Emergency Services

 Imagine you're sitting in your room watching a film when a light bulb explodes in the middle of the night. Should you call an electrician for an electrical repair or service? Have you ever wondered why a light bulb explodes? Let's find out what to do when they explode. A power surge One of the most common reasons electricians cite for exploding light bulbs is a power surge. A power surge is a situation in which the electrical voltage in a circuit suddenly increases more than normal. Light bulbs can only tolerate a certain voltage. If the voltage rises, they explode due to the excessive current. To avoid such a situation, you can ask your electrician to suggest light bulbs that do not explode so easily. Loose sockets Sometimes the culprits for an exploding light bulb are loose sockets that are not connected properly. Light bulb sockets are designed to fit in properly. Sometimes electricians fail to screw them in perfectly, causing the connection to be lost and the bulb to expl...

  The light bulb has been replaced and you are still in the dark. Naturally, you go through the usual scenarios to solve the problem. You check whether the circuit breaker on the switchboard is switched on - it is - now what? As a final check, you suspect that it could be the light switch itself. Switches should remain maintenance-free for many years. If they do fail, there are a few things you can test and change to see if that fixes the problem.  Step 1 Always switch off the power to the panel before starting any electrical repairs. If you can find the appropriate circuit breaker for the light switch, switch it off, otherwise switch off the main switch and make sure you have broken the circuit. For safety reasons, lock the switch to prevent others from switching it on. Step 2 Take a flat-blade screwdriver and remove the screws holding the cover plate of the light switch. Then take a Phillips screwdriver and unscrew the fixing screws at the top and bottom of the switch. Care...

 Check the circuit breakers again Often a circuit breaker needs to be reset, even if it doesn't look like it has tripped. Switch off the circuit breaker connected to the faulty area of the house and switch it back on. Then go through all the breakers, switch them off and on again. This procedure can save you a lot of time later if you find that the problem was there to begin with. Look for a GFCI trigger Once you're sure it's not a flipped circuit breaker, set out to find every GFCI outlet in your home. Even if the outlet is on the other side of the house, it may be the reason for your power outage. Also look outside and in the garage. Even older homes usually have at least one, while newer homes should have at least one for each bathroom and kitchen. Remove extension cords If you have appliances that are plugged into an extension cord, try unplugging the cord and plugging the appliance directly into the outlet. Some appliances will switch off when you use an extension lead...

  There are many reasons why you may need a new washbasin for your bathroom. Perhaps it's starting to show signs of wear and tear. Replacing a sink that is chipped, cracked or simply out of fashion can be very time consuming for a layman, but once you've familiarised yourself with the basics, it won't seem so daunting. Measure To replace a bathroom sink , the first thing you need to do is take the correct measurements. Firstly, measure the length, width and depth of the sink. Measure the worktop to determine the dimensions of the surface on which the sink will stand. Buying the washbasin Replace the sink by buying a new one from your local DIY store. Make sure you take the dimensions with you. The dimensions of the new sink should be the same or larger than the old one. If it is larger, you will need to adjust the worktop to fit the new sink. Turn off the water Before you replace the sink, you must switch off the water supply to the sink. You must remove the tap and drain s...

  Many problems occur in the bathroom, but one of the most common is a leaking toilet tank . The good news is that a simple solution is to adjust the toilet tank pipework to repair leaks in the tank. If you notice water leaking onto the floor or between the tank and bowl, you should try to fix the leak quickly. If you ignore the leaks, your water bills will become more expensive due to excessive water wastage and the water could damage your floor.  Start by Turn off the tap near the toilet tank and lay a large towel on the floor to dry the leaking water. If you cannot find the valve, you will need to turn off the main water supply. Empty the tank and remove the water hose Remove as much water as possible from the tank by flushing it out in the toilet. The tank will not refill when the water supply is switched off. Dry off the remaining water in the tank with a sponge or cloth. Remove the water hose from the side of the tank using pliers. Change the seals The toilet tank is hel...

  The architecture and old nooks and crannies give the place character. However, an old structure also means old-fashioned fittings. This means that problems can arise if electrical maintenance is not carried out regularly. It is often necessary to replace older electrical systems to improve function and ensure safe wiring in old buildings. If you're thinking of moving into an older building and are wondering what electrical repairs you should expect, here are some common issues to look out for. Faulty sockets Many old electrical outlets don't have a hole for an earth wire, or they are poorly or incorrectly connected. You will need to call an electrician to replace all sockets - regardless of whether there is a fault; otherwise you will struggle to use your electrical appliances. Old cables In older buildings, old cables are laid in the walls. And it's only a matter of time before you realise that you need to have them replaced. This doesn't just apply to older buildin...

  An overflowing toilet is a relatively common problem that many people have to deal with. However, the frequency of this problem does not mean that it is not a serious situation that needs to be resolved quickly. The water from an overflowing toilet can seep into wooden cabinets, seep into the walls or damage the floorboards, making it easier for mould, mildew and rot to spread throughout your home's infrastructure. To solve this problem before it grows into a bigger issue, it's important to figure out why the toilet is overflowing so you can take steps to fix the situation yourself or hire a professional plumber. In this guide, you'll learn why the toilet is overflowing and what to do if you find yourself in this situation. Reasons for an overflowing toilet There are usually four main reasons for an overflowing toilet. The drain line may be clogged, the vents are blocked, the home's main sewer line is clogged, or, if you have a septic system, the septic tank may be f...

  Electrical repairs include a variety of services ranging from major installations to rewiring your home to replacing a faulty outlet or breaker. It is often difficult to diagnose a particular electrical problem at home without the help of a professional. They are usually trained to provide the best repair and maintenance services, which can cost you a lot if you can't do it yourself. There are various electrical repair services that may be required at your home or business. Electrical repair services Upgrading your current system This includes services such as installing new wiring, new outlets, or even switching to newer fixtures. It also includes increasing the amount of electricity in your home, which may require the installation of new higher wattage breakers. Assessment and review of the entire electrical system This is a common upgrade that helps prevent appliances from running all the time, even when they are not needed. It also helps to reduce high electricity bills. Hir...

  The main causes of problems with bidet plumbing fixtures are usually leaks, defective seals and dirty filters. However, this type of appliance is still a trend when it comes to modern bathroom plumbing fixtures. Therefore, here are some common bidet plumbing problems and how you can fix them with some common household tools. Switch off the water Before attempting to fix a problem with your bidet, you should always first turn off the water supply at the water valve on the back of the bidet by turning it clockwise. If your bidet does not have a shut-off valve, turn off the water supply at the main valve. This will prevent water from being wasted when you are trying to fix a plumbing problem in your bidet. Water leaking from the handle The first problem occurs when water leaks from the bidet flush handle. This means that water is probably overflowing in the bidet tank. You can solve this problem by simply removing some of the water in the tank with a cup or small bowl. If the prob...

  Dimmer switches are becoming increasingly popular as they allow you to control the range/intensity of light to suit your comfort and mood. With constant use, dimmer switches can feel a little warm to the touch - does that sound worrying? No, this is quite normal, but it shouldn't feel hot, and if it feels too hot, then there's a problem. If you have this problem, read on to find out how to get to the bottom of the cause and what you can do about it. Why is your dimmer switch hot? Dimmer switches are different from most other light switches in your home. They are equipped with electronic components that enable dimming. They work with semiconductors that function like transistors and control the flow of current in the lamps. This usually generates heat, which spreads across the metal plate and heats up the cover of the switch plate.  Signs that your dimmer switch is too hot 1- Your dimmer switch is overloaded Light switches cannot handle as much current as sockets. Also, dimm...

  Many people don't pay much attention to their electrical outlets until they become damaged. If your sockets are worn out, you need to act immediately because you are putting the lives of the people you love in danger. Like any other electrical device in your home, electrical outlets wear out over time and need to be replaced with new ones.  Most sockets do not work If you've noticed that most of your sockets aren't working, then that's a clear sign that it's time for a replacement. If several sockets fail, this is a clear sign that they have exceeded their lifespan and need to be replaced. Extension cords have taken over your home If your home is full of extension leads, then this is a clear sign that your sockets are inadequate or that many of them are broken. What most people probably don't realise is that extension leads are only intended for short use. Electrical cords are usually hidden in the wall to improve the safety and comfort of the people in the h...

  In most cases, you will feel an electric shock when you come into contact with the metal screws of your light switch, which is due to static discharge. Static electricity is the accumulation of electrical charges emanating from the surface of objects. This usually happens when electrons travel from one surface to another via contact, and if the two surfaces are insulating, an electrical charge builds up. This is usually the case in carpeted homes. Fortunately, this type of electric shock caused by the light switch is less dangerous and can be annoying at most. Although the majority of minor electric shocks caused by light switches are harmless static shocks, there are cases where you will feel a relatively strong, painful electric shock, which is a clear sign of a faulty or damaged light switch. In such a case, you should avoid direct contact with the switch and call a certified, authorised and experienced electrician as soon as possible. Below are more serious reasons why you m...

 If you've got a good deal when moving into a new home, the joy is even greater. Up to this point, everything seems perfect. But the question is: did you buy a home below market value? Or did you buy a house that hasn't been renovated in a long time? Reasons why it's important to rewire your new home Increases security An important reason to rewire your home is that it can significantly improve your safety. For example, if the old wiring is not properly insulated, it can cause fires and electrocution due to power fluctuations. In addition, overloading can even burn or melt wires. Poor or old wiring can also cause your electrical appliances to stop working safely, and smoke detectors can also fail. Increase the electrical capacity Old electrical wiring is not good enough to handle modern electrical appliances. Therefore, a high load can have disastrous consequences. An electrical overload can also cause house fires or burn out your electrical appliances. In contrast, a mode...

  Damaged, outdated and poorly installed electrical wiring is a serious problem that should be rectified as soon as possible. Every year, there are at least a thousand cases of house fires caused by faulty wiring. Unfortunately, in such cases, homeowners often face expensive repairs and hospital bills. If you know the signs of an electrical problem, you may be able to prevent a dangerous situation. If you recognise faulty wiring early enough, you can avoid the risk of devastating fires and make your home a safer and better place. You'll also save yourself the inconvenience caused by the erratic performance of electrical appliances. Even if you are able to fix some of these symptoms of faulty wiring yourself, it is always advisable to rely on the knowledge and experience of a professional to help you solve your electrical problems.  Look out for chewed or frayed cables: It is common for pets or rodents to interfere with wiring. If you discover frayed or chewed cables in your h...

  Washer taps work with a rubber seal that rests on a metal seat. If this unit hardens or wears away, a leak will occur. You can close the tap more tightly to stop the leak temporarily, but you risk further damage to the tap. Leaking taps are annoying. You don't need a plumber to fix them.  Turn off the water Turn off the water at the local valve, if available. If not, turn it off at the main valve in the basement, utility room or crawl space. Turn off the hot water supply as well. Dismantling the tap Remove the handle and loosen the screw located under a decorative cap in the centre of the handle. The cap can either be unscrewed or snaps off when you prise it open with a knife blade. Once you have removed the screw, lever the handle off the shaft and remove the sealing nut. The entire shaft is then exposed. Turn the stem to unscrew it. To avoid damaging the tap with a spanner or pliers, cover the area with insulating tape or a cloth. Inspect the stem If the stem is only dirty...

  The toilet is one of the simplest mechanical items in your household that is used on a daily basis. If you know how it works, you can fix any problems yourself, without the need for specialised plumbing tools. This guide will help you understand the key parts of a toilet and recognise and fix common problems. Flush lever This part of the toilet gets the most wear and tear. The lever that flushes the toilet is probably the most commonly broken moving part of the toilet . The lever is a rod that leads from the handle to a chain that operates the flapper valve. Several things can go wrong with these handles. When steel is stored for years in a humid place like the toilet tank, it naturally begins to deteriorate. Eventually, the rod corrodes to the point where it breaks. Manufacturers have switched to making the rods out of plastic as it is cheaper and does not rust. However, they also break. Regardless of whether your tank is made of plastic, steel or brass, you will usually need...