18 secrets your plumber won't tell you for free!

Mackintosh Traditional Kitchen, AD3 Design Limited AD3 Design Limited Kitchen
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Curating a bank of reliable, trustworthy and talented tradespeople is worth its weight in gold. However, while you're navigating the treacherous landscape of home improvement and weeding out the cowboys and the time wasters, wouldn't it help to know a few things that your plumber won't tell you for free? 

Every little helps, so take a look at these little-known facts before you pay out for someone to come and take a look at your bathroom!

1. You really don't need plumbers as much as you think

You can handle a lot of the jobs yourself, once you turn the water off.

2. Replacing a washing machine hose with something sturdier is a two minute job

But will save you insurance claims.

3. Don't put cleaning products in your cistern

They rot out the pipes and then need replacing.

4. Always know where your stopcock is

So you can turn off the water yourself, instead of calling someone out at emergency rates.

5. Hair in the plughole is more than gross

It will totally clog up your drainage pipes and necessitate an expensive call out.

6. Don't believe the hype about flushable wipes

They don't flush or dissolve! Cue a drain unblocking.

7. Always pay by the job, not by the hour

There will be more incentive to get it done right and quickly the first time.

8. Replacing your own flush is simple

The parts are cheap and they have instructions printed on them.

9. Monday is their busiest day and could incur you extra costs

We blame all the weekend DIY warriors getting things wrong!

10. Don't hang anything from exposed pipes or ducting

You'll weaken them and might have to have them replaced at high cost.

11. Old toilet seats can be really hard to remove

Be careful not to hit the bowl with any tools or you could need a whole new toilet.

12. Turn off outdoor taps in winter

To prevent them from freezing, expanding and becoming damaged.

13. Don't ignore a dripping tap

The sooner you tackle it, the less expensive it will be and the less water you'll waste.

14. Most plumbers will come and assess a problem for free

And give you a no obligation quote.

15. Don't simply choose a plumber from a directory

Always go on reviews and word of mouth recommendations.

16. Clear any items that could get in your plumber's way before they arrive

So they can get straight on with the job.

17. Only use licensed professionals

That way you're protected by the regulatory body. Don't be shy about asking to see confirmation of their registration either!

18. Don't assume that cheaper is better

Or that a high bill is a guarantee of quality. Try to get a few quotes, check references and make an educated decision.

For more professional tips and tricks, take a look at this Ideabook: 12 Things Interior Designers Would NOT Waste Money On.

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