Emergency Services

 The boiler pressure in your home must maintain a constant level while the boiler heats water and keeps it hot. These heating systems are robust and durable and, if well maintained, can last for many years. Damaged or broken parts of a boiler, however, can cause carbon monoxide leakage and other negative effects.  An important maintenance operation to prevent this from happening to your boiler is to check the boiler pressure levels. Performing this operation regularly will keep your home warm and safe. It will also save you money in the long run by preventing major problems that require costly and major repairs, as well as ensuring that your boiler has a long life and does not have to be replaced prematurely. Locating the boiler pressure gauge The first thing to do for any maintenance or repair is to locate the position of the boiler pressure gauge. All boilers have a pressure gauge that indicates the internal pressure. The pressure gauge is generally located on the side of t...

  Even in the best of boiler systems , the expansion tank can start to leak. The expansion tank is a pressurised system. Pressure variations due to boiler overflow during water expansion and the presence of moving parts can cause the system to deteriorate. Investigation to find the source of the leak Use rags or a hairdryer to dry the external areas of the expansion tank and carry out a visual inspection of the surface. If you have difficulty finding the source of a leak in your tank, you can put soapy water around the wet areas and observe the presence of air bubbles. Once the leak has been located, you can start repairing the boiler expansion tank. Prepare the expansion tank for repair Before starting work on the expansion tank, it is important to turn off the boiler system power switch, disconnect all electrical plugs and turn off the gas supply (if you have a gas boiler). Close the valve that brings water from the boiler to the expansion tank. Connect a hose to the outlet valve...

  The water heater's shut-off valve is a very important part of the water heater . If the valve is defective, you should not delay in replacing it. The good news is that you can do it yourself and you do not have to spend money to hire a professional. With the right tools and this guide, you can replace the shut-off valve yourself and save some money. Turning off the heater If you have a gas water heater, turn off the gas supply. Let the water heater cool down before touching any parts. If the water heater is equipped with an electric ignition system, the power must be disconnected from the switch box. Shutting off the water supply If you cannot shut off the water with the shut-off valve, use the main valve to shut off the water supply to the house. Draining the water Use an electric pump or ground hose to drain the heater. The water may still be hot, so care must be taken. Take measurements Note the dimensions of the existing valve. Also note the type of valve, i.e. whether it is ...

  Repairing a broken water tap in the basement is indispensable. If action is not taken immediately, not only will you pay a higher water bill, but you may also cause damage to the basement and the foundation of the house, which is a serious problem. Determining the problem Determining what the problem is can help you make an effective repair. Often you will find that something is loose and all you need to do is use a spanner to tighten it. Explore the tap and check that everything is tight and, if not, use a spanner to fix the problem. If it does not work, it may be a washer problem. This problem can easily be solved by dismantling the tap and replacing the washer. Turn off the water Turning off the water is an important step, because you do not want to cause further leaks or flooding in the basement. You can shut off the water through a nearby valve or through the main water supply of the house. Once the water is shut off, place a bucket under the tap and open it completely. Thi...

  Long gone are the days when people thought that smart home technology existed only in novels and science fiction films, etc. However, thanks to technological innovations, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of these 'magic' devices that enable the integration of various home systems. However, all these home devices ultimately depend on a reliable basis: smart home wiring. Here are some of the advantages of smart home wiring: Advantages of smart home wiring Makes the home energy efficient It should come as no surprise that we all like to save money. But did you know that installing smart home wiring reduces energy bills? Yes, you heard me right! With smart home technology, you will be able to access electrical appliances and devices via a remote control. This means that you no longer have to go back to make sure the lights are off. In addition, some devices have a feature that allows you to access data on usage and performance. This helps maximise system efficiency and reduc...

  Faulty sockets, switches and bulbs are common problems. But have you ever found yourself in a situation where there is power in the switches and sockets and the bulbs are all in normal working order, but the lights do not come on? The hard news is that faulty lights with functioning sockets and switches have no single solution. The good news is that there are several solutions to diagnose and solve the problem. Problems with the basic wiring structure The basic wiring structure can affect the operation of lights. Understanding the basic wiring structure problems that can affect lighting is a great way to diagnose the problem. Neutral feedback effect When electrical current flows through the socket and switches, but the bulb connected to these switches does not work, the voltage reading recorded by the switch could be neutral feedback. This fault usually occurs in a nearby junction box. Elimination can be used to identify the specific location of the fault, which can occur in any...

  In most houses built in recent years, shut-off valves have been installed on the hot and cold supply lines leading to kitchen and bathroom taps . A shut-off valve allows you to shut off the water supply to a single tap, while leaving the water open in the rest of the house. If you have ever had to turn off the water supply in the whole house just to replace an appliance, you understand how individual valves can make life easier for everyone. If you live in an old house or if your builder did not put shut-off valves in the pipes, you might consider adding them yourself. The installation process is simple, as most of them use pressure joints that do not require pipes to be welded, and it is the type of installation that homeowners can do themselves with standard plumbing tools. Here is how to install shut-off valves on existing copper supply lines. Step 1 First, check how the supply lines connect to the sink. Some lines go up through the floor to the base of the tap, while others e...

  The advantages of house rewiring are many, and the only real disadvantage is the potential time and cost. Below, we will look at some of the positive aspects of house rewiring. Security For the safety of you, your home and your family, it is essential that the wiring and earthing is assessed by a licensed professional electrician to ensure that it is up-to-date and meets British standards. If old wiring is worked on, moved or otherwise disturbed, it can become dangerous and cause fuses to break. Old wiring deteriorates over time and can cause fires if not replaced. Rewiring the house means better protecting appliances, devices, family members and the entire house structure from electrical problems that can cause fires. The security of new and properly enclosed wiring also means that you can consider energy efficiency projects such as attic insulation without the risks caused by exposed or faulty wires. Separate circuits One of the main advantages of house rewiring is the possib...

  The water pressure in the pipes must be constant. Fluctuating and inconsistent water pressure is not only a nuisance, but can be a premonitory sign that something is wrong with the pipes. Before you rush to check your shower and sink water pressure, there are a few important things to know about water pressure, what causes it, and when to worry. Here is everything you need to know about low water pressure in your property. Common causes of low water pressure: Sneaky leaks Perhaps the most common sign of low water pressure in the plumbing system is a leak. Leaks divert the flow of water, causing it to flow slower and weaker than it should. While most leaks are easy to identify and find, some leaks may lie deeper in the pipe, out of sight and hearing. If a leak is suspected, a useful tip to ascertain it is to shut off the water flow and observe the water meter. If the consumption of the water meter has increased and you have not used the water, it could be a leak. While some leaks...

  Have you ever heard a loud banging noise coming from the pipes after turning off a tap? This is water hammer, a common plumbing problem that can be more than just a nuisance: it can potentially damage your plumbing system . What causes water hammer Water hammer occurs when a water valve is suddenly closed, causing a shock wave that knocks pipes against walls or each other. This can happen in washing machines, dishwashers, bathrooms and sinks. Is water hammer just a residential plumbing problem? It can occur in any plumbing system, including commercial and industrial buildings. Large installations, such as factories, municipal waterworks and power plants, are also susceptible to water hammer. In these contexts, the potential for damage can be significant and requires specialised water hammer mitigation strategies. Are some dwellings more prone to water hammer? Some homes are more prone to water hammer, particularly older homes with outdated plumbing systems that may not include mo...

 If your light switch makes a crackling sound, it can be very annoying, especially if the noise wakes you up from a deep sleep. Are you worried about what might have caused the crazy sound of the light switch? Is it because you forgot to call the electrician for electrical service ? If your light switch is also making noises at the same time, it is essential that you call an electrical maintenance team before the situation worsens and becomes potentially dangerous. How does a light switch work? To understand why a light switch makes noise, it is important to first learn how a light switch works. Have you ever seen an electrician or an electrical maintenance worker working on light switches? If not, we will explain the process to you. The electric light switch works thanks to a constant flow of current in the socket. When you turn the switch on, electricity flows through the light and when you turn it off, the current flow automatically stops. Why does the light switch make noise?...

  When a toilet never seems to stop working, it can quickly increase your water bill and get on your nerves. However, this problem can be solved easily for the DIY enthusiast. All you need are some spare parts and the right advice. Start with the simplest solutions and, if they don't work, move on to more serious repairs. Adjust the rod or chain Check the guide rod or the chain of the tank flap. If the rod is bent or the chain links are twisted, simply straighten them to allow the flapper to fully engage. If this operation prevents the water from flowing, it is not necessary to continue. Adjusting or replacing the float Check the float mechanism. Try raising the ball; if this prevents the water from flowing, bend the float arm downwards with pliers until it is properly buoyant. If the ball contains water, it must be replaced. To do this, simply unscrew the existing float from the arm and replace it with a new one . Shut off water Locate the toilet shut-off valve behind the bowl and...

  The words 'electrical fire' are in themselves sufficient to alert you to the possibility of a house fire. How many times have you heard reports of houses going up in flames due to a short circuit? Do you know why fires almost always occur? Because people do not pay attention to electrical maintenance and repairs when they should. To make sure you can protect the safety of your family and loved ones, we have listed below some warning signs for an electrical fire. Be sure to have this checked by an electrician before it is too late. Burning smell Have you ever felt a strong burning smell, but not thought about it, thinking it was coming from your neighbours? Pay attention when you smell something burning and immediately seek out a trusted technician for electrical maintenance or repair. If you can locate the source of the smell, turn off the power immediately before things get worse. If, on the other hand, you cannot figure out what is burning, without wasting time, call an ex...

  When it comes to maintaining the safety and efficiency of your home, few components are as crucial as the switchboard. This key element of your home's electrical system is often out of sight and out of mind, but when problems occur, a crucial decision needs to be made: is it better to opt for repairing the switchboard or is it time to replace it completely? Understanding the complexities of this decision is crucial for every homeowner.  About switchboards The switchboard, often called the breaker box, is the heart of the home's electrical system. It distributes the electricity coming into your home to the various circuits that power lights, appliances and sockets. Typically, an electrical panel can last 25 to 40 years, but like all components it is subject to wear and tear. Recognising the signs of an aged or faulty switchboard is crucial. Flickering lights, frequent tripping of switches and unusual sounds such as buzzing or humming from the switchboard are warning signs th...

  Is your water heater not working properly? Does the water seem to take forever to heat up? Or does the hot water suddenly turn cold without warning? One of the worst things to experience is a lack of hot water on a cold winter's day. Nobody likes to take a shower with lukewarm or even cold water in the middle of winter, so it is best to keep an eye out for signs that your water heater is not working as it should. Knowing the telltale signs of a malfunctioning water heater means you can make a quick repair and restore hot water to your home. Warning signs of a faulty water heater There are several signs to look out for that indicate that the water heater is not working as it should: Lukewarm or cold water . One potential sign of a water heater failure is a lack of hot water. If you notice that the water temperature throughout the house does not exceed a certain temperature and produces semi-warm or lukewarm water, it may be time to have it inspected. Hot water does not last long ...

  Flickering lights Flickering lights can be caused by several factors, including loose bulbs, faulty switches or problems with the electrical system. To solve this problem, it is necessary to check that the bulb is screwed in correctly. If it is, the problem could be due to a loose connection in the wiring harness. If necessary, the connections can be tightened or the faulty wiring can be replaced. If the flickering persists, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a faulty switchboard or an overloaded circuit. In this case, it is best to contact a licensed electrician to inspect and repair the problem. Tripping circuit breaker If the circuit breaker trips often, it could be a sign of an overloaded circuit or a faulty electrical device. To solve this problem, start by disconnecting some electrical devices connected to the circuit and try resetting the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker continues to trip, you may need to add a new circuit or upgrade the electric...

  An overflowing toilet can be an embarrassing problem. Don't worry, many of us have been there at one time or another! Although this problem can be easily solved, it is important to act fast. An overflowing toilet can flood the bathroom and cause water damage. Read on to find out how to fix an overflowing toilet and who to call in case of an emergency. Close the water valve As soon as you notice the overflow, stop the flow of water by closing the toilet valve. It is usually located on the wall below the bottom of the toilet. If you cannot find the valve, open the lid of the toilet tank and manoeuvre the float so that it stays in place. This prevents the water from flowing. Is the toilet clogged? If the toilet overflows due to a recent clog, submerge it to try to remove the clog. If you have a plumber's snake, you can also use this. However, be aware that larger clogs and those located further down the pipe may not be cleared with a plunger, which means that professional help ...

 As homeowners, we occasionally have to deal with a leaking pipe . But if the pipes are constantly leaking, the problem could be more serious. What is the cause of leaking pipes and how can the problem be solved?  Common causes of pipe leaks Pipe leaks can be caused by a wide range of problems. Sometimes an external factor can have an impact on the pipes, such as changes in temperature, water pressure or even shifts in the foundation of the house. However, internal plumbing problems can also be the culprit. Weak or corroded pipes can often leak, as can clogged pipes. Is a small drip really a problem? If it is a minor leak, you may not see the importance of rushing to solve the problem. After all, how much damage can a small drip cause? In these situations, one should not think about the water leak, but about the larger problem that is causing it. Although it may have a simple solution, such as adjusting a joint or gasket, it could also be a sign of a bigger problem beneath the...

  A professional drain cleaning is one of the best things you can do for your drain lines and yard drains. It is quick, easy and gives immediate results. In addition, drain cleaning can help prevent more serious drainage problems in the long run. But what is the difference between a professional drain cleaning service and a do-it-yourself cleaning? And what can homeowners expect from a visit with professionals? We explain this below. Do-it-yourself drain cleaning vs. professional cleaning When you think of drain cleaning, you probably imagine a bottle of chemicals that you buy in the shop and pour down the drain. These chemicals are not always effective. In some cases, they can even damage the pipes! Professionals not only use superior detergents, but also additional tools to remove debris and make the pipes more efficient. Why call in a professional? Professional drain cleaning has several advantages. Although household drain cleaners can loosen blockages, many homeowners end up ...

  Leak detection can help determine the location and source of a leak, saving you time, money and stress due to extensive leaks/water damage and repairs. But how exactly does leak detection work? And how can you start as a homeowner?  Know the signs of a leak The first step in leak detection is to know the signs of a leak. Looking for more subtle signs can help detect a problem before it becomes serious. These signs include more expensive water bills, the presence (or smell) of mould, water stains on walls or ceilings and possibly low water pressure. If you notice these changes, call a licensed plumber to inspect your system and assess whether there are any problems and what the best actions to take are. Outdoor water leaks Leak detection is a service offered or recommended when further diagnosis is needed to determine the source of a leak. Outdoor water leaks can be difficult to detect for several reasons. For example, pipes are usually buried underground, which makes access...

  The bathroom, with all its plumbing , is the place most prone to leakage, with the bathtub at the forefront. In most cases, people do not realise the bathtub is leaking until mould forms, or they see water leaking from the ceiling under the bath.  Also, if you live in a rather old property and are wondering how to locate the source of the leak, read on and discover the causes and possible solutions for water leaks from under the bathtub. Why does the bathtub leak from underneath? Bathtub leaks should not be ignored, even if they start small. Over time, they grow larger and can cause flooding. You already know that mould can also form, so this is another reason not to put off a repair. So why is the bathtub leaking underneath? The bathtub is cracked - this is the first and most obvious cause, but it is not always so obvious. Some cracks may be as subtle as a hairline, but they still cause problems. Watch the water carefully for any areas that appear to be sucked downwards. ...

  Many homeowners request an electrical inspection when they realise that there is a major electrical fault. Many think that an electrical inspection is an expensive and time-consuming process. However, this is not true. An electrical inspection is a simple but very important process that can reveal potential electrical problems in your home. As they say, prevention is better than cure. If you can detect problems in time, it will be much easier and cheaper to solve them. The main purpose of an electrical inspection is to find out if your home's electrical system is in good condition or if it needs to be repaired. Wiring inspection Wiring is the heart of the home's electrical system. When you ask an electrician to come and inspect your home, the first thing he will do is check the wiring system. Among the important things that the electrician will check is whether there are any damaged or exposed wires. If your home's wiring system was made more than 40 years ago, the elect...

  Why do my electrical sockets get hot? This is a question one can ask oneself. If your power sockets get hot, it is a clear sign that they are not able to accommodate the devices connected to them. There are many elements that can make electrical sockets hot. Some are simple to fix yourself, while others require the intervention of an experienced electrician.  Loose electrical connection One of the main reasons why electrical sockets become overheated is a loose electrical connection. When the electrical connection is loose, it means that the current travels in small wiring strands that are not sufficient to allow for a smooth transfer of electricity. Consequently, when another device is added to the socket, the socket is forced to heat up because it cannot withstand the passage of more current. Short circuit A short circuit can cause the socket to overheat. A short circuit is very dangerous and can seriously damage the entire socket and even injure people nearby. In such ca...