When there is a water leak, water is wasted. 0801 313 013 If I see a water leak, what should I do?
You should report any leaks to the Water Services Helpline on Tel: 080 13 13 0 13. This is a toll-free number so you will not have to pay for the call.
What do I need to tell eThekwini Water Services when I phone them?
The following information will be helpful:
• the street name and area
• the house number closest to the leak
• a description of the leak
• your telephone number Accurate information will help eThekwini Water Services to fix a burst pipe within 24 hours. Small leaks should be repaired within 48 hours.
Is eThekwini Water Services responsible for all water leaks?
No. Only leaks on the street or on council property, are the responsibility of eThekwini Water Services.
What if a contractor offers to repair burst pipes in the road for a fee?
EThekwini Water Services will not charge its customers to repair pipes in the streets. You should report anyone who tries to take money from you for repairing council water pipes.
What if the leak is in my property?
If the leak is inside your property fence or boundary, it may be your problem. If you are a home owner, then it is your responsibility to have the pipe repaired. If you pay rent for the property, then it is your landlord's responsibility to stop the leaks. If you rent a house from the Province, tell the township manager who must get the leak repaired. You must take immediate steps to stop the loss of water by turning off the supply. Only switch it on when the leak has been mended.
Who do I call to mend a leak on my property?
A plumber is the best person to call to mend domestic leaks and repair pipes and connections.
How does the water department know how much water I use?
The amount of water you use is measured by a meter on your property. If you have a leak, then the escaping water may also register on your water meter. This means that you will be charged for all the water which leaks out.
What if I discover I have a water leak on my property after business hours?
It makes sense to have leaking pipes repaired as quickly as possible. Most plumbers work 24 hours a day, at weekends and on public holidays.
How will I know if I have a water leak on my property?
It is possible that a leak occurs on your property under the ground, and you do not notice immediately. The first time you know about the leak is when you receive a very large water account.
How do I check to see if I have a water leak?
Turn off all the taps in your house. Find your water meter. This will be outside your house, possibly on the boundary. Your meter will have a row of numbers. Look to see if the numbers are turning. If they move, then they are measuring a water flow and there is a leak.
What do I do now?
Turn off the water supply to your house at the meter and call a plumber. How can I protect myself against water leaks? You can take out water insurance. This is offered by a private company, and can be arranged through eThekwini Water Services.
Where do I apply for water loss insurance?
You can apply for water loss insurance by phoning eThekwini Water on 080 13 11 8 11 which is a toll free number. They will need your account number and your telephone number. EThekwini Water will then arrange the insurance for you with the insurance company, and will post a copy of the policy to your home.
How do I pay for water loss insurance?
Once you have applied for the insurance, the monthly premium will be included on your water bill.
Can I cancel my water insurance?
Yes you may cancel it at any time. How long does the water insurance last? It lasts for as long as you pay the premium.
If I have a business will eThekwini Water arrange my water loss insurance for me?
No. EThekwini Water Services will only arrange water loss insurance for single domestic supply. If your water supply is on the commercial rate, or if more than one unit is supplied from a main meter, you must contact the insurance company directly on 031 267 8150. For more information about water loss insurance: Tel 0801 311 811. Compiled by: Regional Centres Customer Care Services Tel: 0800 331 011 Head Office: 718 2111 EMail: assist@durban.gov.za
Why does DSW start work so early in the morning!?
It is beneficial from both an efficiency point of view to get an early start before the morning peak traffic starts to build up, and to enable most of the work to be completed before the hot Durban summer peak at about 2pm . Most of the collection teams work on a set daily task basis which, when completed, allow them to go home.
How often is domestic refuse collected?
Weekly, except for some blocks of flats, townhouses, etc. where, due to restricted holding areas, more frequent collections have been arranged.
On what day of the week is my refuse collected?
This information can be obtained from your nearest DSW depot. If you are unsure of the nearest depot the information can be obtained by phoning the DSW Customer Service Line at 031 311 8804
Does DSW collect refuse on public holidays?
Yes, normal collection takes place Monday to Friday, even on public holidays such as Christmas Day.
How many black plastic bags are distributed for domestic refuse?
Black plastic bags (or bin-liners to use the correct term) are distributed on a one-for-one replacement basis with a maximum of 2 per week per dwelling.
What happens if more than 2 black plastic bags of domestic refuse are put out?
All domestic refuse is collected, whether placed in the DSW black plastic bags or in plastic refuse bags purchased separately. See also question below.
Why wasn't a black plastic bag filled with garden refuse collected with my refuse?
Because black plastic bags are only to be used for domestic refuse and not garden refuse. Ratepayers can purchase specially marked blue bags for garden refuse either on contract (see Blue Garden Bag Order Form) or from one of the many retail outlets.
Does DSW supply green wheeled plastic bins?
Yes. These can be hired for both domestic and business purposes at a nominal monthly hire cost. Details of the bins can be obtained by clicking here. To order, phone the DSW Customer Service Line at 031 311 8804.
In Durban's summer heat surely once a week collection is insufficient?
No, once a week is sufficient. From a purely health point of view it has been established that domestic refuse need only be collected every 2 weeks.
What about the maggots and flies from the refuse?
It is essential to keep the black plastic bags (liners) in the refuse bin (receptacle) until just prior to collection. The refuse bins should be kept in the shade on a hardened base in order to break the cycle of the green fly.
How can I dispose of Builder's Rubble from my house?
A 5,5 cubic metre steel skip can be delivered to the premises which will allow the builder's rubble to be loaded into the skip by the builder. To order, phone the DSW Customer Service Line at 031 311 8804
How often can I expect my street to be swept?
DSW has developed a system of visual measurement to determine whether a street needs sweeping. See Streets Ahead. Certain 'black spot' areas, such as streets around shopping malls and streets in the CBD and beachfront are cleaned on a daily or weekly basis.
How can we obtain 'No Dumping' signs?
By phoning your nearest DSW Depot. An Area Cleansing Officer will inspect the site to confirm that the signs are required and, if applicable, the appropriate number and positions.
What action can I take if I see someone illegally dumping from a vehicle?
Contact your nearest DSW Depot and report the matter. Click on find us to see your nearest depot.
What are the different coloured refuse bags used for?
- Black refuse Bags :Supplied every three months to residents for domestic waste. For non -delivery contact helpline on (031) 311 8804
- Orange/Clear bags: for Recycling purposes. Households who are in the Kerbside recycling project are supplied with one pack of 15 Orange/Clear bags, strictly for recyclables. Waste types accepted in the recycling bags are newspapers, magazines, cereal cartons, cardboard, plastics, plastic bottles and tetra pack material. Collection is on the same day as domestic refuse.
- Blue bags: For Garden refuse. Call (031) 3118804 for a contract to access this service. Collection is on the same day as black domestic refuse bags.
How does one order a wheelie bin?
Clients can contact DSW helpline if they require wheelie bins. A Waste Consultant will visit the customer to determine the customer needs and preferences. A quotation will then be provided and DSW will collect refuse on specified days as requested by the client.
How does one order a skip?
Clients can contact DSW helpline if they require a skip. A Waste Consultant will visit the customer to determine the customer needs and preferences. A quotation will then be provided, and the Unit will collect refuse as requested by the client.
