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Stop risking wall damage and expensive repairs in your Cape Town home

mounting tv - Mistake : Drilling Blind (Hitting Pipes or Electrical Conduit)

Stop risking wall damage and expensive repairs in your Cape Town home

Just moved into your new Cape Town home? Before you reach for the drill to hang that massive flat-screen TV or your favourite artwork, pause for a second.

At Handyman Homes, we’ve seen what happens when “simple” DIY wall projects go wrong, cracked plaster, tilted TV screens, and even burst pipes hiding behind the wall. Whether it’s a TV mountingpicture hanging, or shelving installation, getting it wrong can turn your move-in excitement into a repair nightmare.

Let’s dive into the hidden dangers of DIY TV mounting, and how to do it right the first time.

mounting tv - Mistake : Drilling Blind (Hitting Pipes or Electrical Conduit)

⚠️ The Hidden Dangers of DIY TV Mounting in Cape Town Homes

Cape Town homes are built differently. From solid brick and concrete walls in older homes to plasterboard walls in modern apartments, each wall type requires specific tools, anchors, and techniques.
Skipping this step is the #1 reason why DIY jobs fail.

Here are the three biggest DIY TV mounting mistakes that lead to costly wall damage, and how a professional handyman can save you money (and your walls).

A close-up split image. One side shows a flimsy plastic anchor attempting to hold a heavy TV mount in a concrete/brick wall, with cracks starting to form. The other side shows a proper heavy-duty anchor securely installed.

🧱 Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Wall Anchor

The problem: Many homeowners underestimate their wall type. A 65-inch TV weighs around 30–35kg, and if you use basic plastic plugs meant for lightweight drywall, your wall will crumble under pressure.

The danger:

  • Screws can loosen and pull out over time
  • Plaster cracks or chunks of wall break away
  • Your TV may literally fall off the wall

The Handyman Homes solution:
Our Cape Town team identifies your exact wall substrate, concrete, brick, or drywall, and uses heavy-duty, load-rated anchors such as shield anchors or sleeve bolts. This ensures your TV stays firmly in place, perfectly level, and 100% safe.

An x-ray or cutaway style image of a wall. One side shows a drill bit hitting a glowing electrical wire or a leaking pipe. The other side shows a professional handyman using an advanced stud/wire/pipe finder, with the interior elements clearly highlighted and avoided.

⚡ Mistake #2: Drilling Blind, and Hitting Hidden Cables or Pipes

The problem: Most DIYers have no idea what’s behind their wall.
The risk: You could hit electrical wiring, metal conduit, or copper water pipes, leading to:

  • Electrical shorts or sparks 🔥
  • Burst pipes and flooding 💧
  • Costly emergency repairs

The Handyman Homes solution:
We use professional-grade multi-sensor wall scanners to locate metal, wood, and live wiring before drilling a single hole. That means zero guesswork, zero risk – and a clean, cable-free finish you’ll be proud to show off.

A side-by-side comparison. One image shows a person craning their neck uncomfortably to watch a TV mounted far too high (e.g., above a fireplace). The other image shows a person comfortably watching a TV mounted at the ideal eye-level, with proper cable concealment.

📺 Mistake #3: Mounting Too High (or Crooked)

The problem: A TV that’s mounted too high (the so-called “fireplace height”) looks awkward and causes neck strain.
The rule: The TV’s center should be at or slightly below eye level when seated.

The Handyman Homes difference:
We measure your space, furniture layout, and seating distance to find the perfect viewing height and angle, just like a designer would. Whether it’s a TV, mirror, or artwork, we’ll make it look balanced, stylish, and professional.

💸 The Real Cost of a DIY Fail

What happens when DIY goes wrong?

  • Wall repair: R724.50/hour (incl. VAT) plus materials
  • Plaster patching and repainting
  • Possible plumber or electrician call-outs
  • Time and frustration

Compare that to a professional installation done right the first time, it’s faster, safer, and often cheaper in the long run.

handyman holding a device to scan wall to mount tv

🧡 Why Cape Town Homeowners Choose Handyman Homes

Expert TV mounting and wall installation
✅ Professional tools and techniques for all wall types
✅ Neat, cable-free finishes
✅ Fully insured, reliable service across Cape Town

Whether you’re hanging a TV, mirror, shelf, or curtain rod, our team delivers the precision and peace of mind your new home deserves.

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