As of January 2026, the City of Cape Town Municipality will be charging for water isolation to properties at R1,339.00 per trip.

Why your property needs a private isolating valve
A private isolating valve, also known as a stopcock, allows the water supply to your property only to be shut off without affecting neighbouring homes or businesses which are connected to a larger, bulk supply pipe. These valves help prevent unnecessary water disruptions and protect Cape Town’s water supply.

The City of Cape Town has seen an increase in requests for municipal water shut-offs to allow plumbing work. In many cases, these requests are made because properties do not have a working private isolating valve.

When a valve is missing or faulty, City teams may need to shut off water to an entire street or area. This causes avoidable inconvenience and results in a call-out cost of R1 339 (VAT incl.), which is billed to the property owner.

What property owners need to know

• Check whether your property has a private isolating valve (stopcock) and test it regularly.
• If the valve is missing or not working, arrange installation or repairs through a qualified plumber.
• Property owners are responsible for their private isolating valve.
• The City’s responsibility generally ends at the municipal connection point.
• If City Water teams shut off your water supply, you will be billed.
• A working stopcock helps prevent delays during repairs and emergencies and reduces water losses.

Check access to your stopcock

• If you or your plumber can access it, shut off the water directly — no City assistance needed.
• If not, request assistance from the City.

How to request a temporary water shut-off from the City

• Apply in person at a City Revenue Walk-In Centre.
• Pay the R1 339 (VAT incl.) call-out fee upfront.
• The Water and Sanitation Directorate will arrange the shut-off on the agreed date.

Documents required:

• Written request signed by the property owner/s
• Copies of all property owners’ ID document/s
• It’s recommended, but not required, to have the Municipal account number on hand too.

A big “BUT”,

If you do not wish to involve the Municipality for your private valve installation or repair, you can go the route of pipe freezing which will allow the process to be completed WITHOUT the City’s involvement.

Read more about pipe freezing