Emergency Services

 Without the right training, skills and experience, electricians can do more harm than good to your home. In fact, poorly executed electrical work can be very dangerous and pose a serious threat to the safety of you and your family.  If you are looking for an electrical contractor to complete a lighting installation/repair, here are some of the things to look for:  Licence and insurance  The most important factor to consider when choosing an electrician is the existence of a licence. This ensures that the contractor has undergone the necessary courses and practical activities to do the job safely and correctly. You should always:  Ask to see an electrician's licence Ensure that the licence is up to date Check that the licence covers the type of work you need. It is also important to make sure that the electrician has all the necessary insurance and cover. Ask to see copies of current policies to verify that they have not expired.  Value for money   Whe...

 Circuit breaker failure Circuit breaker tripping is a frequent event that interrupts the power supply in specific areas of the home. It is usually triggered by a circuit overload, a situation where too many devices draw power at the same time. This can happen due to high wattage appliances, faulty wiring or even a faulty switch. Solution: To solve the problem, disconnect unnecessary devices from the overloaded circuit and reset the switch. If the problem persists, contact a professional electrician to inspect the circuit, identify the cause, and make any necessary repairs or upgrades. Non-functioning electrical outlets Non-functioning electrical outlets can disrupt daily activities. This problem can result from a loose connection, a faulty outlet, or a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet tripped in wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Solution: Before attempting any solutions, make sure that the power is switched off for safety. Check the socket connections and, i...

  Low water pressure at home is not only inconvenient, but also extremely frustrating, especially when you do not know what the problem is, where it comes from or how to solve it. Listed below are some of the most common situations that can occur and what can be done to solve the problem. Shut-off valve deactivated There is always the possibility that the main shutoff valve that allows water to be supplied to your home has somehow been set very low or turned off. Clogged aerator If the problem is only concentrated in certain areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom sink or the shower, it could be due to a clogged aerator. The problem is easily solved by unscrewing the nozzle, removing the aerator and cleaning it. It is also possible to buy a new one and start again. Water main connection Sometimes a problem occurs between the connection of the water main from your house to the city or county supply line. If you find standing water, mud or saturated soil near or around the connectio...

 It is never a good feeling when you hear water running in the pipes even though everything is turned off. Nobody wants a water leak because it can be expensive and cause a lot of damage. Whenever you think there is a problem, make sure you follow these steps to fix it. Check the water meter Even a slow leak causes the water movement indicator on the meter to turn about one turn in three minutes. Leaks can remain hidden underground or under a concrete slab, so if everything is off and the water movement indicator is turning, then there is a problem. If it is not spinning, there is no need to worry about a water leak. Check everything else If everything is off and you can hear water, there is probably a leak somewhere that is causing the water noise. Check all taps (including outside taps) and all sinks. Also check the refrigerator (if you have an ice machine), dishwasher, washing machine, air conditioner, showers, bathtubs, toilet tanks, water tanks, cellar, crawl space, swimming ...

 Toilets are ubiquitous fixtures, present in every type of home and business. Despite their constant presence, many homeowners may not know how to fix minor problems with their toilets and when to call in the professionals. Let's review some simple toilet repairs that you can do yourself: Many people think of a toilet repair and immediately start looking at plumbing problems. However, there are parts of a toilet that can break or become misaligned without affecting the connected pipes or water flow. A broken seat or lid is one such problem that many homeowners face. A new seat can also refresh the appearance of a toilet, and the first steps in the process described below can also help to repair a loose seat. First, the two hinges where the seat screws into the fixture must be located. They are usually located under a plastic cover that must be lifted or opened. Next, unscrew the plastic nuts and washers. To replace the seat, remove the nuts, washers and bolts, then follow the reve...

 Power outages can be annoying and sometimes worrying if they last for a while, and you are not sure of the cause. They completely interrupt our lives, as we need electricity for practically everything. The causes of a power outage are many and can last from a few minutes to hours or weeks, depending on the severity of the situation. Blackouts Blackouts are the most serious type of power outage. They occur when an entire area loses power due to severe damage to the area's electrical system, usually due to a major storm, but other natural disasters such as earthquakes can also be the cause. The blackout can last up to weeks, as the damage can be particularly difficult to repair.  The response to a blackout must be proactive and not reactive. To prepare, you can buy a generator, battery-powered devices or rechargeable appliances and electronics to keep as spares. Buy emergency lights, have plenty of torches and make sure their batteries are new or fully charged. Power banks for ...

 Knowing the gauge of electrical wires is essential for an electrician. This tells the electrician how many amperes a wire can actually carry without heating up. If the current trying to pass through a specific wire is higher than the rated current for that particular wire gauge, the current passing through will generate heat throughout the line, causing the wire and its insulation to deteriorate and, over time, the risk of an electrical fire. The house requires much more electricity than individual appliances; this is why a wire passing through a light pole is much larger than the wiring inside the house.  Expose the wire Before exposing the wires of a circuit box or socket, always make sure the power is off by trying to turn on the light, checking the plug with a plug-in device or using a voltage tester. Never touch bare wire with your bare hands; long-nose pliers have insulated handles just for this purpose, so always do this practice. To reach the wires, first remove the ...

  A dimmer switch provides an adjustable voltage to a luminaire. This controls the brightness of a luminaire, allowing it to become brighter or dimmer. Dimmer switches are very safe and efficient. No special wiring is required to install a residential dimmer switch. There are so many dimmer switches out there that you have to be prepared to make difficult choices when purchasing. Dimmer switches offer many advantages to home lighting needs. The lighting in a room is one of the first things you notice when you enter. Excessive lighting can be annoying. Insufficient light can strain the eyes. The best way to control the lighting in a room is to use a dimmer switch. In this way, the lighting can be optimally adjusted.  Dimmer switches save energy When dimming a light, you save up to 98% energy and up to about 10% on your energy bill. Dimmers dim lighting to a preset level. You have total control over the amount of light used in a room. By reducing the power of the lighting, you ...

 Whether you need to replace a ball valve because it is defective or you are carrying out a bathroom renovation, it can be useful to know how to do it yourself. By following a few steps, you can save time and money. Empty the cistern If you are replacing an existing ball valve, you must start the process of installing a new valve by emptying the cistern. To do this, disconnect the water supply to the toilet and draw the water out of the cistern. This will allow you to access the mechanism more easily and work more smoothly. Access Access the area of the cistern where the new component is to be fitted. Remove the cistern cover and set it aside, resting it flat so that it is not in danger of slipping and breaking. Although the cistern cover should simply lift off, the flush lever on top of the cistern must first be removed. The push-button flush must also be unscrewed and removed. Removing the existing Once the internal mechanism has been exposed, take a good look at it to realise t...

 The water level in the tank, the water speed, the air pressure in the system and the amount of water in the bowl must be perfect for a modern toilet to flush . To solve this problem, pour three litres of water into the tank. If the water does not go down within the first two seconds, the problem is a clog that blocks the flow. The problem can be solved by using an auger to break the blockage. Make sure that the auger has a rubber sleeve around the cable so as not to scratch the porcelain of the tank. If the water returns to the normal level, try flushing, three times. If it does not work in any of the attempts, there is something wrong with the pipes under the toilet. If the flush works on each attempt, the problem could be between the tank and the bowl. Sometimes, if something is obstructing the jets that feed the flush, the force exerted to push objects through the pipes is less.  Finally, if there is nothing obstructing the jets, something could have fallen into the edge a...

 If you never have to use your alarm system - and hopefully you don't - how do you know it works? With all the downtime that home alarm systems enjoy, it is important to perform regular maintenance and repairs to ensure that the system works in an emergency. Testing communications Home alarm systems rely on communication. Each sensor and integrated system must be able to communicate with the central control panel for the system to function properly. Depending on your home, there may be a lot of equipment to control. During a home security alarm service, the technician will individually check each sensor, camera, motion detector and any other equipment integrated in the system and ensure that it communicates with the control panel. Check external communications Internal communication is important, but the ability to contact external services may be even more important. In the event of an emergency, you must be sure that your home alarm system is able to alert the alarm monitoring s...

 A dimmer switch on a luminaire gives you complete control. Instead of lighting that is always bright, you can adjust the light level to any desired setting to add atmosphere to the room. This is easily achieved with incandescent bulbs, with which the dimmer switch works flawlessly. Use a ballast A dimmer switch does not work with the standard ballast of fluorescent lamps. It is necessary to install a special dimmer ballast, which does not work with all fluorescent lamps. It is also possible that the existing screw holes do not work with the ballast mounting screws, in which case new holes must be drilled. This procedure can be very complex. Obtaining the right cable When installing a dimmer switch on a fluorescent light, normal cable cannot be used. The cable must run between the luminaire and the wall switch. You might be able to do this without demolishing the wall. Switch off the circuit electricity from the circuit breaker. Disconnect the wires from the appliance and connect ...

 There are two main areas where a bathtub leak can occur: the dripping faucet or the pipes underneath. Other areas to look out for are the grout, the tub body and the drain. Depending on the nature of the leak, there are various repair options. However, signs of problems remain constant for both types of leaks. Watch out for curling vinyl floors or loose tiles, peeling or flaking paint, worn wood trim, water stains on the ceiling, mould on the walls or floor, or general stagnation around the base of the tub.  FINDING THE CULPRIT First of all, it is necessary to locate the leak before repairing it. It is relatively easy to determine whether the tap or the leaks: just check if water is leaking from either area. To check whether the tub has a leak, clean the outside until it is completely dry and line the area with newspaper. When you start to fill the tub, keep an eye on the areas of the newspaper that start to get wet. To test the drain, fill the tub completely with water. Once...

 Opening the shower or tap and discovering that the water comes out in a sad, slow drip is never a good feeling. How do you wash a pot or take a quick shower if it takes 10 minutes just to rinse off some soap? Here are some of the most common causes of low pressure and what you can do to solve the problem: BUILD-UP OF DEBRIS AND MINERAL DEPOSITS If you only notice  low water pressure from one or two fixtures in your home, it is likely that the problem has to do with a build-up of debris. Water is full of minerals and other debris, which can accumulate in pipes and on fixtures. This can cause an obstruction that affects the flow of water. To solve this problem, try filling a small plastic bag with white vinegar and hanging it with a rubber band around the shower head or tap. Let it soak for a few hours and the vinegar should dissolve the deposits. WATER LEAKS Leaks are another common cause of low water pressure. If water escapes from the pipes through a hole or crack before re...

 If you have a small toilet clog small toilet clog or a leak from your shower head, you can always call your neighbour, but will he be able to solve the problem properly? What if the shower head is screwed on too tightly and a pipe bends? All you are left with is a broken pipe and a sorry neighbour. Although taking measurements is one way to avoid losing money, you may end up spending more if your do-it-yourself method goes wrong. Here are three important reasons why you should rely on a licensed plumber: Passed a background check Plumbers must pass a background check before they are qualified and receive a licence. Before letting the plumber into your home, ask to see his licence.  He has received proper training Licensed plumbers must undergo extensive training before they are considered professionals. They study plumbing materials, useful tools and a variety of systems, including drain, water, sewer and gas lines. To be an efficient plumber, you need to be well-trained to u...

 Generally, the first step to limiting water use or living more sustainably is to invest in a low-flow showerhead. What makes a low-flow showerhead is the amount of water it expels per minute. An average showerhead expels 3 to 8 gallons per minute, while a low-flow one consumes just 1.5 gallons per minute. Many people are under the impression that investing in such a shower head has a negative effect on water pressure. While this may have been true when the episode aired in the 1990s, it is no longer the case today. Here's what you need to know about modern low-flow shower heads and water pressure. AERANT VS. NON-AERATIVE There are two types of low-flow shower heads , both of which provide users with ample water pressure. These are aerating and non-aerating. Aerating shower heads expel a mixture of water and air so that the water flow remains constant. Non-aerating showerheads maintain pressure with pulses. However, while the pressure remains constant in aerating showerheads, the w...

 Do you want to eliminate the annoying noise from your tap? Good news: there are ways to do it yourself. Although this problem may seem minor, it can actually cause more serious problems, such as increased water bills or mould growth. Here are some quick ways to repair a leaky kitchen tap : REPLACE THE GASKET First, shut off the water supply to the sink. This step is essential to protect your home from water damage while you work. Then you can move on to the main repairs. A typical problem that could be the cause of the leak is a worn rubber seal or gasket inside the valve. Replacing this part should solve the problem, but it may be necessary to dismantle the tap to reach it. DIRTY AERATOR The aerator could also be the cause of a leak in the tap. Observe it and check whether there are any particles surrounding it. If so, remove them and check whether the leak has disappeared. Keep in mind that the nozzle may also be loose. If so, tighten it with a spanner and check whether the tap ...

 The tap in the kitchen, bathroom or bathtub may leak from time to time. It may also spray water in the wrong direction or become noisy and squeaky. Taps generally have a lifespan of 10 years or more, so they probably do not need to be replaced, but small problems like this are common and can be addressed and solved with little experience. Repairing a tap doesn't take much, in fact here are three common tap repairs that can be done in a few hours or less. A squeaking, screeching or clanking tap If you start hearing strange sounds coming from your tap, chances are you need to do one of the following: replace the rubber washer, replace a cracked part of the hardware inside the unit, or repair the tap thread . All of these operations require the tap to be disassembled and reassembled. Dripping tap A tap that drips or runs water is probably caused by the diverter, a small valve located in the tap stem. It is necessary to disassemble the handle and pull out the diverter with a screwdriv...

 The toilet runs constantly This is a common sign that the fill valve of a toilet is broken. However, in addition to the fill valve, there are other factors that can cause the toilet to malfunction, so first look inside the tank. If water flows over the fill valve and into the overflow hole, the float may be incorrectly adjusted. Simply bend the float arm downwards so that the float shuts off the water at a lower level. If this works, the filling valve is functioning properly. Next, look carefully at the chain that runs from the handle to the door. Occasionally, this chain twists and does not extend far enough to allow the door to seal properly. In this case, the filling valve is constantly actuated, as water escapes from the tank as soon as it is pumped in. Finally, check the flapper. Just like when chaining, if the flapper is the wrong size or does not fit correctly over the drain hole, the fill valve will continuously try to fill the tank. Try holding the flapper down to make su...

  WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF DIY ELECTRICAL WORK? Even if a homeowner is an enthusiastic handyman, electrical installations contain multiple components that make it safer to always turn to a professional. The dangers of attempting to dismantle or repair electrical systems yourself include lack of professional training and increased risk of electrocution or house fires. You may also inadvertently interfere with live circuits or power lines, and some jurisdictions have strict regulations against unauthorised electrical work. LACK OF TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Depending on the location, becoming a licensed electrician requires months of courses and on-the-job training. Many states also require ongoing training to maintain licences and certifications. This training enables electricians to understand the technology and terminology of electrical systems. INCOMPLETE OR INCORRECT CIRCUIT WORK Working with circuits can involve routing, using the right gauge wires and ensuring that there are no l...

  ASSEMBLE THE NECESSARY TOOLS To tackle the job yourself, you first need to gather all the necessary materials to repair the leaking tap. Usually, a leak is caused by replacing the washer or seat assembly, as the tap is not able to create a strong enough seal to counteract the water pressure. You will most likely need a flathead screwdriver, an adjustable spanner, replacement washers and O-rings, and penetrating oil. DON'T FORGET TO SHUT OFF THE WATER Once you have the tools, you cannot start dismantling the tap: there is one more thing to do: Turn off the water!  The water must be completely shut off from the handles of the sink to the knobs that control the main line. This step is essential to complete the job quickly and without getting wet.  CLEANING THE AERATOR A dirty aerator could also be the culprit when trying to identify the source of a leaking bathroom or kitchen tap. Examine the aerator for particles around it. Remove particles from the aerator to see if the...

  Most people tend to continue using the same toilet for years and years. Although these systems are designed to last a long time, they reach their breaking point and sometimes need to be replaced. To this end, let's take a look at some reasons why it might be time for an upgrade. EXCESSIVE CLOGGING One of the most common reasons for deciding to buy a new toilet is that it simply does not do its job well any more. An occasional clog is certainly not a big problem. However, if you feel like you have to take the plunger every time you flush, it might be time for a change. BREAKAGE Since most toilets are made of porcelain, a major problem that many people run into is cup breakage. Lid fractures are also common, but are much easier to deal with than damage to the cup itself. If you notice any kind of crack in this area, stop using the toilet immediately. Feel if the floor directly under the toilet is damp or if there is water damage, because this is a strong indicator that the toilet ...

  If your sink is draining slowly, there is likely an obstruction or build-up blocking the drain. Fortunately, there are a number of simple methods you can use to improve your sink's drainage while preventing a future clog or other  common plumbing problems . TAKE CARE OF YOUR RUBBISH DISPOSAL AND TOILET It's important to be mindful of what you put down your rubbish disposal. Many harmful substances, such as cooking grease, can build up in the pipes and prevent food waste from going down the drain. To avoid this type of problem, you should remove plates and cooking utensils before flushing. The same principle applies to your toilet. It is important that you only flush items that are labelled as ‘flushable’ and throw all other paper or cotton items in the bin. This will prevent the toilet from clogging and your sink from becoming blocked. FLUSH YOUR SINK WITH HOT WATER Be sure to flush your drain so that food debris can easily flow down the drain. It's also a good idea to po...

 WHEN A REPAIR IS NOT A GOOD OPTION Although you can sometimes successfully repair minor electrical wiring issues, there are instances when replacing the electrical wiring makes more sense. Here are some examples:  Unfortunately, in most cases it is not possible to repair the electrical wiring after water or fire damage. This is because water and electricity do not mix well and water can destroy the insulation of the wiring .  WHEN IT MAKES SENSE TO REPLACE Replacing the electrical system is usually necessary if the wiring is badly damaged or if you need to install new sockets or fittings in your home. In this case, you should hire a licensed electrician who specialises in home renovations. Replacing your electrical system is also a good idea if you notice any of the following symptoms: Frayed wires. Electrical wires can fray over time due to normal wear and tear. If you notice that a wire looks worn or frayed, you should replace it immediately. Loose connections. Loose c...

 If you own a home, you are likely to face a water heater failure or malfunction. It may be a simple problem with lukewarm water in the shower or a more serious problem such as a leak from the water heater. In either case, being prepared and knowing how to fix the problem can save you from an expensive repair bill and/or further water damage to your home. Let's look at the steps needed to identify a water heater problem and offer practical tips that can help you identify and repair minor issues yourself. Water heater safety Before inspecting, troubleshooting or servicing a water heater, you must disconnect the power from the main switch. As a further precaution, you should use a voltage meter and test all wiring connections to the water heater to verify that the power to the unit is off. If the water heater is not producing hot water, it is possible that the circuit breaker has tripped, the high temperature switch on the water heater has tripped, or one or more heating elements ar...

  Are you thinking of renovating or modernising your kitchen or bathroom? If it has been a while since you last replaced your faucets, you will be in for a pleasant surprise: today's versions are more durable and trouble-free than their predecessors, and their sink-free design means fewer leaks and repairs. Replacing an old tap When choosing a new faucet, make sure that it works with the holes in the existing faucet. Most likely, the holes in the current tap are central, diffuse or single hole. If your faucet currently has one spout and two handles for hot and cold water on a common base, it is a central faucet (note that there will be three holes under the faucet). Diffuse taps will have a separate spout and valves for hot and cold water, each with its own base. Single-hole taps have only one spout and handle in one base. Plan the colour and style of your new tap to match the decor, accessories and worktop of your kitchen or bathroom. There are numerous colours available. The most...

  Taps are used a lot every day, which is why repairing a tap is a very important thing to learn how to do. A loose tap handle can be extremely frustrating because it sometimes means that the tap does not close properly. Sometimes these taps can also squeak, which is very irritating. If you can repair the taps yourself, you can save money because you will not have to call the plumber. Repairing a leaky bathroom or kitchen faucet will also save you money on your water bill. Here are some tips for repairing a loose tap handle. Turn off the water Turning off the water will prevent water leaks when working on the plumbing in your home. Make sure that the shut-off valve is completely closed. It is usually located under the sink, often in the back of the cabinet. If the valve is not located under the sink, the main shut-off valve in the house must be turned off. Open the tap to let all the water drain out. Once all the water has been removed, it will be possible to work on the plumbing ...

  Fortunately, it is possible to install a bidet seat without any plumbing experience.  Choice of bidet system There are three popular bidet types on the market. The first option is a real toilet seat with bidet functionality. The second type attaches to the existing toilet seat, while the third is a hand-held bidet sprayer that is installed next to the toilet.  Turning off the water Before installing the bidet seat, the water supply to the toilet must be turned off. There should be a main water supply valve located somewhere inside the house. If you cannot find the valve, you can always turn off the water at street level. Once the water is turned off, flush the toilet to remove the water from the tank and bowl. Remove the old seat The new bidet seat will replace the old fixture entirely. These are usually hidden under a plastic tab. Once the old seat is removed, clean the area to ensure a smooth installation of the bidet unit.  Installing the mounting plate Once th...

 Most of the electrical wiring in your home is located inside the walls and ceilings. It can be difficult to tell when a home electrical repair is needed because it may be hidden. However, for safety's sake and to prevent more serious problems, it is important to call a professional right away if you find problems or suspect a problem. Here are five signs that indicate the need for a home electrical repair: Unusual smells or sounds. If you hear unusual noises or a burning or melting smell, call us immediately. It could be an overheated system or faulty electrical components. Flickering lights. Do lights flicker when you switch on an appliance? Do they flicker even after changing bulbs? Call us, and we can repair the wiring and lights so they always stay bright. Hot outlets. This can be a sign of an unsafe wiring condition or that components are worn and need to be replaced. Call an electrician immediately and switch off the circuit breaker to prevent the cover from melting or fire...

 Unfortunately, toilets do not last forever. If your toilet has stopped working, has started to leak or is simply too expensive for your water bill, replacing an old toilet with a more efficient model can be a great way to update your bathroom. When the time comes to install a new toilet, it is very important to make sure you do it correctly. Installing a toilet incorrectly means wasting time, water and money. Preparing the space Prepare the space. Spread the towels on the floor and remove everything in the bathroom that could be in the way. Wear work gloves and make sure your tools are arranged and organised. Before installing the new toilet, you must remove the old one. Turn off the water. Find the stop valve. It is usually located on the wall or floor near the toilet. You want to stop the water flow in the supply line and in the toilet tank. Disconnect the supply line. You will need an adjustable spanner to do this. Do your best to hold the water pipe in place while you disconn...

 The hot water tank or water heater must be emptied once or twice a year because it can accumulate mineral deposits and sand. This causes the hot water tank to lose its efficiency and you have access to less hot water. Emptying the water tank is easy, here are the simple steps to do it. Switching off the water heater For gas hot water tanks, turn off the main gas switch, for electric hot water tanks, turn off the switch. Shut off the water supply to the tank. Allow the tank to cool for about two hours. Connect the garden hose Connect the garden hose to the drain valve at the base of the water tank and place the opposite end of the hose outside to drain the water. Allow the water tank to drain completely Open the hot water tap and the drain valve to ensure that the tank drains completely. After draining the tank, carefully reopen the valve that supplies cold water; wait at least five minutes and close the tank drain valve. Remove the garden hose. Close the tap with the hot water ta...