Easter is nearly here, spring has sprung and DIY Centres across the land will have their cash tills ringing this Bank Holiday weekend. For us Brits, the first spring Bank Holiday of the year signals it’s time to set to work on our homes and gardens.
While the majority of us may feel confident wielding a paintbrush or giving the garden an overhaul, there are some jobs we really should leave to the professionals. Did you know some 20% of DIY enthusiasts have to call in a professional to rectify work? Or that the average cost to fix a DIY disaster is £3,200 (£4,800 in London)?*
So why do we take on these tasks? CIPHE Technical Manager, Jerry Whiteley quipped, “While DIY may seem like a good idea – especially if budgets are tight - unfortunately it is remarkably easy to underestimate the complexity of a task. That YouTube ‘How to’ video may only take five minutes to view, but the reality is that a five-minute job can turn into five-hours of hell if you have the incorrect tools, parts or just don’t have the aptitude for the task ahead.”
“When it comes to plumbing and heating systems, unless you know what you are doing, you really should leave things well alone and call in the expertise of your professional plumber.”
Everyone should be well aware by now that anybody working on heating systems powered by combustible fuels should be suitably qualified and registered with the relevant body - Gas Safe, OFTEC, HETAS etc - but you should also stop to think that plumbing systems need an expert touch too.
Your plumbing systems deal with safe drinking water and sanitation, so you really don’t want to do anything that would stop them working effectively. The DIYer has to abide by the same Water Regulations and Building Regulations as the professionals do, so if you don’t know what you are doing, you risk the health and safety of your family and potentially a big fine too.
Additionally, water damage is unforgiving. A misplaced nail through a pipe, or bodged plumbing connections can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. Not only will you have to repair any damage, but you can also lose irreplaceable possessions such as photos in seconds. It often takes months for a property to dry out after a serious leak and if you don’t have accidental damage cover on your home insurance, you may find you have to foot a huge bill.
Jerry continued, “Our members regularly rectify work carried out by people who have no formal plumbing training. By engaging a professional to carry out the work in the first place you know that the job will be done properly, to all the correct standards. It’s far cheaper on your pocket than rectifying bad work and gives you of peace of mind of a job well done.”
So, whether you want that dream bathroom, or simply need a radiator moved, don’t take the risk. You can find a professional plumber or heating installer via our online find a plumber tool.
* Research by insurance company Towergate