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Showing posts from October, 2024

Fuses vs. Circuit breakers: what are the differences?

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 Both fuses and circuit breakers are used to ensure the safety of electrical circuits in a home. Although fuses and circuit breakers have similar characteristics, there are differences in functionality, resetting capabilities, response time and protection. Understanding the differences is important for all homeowners, especially if they are considering an electrical upgrade.  Difference in functionality : both fuses and circuit breakers protect electrical components from exceeding their current limit. Fuses are much simpler in design and contain sacrificial components. When the current from a fuse generates heat, it begins to melt, resulting in a blown fuse. A circuit breaker can detect an electrical overcurrent that causes the circuit breaker to trip. Circuit breakers are more complex and designed as an electromechanical mechanism.   Difference when resetting : The main difference when resetting a circuit breaker is that you can switch it back on manually yourself. This allows you to

Signs of major plumbing problems in your home

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 Dripping tap In many cases, a leaking tap is a plumbing problem that almost any homeowner can fix. In most cases, only a washer or gasket needs to be replaced. For some models, you can unscrew the part from which the water is leaking, clean it of debris, replace the washer with one of the same size and screw it back on. In other cases, you may need to remove the tap handle itself and replace the cartridge or tap stem that regulates the water flow. Leaking pipes A leaking pipe not only wastes water and costs money, but may also be a sign of a larger problem in the plumbing system. If it's a leaky pipe in a wall or ceiling, the small discolouration you can live with for a while will quickly become an eyesore with a hefty repair bill. If you own an older home, you most likely have old galvanised pipes that are prone to corrosion and leaks. Call a plumber.   Rattling pipes Rattling pipes are particularly common in older houses. In most cases, the pipe is not properly secured to the w

Most common household electrical repairs

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 Blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers Fuses and circuit breakers are both used to interrupt the flow of electricity when it is overloaded by a power surge. However, they differ in design and behavior when they cut off the power supply. A blown fuse occurs when the metal in the fuse melts and prevents the flow of electricity in a room or area of the house. Blown fuses are replaced. Circuit breakers use switching mechanisms that trip from the on position to the off position to prevent electrical surges. In most cases, the circuit breaker is simply reinserted to restore power. However, switches wear out over time or can be damaged by a particularly powerful surge and need to be replaced. Some unusual event, such as a lightning strike or other unusual surge, can cause a fuse to blow or a circuit breaker to trip. This is not a cause for concern, and replacing the fuse or resetting the circuit breaker brings everything back to normal. However, if a fuse repeatedly blows or a circuit break

How to unclog a drain in Wolverhampton

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 Using dish soap to clean drains When dirt and grime clog drains , there are household materials you can use to clean them. In fact, you probably have one right next to your sink! Dish soap is a gentle way to remove dirt and grime from inside the drain. By adding boiling water and pouring the soap down the drain, the grease clog slowly begins to bubble up. This will allow the stagnant water to go down and unclog the drain. Perform a drain cleaning with baking soda If you think there are more serious problems than dishwashing detergent can solve, baking soda and boiling water can perform a much deeper cleaning. Baking soda is a natural cleaner that, mixed with vinegar, can clean drains and make them work properly. To clean drains with baking soda, fill a kettle with water and heat it to boiling. Add the baking soda and vinegar to the drain while the water heats up. Then cap the drain for 10 minutes. The plug will allow the baking soda and vinegar to remove the dirt and debris that cause