3 THINGS THAT CAN GO WRONG WITH YOUR HOME AND WHAT TO DO

An ominous stain on the ceiling, a burnt smell, the crash of a breaking window, a key snapping in the lock… Time to call a professional. Is there anything you should or should not do while you wait for help to arrive?

---

No matter how handy you are, there are some problems you can’t fix. So when something serious goes wrong with your home, you call an expert. Then you count the minutes or hours until they turn up.

That’s how it often goes. But there are things you can do to ensure everyone is safe and the crisis doesn’t get bigger or the damage worse. As Jet Club member you can call the helpline and get the assistance you need within two hours. Here’s what to know and do while you wait for assistance with a geyser, electrical faults or broken glass.

GEYSER
A faulty geyser is more than a nuisance. It can be a health hazard with mould growing on the wet spots, or it may cause a small flood if it all goes horribly wrong. Usually, a little hot water dripping from your geyser overflow pipe shows the pressure release valve is doing its job. That’s fine unless it happens a lot or more than a few litres per day leak out. In that case, it might be a valve that needs to be replaced. Water seeping through the ceiling could be a sign of a big leak or a burst geyser.

WHILE YOU WAIT:
If you’re sure the geyser is leaking, turn off its power right away. There should be a specific switch for it on your electric panel. Water and electricity can be a hazardous combination, so don’t delay. Next, turn off the geyser’s water supply. Then open a few hot taps to relieve the pressure in the geyser.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity problems often are more serious than they seem. Many are downright dangerous. You should call an electrician for a potentially serious problem like constantly flickering or blinking lights, a humming electric panel, a plug or switch that melts or discolours, smoke or a smell like burnt plastic, and you feel a mild shock when you turn on a switch or plug in an appliance.

WHILE YOU WAIT:
Never try to repair faulty wiring yourself, except on an unplugged appliance. Don’t try to turn tripped switches on again. Whatever the problem is, you might be making it worse. Stay well away from exposed wires and don’t touch a burnt outlet, since it might be very hot. Disconnect the last appliance you had plugged in or switched on.

WINDOWS
When a glass pane breaks, try to see why it happened. Make sure there isn’t more damage that may follow from it, like wind or rain blowing in.

WHILE YOU WAIT:
Safety first – tell everyone where the broken glass fell and where there might be shards. Try to block off the area. Put the large pieces in a paper bag – not plastic, since the glass can cut through it. Sweep up smaller pieces and then vacuum for tiny shards. Put clear packing tape over small cracks and stick down something like thick rubbish bags or hardboard over big holes. It will keep the weather out and also prevent pieces that get dislodged in the frame from falling inside. Don’t try to remove pieces still stuck in the frame.

As a member, you can call Jet Club to organise a plumber, electrician, locksmiths, glazier or someone to repair essential appliances like stoves, fridges and washing machines. Plus the call out fee and 1st-hour labour is on us! Learn more about this benefit here.

HOW TO USE IT

• Dial *130*3272*01# and we’ll call you back. Or call one of these numbers: 
• South Africa & Namibia 0800 00 45 45
• Botswana, Lesotho & Swaziland +27 11 991 8258

Terms & Conditions Apply.