PARENTS could land themselves with a £185 plumbing bill by making an easy hot weather mistake this summer.
With temperatures finally on the rise, a trip to the seaside or a play in the sandpit in the garden could be on the cards for families up and down the country.
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Getting sand stuck between your toes or on your clothes is almost inevitable, but experts are warning that you should think twice before rinsing it down the drain.
David Rees, a plumbing expert from HomeSupply, said: "As sand can be heavy, it will collect in the u-bend of your pipes.
"Over time, enough sand can accumulate in the drain trap and prevent it from draining properly."
This could happen by rinsing off very sandy feet in the shower, putting beach clothes straight in the washing machine or washing off buckets and spades in the sink.
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He added that if a plumber is called out to deal with blockages in drains, homeowners can face costs of anywhere between £80 to £185 depending on the services needed.
But there are ways to get rid of sand without landing yourself with a big bill.
David said: "Always hose off sandy items before bringing them into the home and keep sandy shoes in the hallway.
"You could also install strainers over drains to catch any debris before it has a chance to build up."
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These can cost as little as £5 for two from Amazon or £1 at Dunlem and could prevent you having to spend a small fortune on repairs.
If you think your drain may already be blocked with sand, it might not be too late to fix the problem yourself.
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David said: "You could try using a drain plunger to try and ease the build up.
"A drain snake or a wire hanger could also be useful."
Start with a household plunger and fill the sink with water and place the plunger over the sinkhole.
Plunge it a few times and then flush it through with warm water.
Five ways to keep your kids cool in the heat
IT can be really difficult - and costly - to keep kids cool when it's hot outside. But Fabulous Digital Senior Reporter and mum-of-two Sarah Bull shares five ways to help, and they won't break the budget either.
Strip them off
It might sound simple, but stripping kids off at home can really help them regulate their temperature when it's warm outside. Just remember to regularly apply suncream, as more of their skin will be exposed to the sun.
Cool down bedrooms before nighttime
When it's hot outside, it can be difficult for kids to go to sleep - especially if their bedroom feels like an oven. If you have a room that's not in direct sunshine, keep the windows open to let in a breeze. It's also a good idea to keep the curtains closed, to prevent the room from heating up.
Wear a hat
Another simple technique, but one that really works. Make sure that if your kids are playing outside, they've got a hat on. It keeps their face and head shielded from the sun, and also helps if you've got a little one who struggles with bright sunlight. If your tot struggles to keep a hat on, try one with a strap that goes under the chin to help.
Avoid the car
The car can be one of the hottest places during a heatwave, and often takes a long time to cool down. If you have the option, it's better to stay at home rather than taking kids out anywhere in a hot car.
Stay hydrated
This is always important, but even more so in a heatwave. Make sure you're regularly reminding your kids to have a drink, and top them up with cool liquids whenever you can. Use ice too to ensure it's as cold as it can possibly be.
But make sure you wear gloves, clear the room and mind your chrome fittings.
If that has not done the job, it may be time for a wire coat hanger or a drain snake, which you flatten and poke down the hole to move the clog.
You may pull some out on the wire.
A drain snake can cost around £20 at Screwfix and online at Amazon.
If it's still blocked, you will have to access the U-bend under the sink. With a bucket underneath, unscrew the fixing.
But only do this if you can put it back together and if not, it's best to contact a plumber.
More costly hot weather mistakes
From driving practises to where you light thebarbecueor dispose of your waste, there are a number of little-known rules that could land you in hot water this summer
While it’s not strictly illegal to drive while wearing in flip flops, flimsy footwear could see you slapped with a fine of up to £5,000 if you're caught up in a crash.
Bright sunshine can be blinding and it’s important to make sure you can see clearly while driving or you could be slapped with a careless driving charge, which holds a maximum penalty of £5,000.
When the mercury rises, car interiors can quickly become stifling and most of us reach immediately to turn up theair con.
But doing so is not just a point of comfort. Part of Rule 237 of the Highway Code states that drivers must keep their cars "well ventilated" in order to avoid drowsiness.
Failing to adhere to this could land you with a £5,000finein the most serious cases.
Public parks and beaches have very specific rules around lighting of barbecues, so make sure you’re aware of them to avoid a hefty fine.
Under some councils, the lighting of fires, includingbarbecues, is banned in all parks and public spaces.
However, in many places you can enjoy a barbecue in designated areas as long as you take care.
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It’s worth checking the rules in your local area before you head out to ensure you don't start cooking against the rules.
All the information you need should be on yourlocal council’swebsite.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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