Emergency Services

  Flushing toilet If water constantly flows into the toilet bowl, it could be a sign of a faulty flap valve, improper float height or damaged or worn tank components. Fortunately, none of these problems are very worrying and can usually be solved by yourself with a little effort.  Start by inspecting all components for damage; if it is only a float problem, you should be able to simply adjust its height so that the water stops flowing. Clogged toilet Clogs and blockages are usually due to the overuse of toilet paper or the flushing of non-degradable objects. Since these objects do not decompose, they get stuck in the pipes and cause stubborn clogging. Alternatively, toilet blockages can also be caused by tree roots invading the pipes along the line and clogging or damaging them. Toilet leaks Toilet leaks can be caused by a number of problems, depending on the location of the leak . Typically, a leak is caused by a faulty wax seal, a crack in the bowl or loose connections; all ...

 Isolate the water supply by closing the water supply valve. This is usually located at the water meter that feeds the home or business. Do-it-yourself check for a burst water pipe This is a quick do-it-yourself check that can help determine the presence of a burst pipe. Once the water is turned off, read the meter and note it down. During the test, do not use any plumbing and shut off the water supply to the toilet. Wait 1 hour and then turn on the water in your property again. The meter reading should not have shifted and should be the same as when it was noted. If it has shifted, it means that a pipe has burst. Try to locate the burst water pipe Carry out a visual inspection of all exterior and interior taps, showerheads and toilets for leaks. Check all visible pipes under the house or in the ceiling Check outdoor areas where pipes are located for water stagnation. Sometimes water from a burst pipe can end up in the rainwater system without leaving signs of a leak, so check the ...

 Are you wondering what causes pipe leaks? If you think you have a water leak or simply want to make sure your plumbing is safe and up to standard, here is some basic information on what can contribute to pipe leaks in or around your home. These easy-to-understand tips will help you keep your home safe and dry, avoid coming home to nasty surprises and avoid the costly repair bills that can be caused by water leaks that go unnoticed. Signs of a burst or leaking pipe: Has your water bill increased significantly compared to previous bills for the same period? Do you hear dripping or buzzing in the walls? Have you noticed damp or mould on carpets, water stains on plastered walls or ceilings, or puddles of water? Is the hot water not as hot as usual? If so, it is possible that there is a leak or a burst pipe. What to do if you suspect you have a broken or leaking pipe: The first thing to do if you suspect you have a broken or leaking pipe is to isolate the water supply by closing the wa...

 Shutting off the water supply Before starting any plumbing repair (in this case, repairing the dripping shower head), it is essential to shut off the water supply to the damaged component. The water shutoff valves built under the sink can be accessed. If the shut-off valve cannot be located, it is best to shut off the water supply to the house. Remove the shower head from the pipe Using a spanner, remove the shower head from the shower arm. You can do this by carefully turning the spanner anti-clockwise to loosen the nuts that hold the shower head in place. When performing this operation, it is essential to note that too aggressive an action can damage the threads and nuts of the pipe. Therefore, the spanner should be used with caution. Dismantling the shower head Once the shower head has been removed, it is time to disassemble it. The operation depends on the type of shower head you have. We recommend using a screwdriver or pliers to remove the screws and fasteners that hold the...

 Types of lights that flicker normally When in doubt and if only one light flickers, always replace the bulbs as a first line of troubleshooting. Some lights flicker normally, depending on certain conditions. For example, a dimmer light may flicker on the low setting if the wrong type of bulbs has been installed. Lights can also flicker if fluorescent lights are used. Fluorescent bulbs use an inductive ballast to control the current flowing through the bulb. Switching to LED lights may solve the problem. Loose bulbs and plugs If the right type of bulbs have been installed, but only one light flickers, it may be a simple problem of loose bulbs or plugs. Screw the bulb in firmly to make sure it is firmly grounded in the socket. You can also check the plug that goes into the socket to make sure that the connection is secure. If the plug does not fit securely into the socket, you may need to install a new socket. Faulty light switches If a ceiling light or a lamp connected to a socket ...

 Cut off the water supply The first step to take when a pipe bursts is to shut off the main water supply. If you are not sure where the valve is located, you can check the plumbing diagram of your house or ask a plumber for assistance. Locating the burst pipe Once the water supply has stopped, you need to locate the burst pipe. If you can see water gushing out, the location of the burst pipe is obvious. If not, you will have to look for other signs, such as wet spots on the wall, ceiling or floor, or hear the sound of flowing water. If you cannot locate the burst pipe, call a plumber for assistance. Start cleaning the water Next, start cleaning the water to avoid further damage. If the water damage is extensive, you may need to use towels, buckets or a mop and bucket to clean. If water has penetrated the walls or ceiling, you may need to drill holes to let the water drain away. Be sure to keep the area dry to avoid mould growth. Start the repair process After cleaning up the water...

 Light switches seem to be one of those few household appliances that last forever and are generally only replaced when style dictates. However, eternity is a long time and, even if they are durable, light switches inevitably have to be replaced . The good news is that there are fairly clear signs that a switch is failing, which allow you to tell when it needs to be replaced. It is important to be able to recognise these signs, because a faulty light switch is a fire hazard, as well as being frustrating to use! What are the causes of a faulty light switch? The toggle levers of light switches physically create and break electrical connections by moving contacts back and forth. Over time, these moving parts are subject to wear due to friction, which can cause an electrical arc.  What are the signs that a light switch is about to fail? Flickering lights If the lights start flickering and cannot be remedied with a new bulb, a faulty light switch may be the cause. This problem can ...