A new study has found more than half of Brits have tried to install an electrical wall socket or switch after watching a guide on social media such as YouTube, Instagram or TikTok
DIY fans are risking their lives by following social media tutorials for hazardous jobs that should only be done by qualified tradespeople. A study found more than half of Brits – some 52% – have tried to install an electrical wall socket or switch with the help of social media.
Such work should only be completed by a qualified electrician, with a shock from the UK’s standard voltage of 240v enough to cause muscle spasms and even stop the heart. And the study, conducted by Toolstation, warned that unqualified homeowners who tamper with their electrics could invalidate their home insurance.
The research found nearly one in 10 respondents (8%) had used internet videos to fit a new gas oven, which the report described as “a dangerous job even when carried out by professionals”. It added: “It is imperative for any gas fittings and central heating installations to be carried out by a Gas-Safe registered engineer.”
While plumbing jobs are permitted to be carried out by amateurs, the survey found more than a third of those quizzed had tried to install a full shower/bath, basin and toilet suite after swotting up online.
It said: “While many skilled DIY-ers can carry out simple wet plumbing jobs, which can be easy to follow on social media, 34% of homeowners have gone one step beyond by trying to plumb an entire bathroom through tutorials.
“Complex shower fittings and unexpected plumbing issues can turn a money-saving job into an over-budget expenditure, which a professional plumber would have been able to avoid.” Overall, 44% of Brits who responded to the survey admitted placing their trust in social media tutorials when it came to home improvements.
The report found more than half of tradesfolk (53%) had been called to UK homes to fix botched and potentially dangerous DIY jobs. It said: “From researching simple recipes to shopping for a new outfit, social media has become a life admin assistance tool, providing people with step-by-step guidance and top tips to carry out everyday jobs.”
It added: “DIY tutorials are a popular choice with homeowners seeking out money-saving options to overcome common household issues. While YouTube, Instagram and TikTok are a hotspot for helpful DIY videos, there are some jobs that can only be carried out by registered and trained tradespeople.”
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