Britons risk DIY disasters by seeking tips online

CASH-STRAPPED Britons are tackling dangerous gas and electrical DIY jobs after watching online tutorials, a survey has found.

With advice just a click away, 44 per cent of people say they are turning to social media to help them with hazardous jobs.

More than half (52 per cent) surveyed by store Toolstation said they had attempted jobs they would once have regarded as risky.

Of 2,000 adults questioned, 34 per cent said they had tried to plumb in a bathroom, including shower electricals, while eight per cent had tried to fit an oven or kitchen.

But the new-found confidence with DIY might be misplaced, as 53 per cent of tradespeople said they had been called out within the past six months to correct botched jobs.

A Health and Safety

Executive spokesman said: ‘While gas is an incredibly safe way of fuelling your home, any work carried out should be done by an engineer who is on the Gas Safe Register.’

Last year, American couple Tanya Rodriguez, 44, and

James Carolfi, 52, died copying a technique they had seen on TikTok to burn patterns into chemically soaked wood.

Charity Electrical Safety First said: ‘If you need to look online for a tutorial, you shouldn’t be doing it yourself.’