Think plumbing mistakes are just about bad fundis? Think again.

We met a homeowner in South B who had redone their bathroom three times. Three different fundis. Same leak. Same mess. That’s when they called us...

This is for you if…
✅ You’ve ever paid for a plumbing job twice
✅ You don’t know if your fittings will even fit
✅ You want a clean job done right the first time
✅ You’ve been ghosted by a fundi before
✅ You want peace of mind, not plumbing drama

Fast Facts:
• A single leak can waste over 11,000 liters of water annually
• Emergency plumbing repairs cost between KES 21,000–70,000
• Water damage restoration can cost up to KES 800,000+

Most homeowners don’t realize the biggest plumbing disasters start before a single pipe is laid. From missing layouts to rushed installs, the smallest oversight can cause leaks, damage, and sky-high repair bills later. This cheat sheet will help you avoid the most common (and costly) plumbing traps in Kenya.

Why listen to us? With 19+ years of experience, over 200 projects, and a certified in-house team using 2D/3D design planning, OnePlumbing has seen—and fixed—it all. Here’s how to get it right the first time.

7 Costly Plumbing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. No Design, Just Vibes

What goes wrong: Starting the job without a full plumbing layout. This leads to a chaotic install where changes mid-project destroy system efficiency.
The cost: Misaligned piping, wasted materials, water pressure issues, and major rework.
Pro Tip: Start with a needs-based consultation, then develop 2D/3D system designs before touching a single pipe.
Smart Homeowner Tip: Ask to see a layout before work starts. If they can't show one, pause.

2. Piping First, Fittings Later

What goes wrong: Pipes are installed before anyone decides which taps, sinks, or showers are being used. Then—surprise!—the fittings don’t match.
The cost: Breaking tiles, cutting walls, and costly re-routing after finishes are already done.
Pro Tip: Finalize all fittings before pipework begins. Use a clear material spec sheet to avoid mismatches.
Smart Homeowner Tip: Bring all your fittings to site before pipework starts. Visual fit beats guesswork.

3. No Big Picture Plan

What goes wrong: Hot water, drainage, pumps, tanks—each handled as a separate job. No integration, no system.
The cost: Conflict between systems, delays, duplicated work, and serious inefficiencies.
Pro Tip: Map everything at once. At OnePlumbing, we engineer the entire system upfront—ensuring all parts work together.
Smart Homeowner Tip: Demand a master plan that includes drainage, hot water, and tank placement.

4. Buying Blind

What goes wrong: Heading to the hardware without a list or specs, relying on the shop attendant for guidance.
The cost: Overpriced, low-quality, or incompatible materials. Constant back-and-forth.
Pro Tip: Get a 1-page material spec sheet based on your plan. You’ll save time, money, and sanity.
Smart Homeowner Tip: Never trust verbal advice at the hardware store—go in with your specs.

5. Trusting the Wrong Team

What goes wrong: Hiring casual fundis instead of certified pros. They disappear mid-job, cut corners, or lack the skills for complex installs.
The cost: Leaks, failures, and no accountability.
Pro Tip: Work with licensed, insured professionals who offer contracts, milestone payments, and documented follow-up.
Smart Homeowner Tip: Ask for proof of insurance and licenses—then check them.

6. Tiling Before Testing

What goes wrong: Pipework gets covered with tiles too early—before pressure testing and verification.
The cost: If a pipe fails later, walls or floors must be broken again.
Pro Tip: Pressure test all lines first. Then tile. Simple.
Smart Homeowner Tip: If your plumber says "don’t worry, it's fine," insist on a test anyway.

7. No Plan for Maintenance

What goes wrong: Job’s done—then silence. No one checks the system until something breaks.
The cost: Small issues become major emergencies.
Pro Tip: Schedule routine follow-ups. Our plans keep your system leak-free and stress-free.
Smart Homeowner Tip: Book your first check-up the same day the job ends.

Bonus Pro Tip: Install Without Samples, Regret Later

What goes wrong: Pipework begins before actual samples of fittings, toilets, or sinks are on site. Plumbing and drainage points end up in the wrong place.
The cost: Fixtures don’t align, installations look awkward, and rework becomes inevitable.
Pro Tip: Always bring samples or actual products to site before laying pipes. Visual confirmation prevents costly surprises.
Smart Homeowner Tip: Keep your actual fittings on site during install—don't rely on measurements alone.

The Leak-Proof Way: Our Proven Process

Step 1: Understand Your Needs
We listen, assess, and gather your requirements.

Step 2: Engineer Your System
We use licensed engineers to design a flawless layout.

Step 3: Design in 2D/3D
You’ll see your plumbing before we install.

Step 4: Material Spec & Buying Support
Get a guided list of what to buy, where to buy it, and why.

Step 5: Certified Installation
Handled by our trained, insured, and uniformed in-house team.

Step 6: Our Leak-Free Guarantee — 12 Months of Total Confidence
We back every job with a 12-month, no-questions-asked Leak-Free Guarantee. If something goes wrong, we fix it fast—at no extra cost. No blame games. No ghosting. Just peace of mind.

“If it leaks, we fix it — no debates, no delays.”

One homeowner called us 9 months after a job—we came, fixed the issue, and didn’t charge a cent. That’s the kind of follow-through you’ll always get from OnePlumbing.

Step 7: Ongoing Maintenance
We follow up to keep your system running perfectly year-round.

✅ OnePlumbing = No Leaks. No Excuses. No Redo Work. Just Peace of Mind.

Want to Get it Right the First Time?

Not sure if this applies to your situation? We’ll help you figure that out—no pressure, no pushy sales.

Avoid surprise costs, sketchy fundis, and repeat repairs. Book your FREE 15-minute WhatsApp consult and get expert advice tailored to your home or property.

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— The OnePlumbing Team
Registered • Certified • Trusted by 200+ Kenyan Homes & Businesses