Water Back-Up Tanks & Systems – Johannesburg & Pretoria
Water Security Starts Today. Don’t Wait for the Next Outage
In South Africa, water outages are no longer rare. Load-shedding, burst mains and ageing infrastructure mean entire suburbs can go hours – or even days – without water.
Alpha Plumbing helps homeowners and businesses across Johannesburg and Pretoria stay prepared. Our PIRB-registered team designs and installs complete water back-up systems that keep taps running, protect hygiene and prevent daily life from grinding to a halt.
How Water Back-Up Works
Alpha Plumbing designs and installs fully integrated water back-up systems that keep your taps running when the supply cuts out. Our tanks store municipal water while it’s available, while our pump and filtration units maintain normal household pressure and clean, compliant supply. It’s not just a tank in the garden – it’s a fully integrated safety net for uninterrupted living.
Key Benefits of Water Back-Up Tanks
Water back-up tanks are no longer a luxury – they’re an emergency resource and one of the smartest investments you can make. At Alpha Plumbing, we install professional water storage and pump systems across Gauteng to keep your taps flowing, and your household or business running.
Always-on water supply during outages and disruptions
Peace of mind for toilets, showers and household appliances
Safe, clean water with proper filtration
Hygiene and uninterrupted living
Long-term savings
Why Alpha Plumbing?
Water outages don’t wait for the right time – and neither do we. Since 1989 Alpha Plumbing has been trusted by Gauteng families and businesses to keep water flowing and daily life uninterrupted.
- Experience you can count on: over three decades of solving Gauteng’s toughest plumbing challenges
- Fully accredited, PIRB-certified team: we know the by-laws, follow SANS standards to the letter, and deliver safe, compliant installations every time
- Clear, honest communication: up-front pricing and a team that keeps you informed from start to finish
- Locally rooted, widely trusted: serving Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounds with a proven track record in back-up water systems and rainwater harvesting
- Leaders in sustainable plumbing: proud members of IOPSA and the World Plumbing Council, aligned with global water stewardship initiatives (IRHA, AWS, WWQA)
What to Expect from our Water Back-Up Services
From the first site visit to the final handover, our installations are done the right way – safe, compliant and built to last:
Tailored advice:
we assess your property and recommend the right tank size, pump system and setup for your needs
Full installation:
tanks, piping, pumps, filters and foundations installed professionally and neatly for a reliable, long-lasting set-up
Installed on solid concrete slabs:
ensures stability, correct load-bearing and compliance with installation best practices
Premium, durable components:
only high-quality, SABS-approved tanks, pumps and fittings for maximum reliability
Guaranteed workmanship:
every job is done to PIRB and SANS standards – neat, compliant and backed by our guarantee
Aftercare support:
advice and maintenance plans to keep your system working at its best
Legally compliant:
Installed to SANS standards, with correct backflow prevention and safety controls
Transparent pricing:
clear quotes up front – no surprises later
Alternative water supply options from Alpha Plumbing
For households and businesses wanting to go beyond municipal back-up, Alpha Plumbing designs and installs rainwater harvesting systems that collect and store rainfall for reuse. Instead of storing municipal water, these systems capture rain for non-potable uses such as irrigation, toilet flushing and cleaning – reducing your reliance on municipal supply and lowering your water footprint.
Helpful Tips & Advice for Water Back-Up Systems
Simple steps that make a big difference to the safety, performance and lifespan of your water backup system.
A full 5 000L tank weighs over five tons; place it on a concrete base for stability and safety.
Poor pumps and cheap pipework fail quickly.
Calculate daily household usage × outage days. A 2 500-5 000L tank is sufficient for most families.
A proper set-up connects seamlessly to your plumbing with check valves, bypass systems and pressure regulation.
Flush sediment every six months, test pumps yearly and replace filters regularly.
Compliance with SANS standards and municipal backflow requirements protects you legally and technically. Cutting corners costs you later.
Water Back-Up FAQs
Back-up tanks store municipal water for potable use during outages – meaning you can safely drink it, cook with it and use it throughout the home. Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for non-potable use such as irrigation, toilet flushing and cleaning – reducing reliance on municipal supply and saving costs.
Usually 1-3 days, depending on site access, slab curing and integration level.
Yes, unless the tank is on a raised platform for gravity feed. A pressure pump ensures normal household water pressure.
For a family of four, we recommend at least 2 500-5 000L. Use daily household consumption × the number of days you want covered.
Generally no, as long as you use non-return valves and backflow prevention, and comply with SANS plumbing codes.
Not recommended. Tanks should sit on an outdoor concrete slab for safety and stability.
A reliable, professional set-up usually costs R15 000-R30 000+, depending on size and components.
A back-up tank is designed to store municipal water for potable, everyday use – so if it runs dry during an extended outage, you’ll need to refill it manually (water delivery) or wait until supply is restored.
Yes, for household use, basic filtration is essential to remove sediment and bacteria.
Water Security You Can Trust – Real Customer Feedback
Backed by 400+ five-star reviews, customers across Johannesburg and Pretoria highlight Alpha Plumbing’s reliability, service excellence and professionalism
