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

Mackintosh Traditional Kitchen, AD3 Design Limited AD3 Design Limited Cuisine classique
Loading admin actions …

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

Sink with drain grooves on the worktop AD3 Design Limited Cuisine classique Eviers & Robinets

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

Handle less Polar white Glamour, PTC Kitchens PTC Kitchens Cuisine moderne

But will save you insurance claims.

3. Don't put cleaning products in your cistern

Sanitari Bagno Moderni, bagno chic bagno chic Salle de bain moderne Toilettes

They rot out the pipes and then need replacing.

4. Always know where your stopcock is

Drummonds Case Study: Loz Feliz Retreat, California homify Salle de bain moderne Baignoires & douches

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

Botanical Bathroom from Bathrooms.ccom Bathrooms.com Salle de bain classique Baignoires & douches

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

6. Don't believe the hype about flushable wipes

Künstlerhaus, Neumannstraße in Düsseldorf - Hochwertiger Mieterausbau, insa4 ingenieure sachverständige architekten insa4 ingenieure sachverständige architekten Salle de bain moderne Toilettes

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

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

Bathroom Temza design and build Salle de bain moderne Lavabos

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

8. Replacing your own flush is simple

Kenny&Mason Cloakrooms, Kenny&Mason Kenny&Mason Salle de bain rurale Toilettes

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

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

Modern kitchen sink tap with red splashback Affleck Property Services Cuisine moderne Eviers & Robinets

We blame all the weekend DIY warriors getting things wrong!

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

Bitra Hook Rail, Rowen & Wren Rowen & Wren Cuisine industrielle Garde-manger

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

11. Old toilet seats can be really hard to remove

Fonds sous-marins, Atelier Frederic Gracia Atelier Frederic Gracia Salle de bain industrielle Toilettes

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

Stainless Steel Garden Tap Station with Hose Reel, Tap and Platform Ingarden Ltd Jardin moderne Fleurs & Plantes

To prevent them from freezing, expanding and becoming damaged.

13. Don't ignore a dripping tap

Kitchen Temza design and build Cuisine moderne Eviers & Robinets

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

Perrin & Rowe of Mayfair Glenlith Interiors (Scotland) Ltd Cuisine classique Eviers & Robinets

And give you a no obligation quote.

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

Small utility sink AD3 Design Limited Cuisine classique Eviers & Robinets

Always go on reviews and word of mouth recommendations.

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

Marble Vanity Unit Ligneous Designs Salle de bain moderne Rangements

So they can get straight on with the job.

17. Only use licensed professionals

Daisy Chain Target Tiles Salle de bain rurale Décorations

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

Paradise Target Tiles Salle de bain moderne Décorations

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.

Besoin d’aide pour votre projet de maison ?
Contactez-nous !

Highlights de notre magazine