Why You Should Never Do Your Own Electrical or Plumbing Work in Your Kitchen

When it comes to home improvement, there’s a certain satisfaction in tackling projects yourself. Painting a wall? Go for it. Upcycling an old table? Brilliant idea. 

But when it comes to your kitchen’s electrics and plumbing, it’s time to put the tools down and pick up the phone.

Here’s why DIY in these areas can be dangerous, costly, and—frankly—not worth the risk.

1. It’s a Safety Minefield

Kitchens combine two elements that don’t play well together: water and electricity. One wrong move with wiring or appliances could lead to electrocution, fire, or even fatal injury.

Electrical risk – Wiring in a kitchen must be done to strict regulations, especially near sinks, hobs, and appliances. Even something as simple as replacing a socket could be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Plumbing risk – A poorly fitted pipe can lead to leaks, flooding, and mould, not to mention potential water damage to electrical installations nearby.

2. The Law Is Not on Your Side

In the UK, electrical work in kitchens falls under Part P of the Building Regulations. That means certain types of work (such as adding new circuits or replacing consumer units) must be carried out by a qualified, certified electrician.

Similarly, plumbing work that connects to mains water must meet Water Supply Regulations. Botch the job, and not only could you face a hefty repair bill—you could be breaking the law.

3. Your Insurance Could Be Worthless

If a leak or electrical fault caused by unqualified work leads to damage, your home insurance may refuse to pay out. Insurers often require proof that the work was done by a certified tradesperson.

Imagine explaining to your insurer that you “had a go” at rewiring your oven. It’s unlikely they’ll be sympathetic when there’s a £5,000 water-and-fire damage claim on the table.

4. The Hidden Costs Can Be Huge

DIY jobs gone wrong often cost far more to fix than simply hiring a professional from the start.

A small electrical mistake could damage appliances worth hundreds of pounds.

A tiny leak behind cabinets can cause rot and structural damage that isn’t obvious until months later.

By the time you call in the professionals, you’re paying for both the repair and the undoing of your handiwork.

5. Kitchens Demand Precision

Modern kitchens are complex environments with integrated appliances, clever lighting, and water systems that feed dishwashers, fridges, and boiling-water taps. One miscalculation can ruin not just the function but also the look of your kitchen.

Qualified electricians and plumbers work to high standards, use specialist tools, and know how to future-proof installations—something most DIYers can’t achieve without years of experience.

The Bottom Line

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and it’s also one of the most technically demanding spaces to work on. When it comes to electrics and plumbing, the safest, smartest, and most cost-effective approach is simple:

Don’t DIY—call a professional.

You’ll save yourself stress, protect your investment, and keep your home safe. And you can still enjoy the thrill of DIY—just stick to painting walls, putting up shelves, and assembling that flatpack island unit.

Fed Up With High Energy Bills? Here’s How to Cut Costs and Save Smartly

If you’ve opened your latest gas or electricity bill and found yourself wincing, you’re certainly not alone. 

With rising energy costs continuing to pinch household budgets across the UK, many of us are looking for ways to bring those soaring figures down. 

Thankfully, there are simple hacks you can use right now to reduce your energy usage, and it might also be time to rethink who supplies your energy in the first place.

Here’s how to cut your bills without compromising comfort.

1. Be Smart With Heating and Hot Water

Heating typically makes up more than half of the average UK household’s energy use — so it’s a prime target for savings.

Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C – you probably won’t notice the difference in comfort, but you could shave around 10% off your heating bill.

Use a timer so the hating only comes on when you need it, no need to heat an empty house.

Bleed your radiators to ensure they’re working efficiently.

Install thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control room temperatures individually.

2. Cut the Hot Water Waste

Only boil the water you need in the kettle, this one’s simple but often overlooked.

Fit an eco-shower head to cut down hot water use without losing pressure.

Set your water heating to just what’s needed, 60°C is generally hot enough for household use.

3. Plug the Gaps — Literally

Heat escaping through gaps and draughts means money vanishing into thin air.

Draught-proof doors and windows with inexpensive self-adhesive strips.

Use door snakes or draught excluders on internal doors.

Don’t forget the chimney if it’s unused, a balloon draught excluder can save serious warmth.

4. Appliance and Lighting Hacks

Switch off at the wall – appliances on standby still draw power.

Use energy-efficient LED bulbs, they last longer and cost far less to run.

Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full, and choose eco modes when appropriate.

Air-dry clothes where possible instead of using a tumble dryer.

5. Insulation = Long-Term Savings

If you own your home, investing in insulation pays back over time:

Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective upgrades.

Cavity wall insulation can also save hundreds per year.

Even simple additions like thermal curtains and rugs on bare floors help retain warmth.

6. Switching Energy Providers

Loyalty doesn’t always pay when it comes to energy. You might be overpaying without realising it.

Use price comparison websites like Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket or Compare the Market to see if you can get a better tariff.

Look for fixed rate deals, they protect you against future price rises.

Check for exit fees if you’re currently in a contract, but remember, even with a small fee, switching could still save you more overall.

Consider green energy providers, some now offer competitive tariffs and better customer service.

7. Monitor Your Usage

Knowledge is power, quite literally.

Request a smart meter from your provider to track real-time usage and costs.

Use free apps or your supplier’s dashboard to understand when you’re using the most energy and what you could change.

Final Thoughts

The energy crisis has forced many of us to think more critically about our consumption — but the silver lining is that small changes, clever tweaks, and a willingness to switch providers can lead to real savings. 

Whether you rent or own, live alone or have a bustling family home, these tips can help you stay warm and comfortable without burning through your budget.

Have any favourite energy-saving hacks of your own? Share them in the comments or on our socials — let’s beat those bills together!

How to Save Money on Food Storage and Cooking Amid Rising Energy Costs

With electricity and gas prices continuing to rise, many households are looking for practical ways to reduce their energy bills. 

One of the most effective areas to focus on is food storage and cooking techniques. 

By making a few simple changes to how you store and prepare food, you can significantly cut down on energy use while also keeping your grocery costs under control. 

Here’s how.

Energy-Efficient Food Storage

1. Make the Most of Your Freezer

A well-organised freezer can help you reduce waste and save money. Follow these tips:

Keep it full: A full freezer retains cold better than an empty one. If you don’t have enough food to fill it, use bottles of water to take up space.

Use airtight containers and freezer bags: This prevents freezer burn, reducing waste.

Batch cook and freeze meals: Cooking in bulk reduces energy consumption per meal and prevents unnecessary use of your oven or hob.

Defrost efficiently: Plan ahead and defrost frozen food in the fridge rather than using a microwave, which consumes more electricity.

2. Fridge Storage Hacks

Maintain the right temperature: Set your fridge between 3-5°C and your freezer at -18°C for optimal efficiency.

Avoid overloading: Overstuffing the fridge reduces airflow and forces it to work harder.

Cover food and store liquids properly: This prevents excess moisture, which makes the fridge work harder.

Let food cool before refrigerating: Placing hot food in the fridge makes it use more energy to maintain its temperature.

Energy-Saving Cooking Techniques

1. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Slow cookers and pressure cookers: These use a fraction of the energy compared to an oven or hob.

Air fryers: They cook food faster and require less energy than conventional ovens.

Microwaves: These are much more efficient than using an oven or hob for reheating or cooking small portions.

Induction hobs: They use less energy than gas or standard electric hobs because they heat up quickly and directly.

2. Cook Smartly

Cook in batches: Preparing meals in bulk means fewer cooking sessions and less energy use.

Use lids on pans: This helps food cook faster and retains heat.

Match pan size to the hob ring: Using a small pan on a large hob wastes energy.

Turn off the oven early: Residual heat can continue cooking food for several minutes after turning it off.

Use a kettle efficiently: Only boil the amount of water you need instead of filling it to the top.

3. Opt for Alternative Cooking Methods

Cook multiple items at once: When using the oven, make the most of the space by cooking multiple dishes at the same time.

Use residual heat: If you’re using an oven, turn it off a few minutes before the cooking time ends and let the remaining heat finish the job.

Consider batch cooking on weekends: Cook meals in advance and reheat them using a microwave or air fryer instead of cooking from scratch every day.

Final Thoughts

By making small, intentional changes to how you store and cook food, you can cut down on energy consumption and save money on your electricity and gas bills. A few simple adjustments, such as using energy-efficient appliances, cooking in batches, and optimising food storage, can make a big difference over time. As energy costs continue to rise, these practical steps will help you manage your household budget more effectively while still enjoying delicious home-cooked meals.

Gas vs. Electricity: The Cooking Dilemma Unveiled

Choosing between gas and electricity for cooking is a decision that many homeowners face when outfitting their kitchens. 

Both options have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, which can make the decision-making process a bit daunting. In this blog post, we'll delve into the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed choice.

Gas Cooking:

Pros:

Precision Control: Gas stoves provide instant heat and precise temperature control, allowing for quicker adjustments during cooking. This is particularly advantageous for recipes that require specific temperature management.

Even Heat Distribution: Gas flames provide uniform heat distribution across the bottom of cookware, resulting in more even cooking compared to electric stoves.

Lower Operating Costs: In many areas, natural gas tends to be cheaper than electricity, which can lead to cost savings over time, especially for heavy users.

Cooking during Power Outages: Gas stoves can be used even during power outages, making them a reliable option in emergencies.

Cons:

Initial Installation Costs: Installing a gas line can be expensive, especially if your kitchen isn't already equipped for gas appliances.

Safety Concerns: Gas leaks can pose a serious safety hazard if not detected and addressed promptly. Proper ventilation is also crucial to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Environmental Impact: While natural gas is considered cleaner burning than some other fossil fuels, it still contributes to carbon emissions and is not as environmentally friendly as electricity from renewable sources.

Electric Cooking:

Pros:

Ease of Installation: Electric stoves are generally easier and less expensive to install since they don't require a gas line.

Safety: Electric stoves eliminate the risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning, making them a safer option for many households.

Environmental Friendliness: Electricity can be sourced from renewable energy, such as solar or wind power, reducing its environmental impact compared to gas.

Easy to Clean: Smooth ceramic or glass cooktops are easy to clean and maintain, with no grates or burners to scrub around.

Cons:

Slower Heating: Electric stoves typically take longer to heat up and cool down compared to gas, which can affect cooking times and efficiency.

Less Control: Electric stoves may not offer the same level of temperature control as gas, making it more challenging to execute precise cooking techniques.

Higher Operating Costs: Electricity rates can vary widely depending on location, and in some areas, electric cooking can be more expensive than gas in the long run.

Dependence on Power Supply: Electric stoves rely on a steady power supply, rendering them useless during power outages unless you have a backup generator.

In conclusion, the choice between gas and electricity for cooking ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Gas offers precise control and lower operating costs but comes with safety concerns and higher initial installation costs. On the other hand, electric stoves are easier to install, safer, and more environmentally friendly, but may have higher operating costs and slower heating times. Consider weighing these factors carefully to determine which option best suits your needs and priorities.