Crisis in the Home

Prevention is always better than cure. Following the simple tips below could well help you avoid blockages, breakages and leaks.

Power Failure

If the power in the house fails, first check that the circuit breaker on the main consumer unit (or fuse box) has not switched off. If this is alright, check that neighbouring homes are also without power. If they are, this is a mains power cut. Telephone the hotline number listed under 'Electricity' in your phone book to report the fault.

Leaking Water Pipes

Hitting a pipe with a nail is one of the top 10 DIY accidents, but it’s an easy one to make. Place a bowl under the leak and cut off the water supply to the home by turning the main stopcock clockwise. (The stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink.) Turn on all the taps in the house to drain the cold water storage cistern. Call a plumber to carry out a proper repair.

Frozen Water Pipes

Frozen water pipes are much less common now that central heating is widespread. However exposed pipes, often found in the attic or leading to an outside tap, may freeze. If a pipe is frozen, turn off the water at the main stop cock, usually located under the sink or similar ground floor location. To reduce the amount of stored water, open the cold bath tap and collect water in the bath for use. Never use a blowtorch to unfreeze a pipe - it could cause the pipe to burst. Thaw a frozen pipe by removing any lagging around the pipe. Place an electric hair dryer along the frozen part of the pipe or lay a hot-water bottle on the pipe until it has thawed.

Leaking radiator

Most leaks happen at a joint (known as a compression joint) in the pipe leading into or out of the radiator. Try tightening the joint a quarter of a turn. If this doesn't work, isolate the affected radiator by turning off the valves at either end. Then call a plumber.

Spilt paint on the carpet

Tape a plastic sheet over the area to retain moisture - don't rub, this will only help the paint to penetrate deep into the fibres. Cleaning experts can get many stains off carpets. Knowing what your carpet is made from really will help the cleaner - so always keep a note.

Spills and stains

The trick to a successful clean up is to limit the damage and slow down the drying time. You can do this by covering the spill with polythene and bringing in the professional cleaners as soon as possible. Spills of bleach, spicy curries and hot, sweet coffee require expert attention.
Blood can be treated with cold water and salt (one teaspoon of salt to half a pint of water). Don't pour hot water on blood stains, it will only increase the damage. For red wine stains, quick action is the key. Cover with a liberal amount of salt and vacuum up when dry, or tip white wine on the stain and clean as normal.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is dangerous, so always wear thick garden gloves and protective glasses while you make the area safe - especially if you're removing broken glass from a window frame.
You can repair a single glazed window or door yourself, but if you need to call in a glazier make the broken window secure until the glazier arrives. To make the window weatherproof, tack or tape a sheet of plastic over the hole then secure it with a piece of wood to prevent it being blown in. If the broken window presents a security risk nail two sheets of plywood to the frame, one inside and one outside.

Blocked drains

First find out which part of the drain is blocked. Working back towards the home, lift the metal inspection-covers until you find the one that has failed to drain. If you can clear the blockage easily, do so - otherwise call in the experts.

Electrical

Electrical emergencies should be tackled by the experts, but there are some common-sense precautions that you can take. Find out where the main power switch is in your home. This will be clearly marked on a modern consumer unit or an older fuse box. In an emergency, or if you are doing any electrical work, switch off the power here. If there is a smell of burning from an electrical appliance, never touch it until you have turned off the supply and unplugged the appliance.