Plumbing Compliance Certificate

A plumbing compliance certificate confirms that plumbing work meets the national standards and local by-laws. You may need one after a geyser installation, for an insurance claim, or when selling a property in some municipalities. Send us a free request and we pass it to an independent, registered plumber near you, who contacts you directly with a quote for the inspection, any repairs and the certificate. We don't issue certificates ourselves, the service is free and there is no obligation.

When you need a plumbing compliance certificate

The most common reasons are:

A new or replacement geyser, including electric, solar and heat pump installations
An insurance claim for a burst geyser
Selling a property where the municipality requires a plumbing certificate before transfer
New plumbing on building work and alterations

Keep a copy of every certificate with your property documents. A missing CoC can delay an insurance payout or a sale, and tracking down the original plumber years later is not always possible. If you have recently bought a home, ask the seller or agent for the certificates on file, especially for the geyser.

PIRB CoC: what it is and who issues it

A PIRB CoC is a Certificate of Compliance issued by a plumber registered with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board. It records that the plumber has done, or checked, the work in line with standards such as SANS 10252-1 (water supply and drainage for buildings) and SANS 10254 (fixed electric storage water heaters). When people search for a plumber certificate or certificate of plumbing, this is usually the document they mean. Ask to see the plumber's PIRB registration before work starts.

CoC for geyser installation and insurance

A CoC for geyser installation is expected whenever a geyser is installed or replaced. Insurers usually ask for one before they settle a burst geyser claim, so make sure your plumber can provide it. The plumber checks items such as the pressure control valve, temperature and pressure relief valve, vacuum breakers, drip tray and overflow pipes.

Plumbing certificate for property transfer

The City of Cape Town's Water By-law requires a plumbing certificate when a property is sold, before transfer. A registered plumber inspects items such as the water meter, geyser installation, stormwater connections to the sewer and visible leaks, then issues the certificate or lists repairs needed. Other municipalities have their own rules, so check with your conveyancer.

Cost depends on the size of the property, the number of geysers and fittings, and whether repairs are needed before the certificate can be issued.

Choosing a plumber for plumbing certificate of compliance

The cheapest price is not always the best value. When your quote arrives, check:

Registration: ask for the plumber's PIRB registration and whether a Certificate of Compliance is included where the work needs one.
Scope: make sure the quote lists materials, labour, call-out fees and any making good of walls, ceilings or paving.
Guarantee: find out how long the workmanship is guaranteed and what manufacturer warranties apply.
Timing: confirm when the work can start and how long the water will be off.

Our service puts your request in front of a plumber in your area so you can check these points before you commit. It costs nothing and there is no obligation to accept the quote.

What to include in your request

Why you need the certificate, for example a geyser installation, insurance claim or property sale
The number of geysers, bathrooms and outside taps on the property
Your transfer or claim deadline, if you have one
Any known plumbing problems or recent work done

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for the plumbing certificate when selling a house?

In most sales the seller arranges and pays for it, but the sale agreement decides. Check with your estate agent or conveyancer.

What happens if my property fails the inspection?

The plumber lists the items that don't comply and quotes to fix them. Once the repairs are done, the certificate can be issued.

Can any plumber issue a CoC?

Only a plumber registered with the PIRB at the right level can issue a PIRB Certificate of Compliance. Ask for their registration details before you book, and keep the certificate with your property records.

Plumbing Compliance Certificate: Get a Quote From a Registered Plumber