Thanks to the Government’s traffic light system, we’re having to make the most of our precious annual leave by holidaying-at-home this summer. It’s time to recharge, reset and maybe get round to a spot of DIY.
We have always been a nation of DIY enthusiasts and a year or so of lockdown has only reaffirmed this, as Britain is ‘set to spend £47 billion on home improvements’ this year, according to DIY Week. With this considerable expenditure, it’s important to ensure that we are getting the right results, and that the exciting projects we have planned don’t lead to disaster.
From faulty light fittings giving electric shocks to kitchens wrecked by poorly installed sinks, DIY jobs go wrong year after year, leaving homeowners in need of expert help. Even tasks that might seem simple, such as painting and decorating, often require the services of a professional to fix or finish.
What Are Some of the Most Commonly Attempted Electrical and Plumbing DIY Jobs That Professionals Are Called Out to?
Homeowners frequently attempt to change light sockets, switches and fittings themselves, despite having limited knowledge and experience. According to research by Electrical Safety First, these home improvement attempts result in nearly 50% of all serious electric shocks in UK homes. In most cases, electrical work is best left to the professionals because of the risk of serious injury or fire.
Although not typically as hazardous as electrical disasters, plumbing DIY mistakes can still lead to injury as a result of flooding or water damage in the home. Professionals are most often hired by homeowners to finish fixing leaks followed by plumbing in appliances, plumbing in bathrooms and replacing taps. Our advice? Try to resist the urge to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in if you don’t know what you are doing.
How to Avoid the Worst DIY Plumbing Disasters
If there is an issue that you are confident you can fix yourself, it’s crucial to know exactly what you’re getting into. Here’s how to avoid the worst DIY plumbing disasters this summer and to keep your home dry:
- Turn off the main valve before embarking on any repair projects to water fixtures. Removing or adjusting a pipe while the system is running will result in flooding.
- Don’t take a fixture apart without first knowing exactly how it goes back together.
- Make sure you have all of the appropriate tools and materials and only replace fixtures with the exact same model or type of product.
For professional, quality plumbing and heating services, contact No Hassle Heating today. Our engineers are on call 24/7 to cover any emergencies, keeping our customers happy and safe.