Anthea McGibbon, Staff Reporter

Leaks and clogs can be annoying. Even more, leaks, in particular, are sometimes warning signs of a bigger problem.

Expert Everald Bailey, a plumber for more than 20 years and owner of HiTech Plumbing, shares a few tips with readers.

According to Bailey, the first responsibility is to know where all water lock-offs are located, particularly on residential properties. Ideally, he says, there should be at least one accessible lock-off per unit, with a main one for the entire property.

Leaks might spring from shower faucets, toilets, kitchen sinks and washing machine hoses.

Popular leaks

For popular leaks, remove rust and scaling with the steel wool, and use your blow-dryer to make sure area is free of moisture, after having wiped the area clean with a rag.

Using the pipe clamp is the most secure way. However, in true Jamaican style - tun yuh han' mek fashion - you may just have to settle for putting a rubber band or patch around the pipe.

Here, Bailey recommends tyre tubing as an ideal example of rubber band. You can place a small wooden block over the patch and even further secure both with a 'C' clamp.

In a nutshell, he recommends that galvanised pipes be changed to PVC to prevent or reduce the incidents of leaks, low water pressure or lead contamination.

For clogged drains, unclogging liquids can be used. Boiling water can be utilised if poured forcibly and quickly down the drain. You may need to repeat this at least twice before the clog clears.