Sewer-line repair, replacement and installation in Johannesburg and Pretoria
Fast, guaranteed sewer repair in JHB & PTA
Alpha Plumbing’s PIRB-registered team has been helping households in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Centurion for over 30 years, offering 24/7 emergency sewer repair, replacement and installation with guaranteed workmanship and SABS-approved materials.
Why you should use a PIRB-registered plumber for sewer repair, replacement and installation in Johannesburg and Pretoria
There are few things worse than noticing slow drains, strange smells or damp patches around your home. These small signs often signal a gradually failing sewer system. Left unchecked, these small issues can escalate, causing clogs, breaks or even sewage bubbling up under your lawn – or, horror of horrors – in your house. All you want is for the clog, break or tree root invasion that has caused the sewage leak to be sorted out as quickly as possible – but you can’t even tell where the problem is because most of the system is underground.
At Alpha Plumbing we understand how overwhelming a sewage backup or failure – and how serious the health implications are. For more than three decades, our PIRB-registered team has been helping households in Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding suburbs with sewer repair, replacement and maintenance. We’re on standby 24/7 for emergency plumbing support – and we never charge extra for after-hours calls. You can rely on us for the same fee day or night throughout the year.
THE SEWER SYSTEM PROBLEMS WE GET ASKED ABOUT MOST
When a sewer line fails, it’s not just a plumbing inconvenience – it’s a health, property and environmental crisis.
Getting your sewer line repaired, maintained or replaced by a PIRB-registered plumber ensures that the work is done to South African standards (SANS 10400-P) using SABS-approved materials and protects you from having to redo non-compliant work. Problems can arise when:
- the line is laid at an incorrect gradient, causing backflow and clogging;
- poor materials that degrade more quickly than SABS-approved materials are used;
- inferior materials leach chemicals into the neighbouring soil.
- joints fail or there are too few inspection points
When a sewer fault is suspected, our plumbers will usually start with basic methods such as rodding to clear simple blockages. If it is found that the blockage is caused by debris, root intrusions or other obstructions that rodding cannot clear, Alpha Plumbing offers the option of jet blasting the pipe to remove stubborn build-up and restore flow.
In addition, Alpha Plumbing’s PIRB-registered plumbers use CCTV drain camera inspection to see exactly what is happening inside your sewer line. This allows us to identify cracks, collapses, blockages or root intrusions without guesswork or unnecessary digging. With a clear first-hand view, we can recommend the most effective solution, whether repairing a section, re-routing the line or installing a new segment.
When you discover a sewerage system backup or failure, act quickly to prevent health risks and property damage. Contact a PIRB-registered plumber as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep children and pets away from the system and avoid using any drains or toilets.
Repair times depend on the size and complexity of the issue. Small sections can usually be completed in a day or two, while larger sections requiring excavation or paving removal will take longer.
Thanks to CCTV drain camera inspection, we can accurately assess the problem, plan the work to minimise disruption, and keep the project moving efficiently.
We take uninterrupted living seriously and focus not only on expertly repairing your sewer, but also on restoring your property as neatly as possible. One customer, Willie Olivier, remarked: "Best value for money I've had in a long time: prompt service, very courteous team dug up my garden, repaired … and left the garden spotless – even replanted the plants. Reasonably priced. Alpha Plumbing will definitely be my plumbers of choice in future."
From inspection to completion, our approach ensures your sewer is restored quickly and safely while keeping disruption and impact on your property to a minimum.
Costs depend on the extent of the damage and the remedial action required. This is why we recommend a CCTV drain camera inspection first, so we can accurately assess the issue and provide a quote based on our findings. Flexible payment options are available where needed.
Yes, a sewerage system backup or failure is a potentially serious health hazard, because raw sewage is a biohazard teeming with disease-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Exposure to these contaminants, through ingestion, skin contact or inhalation, can lead to severe illnesses and, in some cases, death.
Before you appoint a plumber
Watch our short video for the key questions to ask before you appoint a plumber to handle the repair.
Do not attempt to repair, maintain or replace your household sewer system yourself
According to South African law and the South African National Standards (SANS 10400-P), it’s illegal to install, alter or replace a sewerage system without involving a qualified and registered professional plumber. Attempting repairs yourself can be dangerous and lead to non-compliance, further damage and legal exposure.
Alpha Plumbing. Trusted plumbers in Johannesburg and Pretoria since 1989 – with no after-hours charges. Ever. Get professional help – Alpha Plumbing is available for sewerage system repairs 24/7.
Why should I use a PIRB-registered plumber in Johannesburg and Pretoria?
The Plumbing Industry Registration Board requires annual registration and has a comprehensive registration system for plumbers, monitoring and encouraging their performance to safeguard the health and safety of communities and the environment by promoting the integrity of water supply and wastewater systems.
For a big job such as sewer repair or installation, make sure you employ a company that can guarantee its work.
- Advanced diagnostics: tools such as drain cameras and other advanced diagnostic tools pinpoint the exact issue anyone proceeds with repair or replacement
- Guaranteed workmanship and parts: guarantees and warranties are offered on the workmanship and the warranty-backed parts used for the job
- Compliance and certification: licensed and certified plumbers who are PIRB- and IOPSA-certified ensure the work meets national standards
- Sustainable and approved components: high-quality components, specifically SABS-approved parts, align with a core focus on sustainability and quality
- Clear communication: consistent, clear communication provides updates from the first call to the completion of the sewer work
Why is regulatory compliance important?
Unlicensed work often ignores critical standards such as SANS 10400–P and local municipal bylaws. This leaves you vulnerable to legal exposure and may void your home insurance.
The Green Drop Watch Report 2023 highlights the link between skilled, compliant plumbing work and the overall performance of municipal wastewater systems, reinforcing why using a registered plumber protects homeowners and infrastructure.
What makes a PIRB-registered plumber different?
A professional, PIRB-registered plumber doesn’t just fix a pipe; they install infrastructure that meets the stringent requirements set out by South African National Standards. The Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) is a professional body that ensures accountability and competence in the plumbing profession.
Alpha Plumbing is a PIRB-registered entity in Gauteng, meaning we adhere to a standard of excellence defined by the following:
We hold a registration with the PIRB, which is the formally recognised professional body for the plumbing industry. You can (and should) verify a plumber's registration status directly on the PIRB website
Our installations, from a new sewer installation to an emergency repair, comply with the full requirements of SANS 10400-P, which governs the design, materials and installation of sanitary drainage systems in South Africa. The CSIR’s Technical Guidelines for Sanitation Systems outline how correct sewer gradients, cover depths and SABS-approved materials are essential to ensure long-term system performance and public safety
Professional registration requires plumbers to be accountable for their work, including issuing a certificate of compliance where required and being subject to audits. Alpha Plumbing provides a five-year guarantee on installations because we have total confidence in our work
If you’re searching for expert sewer-line repair, Alpha Plumbing’s PIRB-registered team ensures compliance, durability and peace of mind.
Alpha Plumbing's PIRB-registered plumbers are on standby for 24/7 emergency plumbing support – and we never charge extra for after-hours call-outs. You can rely on us for the same fare, day or night, throughout the year. Call us for any broken, collapsed or cracked sewer pipe or line repair. We’ll be there for you!
You can trust our 30+ years of experience helping households in Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounds with sewer and sewerage repair, replacement and maintenance. Alpha Plumbing promises fast, reliable and fully guaranteed services that will return your sewerage system to full integrity and restore uninterrupted living. [add call us hyperlink]
We offer:
- Five-year guarantee on all work and parts
- 12-month guarantee on small repairs
- Only SABS-approved parts, ensuring longevity, safety and warranties
- Accurate diagnostics using CCTV drain camera system, jet blasters and line tracers
- Back-up service – available 24/7, no extra charge for after-hours call outs
- 30+ years of experience
Alpha Plumbing – we're big enough to back our own work, but small enough to provide personalised care and quality control. We've been around for decades and won't disappear after the job is done.
Hints and tips for sewer repairs and installations
Use a certified sewer contractor
This will ensure correct pipe gradients, enough rodding eyes (access points for underground drainage systems, used to clear blockages) and environmentally safe materials – saving you from new costly repairs down the line and saving your soil from harmful chemicals.
Insist on a camera inspection
Before any major sewer work is begun, insist on a camera inspection to prevent misdiagnosis, overspending or missed problems.
Consider ground conditions
Putting the pipe in the ground is only half the job – it must be bedded correctly, set at the right depth and covered with suitable soil so that pipes are not vulnerable to traffic, building loads or ground movement.
Think long term
Choose durable, SABS-approved materials and demand SANS-compliant installation. (For rural, eco-conscious or off-grid builds, call us [add call us hyperlink] for information on how Bio-Mite systems offer a smart alternative to those that link to municipal systems.)
Sewer repair and replacement FAQs
Persistent blockages that have no clear cause or occur repeatedly, strange smells inside or outside your property, unexplained outdoor flooding or damp spots in your garden or you suspect roots have damaged the line.
Alpha Plumbing offers a five-year guarantee on new sewer line installations. For sewer repairs and replacements, we offer a five-year guarantee on all work and parts and a 12-month guarantee on small repairs. These guarantees cover the workmanship and the materials used, which are guaranteed to be SABS-approved parts.
Duration is based on a few key factors such as the complexity and length of the sewerage system. Our fully equipped PIRB-registered plumbers are available 24/7 to secure a failed sewerage system. The repair of broken, collapsed or cracked sewer pipes and lines may take several days and is commenced once the diagnostics are completed and a quote is accepted. Call us and arrange for a professional assessment.
Delaying necessary sewer repairs carries significant risks, including increased cost, structural risk and property damage. There are also health risks because raw sewage is a biohazard teeming with disease-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Yes, a licensed plumber is required by law. Alpha Plumbing is a PIRB-certified and IOPSA-certified plumbing company, ensuring that all sewer work meets the required regulatory standards in Johannesburg, Midrand and Pretoria. We will provide a certificate of completion, which is a legal requirement. Call us
Alpha Plumbing recommends an approach of prevention, not reaction, for sewer maintenance. There is no set annual interval, but you should schedule an inspection immediately if you notice recurring blockages or early warning signs such as pipe sagging.
Alpha Plumbing uses sustainable, modern, high-quality, SABS-approved materials such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) favoured for their durability and resilience against the region’s soil conditions.
How do I vet a sewer plumber in Johannesburg and Pretoria?
Protecting your property and wallet over time starts with proper vetting today. Before you hire a contractor for your next sewer repair, maintenance or new development sewer installation, review this checklist:
| What to ask or check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
Ask for their PIRB registration number and confirm it is active. You can do this by using the “Verify Plumber” search function on the PIRB website, which allows you to search by the plumber's name or their registration number. You can also use the “Verify COC” function to confirm if a certificate of compliance (COC) has been issued and logged with theea CSSa PIRB. | Verifies competence and allows you to confirm with the regulatory body (PIRB). |
| Will they use SABS-approved pipes (e.g. PVC or HDPE) and provide a material guarantee? | Non-compliant materials degrade quickly, leading to repeat broken sewer-pipe repair jobs. |
| Can they provide proof of design showing the calculated gradient and correct cover depth? | Correct gradient ensures self-cleansing flow and prevents blockages. |
| What are the terms of their workmanship guarantee? Alpha Plumbing offers a clear five-year guarantee on new installations. | Provides peace of mind and covers you against joint or pipe failure. |
| Will they ensure their work meets SANS 10400-P and assist with municipal inspections in Gauteng? | Essential to avoid fines and rework, and ensure long-term health and safety. |
| Do they carry current public liability insurance? | Protects you from damage to your own and surrounding property during excavation and installation. |
Need emergency plumbing or sewer repair, maintenance or installation you can trust?
Don't let a faulty sewer cause panic. At Alpha Plumbing, we understand the stress involved. This section provides clarity by addressing the frequently asked questions we receive. We'll help you quickly understand your sewer system's issue, the importance of fixing it, and the right time to consult a qualified PIRB-registered plumber.
For urgent service, call Alpha Plumbing