Emergency Plumbing in Stellenbosch: What to Do When a Pipe Bursts at Night

It’s the middle of the night. You hear rushing water. You get up and find a pipe has burst, and water is pouring across your floor.

What now?

At PlumbGuarantee, we’ve seen it all, and we know how stressful these moments can be. The good news? With the right steps, you can minimise the damage and get professional help fast. If you’re in Stellenbosch, here’s exactly what to do when a pipe bursts—day or night.

Water tap leaking

First: Don’t Panic. Act Quickly.

A burst pipe isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s an emergency. Water damage can spread fast, so your first goal is to stop the water flow and protect your property as much as possible.

Step 1: Shut Off the Main Water Supply

This is the most important step. The sooner you stop the flow of water, the less damage you’ll face.

• Find your stop valve – Usually located where the water line enters your property: outside near the water meter, or inside near the kitchen or bathroom.

• Turn it off – Twist the valve clockwise to shut off the supply.

• Can’t find it? Give us a call—we’ll walk you through it.

Step 2: Switch Off Your Geyser and Electricity

If the water is near any electrical outlets or your geyser, you need to be careful.

• Turn off your geyser at the DB board

• If needed, cut power to the affected area to avoid electrical hazards

• Safety first. If you’re unsure, leave the power and wait for our team.

You can also read more about geyser repairs if your system has been affected.

Step 3: Drain the Pipes

Once the water is off, open all the cold taps in your home. This helps relieve pressure in the system and clears excess water.

• Start at the lowest tap (like a garden tap) and work your way up

• Don’t forget the toilet—flush it once to drain the cistern

Step 4: Soak Up Standing Water

Use towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water as you can. The quicker you dry the area, the less likely you’ll deal with mould or long-term damage.

• Focus on wood floors, carpets, and areas near electrical points

• Take photos for insurance if damage is visible

Step 5: Call a 24-Hour Emergency Plumber in Stellenbosch

That’s where we come in. PlumbGuarantee offers 24-hour emergency plumbing across Stellenbosch, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether it’s 2 PM or 2 AM, we’ll answer the call and get your plumbing back in order.

• Immediate response time in Stellenbosch and surrounds

• Fully equipped team with leak detection tools

• Experienced in burst pipes, geyser repairs, and emergency drainage

What Causes Pipes to Burst?

Burst pipes can catch anyone off guard—but they’re often preventable. Here are the common causes we see in Stellenbosch homes:

• Old or corroded pipes (common in older homes)

• Freezing temperatures in winter causing pipe expansion

• High water pressure damaging joints and fittings

• Poor DIY repairs or incorrect installations

  
  

If you’ve had one pipe burst, there may be others at risk. Ask us about a full pipe inspection after we’ve sorted the emergency.

How to Prevent a Pipe from Bursting Again

While some plumbing emergencies are unpredictable, you can avoid a lot of stress with regular maintenance.

• Have your pipes inspected every 1–2 years

• Install a pressure-reducing valve if water pressure is high

• Replace old galvanised or rusted pipes

• Drain outdoor pipes before winter to avoid cold-related bursts

• Know where your shut-off valve is—and label it clearly

Check out our plumbing tips and advice for more ways to maintain your system and prevent future issues.

FAQ: Emergency Plumbing in Stellenbosch

Q: Do you charge extra for emergency call-outs at night?

A: Yes, after-hours rates apply, but we’re always transparent about pricing. You’ll get a quote before we begin any work.

Q: How fast can you get here?

A: We aim for 30–60 minutes depending on your location in Stellenbosch.

Q: What should I do if the burst pipe is behind a wall?

A: Turn off the water, limit the spread of water, and call us immediately. We have tools to detect leaks behind walls without unnecessary damage.

Call PlumbGuarantee – Your Local 24-Hour Emergency Plumber

When disaster strikes, you don’t need a plumber from across town. You need someone local, fast, and experienced. PlumbGuarantee is based right here in Stellenbosch, and we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners through plumbing emergencies—calmly, professionally, and without fuss.

Call us now if you have a burst pipe or need emergency plumbing assistance—any time, day or night.