Emergency Services

 Although a slow-draining sink or stagnant water are common signs of a clogged drain , several lesser-known indicators can help you identify and resolve drainage problems in a timely manner. Contact us at the first sign of these uncommon indications of a clogged drain. UNPLEASANT ODOURS An unpleasant smell from the sink, shower or bathtub that persists even after cleaning may indicate a clogged drain. Food particles, hair and soap scum trapped in the pipes can create a breeding ground for bacteria, releasing foul-smelling fumes. GURGLING NOISES If you hear gurgling noises coming from the drains when you flush the toilet or use a nearby sink, it could be due to a clog. In such cases, one might be tempted to carry out a cleaning to clear the clog. However, it is best to consult a professional for an optimal result. FLUCTUATING WATER LEVELS IN TOILETS If the water level in the toilet bowl seems inconsistent, rising or falling compared to usual after flushing, it usually indicates that...

 STRUCTURAL DAMAGE A water leak can significantly damage homes and can even lead to structural collapse resulting in accidents. This is because water can easily seep into walls or ceilings, compromising their structural integrity. In turn, you may end up paying more for repair and restoration services. This is why it is essential to address the problem as early as possible by scheduling leakage repair services in a timely manner. HEALTH PROBLEMS Water leaks can encourage the formation of mould and fungus. Mould and mildew release allergens and exposure to these particles can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and a runny nose. The formation of mould and fungus can be prevented through immediate detection and repair of water leaks. WASTED WATER AND HIGH WATER BILLS If left unchecked for a prolonged period, water leaks can cause a sharp increase in utility bills. They also result in wasted water. Water is a precious resource that must be conser...

  Identifying the tap The two-handle tap can be of three types: the tap with a washer, the diaphragm tap and the tap without a washer. The tap known as the seat-washer tap is generally the most common and can be identified by turning the handle. If the handle turns completely, it is a stem tap with a seat. Other types turn only a quarter of the way round.  Turn off the water and start Before you start repairing the tap , make sure the water is shut off. You will usually find a shut-off valve under the sink, but if it is not visible, you may need to shut off the water at the mains, outside or at the meter. Most sink taps are fixed to the sink by a screw that goes through the top. Sometimes it is covered by a button-shaped cap. You can also find handles screwed into the sides of the sink, but wherever you find the screw, you have to start unscrewing it and then pull the handle completely out of the sink. It is possible that the tap is stuck to the sink, due to years of use or a ...

  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 ...

  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...

 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...

 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...

  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 ...