Free Water Leak Check Drive – Is your water bill rising even though your usage hasn’t changed? You might be unknowingly losing thousands of liters of water each month. Starting July 23, 2025, a massive nationwide initiative titled the “Free Water Leak Check Drive” is being launched across cities to combat hidden water wastage. As part of the government’s broader strategy to curb utility costs and save natural resources, this campaign offers homeowners a free professional inspection to detect invisible leaks – some of which are responsible for up to 35% of monthly water loss. This initiative, led by the Department of Water and Sanitation, comes in response to alarming studies that revealed most urban households have minor pipe or appliance leaks that go unnoticed for months. These leaks not only inflate bills but also place severe stress on already limited water reserves, especially in high-risk drought zones. Eligible households will be able to book a certified water inspector for a full leak diagnosis and receive instant feedback – all at zero cost. In many cases, residents are unaware of dripping geysers, leaking underground pipes, faulty flush systems, or overused irrigation units. But now, thanks to this focused outreach, citizens have a chance to act before these small issues turn into large repair costs. So, how does it work? Who qualifies? What can you do today to check for leaks yourself? And what number should you call? This article breaks it all down in simple, practical steps – with key charts, checklists, and contact details to help you make the most of this limited-time drive.
What Is the Free Water Leak Check Drive?
Launched on July 23, 2025, this national drive aims to help households detect hidden leaks and reduce water loss.
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- Free leak inspections offered by certified technicians
- Run by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)
- Available across metros, towns, and select rural areas
- Prioritizing households with high water bills or complaints
- Quick booking process via official helpline or portal
- Results shared on the spot + suggested solutions
- Optional low-cost repair referrals provided
Free Water Leak Check Drive – Why Leaks Go Undetected for Months
Even the smallest leaks can lead to massive monthly losses. Here’s why they’re often missed:
- Underground pipes leak without surface signs
- Toilet cisterns can silently leak 300–700 liters/day
- Dripping geysers, irrigation pipes go unnoticed
- Faulty pressure valves may cause overflow at night
- Residents assume water loss is due to usage changes
Top Signs That Your House May Be Leaking Water
Here are some common red flags that your home may be losing water without your knowledge:
- Sudden spike in water bill without change in usage
- Damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Musty smell inside rooms or cupboards
- Sound of running water even when taps are off
- Geyser or toilet keeps refilling frequently
- Decreased water pressure in taps/showers
- Cracks appearing in foundation or tiles
DIY Checks You Can Do Before Booking
You can try these checks to identify possible leaks at home:
- Meter Check: Turn off all taps and appliances. Watch if your meter is still running.
- Toilet Dye Test: Add food coloring to the cistern; if it seeps into the bowl, you’ve got a leak.
- Check for Puddles: Inspect garden, bathroom, and geyser area for wet patches.
- Look for Mildew: Persistent damp smell usually means hidden leakage.
- Monitor Geyser Usage: If it’s heating repeatedly, water may be escaping.
Who Can Apply for the Leak Check?
The drive is open to both homeowners and tenants in select areas.
- Valid South African ID or municipal account required
- Must be located in participating municipalities (see table below)
- Priority to households with over R500/month water bills
- Accessible to elderly and disabled residents with special slots
- Only one inspection per property during campaign period
Eligible Locations for Leak Checks – July–August 2025
| Province | Cities Covered | Booking Window | Hotline Number | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg, Tshwane | July 23 – Aug 10 | 0800 200 200 | Open |
| Western Cape | Cape Town, George | July 24 – Aug 15 | 0860 987 654 | Open |
| Eastern Cape | Gqeberha, East London | July 25 – Aug 20 | 0800 111 222 | Open |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban, Pietermaritzburg | July 26 – Aug 18 | 0800 333 444 | Open |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | July 27 – Aug 22 | 0800 555 777 | Limited Slots |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | July 28 – Aug 24 | 0861 333 888 | Opening Soon |
What Happens During a Free Leak Check?
Once you book your inspection, here’s what the process looks like:
- You’ll get a confirmation SMS or call with the appointment slot
- A certified technician visits your house with equipment
- Visual and meter-based inspection of pipes, geysers, toilets
- Immediate feedback on issues found + printed report
- Repair suggestions or official referral if severe damage found
- All inspection records are updated to your municipal account
What Tools Are Used During the Leak Check?
| Tool/Device | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Acoustic Leak Detector | Detects underground water flow irregularities |
| Pressure Gauge | Checks pressure drop across your system |
| Moisture Meter | Measures dampness in floors/walls |
| Dye Tablets | Identifies toilet tank leaks |
| Flow Meter | Analyzes usage vs. expected flow |
| Thermal Scanner | Locates hidden heat/water flow |
| Inspection Camera | For hard-to-see drain lines |
Benefits of Early Leak Detection
Fixing leaks early isn’t just good for your wallet – it saves precious water too.
- Reduce your monthly water bill by up to 35%
- Prevent foundation damage and mold-related health issues
- Avoid geyser bursts, wall collapse, and electrical risks
- Become compliant with city’s water-saving regulations
- Peace of mind knowing your plumbing is secure
Cost of Ignoring Leaks
| Leak Type | Estimated Monthly Loss | Repair Cost if Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet Leak | 9,000 – 21,000 L | R1,500 – R3,000 |
| Geyser Overflow | 5,000 – 12,000 L | R1,800 – R4,000 |
| Pipe Crack (Wall) | 7,500 – 15,000 L | R3,000 – R6,000 |
| Irrigation Leak | 6,000 – 10,000 L | R1,200 – R2,500 |
| Underground Burst | 10,000 – 25,000 L | R5,000+ |
How to Book Your Free Inspection?
Booking is easy and takes less than 5 minutes.
- Call the toll-free hotline for your city (see table above)
- Or visit the official portal: www.dws.gov.za/leakcheck
- Provide your ID and recent municipal account number
- Choose your preferred date/time from available slots
- Elderly/disabled residents can request assistance
Departmental Contact Details – Leak Drive Helpline
| Department Branch | Contact Person | Phone Number | Email ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Water (Gauteng) | Mr. Sipho Maseko | 0800 200 200 | [email protected] |
| Leak Support (Western Cape) | Ms. Angela Booysen | 0860 987 654 | [email protected] |
| Leak Hotline (KZN) | Mr. Themba Dlamini | 0800 333 444 | [email protected] |
| Leak Division (Eastern Cape) | Ms. Nontle Khumalo | 0800 111 222 | [email protected] |
If you’ve noticed unusual water bills or suspect that something’s not right with your plumbing, don’t wait for a disaster to strike. The Free Water Leak Check Drive is your opportunity to get expert help without spending a cent. Book your free inspection today – it could save you thousands in repairs and water bills.
FAQs of Free Water Leak Check Drive
Q1. Is the service really free?
Yes, it is completely free for eligible residents as part of the national leak prevention program.
Q2. What if I rent the property?
Tenants can apply with permission from the landlord and a copy of the lease agreement.
Q3. Will they fix the leak immediately?
The inspection includes diagnosis only. Minor fixes may be suggested; larger repairs are referred.
Q4. How often can I book this service?
Only once per property during this campaign period unless otherwise announced.
Q5. What happens if I miss my appointment?
You can reschedule via the helpline or portal at least 24 hours in advance.
Q6. Are flats and apartments eligible?
Yes, as long as the unit has its own water connection and municipal billing.
Q7. How long will the inspection take?
Usually between 30 to 45 minutes depending on property size and number of bathrooms.
Q8. What if I detect a leak after the inspection?
You may request a follow-up at your own cost or report it to the municipality for advice.
