Emergency Services

  Steps to take when water does not come out of the tap Try another tap If your other taps still work fine, the reason why the bathroom sink is not running is that there is something wrong with the tap. It could be clogged, unplugged, bent or broken, or something simpler: the sink valve could be closed! In the worst case, you will have to replace the tap , but this is a fairly simple operation if you know how. Try cold water If the cold water seems to flow well, but you cannot get it hot, it is likely that your water heater is malfunctioning. Problems with the water heater can occur for a couple of reasons: it could simply be switched off or unplugged, perhaps the pilot has switched off, or a build-up of sediment could be blocking the heating element. The heater could also be leaking. Check that the water heater pilot is switched on and that the heat is on. If it works, try flushing the heater and then let it warm up. If the flush does not work, the heater may need to be repaired o...

  Be gentle with old drains A partial clog can be solved by cleaning the drain. Older pipes can be damaged by using drain cleaning chemicals, so opt for a naturally biodegradable drain cleaner or use this homemade solution: pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly add a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain for five minutes, then flush with a litre of boiling water. When to use a plunger Some clogs require the use of a plunger. The secret is to create a vacuum. If you are working on the kitchen sink, you must close the dishwasher pipe and seal the drainage openings of the other sinks. If it is the sink or bathtub, plug the overflow opening with a wet rag. With at least a couple of centimetres of water in the basin, quickly soak several times, pulling sharply upwards at the end to move the clog away.  When to try other tools If soaking fails to remove the clog, use an auger. If the drain opening is clogged, sometimes a clothesline with a small hooked end succe...

  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...