Four savvy ways to cut the eye-watering costs of calling out a plumber
CUT the cost of calling out a plumber.
Often a qualified professional is the only person who can do the job, but the call-out fee alone can be around £100.
Here’s how to stop money going down the plughole.
PREPARE FOR THE PLUMBER: Tradesmen charge a call-out fee then, usually, by the hour after that.
Cut down on the time they need to work by preparing the work area.
If they need to get under the sink, clear out clutter.
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If the meter is in the understairs cupboard, make sure they have easy access.
Otherwise you’ll be paying around a pound a minute to have your cupboards emptied.
SINK SENSE: Be aware of what goes down your drains.
Avoid pouring grease, coffee grounds and food scraps into the sink — put them in the bin instead.
This simple habit can prevent clogs from forming, saving you the hassle and expense of dealing with blocked drains.
BLOCKED PIPES: If you do end up with a blockage, there’s plenty you can do before calling a plumber.
According to kitchen and bathroom experts Plumbnation, a kettle should be your first port of call.
Slowly pour a kettle full of boiling water down the blocked drain, pausing every few seconds, then repeat two or three times.
If that doesn’t work, pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Follow by half a cup of white vinegar.
Quickly cover the drain with a plug or a cloth to contain the fizzing reaction.
Let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
Then flush with hot water to hopefully clear the clog.
AVOID EMERGENCIES: A blown boiler or leaking pipe can mean you have no choice but to call an emergency plumber.
But outside of normal hours, or on holidays or weekends, plumbers often charge more than double their usual rate.
So before you rush to dial, ask yourself if your problem can wait until working hours.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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