Slow dripping taps may seem like nothing, but left ignored could eventually lead to bigger problems that cost more money to fix.
Here are five things your plumber doesn’t want you to know because it will cut down on how often you call him out:
1. Don’t rush him to do the DIY
DIY disasters cost UK household £138.70 every year, according to retailer Wilkos – that’s a nationwide cost of more than £3billion. And the damage doesn’t just hit you wallet – it also dents your man’s ego, leaving him feeling less than a man.
Your plumber would lap up a job of fixing a DIY job gone wrong, because it will mean more money in his pocket, so don’t push it – if your other half doesn’t know how to fix it and has never fixed it before, save yourself the hassle and call in the professionals.
2. Get the right cover
Shelling out hundreds of pounds unbudgetted for a plumber to fix , repair and replace parts can cause a huge dent in your pocket – be it at home or the office. Have you looked around for some cover for your essentials, like the boiler, central heating ad plumbing? British Gas Commercial Energy is one to consider if you have commercial property and need to keep costs down on repairs.
3. Don’t be a damsel in distress – learn the basics
If one of your taps started spouting water, and wouldn’t turn off, would you know how to switch it off from the stop cock/shut-off valve? You never know when an emergency will strike, and armed with knowledge, you can avoid the damage to your home that a leak like this could cause and making a costly flood damage home insurance claim.
Don’t pour oil and grease down the sink
Cooking oil and grease poured down the sink or any drain can clog up the drains when they cool down and solidify. It’s much better to pour it into an old jar or carton, freeze it and put it in the rubbish. It will save you a lot of money on repairs in the long run, and keep your drains a lot healthier.
4. Stop being OCD with the chemicals
Yes, it’s important to keep your home clean and hygienic for the kids to ward off germs and the rest, but some chemicals in detergents could actually do more harm than good. Chemicals that are too harsh can actually erode drains, meaning they don’t last as long as they could and cause anything from burst water pipes, to corrosion and other issues.
Try using natural cleaning products – lemon, vinegar, for example – and a bit more elbow grease and you’ll save yourself more money in the long run.
5. Teach your children, too
Do you know where energy comes from? Do your children understand the importance of energy – not just the consumption, but how the things they do and use have an impact on it? This would make a nice little learning project for the whole family to enjoy – it can only have a positive impact on your family.
