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<\/p>\nFROM leaky pipes to blocked toilets there is nothing that plumber Brett Knowles hasn\u2019t seen.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As a plumber he's been investigating people's U-bends and pipes for more than 20 years.<\/p>\n
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But it hasn't always been pretty. Brett's seen people make some real blunders including bunging toothpaste in their toilets which is a huge no-no.<\/p>\n
Although 'hacks' like these may seem like a cheap and effective way to keep your toilet smelling fresh, they can cause long lasting damage to your pipes.<\/p>\n
Brett said chemicals not meant for toilets can leave a thick waxy film that will eventually create a blockage.<\/p>\n
Not only that, he's even seen novices try and hook up electrics in their bathroom – one dangerous botch job took him 14 days to repair.<\/p>\n
But he can\u2019t complain it\u2019s common mistakes like these that keep him in business. He makes around \u00a3300 a day or \u00a31.5k a week. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The plumbing pro launched his business, BK Plumbing in Warwickshire, around two and a half years ago and said avoiding costly bills doesn\u2019t need to be hard.<\/p>\n
Now he's offered some top tips for how to avoid big bills come winter – when you'll be paying for heating too. <\/p>\n
The expert says: \u201cThere are some jobs and tricks that I would recommend doing to help you save money when it comes to plumbing bills.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cUsing a small egg timer when the shower is being used, this is an easy way to save water.\u201d<\/p>\n FABULOUS VEGAS: JOIN TO CLAIM \u00a3100 BONUS<\/strong> PLUS 50 FREE SPINS<\/p>\n Water is usually the highest bill for most households with this winter every penny will count.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cUse a water saving bag inside the toilet cistern, this will also help you save water for when the toilet is being flushed.\u201d<\/p>\n Most people would rather not think about their toilet but it needs tender loving care too.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you want to go the extra mile Brett said you could make a bigger change.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cI would recommend converting your toilets to a 4\/6 Iitre flush as another way to help you save water for when the toilet is being flushed.\u201d<\/p>\n Brett said: gardeners can do their bit.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cGet a water metre fitted and fit a water butt into your guttering," he said. "This water can then be used to water your plants.<\/p>\n \u201cFit a tap aerator in all taps within the property where possible to reduce water usage.\u201d<\/p>\n However there are some things you should never attempt to try at home.<\/p>\n Brett said: \u201cAvoid doing plumbing jobs that require specialist tools.<\/p>\n He issued caution when it came to heating. <\/p>\n "Radiators should not be removed or refitted," he said "This can damage the carpets and floors due to the black oxide in the radiator. <\/p>\n "Get a professional to install a radiator instead – this costs on average \u00a3150.\u201d<\/p>\n A rather obvious rule but water and electrics do not mix.\u00a0<\/p>\n Brett says: \u201cDon\u2019t do any electrical work that is in a bathroom unless fully qualified.\u201d<\/p>\n Brett has seen people attempt their own electrical DIY work in their bathrooms and it's incredibly dangerous.<\/p>\n No one wants to spend a fortune on renovating but sometimes it\u2019s safer to get a new project properly fitted than trying to cut corners.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cStop under budgeting projects," he said. "Many people attempt to fit bathrooms themselves and underestimate what's required to do this correctly, causing them to cut corners to save money, use cheap materials or parts. <\/p>\n "This can lead to leaks and damage to your property, or you find the wrong part has been used causing bigger issues.\u201d<\/p>\n And please stop putting your plumber at risk.<\/p>\n Brett says: \u201cAlways inform your engineer of what you have used and if you have attempted to sort a blockage yourself.<\/p>\n "This not only stops the risk of the chemical getting on their skin or in their eyes but also, makes them aware of the exact issues that could be caused.<\/p>\n Brett said: \u201cI would never flush cotton buds, cotton wool or wet wipes down the toilet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe craziest thing I have seen people do is putting washing powder inside the toilet cistern to make the room smell nice when the toilet is flushed.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/da-sj-comp1.jpg\")
<\/picture>LAID BARE <\/span><\/p>\nI was called ‘Lolita’ & told to remove my knickers while working on CBeebies<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ac-horoscope-daily-03-wednesday.jpg\")
<\/picture>MYSTIC MEG <\/span><\/p>\nYou can guide a group, or a couple, towards a place that benefits everyone<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/as-fab-overspending-money.jpg\")
<\/picture>TAKE NOTE <\/span><\/p>\nI\u2019m 21 but have saved \u00a31.8k a year thanks to a clever \u2018pay packet\u2019 hack<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/lash.jpg\")
<\/picture>LASH OUT <\/span><\/p>\nLash tech reveals the worst case of dirty lashes she’s ever seen<\/h3>\n
Loo knew? <\/h2>\n
Garden savings<\/h2>\n
WHAT YOU CAN'T DO<\/h2>\n
Radiators<\/h2>\n
Water problem<\/h2>\n
Don't cut corners<\/h2>\n
Be honest<\/h2>\n
Don't block the loo<\/h2>\n
Read More on The Sun<\/h2>\n
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