The DIY Jobs Brits put off the longest
Another weekend is upon us and it’s often a time where many of us like to embrace DIY and get working on our homes.
So we thought it would be a good idea to look at the jobs that Brits put off the most. At the top of the list is painting our walls. Over 78% delay, this task and most homeowners leave this task for an average of 2.6 years before they get out the paintbrushes and rollers!
Following behind this is fixing a broken doorbell. Over 69% of people put this off, especially when it’s free to knock on the door and works well in most situations. It’s certainly no surprise that people go an average of 1.5 years before deciding to sort it.
The most common DIY task that we all seem to put off is fixing that dreaded leaking tap. Approximately 67% of us put this job off and it becomes very easy for people to live with a leaky tap for around 2.6 years on average before getting round to fix it.
Fixing a fence panel tops the list for DIY tasks that we all put off and leave the longest. With people leaving it for around 3.2 years on average before getting round to it. Seeing as we don’t spend that much time in the garden, particularly during the winter it can easily be pushed to the bottom of our to-do lists!
At the bottom of the list is fixing a gas leak which equates to 15% of us, also removing asbestos is 9% as both are more dangerous if not taken care of.
Studies found that the main reasons for putting off DIY jobs are that we can live with it and put up with it. Tasks such as painting the walls and fixing a leaking tap are more of an eyesore than something that could be potentially damaging to your health.
The reason Brits gave up on DIY is quite simply they can’t afford it – this equates to around 54%. Depending on what the job is it can end up costing an arm and a leg.
Here’s one bit of advice we thought we would offer to all your readers is the ability to stop that leaking tap (at least it’s one thing less to think about!)
- Firstly, ensure that the water is turned off. You don’t want to flood the house in the process! You can do this at the isolation valve or the stop cock. Next, you will want to turn on the leaking tap to release any excess water.
- If the spout of the tap is leaking, all you need to do is to replace the washer. Find the screw on the tap and unscrew it to remove the tap head. Unscrew the spindle using a spanner and you should be in a position to be able to see the washers, which hare either polo-shape or -shape. You can take then to any hardware store to find a replacement.
- If you have another tap, even if it’s dripping it may also be worth replacing the washers while you're at it.
Remember, for any bathroom fittings, taps, heating or plumbing products why not speak to the team at Plumbing for Less, on 0113 322 3140 or email sales@plumbingforless.co.uk
