Tag Archive for: Lockdown

How lockdown has helped us be more self-sufficient and more energy efficient at home

Three lockdowns have been undeniably tough but isolation has had its advantages. A new study by comparison site Uswitch has revealed that Brits have become more self-sufficient and in the process; more energy efficient. According to the research:

  • 83% of people surveyed said they are living more simply and frugally.
  • 43% of people say they have totally re-evaluated the way they live in the past year, and have become more concerned with sustainable living – saving energy and looking after the planet.
  • 23% have created their own vegetable patch, while 18% say they have started to compost.
  • 49% have switched from jars and packets to making meals from scratch.
  • Around 30% grow their own herbs instead of buying them from a supermarket, and 12% have even started to make their own jams and pickles.
  • 54% said they will try to continue their new sustainable ways of living even as restrictions are lifted.

Why did this happen, you might ask? Well, we had nothing else to do. No distractions – nowhere to go and no people to see, which seems to have given us perspective and created some good habits.

The greenest city as per survey response is Leicester, with 53% of residents saying they have made an effort to become more self-sufficient and energy-efficient. And good news is that 53% of 6-29-year-olds have become more environmentally conscious, compared to 45% of 30-44-year-olds and just 28% of over-60s.

In general, prices are going up (from food and fuel to gas and electricity) and homeowners are being forced to re-evaluate their budgets and make smart decisions that not only save money but save energy. Not only does the survival of our planet depend on it but our own well-being, too.

At AACooper we have the expertise and experience to support you as you make energy-saving decisions for your family and your home.

For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.

How to handle a plumbing emergency at home

In the current climate of social distancing, isolation and lockdown, it might not be as easy to get a plumber or engineer to tend to your plumbing emergency (especially if it is ‘minor’) at the minute. If help is going to take some time, there are some things that you can do to manage the situation until such time as a professional can sort it out:

Firstly, take action!

  1. Turn off the water – if it’s a minor emergency, shutting off the water supply in that particular area will do the job but if you’re uncertain as to the seriousness of the problem, it’s best to turn off the main valve that brings water into the house.
  2. Turn off the water heater – you’ll do this if you’re dealing with a major emergency, in order to prevent overheating and subsequent bursting of the valve. If you have a gas water heater, the gas should be turned off first.
  3. Manage small leaks – by stuffing rags or old towels into the leaky apparatus or close it with plumber’s tape if you have any to hand. Use buckets to collect water if necessary.
  4. Drain excess water – even after turning off water valves, there will still be water lurking in the pipes. Water can be drained from these pipes and away from your home by opening up any spigots outside the house. If water is clogged, a plunger wills sometimes do the trick!

Secondly, get advice!

  1. Call your plumber to find out what to do next. A professional will be able to assess the nature of your emergency and either recommend an immediate repair job or advise measures you can take in the interim, until such a time as your emergency can be resolved.

Thirdly, follow the advice!

  1. Having a trusted tradesperson on your speed dial is always beneficial. If, however, you are uncertain about the advice you have been given, get a second opinion…and a third, if necessary.

Some examples of a plumbing emergency might be:

  • Dripping taps
  • Leaking pipes
  • Extremely hot water
  • Frozen pipes
  • Leaking water heater
  • Clogs and plugs
  • Toilet problems
  • Waste smells
  • Gas leak
  • Burst pipes
  • Sump pump failure
  • Clogged drains and bath tubs
  • Leaking hoses of washing machines
  • Broken water lines
  • Broken downpipes, roofs and gutters

An absolute top tip in a plumbing emergency is not to panic. Act decisively and calmly, and if help cannot come immediately there are professionals on standby to advise you.

For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.

Source: Emergency Plumber London