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10 Household Problems You Should Leave To The Plumbers
Arthur Abbotts • 10 April 2019
When plumbing issues strike, there are plenty of opportunities for the effects on your home to be dire and destructive. If a pipe bursts unexpectedly, then the leaking can be extensive and begin ruining the possessions in your home.
Controlling the water that runs through your property can be a very complicated and potentially disastrous process, fraught with the opportunity for things to go awry. The complex nature of plumbing is why the industry has been such a mainstay within the UK economy alongside other trades. People are always going to need plumbers, after all. However, even though plumbing is still a very much needed trade, online sales of plumbing products are rising rapidly.
This could indicate that there is also a rise in homeowners taking care of their plumbing themselves. Although this isn’t a problem, there are a number of situations when you should only trust a professionally trained plumber to take care of any issues. Some very small tasks can be performed as part of a DIY project, but some could leave you far less well off if you make any mistakes. Hiring a professional plumber should save you money in the long run. Read on to find out more.
10 Issues You Should Leave To The Local Plumbers
Although we understand many people’s desire to take on some jobs around the home - whether that’s as a way to save money or out of pure enjoyment - this shouldn’t always be the case. If you have absolutely no background in plumbing there are some jobs you can do, like fixing a relatively minor tap leak or a running toilet, but there are many you shouldn’t. Putting even one foot wrong could have disastrous consequences. Here are some jobs you shouldn’t approach without a plumber and why.
Fixing a Burst Pipe
A burst pipe can be a very serious issue which has the potential to ruin your property if not dealt with immediately. A burst pipe can occur for a number of reasons. The pipes may have frozen over in the winter or have corroded over time, however, this could be due to erratic movement of the pipes in the walls due to being improperly secured or because of a sudden increase in water pressure. These latter reasons can be caused by a faulty DIY job. So, when dealing with pipes, and particularly when one bursts, it’s very important to call an emergency plumber to sort out the problem immediately or the leaking could get much worse and flood your home.
Installation of Domestic Appliances
Although it might be tempting to save some money on the installation of a washing machine or dishwasher by doing it yourself, you could find yourself in legal trouble. If you incorrectly connect the pipes on the appliance, then your wastewater may be travelling to clean water sources and polluting it for other homeowners. This ‘cross connection’ is illegal and if you connected the appliances yourself, you will be liable. For that reason, you should always ensure you use a professional for this task.
Installing a New Bathroom
If you’re in the market for a new bathroom, then it can be tempting and fun to try and install it all by yourself. Doing so can provide you with a sense of accomplishment and it can be a rewarding experience. It’s all well and good designing the room yourself and even working on a number of the elements yourself, however, you should always do this with the guidance - at the very least - of a professional. They will be able to manage the project and ensure you don’t take any disastrous wrong turns.
Sink and Toilet Installations
Installing a sink or toilet might seem like a relatively simple task for a DIY enthusiast, but they can be more tricky than they seem. When installing all of the plumbing elements, you have to be very accurate to ensure that all of the piping fits together correctly. There are many specific measurements to make and it’s important that everything it tightened and fitted correctly. If not, you could have a bad leak on your hands.
Kitchen and Bathroom Plumbing Maintenance
General plumbing maintenance is an important step to ensure that your appliances are working properly, they retain their longevity and don’t malfunction. Ensuring everything is in order early means that repairs are less likely to be needed. Precision is needed here, so it’s always better to make sure this is carried out by a professional.
Boiler Repairs and Maintenance
If your boiler is leaking water, it’s something that you should never ignore. However, it’s also something that you should never attempt to fix by yourself. A leak often means that a valve or seal is not working properly or there is corrosion within the system. Boilers have the potential to be very dangerous, so if you’ve noticed a leak or any other issues with the boiler, always contact a trained professional first.
Boiler Servicing
For similar reasons to the above, if your boiler needs servicing, you should never attempt this yourself. The process requires a high level of skill and knowledge to ensure it is safe. Servicing should take place every year and involves checking for gas leaks, for corrosion, the pressure and that the appliance is safe for combustion. There is a lot that can go wrong in the process and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Radiator Repair and Replacement
When removing an old radiator and replacing it with an entirely new system, you’ll have to first have an understanding of the type and quality of masonry work to ensure that you’ve got a suitable new radiator. You’ll also have to have an understanding of where the timber and plasterboard sections of the wall are to make sure you don't hang the radiator from the wrong spot. There’s also a lot of draining that you’ll need to do as well as refilling the system. This all requires a professional touch and a mistake in the process can be damaging for your home.
Gas Appliance Installation
Whenever you’re dealing with natural gas in any capacity, you should always leave that to the professionals. In fact, working with gas could be fatal. Never aim to fit, fix or move a gas appliance as this could lead to a gas leak which could cause a fire, an explosion and the deadly exposure to carbon monoxide. With all of that in mind, make sure the contractor you choose is Gas Safe registered to make sure you and your family stay safe.
Safety Checks
Similarly to the above, any safety checks of your gas appliances should also be done by a trained professional. Ensuring that your gas appliances are not a danger to you or your family is imperative and should be treated with the utmost seriousness. If these are done incorrectly then you could be exposed to carbon monoxide which could be fatal.
Trying to Find A Plumber? Look No Further For Professional Plumbing Services.
If you’re searching for ‘plumbers near me’ in or around Leicester, look no further than Arthur Abbotts & Co. We specialise in a wide range of plumbing services, from providing emergency plumbers
to appliance installation. We are available 24 hours per day, there’s absolutely no call out charges and we use only the very best equipment.
We have vast experience working with both commercial and domestic clients, use only the very best plumbing supplies, are professional and always make sure we leave your home just as we left it.
To find out more about our plumbing and heating services, contact us. We’re based at 356 Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 0TN. Alternatively, you can call us on 0116 236 5756 or email us at info@24hrplumbersleicester.co.uk.
Many systems in our homes require proper plumbing to function and we rely on them ...
There’s nothing better than enjoying a day at the spa with a loved one, whether you spend the day drifting around a heated pool, detoxifying in a scented steam room or relaxing with a glass of crisp champagne at the poolside. However, for most of us, a day at the spa is a once in a while treat- but why not make it a weekly or even daily activity? Transforming your own bathroom into a tranquil, spa-like sanctuary doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg- with just a few tweaks, you can convert your basic, functional bathroom into a relaxing home spa. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Declutter the space When it comes to creating the ultimate zen bathroom, you need to begin by clearing away your bathroom clutter and installing plenty of clever storage. If you have children, make sure there’s space to store the kids’ bath toys away so you can convert your bathroom from hectic play area to relaxing spa within seconds. With regards to storage, fitted cupboards are ideal as they create clean lines and leave plenty of floor space to lay down a couple of plush bathroom rugs. A calming colour scheme Once you’ve cleared away the clutter, the next step is to inject some colour into the space. Soft colour combinations are key; although the classic bathroom is all-white, this can feel clinical, so mixing white with a soft blue or dusty teal creates the perfect balance. Blues and greens are tried and tested calming bathroom colours, but if you want to add the luxury spa feel, add touches of silver and pewter. On the other hand, if you wish to create a totally natural-looking spa, use tan and other sandy colours and integrate natural stone throughout the room. Add luxury fixtures Whilst you may not have the budget to update your entire bathroom, adding a few luxurious fixtures and fittings will ensure your bathroom offers a spa-like experience without breaking the bank. Install a rainforest shower head so that you can enjoy a truly extravagant shower every morning. You could also swap your plain old faucets for a stylish new set with a high-end finish. Next, consider the decor of your bathroom- why not decorate your walls with intricate mosaic tiles or install a luxury marble-look floor? Finally, depending on your budget, you could also get a dimmer switch to set the mood in your new bathroom and replace your radiators with heated towel rails or even install underfloor heating. Integrate plants and nature If you’ve visited a spa, you’ll probably have noticed that nature plays a key role in setting the atmosphere. Be sure to decorate your new bathroom with houseplants and flowers- not only do they look good, but they’ll also make the air feel healthier and fresher. If you have space, get a large palm or fern to inject a dose of tropical paradise. Or, if your bathroom is compact, hanging plants and small potted plants will have the same impact. Finishing touches A spa wouldn’t be complete without plush, fluffy towels and a comfortable dressing gown and slippers- invest in quality linen and your bathroom will feel like a sumptuous spa in no time. Aromatherapy is key to every spa experience as it boosts relaxation and relieves stress. So, be sure to have plenty of scented candles around the room, or burn essential oils for a natural, calming atmosphere; lavender and jasmine are well-known for their calming qualities, perfect for when you’re enjoying a long hot soak. Are you looking to create a spa experience in your bathroom at home? Look no further than Arthur Abbotts & Co. We offer quality bathroom installations and upgrades in Leicestershire, as well as a trusted emergency plumber and general plumbing service. To find out more, get in touch with our expert team of plumbers and bathroom fitters today.
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