Backup water systems
Never worry about water outages again with our range of durable, SABS-approved municipal water backup systems. Choose to buy or rent and enjoy hassle-free installation, water security and peace of mind..
Currently available to households in Johannesburg and Pretoria
Some of the benefits
Dependable water security
Quality you can trust
Top-quality systems
Installation included
Your tank is connected directly to your municipal water line and to your home’s plumbing. When water is flowing normally, the tank fills automatically and stays topped up, ready for use when you need it.
Although the tank uses municipal water, adding a filtration system gives your family extra protection. Filters help to remove sediment and contaminants that could be present in the water.
*Please note filtration systems are only available on rental options.
When the municipal water supply drops in pressure or switches off completely, the system automatically kicks in. A pressure-sensitive pump draws water from the tank and feeds it through your home’s taps.
As soon as municipal water returns, the system refills the tank automatically. It then switches your home back to normal supply, ensuring your tank is always ready for the next outage.
Frequently asked questions about water backup systems and tanks
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General questions
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Installation and setup
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Buying vs Renting
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Maintenance and servicing
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Water quality & filtration
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Costs, financing and billing
A backup water storage tank stores municipal water so your home has a reliable supply during outages. When water is flowing normally, the tank fills automatically and stays topped up. If the municipal pressure drops or the water turns off completely, the system detects it and instantly switches to tank supply using a pressure-sensitive pump – keeping your taps, toilets and showers running as usual.
NOTE: It is important to flush out the water in the tank at least once a month to prevent it becoming stagnant.
This depends on the tank size and how much water your household uses.
As a guide:
- Small systems (±2,000–2,500L): ±2-3 days for 4 people
- Medium systems (±5,000–5,250L): ±6-7 days for 4 people
This is assuming a consumption of about 200 litres of water per person per day. Using water mindfully during an outage will help the storage last even longer.
No, your water pressure stays the same. Each system includes a pressure-sensitive booster pump that maintains strong, consistent pressure throughout your home, whether you’re using municipal supply or tank water.
You won’t even notice when the system switches over during an outage.
Yes – the tanks store municipal water, which should already be safe for consumption. However, it’s worth keeping an eye on the water quality reports for your municipality and region to ensure you are alerted to any possible contaminations.
If you want extra peace of mind, you can choose a system with additional filtration such as:
- Mesh filters (remove sediment)
- Activated carbon filters (remove odours and chlorine)
- UV sterilisation (kills microbes)
These additional filters help improve taste, clarity and safety.
NOTE: It is important to flush out the water in the tank at least once a month to prevent it becoming stagnant.
The main difference is filtration level and water quality enhancement:
- Basic systems: No filtration – ideal if you're comfortable using municipal water as is.
- Standard systems: Mesh + carbon filtration – improves taste and removes sediment and odours.
- Premium systems: Mesh + carbon + UV sterilisation– the highest level of water protection.
All options include an SABS-approved tank, a booster pump, a concrete base and full installation.
Your tank can be installed almost anywhere with:
- a large enough free surface to build the concrete base
- easy access to your municipal water line
- enough space for the tank size you’ve chosen
Most customers choose a spot along the side of the house, near a boundary wall or next to an outdoor tap connection. Our team will advise on the best position on the day of installation.
In most cases, no preparation is needed.
All you need to ensure is that the installation area is accessible and free of obstacles. If any additional preparation is required (for example, clearing vegetation or moving an existing structure), our team will let you know.
Buying gives you full ownership of the tank and all equipment, with a once-off upfront cost (or financed monthly repayments). This option does not include maintenance, although this can be contracted separately.
Renting gives you access to the system for a monthly fee, with installation and maintenance included – but the equipment remains the property of our vetted service provider.
If you prefer long-term investment, buying is best. If you want immediate affordability and convenience, renting is ideal.
If you decide to rent, there is no minimum contract term, it is a month-to-month subscription with a R3 000 removal and reconnection fee if you choose to stop the rental.
Backup water systems are low maintenance, but they do need occasional maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. As an example, it is important to flush out the water in the tank at least once a month to prevent it becoming stagnant.
Annual servicing is also essential and should include:
- checking the pump and pressure settings
- inspecting the tank connection points
- flushing sediment buildup
- replacing filters (if you have a filtration system)
If you’re renting, the servicing is done for you at regular intervals as part of your monthly fee.
This depends on the system you choose:
- Mesh filters: Should be replaced every 6 months
- Activated carbon filters: Should be replaced every 6 months
- UV bulbs: Should be replaced annually
If you rent a filtered system, the above replacements take place at these intervals and are included in your monthly rental.
If you purchased your system, you can contact our support team to arrange repairs or replacement parts, for which you will be quoted on if outside warranty.
If you are renting, repairs and replacements are fully covered – no additional costs. Just contact our team to arrange a call out.
Yes. All rental systems come with:
- Annual system checks
- Filter replacements (for filtered systems)
- UV bulb replacements (for UV systems)
- Repairs to pumps, pipes or fittings as needed
Your rental price includes complete support and upkeep, so you never have to worry about system health.
Filtration isn’t essential, but it does provide extra peace of mind particularly if your area is prone to water disruptions and/or has a low-quality rating.
Because the tank stores treated municipal water, it’s already safe to use and consume. However, filtration helps remove any sediment, odours, particles or contaminants that may enter the water over time. It also improves the taste and clarity of your drinking water.
If you want the cleanest possible water for drinking and cooking, a filtered system is a great choice.
Each filter plays a specific role:
- Mesh filter (5–20 microns): Removes sediment, sand, rust and small particles.
- Activated carbon filter: Improves taste and smell by removing chlorine and organic compounds.
- UV steriliser: Kills bacteria and microorganisms using ultraviolet light – no chemicals required.
Together, these filtration stages create safe, clean, great-tasting water for your home.
If you buy a system:
- There are no required monthly costs unless you choose a filtration system, in which case you’ll need periodic filter replacements.
- Standard wear-and-tear and repairs are not included after installation.
If you rent a system:
- All servicing, filter replacements and repairs are included in your monthly rental.
- You only pay the rental amount – nothing extra.
If you prefer not to pay the full amount upfront, you can apply for a personal loan through Standard Bank.
Your monthly instalment depends on:
- the price of the system
- your loan term (typically 60 months)
- the interest rate you qualify for
The monthly repayment amounts shown on the page are estimates based on a sample interest rate to help you budget.
Your rental fee includes:
- upfront installation
- use of the full system (tank, pump, filters if applicable)
- annual system checks
- filter replacements (if applicable)
- UV bulb replacements (for premium systems)
- all repairs and maintenance
You get complete water security protection without worrying about upkeep or extra charges.
LookSee helps households find the right finance solution from Standard Bank for their home’s needs.
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