Long, summer days inspire the nation to reach for their toolboxes and make some home improvements, but whilst DIY seems like a good idea at the time because you think it’ll save you some money, the reality is that DIY is often a false economy.

67%

of Brits have had to call in help to fix a DIY mistake

£1,830

is how much the average DIY blunder costs to fix

That’s right: the majority (67%) of DIY-ers do it wrong and have to call in a professional plumber, electrician or builder to put things right, and the average cost of fixing a badly done job is a staggering £1,830¹.

Even if you’ve got home insurance, your insurer is unlikely to pay out after a DIY attempt gone-wrong.

Martin Foulds, from Halifax Home Insurance, says it’s okay to attempt simple DIY tasks, such as clearing your gutters or hanging up pictures, but anything beyond your skill-set should not be attempted.

“For more specialist jobs involving gas, electrical or structural work, it’s essential to pay a professional,” he says. “If you try your hand at complex tasks and things go awry, you not only risk damaging your property with sub-standard DIY activity, you could also invalidate your home cover.”

Most common DIY blunders (% of Brits who’ve done it)

Drilling/hammering thorough wires (48%)
Taking inaccurate measurements (42%)
Improper use of instruction manuals (35%)
Lack of correct permit/permission (31%)
Using unsuitable paints/sealants (27%)

Above are some of the most common DIY blunders people make. These are all avoidable by hiring a professional, as reputable tradespersons will gain all of the necessary planning permissions and permits, check for hidden wires and hazards within the structure of your building, and be competent in taking accurate measurements, using the correct tools, and fitting all appliances properly.

So next time you’re considering doing some DIY, hit the web or pick up the phone and call a professional instead.

Here are some handy tips to help you find a trustworthy trades company:

• Get a quote from at least three different companies and question if any are considerably cheaper or more expensive than the others. Some traders will be cheaper because they’re cutting corners, which could end up costing you more in the long-run if they do a bad job; always remember that finding a qualified trades company is more important than finding a cheap one.
• Ask to see evidence of your chosen company’s qualifications. For instance, a plumber attending to your gas appliances should be able to show you their Gas Safe Register ID card.
• Get written confirmation of the works to be done, including the price for labour, the costs of materials, agreed working hours, a completion date, and details of the company’s insurance terms.
• It’s fine to pay a deposit but never pay in full upfront. Once you’re happy that the agreed work has been carried out to a satisfactory standard, ensure all work in invoiced with VAT, and aim to pay electronically, not with cash.

There are a number of government-backed schemes and regulated bodies set up to help consumers find registered tradespersons, which you can learn about here »

¹ Mirror, 2015. How to find a tradesman you can trust and dodge the dodgy builders. [Online] Available at: http://www.mirror.co.uk/money/how-find-tradesman-you-can-6100451. [Accessed 30th July 2015].

From September 2015, all manufacturers of water heaters and DHW cylinders must use ErP Energy Labels.

What is an ErP Energy Label?

ErP is the statutory regulation for energy-related products, which rates different appliances and classifies them into various efficiency categories.

We’re already familiar with these labels on refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines, but from September 2015, we will also see them on domestic hot water (DHW) appliances, including:

• Instantaneous water heaters
• Small water heaters
• Wall mounted cylinders
• DHW heat pumps
• Solar cylinders
• Indirect water heaters
• Boilers
• Combination boilers

Ratings will be based on environmental consumer information, such as energy consumption per year and whether the appliance qualifies for a low tariff.

The rating system classifies DHW appliances into seven categories, with the ‘A’ rating demonstrating optimum energy efficiency, through to the ‘G’ rating, identifying appliances with significantly poorer values.

The publication of energy efficiency information is voluntary until the effective date, at which point it will compulsory.

Has the new regulation come as a surprise?

No, the Directive was published at the end of September 2013 in the official EU law gazette.

Energy efficiency is an extremely important concern in the UK (and will continue to be so) and the ErP regulation will allow DHW appliances to be compared more easily. DHW appliances and central heating account for almost 90% of energy consumption in the home, so the potential for saving domestic energy through this initiative is huge.

Which product groups does the ErP apply to?

The new Energy Label applies to all domestic electric, gas and oil water heaters.

Will some products be banned?

The aim of the ErP regulation is to ensure all products meet minimum standards. Therefore, products that fail to do so will no longer be permitted to bear the CE Declaration and will be prohibited from sale.

Will any further regulations be implemented after September 2015?

Yes, this is just the first phase of the regulation. The known timeline is as follows:

• September 2015 – all appliances must bear the new Energy Label
• September 2017 – an ‘A+’ category will be added to the label, and the ‘F’ and ‘G’ categories will be prohibited
• September 2019 – further categories will be prohibited, depending on the relevant draw-off profile of various other appliances
• September 2020 – further restrictions will be implemented for appliances with large draw-off profiles; however, this will not affect decentralised DHW heating

What obligations must dealers follow?

Dealers must ensure that the new Energy Label is clearly visible on the front of appliances exhibited in sales areas, as well as in advertising and technical documentation.

At their early stages, children are fascinated with water; it’s why they rejoice when you bring out the paddling pool, and let’s be honest, you’ve probably found them splashing around in the toilet once or twice too!

However, this curiosity can lead to danger. Below is a list of the plumbing basics to teach your kids throughout each stage of their childhood.

Early years

This is the stage at which kids are flushing Minions down the loo so they can ‘go for a swim’.

Here, we need to explain the basic laws of nature to our kids, in terms of gravity, pressure, and water trying to find it’s own level. These concepts may sound like a lot for a toddler or young child to grasp, but they do understand on an elementary level – that’s why they’re sending Stuart the Minion for a swim in the first place – they know that the toilet leads to some other dimension.

Show your kids that, whilst you know it’s fun to play with the flush, your whole family needs the toilet and the rest of the plumbing system to be functioning properly to avoid getting poorly; you need the toilet to get rid of all the waste, you need safe drinking water coming into the house, and you need clean water ready for bath time, and to wash clothes and the dirty dishes with.

Also, when you’re potty training, deter your child from trying to flush their nappy down the loo, as you’re looking at an instant block if they think that’s where nappies are meant to go.

Junior years

When your child reaches the age at which they want to join you in the kitchen to prepare food and do the dishes, there are a few key practices to teach.

The first is to instil in them the dangers of gas. Never allow a child to touch the cooker, boiler, or other gas appliances, and make sure they know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, so they can warn you if they start to experience them.

When it comes to teaching children about preventing blockages in the home, remind them of the things that can’t be washed away down the sink, such as oil, grease, and leftover food. You’ll also want to teach them to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher and to empty their pockets before putting clothes in the washing machine, as these measures will help protect against damage to your appliances.

Teenage years

Once your child enters their teenage years, it’s likely they’ll begin to be home alone more, which means you need to aid them with practical knowledge in case they have to handle any emergencies.

If you know how to plunge a toilet and sink, pass these lessons on to them, and ensure your teenager knows where the stopcock is so they can switch off the water supply if a flood breaks out.

Finally, always keep your plumber’s number in an easy-to-find place, such as by the phone or on the fridge, so they’ve always got a professional on hand in an emergency.

At any one time, over 800,000¹ people are earning and learning on an apprenticeship scheme in the UK, and by 2020, the Government wants this number to reach three million.

You may already know everything you need to know about plumbing apprenticeships, but this is a list of the little-known facts and surprising perks of becoming an apprentice.

1. In 1914, apprentices started working at the age of 15-17. Today, most apprentices start between the ages of 19 and 24².

1. Apprenticeships are now considered to be as valuable as degrees; the difference is that apprentices get the added benefits of a salary, on-the-job training, paid holidays, and great job prospects.

1. Apprentices get a 30% discount on TfL Travelcards – find out if you’re eligible and apply here.

1. Think practical subjects are a man’s domain? You’re mistaken! Women now take up 55% of apprenticeships.

1. The National Minimum Wage for apprentices is £2.73 per hour but many employers in the plumbing industry prefer to pay more, with the average salary reaching £170 per week³.

1. Being an apprentice isn’t a lonely or daunting experience – at WPJ Heating, we have five apprentices, all of whom are valued members of our team!

1. Despite today’s fast-moving economy, there’s a certain level of job security for apprentices; since 2010, 86% of those who did an apprenticeship stayed in work afterwards, with 67% remaining with the same employer¹.

1. The starting salary for a newly qualified plumber is around £18,000+ and an experienced plumber will earn £35,000+ per year⁴.

1. 80%³ of apprentice employers say that apprentices make their workplaces more productive. In other words, apprentices should remember that employers value their time and see them as an essential component of the team.

If you want to know more about getting into the plumbing industry, read this next: So you want to be a plumber? »

¹ Go Think Big, 2015. 9 things you didn’t know about apprenticeships. [Online] Available at: https://gothinkbig.co.uk/features/9-things-you-didnt-know-about-apprenticeships.
² Careermap, 2015. Quirky facts about apprenticeships. [Online] Available at: http://careermap.co.uk/quirky-facts-apprenticeships/.
³ Plotr, 2015. Psst! Have you heard about bargain travel and boosted pay?. [Online] Available at: https://www.plotr.co.uk/advice/articles/apprenticeships-5-things-we-bet-you-didnt-know/.
⁴ National Careers Service, 2015. Plumber. [Online] Available at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/plumber.aspx.
[All information sources accessed 22nd July 2015].

Energy labelling was first introduced twenty years ago and has played a major role in encouraging the development of energy efficient products. However, the abundance of new technologies on the market and the complexity of each has resulted in a complicated energy classification system.

For instance, many products are placed in the top classes (A+++, A++ and A+) whilst the levels below remain empty. This means that customers may be buying A+ appliances under the impression that they’re some of the most efficient products on the market, when in actual fact, they’re the least efficient.

In order to make it easier for consumers to identify the best performing products, the European Commission is proposing a reclassification of all products under a straightforward A to G energy label, with the intention to encourage consumers to choose the most efficient technologies.

The Commission has also proposed the introduction of an online database where all products on the EU market are listed to provide greater transparency and accessible market surveillance for national authorities.

These proposals are in line with the ‘Energy Efficiency First’ principle of the Energy Union Strategy, which aims to make the EU energy system more sustainable via well-informed consumer choices.

If the proposal is accepted (which could take up to a year) the Commission would implement the energy label changes within five years.

Keep up with the latest industry news by following us on Twitter and Facebook.

So far, this year has been fairly dry with below-average rainfall, but a hosepipe ban remains unlikely for 2015.

The Environment Agency announced that water levels are good, with a spokesperson saying: “River and groundwater levels across England are healthy. We monitor closely throughout the year and always advise people to use water wisely.”¹

Britain’s last major hosepipe ban was in 2012 following two particularly dry winters. Occasional heatwaves, like the one we experienced earlier in the month, do prompt fears of drought but as long as the winter months are normal, water levels tend to remain good.

Hosepipe ban FAQs

Why are hosepipe and sprinkler bans imposed?

Hosepipes and sprinklers tend to be left on for long periods of time and use up large amounts of water.

During a drought, a hosepipe ban may be implemented in order to maintain water reserves.

What’s an aquifer?

During a hosepipe ban, you may hear a lot about aquifers, as water companies often blame their low levels for making water restrictions necessary.

An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing rock or unconsolidated material (gravel, sand or clay) from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well.

If there is a hosepipe ban, can I water my garden and wash my car with a watering can and bucket instead?

Yes.

Under previous hosepipe bans, the use of watering cans, buckets and other water carrying devices was allowed, as these reduce the risk of using too much water. However, you should confirm with your water company what is deemed acceptable and unacceptable because the restrictions can differ from company to company.

Are allotments exempt from the hosepipe ban?

During the 2012 hosepipe ban, watering allotments was not allowed. However, some water companies will make occasional exceptions so it’s always worth asking.

How are commercial gardeners affected?

All seven water companies announced that landscaping, turf and gardening businesses were exempt from the hosepipe ban in 2012. However, do check with your water company for the updated rule if another ban is imposed.

Am I exempt if using my hosepipe for the wellbeing of an animal?

The Government requires the welfare of animals to be protected under hosepipe bans, and all water companies must adhere to this.

Therefore, the use of a hosepipe for the cleaning, maintenance and general wellbeing of any animal is acceptable.

A few examples include:

1. Topping up or changing water in ponds containing fish, frogs, newts etc.
2. Cleaning animals and their living quarters
3. Filling drinking troughs for animals

Although there is currently no hosepipe ban in place in the UK, the situation could change, so please bookmark our News page to keep updated.

¹ Hosepipe ban 2015. Little chance of Hosepipe Ban in 2015. [Online] Available at: http://www.hosepipeban.org.uk/2015/04/22/little-chance-of-hosepipe-ban-in-2015/. [Accessed 17th July 2015].

Brown (or yellow) patches in your lawn can be really frustrating. If you’re wondering what is causing the problem, we’ve listed the common culprits below, from disease to human error, along with some helpful remedies to address the problem.

Human and animal damage

• Dull lawnmower blades tear your grass and gradually kill it over time.

  Remedy: Sharpen your lawnmower blades regularly and check that the grass is being cut properly after each use.

• Scalping happens if your lawnmower blades are set too low or if there are lumps in the grass causing you to cut the grass too short.

  Remedy: Raise your mower blades or dig up the sod and remove some of the soil from beneath before replacing it.

• Chemicals such as gasoline, fertilisers, insect repellents and pesticides can burn your grass.

  Remedy: Never spray any chemicals on your grass and do not park your car on it.

• Urine from dogs, cats, birds and other animals can cause your lawn to turn brown or yellow. Sometimes a bright, green ring will appear around the patch where the diluted nitrogen in the urine acts as a fertiliser.

  Remedy: Immediately spray the area with water to reduce the damage. You should also ensure that your pets are well hydrated, as this will keep them healthy and dilute the strength of their urine.

Poor growing conditions

• Bad soil quality can cause brown, bare areas and moss.

  Remedy: Take a screwdriver and push it into your soil; if it doesn’t slide in easily, your soil may be compacted. To remedy this, you can try aerating and top-dressing to incorporate organic matter in the soil.

• Buried debris could be lurking beneath your soil, preventing proper growth.

  Remedy: Have a poke around or use a metal detector to identify the problem and dig it up.

• Erosion occurs on slopes and hills as water rolls down the angle and takes grass seeds with it.

  Remedy: You can aerate your lawn to increase water absorption, or if the slope if steep, you may want to consider building terraces or planting groundcover.

• Roots of nearby trees and plants may be competing with your grass for water and nutrients, making it hard for the lawn to grow.

  Remedy: Under these circumstances, you could consider mulching or naturalising areas underneath trees.

• Drought-damage can occur in dry, compacted areas of your garden.

  Remedy: Lawns need about one-inch of water a week, either from rainfall or irrigation – so use a hose or watering can on your lawn regularly or consider installing a sprinkler system.

• Natural dormancy will occur in the summer if you have a cool-season lawn or in the winter if you have a warm-season lawn. If your lawn is comprised of a mixture of grass types then it may appear patchy.

  Remedy: This is normal but you should ensure your lawn is healthy and strong to prevent unnecessary browning.

Lawn diseases

• Thatch is a build-up of decaying grass blades that become so thick they choke out the healthy grass.

  Remedy: Remove thatch if it’s more than half-an-inch thick.

• Fungal diseases thrive in moist conditions, particularly in midsummer when the weather is humid and in spring. You may notice circular or irregular brown spots on the lawn, spotting or infected patterns on the grass blades, or a more general thinning or drying out of the lawn.

  Remedy: Encourage sunlight and air circulation as much as you can. You can take a sample of the affected grass to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

If you found this useful, you may also enjoy reading: Types of sprinkler heads »

Summer’s weather outlook is dry, and although many sun worshippers will rejoice at this news, minimal rainfall can cause problems around our homes, especially if a drought occurs and restrictions on water use are imposed throughout the UK.

Danny Davis, Operations Manager for the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE), stresses the importance of treating water with reverence: “Water is a precious resource, so we should all be mindful of how much we use. It’s obvious that by having a shower you will save water in comparison with having a bath. However, some showers also use a lot of water. If a shower fills an 8-litre bucket in less than 40 seconds, you could benefit from replacing the showerhead with a water-efficient model. Electric showers are the exception though, as they are not suitable for flow restricting showerheads.”¹

His advice is especially poignant for homeowners and renters who have water meters installed, as with a heightened recognition for water waste and the incorporation of efficient technologies, it’s possible to reduce one’s carbon footprint and utility bill simultaneously.

Davis goes on to address water leaks, reminding people to think about the accumulation of odd drips: “A dripping tap can waste more than 60 litres of water per week if it isn’t rectified. If you have a water meter installed this will certainly push up your bills, so you will be losing money as well as wasting water. Just think, if it continues over a long period – say three months – you could be paying for 720 litres of unused water.”

He also speaks about making the most of the rainwater we do see this summer by recycling it for other purposes around the home: “A water butt is a great way to collect rainwater. You can use it to water your garden or wash the car. If you do use a hose, use a trigger gun that you can direct and switch off. Lawns may turn brown but don’t need watering – they will recover when it rains.”

Davis’ final piece of advice is to always use a professional plumber when addressing water issues in the home. We’ve put together a list of the safest methods to use in your search for a qualified plumber »

¹ CIPHE, 2015. The outlook is dry!. [Online] Available at: http://www.ciphe.org.uk/professional-members/news/the-outlook-is-dry/. [Accessed 15th July 2015].

Families have been paying £1.2 billion¹ a year too much for gas and electricity, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found following an inquiry in to the Big Six companies’ exploitation of loyal customers.

Now, seven in ten households could have their bills reduced as the UK’s largest watchdog has proposed price caps on suppliers’ default tariffs.

The CMA found that the Big Six energy suppliers – British Gas, SSE, EDF Energy, E.On, npower and ScottishPower – had been able to ‘exploit’ disengaged customers by charging them £1.2 billion a year, or about £50 per household.

If households had switched to the very best deals, they could have saved £160 a year, yet a third of households have never even considered changing providers.

What new regulations have been proposed?

The CMA say that customers who fail to shop around should no longer be put on suppliers’ expensive ‘standard variable’ tariffs as a default. Instead, they are proposing the rollout of a new, cheaper ‘safeguard’ tariff with the maximum price level set by the CMA or Ofgem.

Roger Witcomb, chairman of the CMA’s energy market investigation, said that this would result in cheaper bills for the 70% of households currently on a standard tariff.

These safeguard tariffs would act as a transitional measure while other proposals to encourage customers to switch providers were implemented, and remain in place until market competition is deemed to be working.

Your energy bills: Understanding your rights

1. Facing an energy price rise? Your supplier must give you 30 days notice before increasing your set charges.
2. You may be able to claim compensation for some blackouts. Click here to learn more about this from Citizens Advice.
3. Remember your cooling-off period when signing up with a new provider – if you see a better deal elsewhere, it’s not too late to switch.

For more news and money-saving tips, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

¹ Telegraph, 2015. Millions could see energy bills cut after inquiry finds prices are too high. [Online] Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/energy/11722653/Millions-could-see-energy-bills-cut-after-inquiry-finds-prices-too-high.html. [Accessed 13th July 2015].

Did our recent article ‘Do Brits need to be swimming in cash to install a private pool?’ get you yearning for a swimming pool of your own?

This guide will navigate you through the different types of swimming pool installation available.

ABOVE GROUND SWIMMING POOLS

Above ground swimming pools are fast and easy to install because they require minimal ground preparation. From kids’ paddling pools to large, solid structures, these types of pools are great for the summer.

Inflatable, vinyl or PVC pool

These are the cheapest types of above ground swimming pools, generally ranging from £50 to £1000¹, and use a steel frame or inflatable ring with a small cartridge filter.

Inflatable, vinyl and PVC swimming or paddling pools must only be used in the summer because the materials perish in colder temperatures, and although they’re expensive to heat, they can be a lot of fun on a hot day.

Solid above ground pool

Usually made from wood parts that slot together like Lego pieces, solid above ground swimming pools are a more permanent above ground option, costing between £1,500 and £10,000.

They usually feature a liner that will require replacing periodically and children should be discouraged from taking sharp objects into the pool, such as flippers, to prevent undue damage to the liner.

TRADITIONAL SWIMMING POOLS

The following swimming pools require a hole to be dug and plumbing to be installed for the pool to be operational. Although the initial outlay is greater, these types of swimming pools are long-lasting and can increase a property’s value on the housing market.

Block and PVC liner pool

This is the most common type of pool in the UK and costs between £25,000 and £70,000 to install.

A block and PVC liner pool is built from concrete blocks and lined with PVC, similar to a fishpond. The liner ensures that the pool retains its watertight qualities but liners do need to be changed every five years, as they tend to become brittle due to UV rays.

Panel/prefabricated pool

Similar to the block and liner pool, but rather than concrete blocks, plastic or metal panels are used instead. The benefit is that these materials can be insulated.

Panel and prefabricated pools cost between £15,000 and £80,000.

Fibreglass/polyester pool

These are delivered in one piece and craned into an excavated hole, making for quick installation and easy maintenance.

Do note that the temperature of fibreglass and polyester pools is limited to 28 degrees Celsius and they will set you back between £20,000 and £65,000.

Concrete pool with tiles, marble or rubberised paint

This is the bespoke option and can cost in the range of £45,000 to £150,000+.

Concrete provides the flexibility to build any shape or design required, although it is harder to heat, so the running costs will be higher. You can finish your pool off with tailored extras, such as lighting, mosaic, and so on.

Installing a private pool is a great way to add value to your home. For more value-boosting ideas, click here.

¹ Compass, 2015. Costs, prices & quotes of building a swimming pool in your garden. [Online] Available at: http://www.compass-pools.co.uk/faqs/cost-prices-quotes-of-building-a-swimming-pool/. [Accessed 9th July 2015].