisation of households.
Primary Criteria to Join the Leak Repair Scheme
Only eligible homes will be considered under this free scheme. Here’s what qualifies:
- Income below R350,000 annually (for priority access)
- Registered with municipal billing or prepaid system
- House must be residential (no businesses or commercial premises)
- Leak must be internal or visible (not municipal side)
- One-time assistance per household unless leak reappears within 30 days
Documentation Required During Booking
To ensure smooth registration, keep these documents ready:
| Required Document | Format | Issuing Authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA ID or Smart ID | Physical/Scanned | Home Affairs | For tenant or homeowner |
| Municipal Bill or Prepaid Token Proof | Physical/Photo | Local Municipality | Should show account ID |
| Income Proof or Grant Slip | Bank statement/SASSA print | Bank or SASSA Office | Not older than 3 months |
| Consent for Home Visit | Signed Form | Provided during booking | Allows plumber inspection |
Where Will It Be Available First?
The Department has prioritised metros and towns with the highest reported water losses:
- Johannesburg (Soweto, Lenasia, Orange Farm)
- Durban (Umlazi, Phoenix, Inanda)
- Cape Town (Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain)
- Tshwane (Soshanguve, Mamelodi)
- Gqeberha, East London, Kimberley (secondary wave)
Key Timeline: August to November 2025
The programme will follow a phased rollout with specific targets:
| Phase | Timeline | Target Households | Focus Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Aug 23 – Sept 15, 2025 | 80,000 | Major metros |
| Phase 2 | Sept 16 – Oct 10, 2025 | 60,000 | Medium towns |
| Phase 3 | Oct 11 – Nov 5, 2025 | 50,000 | Rural & peri-urban |
| Final Support | Nov 6 – Nov 30, 2025 | Revisit + training | Recheck unresolved areas |
What Repairs Are Covered and What’s Not?
While most leak types are covered, there are a few exceptions.
Covered Leak Repairs
- Leaking toilets (flappers, float valves, cracked cistern)
- Kitchen and bathroom taps
- Geyser overflow valves
- Underground garden pipes (minor cracks)
- Visible pipe joints
- Water meter box leaks (inside boundary)
Not Covered Under the Free Scheme
- Leaks on municipal side of meter
- Complete pipe reinstallation or renovations
- Leaks inside commercial premises or shared flats
- Fixtures not related to water (e.g., solar heaters)
How to Apply and What to Expect
Booking for this service is now open, and the process is designed to be quick.
Step-by-Step Process to Register
- Visit your local municipal water department’s portal
- Use the WhatsApp hotline (number below) to register your leak
- Upload necessary documentation (ID, proof of residence, billing info)
- Select your preferred inspection date and time slot
- Receive SMS confirmation and visit schedule
- A certified plumber visits your home within 7–10 days
Departmental Contacts for Booking & Queries
Here are important contact numbers and websites per region:
| Region | WhatsApp Hotline | Booking Website | Support Email |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 060 123 4567 | www.joburgwater.co.za/leakfix | [email protected] |
| Cape Town | 061 234 5678 | www.capetown.gov.za/leakrepair | [email protected] |
| Durban | 062 345 6789 | www.durbanwater.org/registerleak | [email protected] |
| Tshwane | 063 456 7890 | www.tshwane.gov.za/leakcheck | [email protected] |
| National Helpline | 0800 000 111 | www.dws.gov.za/leakprogramme2025 | [email protected] |
Awareness Drives and Water Saving Workshops
Aside from repairs, the programme is educating communities through:
- Weekly community sessions at local halls and libraries
- Demo installations showing how to detect leaks
- Free water-saving kits (aerators, timers) for participants
- Special sessions in schools to build early awareness
With South Africa losing over a third of its treated water to leaks, this initiative couldn’t have come at a better time. The government’s bold step not only supports water security but also brings real financial relief to struggling households. Early booking is advised, as demand is expected to surpass availability.
FAQs of Free Leak Detection
1. Can tenants apply for free leak detection?
Yes, as long as they can provide consent from the landlord and valid municipal proof.
2. How many leaks can I fix under the programme?
Each household gets one free inspection and up to three minor leak fixes.
3. What if my leak is on the municipal side?
These will be logged and forwarded to your local municipality, but not covered under the free repair scheme.
4. Are smart leak sensors permanent installations?
Yes, where provided, they remain with the household for long-term monitoring.
5. Can high-income households apply?
They can apply for inspection, but repair support is limited to those under R350,000 income annually.