Emergency Services

  Investigation If the tile is loose, pull it off. Often the tile mortar is corroded, or the tiles are cracked and water seeps around and under the tiles, further compromising the surrounding area and allowing water to seep into the floor areas. The other problem could be that the shower tray is not properly glued to the wall. Remove damaged drywall and shower tray Remove all tiles around the tray and any other loose tiles. Cut away the damaged drywall and discard it. Remove the shower tray by unscrewing the screws that secure it to the pillars or floor. It should lift up without breaking. You can reinstall the same tray once the area is dry and sealed. It is advisable to introduce fans and wait a few days for the entire area to dry out completely. Installation of the shower tray If the subfloor is completely dry, we recommend applying a sealing and anti-mould paint to the floor before reinstalling the old or new shower tray. Re-install the tray with the same fixing hardware. Repl...

  Determining the type of water pressure problem It is necessary to know whether the low pressure occurs intermittently or constantly. An intermittent reduction in water pressure could simply be due to another water use inside the house. When using an outside tap, check that no other taps or appliances, such as the shower, dishwasher or washing machine, are using water. If the pressure is consistently low throughout the house, not just at the outside tap, you need to check a few different causes. Choose appropriate times for garden work and repair leaks Inspect the handle of the outside tap to ensure that water is not lost due to leaks of any kind. If there are any leaks, replace the washers or sealing nuts. If the tap is fitted with a filter, remove it and clean it of any obstructions. Once the filter is reinserted, the water pressure should improve immediately. Check the water supply and pipes Check all taps and water-using devices in the house to see if they have the same water ...

  Shut off the water to the appliance Close the plumbing emergency directly at the source. For example, suppose you have a flooded bathroom or a leaky tap. The plumbing systems in your home should be equipped with individual shut-off valves connected to the source. One of the few exceptions is the shower. For the shower, it is necessary to shut off the entire water system of the house. Shutting off the water to the water heater If the hot water heater leaks and you have a standard storage tank, there is a specific shut-off valve for the water heater. An important fact to keep in mind is that even when this valve is closed, the water heater still has about 50 gallons of water stored in the tank. The water will continue to leak. Closing the valve on the water heater only prevents it from filling up with more water. The valve is usually located on top of the water heater and has a lever handle or a round handle.  If the valve is in good working order (sometimes they can corrode ...

  Dripping or leaking taps If your kitchen or bathroom tap keeps dripping water to no avail, it is a telltale sign that there is something wrong with your plumbing system. A dripping tap is not only annoying, but can drain hundreds of litres of water per year, resulting in higher utility costs. You may be wondering why your kitchen tap suddenly decided to stop doing its job. To help you understand this common plumbing problem, we will do our best to explain it to you in depth. Water flowing in the plumbing system is pressurised to move through a series of pipes. When you open the bathroom sink to brush your teeth, a rubber or silicone washer lifts up, allowing the water to flow freely to the fixture. When you close the tap, the same washer creates a watertight seal that prevents water from flowing out of the pipes.  A running toilet Do you constantly find yourself having to move the handle of your toilet to get the flush to work properly? This could be a sign that your toilet ...

  Obsolete wiring If you have problems with your wiring, it may be obsolete. Obsolete wiring, such as fabric-covered wiring, tends to be brittle and flaky. Over time, the sub-wiring becomes exposed. In older homes, fabric-covered wiring is usually installed, which makes this type of problem more common. Other types of wiring can also suffer the wear and tear of time. Aluminium cables can expand and contract due to heat. This causes the wire to overheat due to corrosion and oxidation. If left unchecked, these types of wiring problems can cause fires. Outdated wiring is a serious problem that can occur in older homes. If you think your home needs updated wiring, contact a professional electrician . Flickering lights Electrical connections can become loose, brittle and weak over time. When these damaged connections are not closed properly, they can absorb oxygen and moisture. This causes corrosion of the cables, which slowly breaks the connection until an open circuit is created. Corr...

 Old and obsolete Like any other household appliance, water heaters deteriorate with age. As we have already mentioned, most water heaters can last up to 10 years. Around 10 years, replacement is recommended. This will tell you whether it is time to replace your current water heater . It makes loud noises If you hear a loud knocking noise coming from the water heater, this indicates that something is wrong. This problem is normally found in older water heaters, when sediment accumulates at the bottom of the tank. Over time, these apparently harmful sediments begin to harden at the bottom of the tank. The hardening of sediments at the bottom of the tank can cause strange noises. This is not good news. It means that the water heater is not working as efficiently as it should. If you leave this problem unattended, you can accelerate the damage to the water heater, with the risk of a costly replacement in a short time. Standing water around the tank It is very common to find standing w...

  Often, when there is an active leak in a pipe , homeowners want the repair to take place as soon as possible. However, choosing efficiency over quality does not always work out as planned. This is partly due to the lack of tools, knowledge and experience that unlicensed individuals may have compared to licensed plumbers.  Correctly diagnosing a leak Diagnosing and repairing a leak is very important. No matter how small it may seem, understanding where a leak is coming from can be simple or very challenging. No two leaks are the same! A licensed plumber must have the training and experience (and possibly the equipment) to correctly diagnose the source of the leak. He can do this in a couple of different ways. First, the technician might start with a visual inspection near the damaged area. After assessing the problem, he might have to test the water lines, fixtures or drain lines in that area. Hopefully, at this point the licensed technician will have an idea of the cause of ...

  The first things to do When you first notice that there is an outdoor water leak, it is important to determine what equipment or system is leaking. This will help determine the type of professional who should intervene in your home. For example, if you notice a puddle of water in your garden when the irrigation system is running and it no longer occurs when the sprinkler system is turned off, it is probably best to call an irrigation company. On the other hand, if you notice water leaking from the pool system, it is probably best to call an irrigation company. However, if you notice a leak from external water intakes, the main water line or riser, or any other plumbing system, the best person to call is a licensed plumber . In this way, it is possible to determine the type of professional to call, saving time and money. Once you have determined which system is leaking, see if there is a shut-off valve that can be closed until the professional comes to repair it. For most irrigati...

Switching off the circuit The first and most important step is to switch off the power to the circuit you will be working on. Locate the switch panel and switch off the appropriate circuit. For extra safety, use a voltage tester to make sure that no electricity is getting to the switch. Remove the old switch Next, remove the old switch with a screwdriver and gently pull it out of the electrical box. Three black wires are connected inside. One of these wires should be hot (i.e. carry electricity from the switch panel), while the other two are switched wires (i.e. carry electricity to the device or lamp). Identifying the hot wire To determine which wire is the hot wire, again use a voltage tester and connect each wire one at a time until you find one that is live: this is the hot wire.  Reinstall the new switch Once all connections have been made correctly, carefully reinsert the new switch into its housing inside the electrical box, ensuring that all wires are tucked neatly inside ...

  Repairing a broken dimmer switch is a very simple operation that can be done in just a few minutes. Instead of calling a professional electrician, you can do the job yourself. With this guide and the right tools, you will be able to repair your broken dimmer switch in no time and save money. Switching off the power supply The first and most important step in working with electrical installations is to disconnect the power supply from the mains. Once you have turned off the main switch assigned to that circuit, double-check with the circuit tester to make sure no current is reaching the switch. Remove the plate Remove the switch plate by unscrewing the screws holding it in place on the wall. Once the screws are removed, it will be possible to pull out the dimmer switch for repair. Remove switch Slowly pull out the dimmer switch, without gripping the metal parts of the switch. Pull the switch out just far enough to expose the wires. Purchase a new switch Purchase a new switch from ...

  Installation of the water line Make sure that the water line is switched off. To start work on the basement toilet, install the toilet supply hose from the water line. The supply hose must be between 22 and 30 cm above the floor. Install a shut-off valve that turns 90 degrees and shuts off the water to the toilet. The pipe must run on the left side of the toilet. Replace or install the toilet seal There is a cover on the floor that can accommodate an in-ground toilet. Before installing the gasket , however, the cover must be removed. To do this, tap it with a hammer. This will loosen it and it will come off. You are now ready to insert the wax gasket. Insert it into the hole, making sure that it is tight, and with the rubber flange in the drain. The wax gasket must be on the floor flange. This ensures that everything goes down the drain of the basement toilet without leakage. Positioning the toilet You will see holes in the flange on the floor. Install the bolts supplied with the...

 Turning off the water supply Before starting any operation, be sure to turn off the water supply . This can easily be done by closing the shut-off valve usually located under the sink, or from the main source. Then open the tap to drain the water still in the pipes. For safety, keep some towels handy. Loosen the upper part Loosen the upper part, which is usually similar to a plug, using a pair of orange-beak pliers. Then pull it out. Remove the screw underneath At this point you should find a screw that secures the handle to the valve system. Using a screwdriver, unscrew this screw to extract it. Remove the tap washer At this point you will find the fittings that connect the tap to the valve system. You will probably need a spanner to unscrew them. If corrosion makes this difficult, you may need to use a handle puller. At this point there should be a screw that, once unscrewed, will allow the tap washer to be pulled out easily.  Sometimes there is a nut instead of the screw. ...

  A laundry tap may require replacement when, even with closed valves, it continues to drip. With your plumbing tools, you can easily do the job and save the money you would have spent on paying a professional.  Shutting off the water supply Before starting work, turn off the water supply to the tap. If you cannot control the individual tap supply, turn off the main water supply to the house until you have finished the work. Remove the old tap Locate the supply pipes under the laundry tub that carry water from the wall fittings to the tap. Making sure the valve is turned off, loosen the screws of the pipes from the top end, where they are attached to the tap, with a spanner. Place an empty bucket under the hoses to drain off any water in the hoses. Check the rubber gasket at the end of the hose that screws onto the tap. If the gasket is very old, change it to prevent leakage. Now, with the help of a spanner, unscrew the bolts holding the tap and remove the old tap from the top...

 If an electrical socket emits buzzing or sparks, the problem must be corrected immediately to avoid the possibility of an electrical fire. Although correcting this type of problem in sockets is a fairly simple operation, it is one that should not be put off.  Worn contact blades If, when connecting a device, the socket emits a buzzing or sparking noise, this is a good sign that there is a problem with the contact blades inside the socket. Over time, the blades used to hold the poles of the electrical plug may wear out or loosen. In this case, go to the main switch box and turn off the circuit that powers the socket . To check that it is not the device itself, you can try plugging another device into the socket. If the plug is not secure or if it comes loose again, the problem is with the socket and not with the electronic device. Loose wires or screw terminals on the socket Another common cause of arcing or sparking in sockets is a loose wire in the terminal screw connector o...

  The risks of compromising on the quality of electrical wires One of the most significant risks of using inferior quality household electrical wiring is the potential fire risk and safety problems. Electrical fires are more common than you might think, and defective cables are the main cause. When compromising on cable quality, the likelihood of electrical faults, overheating and sparks increases, which can ultimately lead to a devastating fire. Statistics on electrical fires due to poor wiring are a reminder of the dangers, and real-life examples of such incidents should not be taken lightly. Beyond the immediate safety issues, the use of poor quality electrical wiring can lead to reduced electrical performance and efficiency. Voltage drops and power losses can occur, especially when the cable is unable to carry the necessary current. This can cause dim lights, flickering of appliances and even damage to sensitive electronic devices. Over time, the impact on appliances and devic...

  Replacing the toilet tank gasket is a simple operation to perform if you have leaks in your toilet. Below, we explain how to complete this project with the right materials and instructions. Turn off the water Turn off the water at the stop valve. This is usually located on the side of the toilet, towards the rear. Then flush the toilet to empty the remaining water. You can then use a plunger to remove the water from the bowl itself. Use a crescent spanner to disconnect the water supply line. Remove the lid Remove the tank lid. Use a sponge to absorb excess water that may have remained in the toilet tank. This will create a more comfortable working space and prevent water from seeping into the new connections. Loosen and remove Now that you see the inside of the tank, you should be able to locate the bolts that secure the tank in place. Use the crescent spanner and fasten the bolts from underneath the tank while loosening the bolts from above. You can now easily and carefully rem...

 Repairing an electrical socket does not take much time. With a budget of a few dollars and a few tools, it is possible to get the job done. Sometimes vibrations loosen sockets and with wear and tear, the casing may break. The small pieces of copper inside the 'slots' of the socket can start to expand due to rough handling when quickly inserting a plug. Therefore, a faulty socket may not be visible at first glance. Unfortunately, numerous accidents and electrical fires occur due to the lack of maintenance of electrical sockets. Most of the time, the best option is to replace the socket with a new one and re-establish the wiring to join the new socket.  Removing power from the socket This step is simple and is carried out as a precautionary measure. Every year thousands of people are electrocuted due to a lack of preparation and awareness of the potential danger when dealing with electrical components. Switch on the voltage tester and check each terminal of the socket to ensure...

  Leaks are undesirable for most homeowners. They can cause extensive damage to the home and potentially lead to costly and time-consuming repairs. Diagnosing, locating and accurately repairing a leak is not a task for the inexperienced. In fact, there are several systems, pipes, fixtures and equipment within the home that can cause a leak. This is why it is important to rely on an experienced and licensed plumbing professional for diagnosis and repair. Recognising the signs of a leak As a homeowner, it is important to be able to identify if there are any problems or leaks going on in your home. If spotted early, the signs of a leak can potentially save you from extensive home damage and costly repairs. Below are some common signs of leaks. Damp spots on plasterboard Increased water or utility bills Sound of running water when water is not in use Damp floors or carpets Mould growth Frequent clogging or stagnation of waste water Excess water in the garden Water leaks from fixtures ...

 If you have an electrical outlet that is buzzing or from which you can see sparks, you should check the problem by immediately turning off the circuit breaker and immediately repairing the electrical outlet to eliminate the risk of fire in your home. When you hear strange sounds or see flashes of light from an electrical outlet, the best way to solve the problem is to simply replace it with a new one .  Cut the power to the room Go to the main switch box in your home and locate the circuit breaker for the faulty socket. Once you have located the correct switch, turn it to the 'Off' position. Check the safety of the circuit Once the circuit breaker has been switched off, you need to check the socket with a multimeter to ensure that no electric current is flowing through it. Set the multimeter to measure the voltage, then place the probe tips in the blade sockets of the socket to ensure that there is no voltage in the socket. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses during thi...

  A single plumbing leak can cause serious damage to your home. Water is not known for its kindness to man-made structures, furniture and other household materials. Obvious leaks can be quickly repaired, limiting the potential for damage. It is hidden leaks that are more costly. Pay attention to these signs that indicate the presence of a plumbing leak in your home. It is important to identify leaks quickly to prevent damage and reduce the cost of potential repairs. Water costs If you have been trying to reduce water consumption all summer, a plumbing leak may have undone all the work you have done. When you consume more water, it is normal for water bills to increase. However, it is important to keep an eye on bills that are higher than usual, because they could indicate the presence of a leak in the pipes. Meter madness The water meter should not continue to operate after the supply has been cut off. Periodically, turn off the water to all household appliances and the mains. Rea...

  Your home's electrical system is essential for powering your appliances and electronics, lighting your rooms, and keeping you comfortable. However, as your home ages, your electrical system may begin to show signs of wear and tear. Upgrading your electrical system can provide a range of advantages, from increased safety to improved energy efficiency. Here are some of the benefits of upgrading your electrical system. Improved Safety One of the most significant advantages of upgrading your electrical system is improved safety. Older electrical systems may not be up to code, which can put you and your family at risk of electrical shock, electrical fires, and other hazards. By upgrading your electrical system, you can ensure that it is up to code and that it meets the latest safety standards. Improved Energy Efficiency Upgrading your electrical system can also help you save money on your energy bills. Older electrical systems may be less energy-efficient than newer systems, which ca...

  Few installations in our homes boast the same level of reliability and daily use as the humble toilet. Toilets generally operate smoothly and require minimal maintenance throughout the year. However, when a problem occurs, the consequences can be difficult to overlook. Whether it is an imperceptible leak that causes water to accumulate, potential damage to the floor or walls, or an internal pump that runs incessantly, resulting in wasted water and an increased monthly bill, the impact can be significant. Although it may be tempting to ignore these signs, there are good reasons to address them promptly. Toilet leaks have the potential to cause serious damage to your home, which is why we recommend that leaks be addressed promptly by a licensed plumber . Below are some common toilet problems and tips on how to identify the type of problem. Common toilet leaks Toilet leaks can manifest themselves in various ways and often go unnoticed until they cause significant damage. Listed be...

  We use electricity for almost everything we do, from lighting our homes to powering our appliances and electronics. However, electricity can also be dangerous if we don't handle it properly. Electrical accidents can lead to serious injury or even death, and they happen more often than you might think. That's why it's important to prioritise electrical safety in your home. Why is electrical safety in your home important? It protects you and your family from electrocution Electricity is a powerful force that can cause serious injury or death if handled carelessly. Electric shocks can cause burns, muscle cramps and even cardiac arrest. By following the basic safety rules for electrical appliances, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrocution in your home. Prevent electrical fires Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits and malfunctioning electrical appliances can lead to fires. By taking steps to prevent electrical fires, such as making sure your electrical system is u...

  Leaky pipes can be quite a headache. If your pipe is leaking, you may fear expensive repairs and long-term damage. Fortunately, leaky pipes can be easily repaired.  What to do if your pipe starts to leak As soon as you notice a pipe leak, it is a good idea to contact a professional. Small leaks can escalate in a short time and cause flooding and water damage. To temporarily stop the leak while waiting for the plumber, you can use a pipe clamp, pipe sleeve or repair sleeve found in hardware stores. The importance of calling a plumber Although pipe leaks may seem like a simple problem, it is important to remember that this is not the best time to attempt a DIY project. Leaks can not only cause water damage, but can also indicate a structural problem within the plumbing system. A plumber will repair or replace the pipe and also identify the source of the problem. Repair vs. Replacement The two options in case of a leak are repair and replacement of the pipe. Which one is right...

  Electrical wiring services are a cornerstone of every modern home. They light up our rooms, power our devices and keep our appliances running smoothly. But for something so important to our daily lives, it is alarming to see how many misconceptions and mistakes exist in this regard. Ensuring that our homes are wired correctly is not only a matter of efficiency, but also of safety. When it comes to electrical wiring services, there is no room for error. However, some common mistakes can cost more than just money: they can jeopardise your safety. Consult this guide to make sure you don't fall into the most common traps. DIY electrical wiring without proper knowledge We live in the age of DIY. With countless tutorials and online videos at our fingertips, we are tempted to take on every household project. But electrical wiring services are not the place to experiment. The risks of improper wiring range from minor electric shocks to dangerous fires. Not having the proper knowledge or...

  A leaking water heater can cause significant damage to your home and pose a potential safety risk. Although there are many do-it-yourself solutions available, it is crucial to prioritise your safety and enlist the help of a professional. Here, we will elaborate on the importance of seeking expert help when faced with a water heater leak. We will examine the possible dangers of a leak, the benefits of professional intervention, and measures to ensure your safety. The dangers of a leaking water heater When your water heater starts to leak, it is important to understand the potential dangers associated with this problem. Water leaks can cause serious property damage, including structural damage, mould growth and electrical hazards. If not addressed, these problems can lead to costly repairs and compromise the safety of the home. Furthermore, it is important to note that, depending on the source of the leak, hot water can pose a significant risk of scalding or burns. Therefore, it is...