Derwent Plumbing & Maintenance

16/02/2026

Save water and money...

03/02/2026

...

27/01/2026

27/01/2026

13/10/2025

Contact us today for all your household plumbing and maintenance needs:
Steve : 082 893 1742
Goan : 076 198 3858

13/10/2025

Have you considered a system that catches rain water? Rainy season is upon us. Save on water bills now.
Contact us to find out how:
Steve : 082 893 1742

06/10/2025

Give us a call for any of the following:

PLUMBING
MAINTENANCE
CARPENTRY
RENOVATIONS

23/09/2025

A bit of history regarding tar like sewer lines found at a client with blocked sewer lines.

Yes, sewer pipes were made of a material known as Orangeburg pipe, also called bituminous fiber pipe, which is made from wood pulp and coal tar pitch. Used heavily during the post-World War II housing boom and times of metal scarcity like during World War II, these pipes were inexpensive but are now prone to deterioration, bellying, and tree root infiltration, with an expected lifespan of only 30-50 years.
What is Orangeburg Pipe?
Composition: Made from wood pulp that is sealed with coal tar.
Production: It was named after Orangeburg, New York, where it was first produced.
Historical Use: Popular from the 1940s to the 1970s, especially during World War II when other pipe materials were scarce.
Why is it problematic?
Brittle and Weak: Unlike more durable materials, Orangeburg pipes are brittle and soft, making them susceptible to damage.
Moisture Absorption: They absorb moisture, causing them to swell and distort into an ovular shape under pressure.
Tree Root Intrusion: Their soft, flexible nature makes them an easy target for tree roots, leading to blockages and structural failure.
Short Lifespan: The original design was for shorter lifespans, and many pipes are now well past their intended use and are failing.

03/09/2025

Geyser issues?
Give us a call 082 893 1742

Signs your geyser thermostat may be failing.

Here are the key signs to look for:
Inconsistent Water Temperature:
The water might be only lukewarm, not hot enough, or it could fluctuate between hot and cold.
No Hot Water:
A complete lack of hot water, even after giving the geyser time to heat up, can point to a malfunctioning thermostat.
Water Is Too Hot:
Conversely, if the water is scalding hot, the thermostat may be stuck "on," preventing it from shutting off the heating element.
Geyser Tripping the Circuit Breaker:
A failing thermostat can sometimes cause electrical issues, leading to the circuit breaker tripping when the geyser is active.
Leaking Overflow Pipe:
A constant or excessive drip from the geyser's overflow pipe can indicate a problem, particularly if the thermostat is failing and causing the water inside to overheat.

03/09/2025

Septic Tank Repairs
Call Us On 082 893 1742

Signs your septic tank is failing.

Algal Blooms in Nearby Ponds or Lakes
Small water bodies around your homes such as ponds could be at risk of pollution from a failing septic system. Algae found in such water bodies are known to thrive in nitrogen-rich environments.

However, with added nitrogen and phosphorus comes to increased food for such algae. This results in rapid bloom as algal growth rises significantly.

If you’ve observed an unusual rise in algal growth, you might want to pay close attention to your septic system.

Slow Draining of Sinks, Bathtubs & Showers
One of the most common observable signs of septic system failure is seen in slow drains. Such is observed with sinks bathtubs and showers. You’d notice that water doesn’t drain away as fast as it used to.

If this is detected, consider seeking urgent professional help.

Further probe of the system would reveal where the real problem lies. It may be due to a malfunctioning component or multiple parts. Allowing it to persist only worsens the situation.

Foul Odor Around Drain Field or Septic Tank Area
The foul odor generated from the breakdown of waste is usually channeled out through a tank vent that rises upward.

However, when such a foul odor is sustained, it becomes an issue. Detect where this odor is coming from. In the case of septic system failure, it’s likely to come from the drain field or septic tank areas.

Lush Green Grass Around Septic Tank or Drain Field
Another evidence of septic system failure is seen in the appearance of lush-green grass around your septic tank or drain field. This sign of septic system failure is even more convincing during dry weather.

Its appearance is odd and points to leakage of your septic tank.

The longer it’s left unattended, the worse it becomes. You may end up with greater septic system issues than the initial leakages. A further probe should confirm your fears of a possible problem with your system.

Standing Water or Damp Spots Around Septic Tank
As a vital component of the system, a septic tank is mostly lowered into a prepared or dug space. Now, when the backfill used in covering up the tank is loose, it ends up compacting or setting in the presence of moisture.

Constant availability of moisture results in the settling of the soil. This ends up creating depressions around your tank.

Whenever you put on your sprinkler or when surface runoff water from rain or other sources is present, it fills up such depressions. This results in standing water.

The problem may be much worse as pipes connecting to, or from the tank may be leaking. Whatever the case is, you need to report any abnormality to your septic technician.

High Nitrate & Coliform Bacteria in Wells
When a septic system is compromised, its contents may leak out to groundwater. This poses a serious health risk as you’re likely to be exposed to harmful bacteria.

You should frequently test for high nitrate & coliform content in nearby water sources such as wells.

An unusually high content points to potential problems with your septic system. Such problems should be traced and addressed as fast as possible.

Gurgling Sounds in the Plumbing System
Gurgling sounds in your plumbing system are among the first signs of a possible septic system failure. You don’t have to wait for things to get worse.

Call for an inspection and possible repairs before it goes out of hand.

Backing Up of Sewage and Water
Sewage and water backup are common when the septic tank has issues. Such issues include clogging and a filled septic tank. In the case of a full tank, urgent pumping is necessary.

02/09/2025

Geyser repairs & replacements at affordable prices.

Steve Nicholson
082 893 1742