Row.co.uk Blog

Tips For Swapping Phone Contracts


Mobile phone contracts can be tricky businesses - you might find yourself trapped within an over-expensive tariff and desperately want to change.    

Contracts can last up to 36 months and it can be difficult to escape, especially if dealing with companies with large legal departments. A phone contract is a legally binding agreement for a stated period outlined in the contract, so of course changing network provider isn't going to be too easy.   

There must be a valid reason why you want to change. Just wanting a new phone, for example, is not a good enough reason. It's likely that you want to leave because you just can't afford it anymore and have found a more suitable plan for your budget, or perhaps you are just unhappy with the service your current network is providing. The best thing you can do here, is put your 'negotiation hat' on.   

If you contact your network provider and have clearly researched what else is available to you, at cheaper rates, they will desperately want to keep you. You might be able to negotiate a cheaper deal without leaving at all.   

Conditions where you will pass easily through the complaints procedure include: 
• When your bill turns out to be a lot more than you signed up for, i.e. the contract has been miss-sold to you.

• When your signal turns out to be a lot worse than you were told it would be in your area for a specific network.   

If you phone up to get out of a contract, we suggest that you have done your research, know what else is available to you and what your budget is. Certain websites, for example MoneySupermarket, are great for quickly benchmarking prices and can be used to research the cheapest tariffs and packages. If you’ve done your research, you’ll feel more confident calling up your network provider and informing them you’re unhappy with your existing tariff. 

If you have any questions, tweet us @budgetmobcover.

*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.

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How to Prevent Burst Pipes

Row.co.uk Blog

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

No matter what the time of year, it’s a good time to maintain your home. Even if there’s no sign of snow, preparing your home plumbing for a cold snap could pay dividends if the weather unexpectedly turns.

Burst pipes are one of the biggest risks in winter. Not only do they cause loss of supply, and inconvenience for the family, but the water damage that results from a burst pipe could cost thousands of pounds to repair. That’s before you get into the emotional distress of having a water leak decimate your home and your belongings.

What Causes Burst Pipes?


A burst pipe is generally the result of a weak point in the plumbing which is made worse due to pressure. This could be the pressure of water building up, or the pressure of ice forming. As water turns to ice, it expands, which is why bare pipes containing cold water can be dangerous around the home.

Before you start to explore preventative measures, familiarise yourself with the location of the stopcock -- the main tap in the pipe that comes into your house from the street. If you have a leak from a burst pipe, being able to quickly turn off the stopcock could save you huge amounts of time and money, since it could prevent a small flood from becoming a disaster. In the middle of the night, or the dead of winter, you might find it difficult to locate the stopcock if you’re not sure where to look.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes in Your Home


Cladding is the number one preventative measure that can be employed around the home to keep pipes warm. If you prevent pipes from freezing, you are well on your way to avoiding the pressure of an ice buildup inside.

Running pipes through rooms, open to the warm air of the home, is also a good way to prevent ice buildup. It keeps the ambient temperature above freezing so that the pipes don’t burst when the water inside cools too far.

If you have an outside tap, it’ll be vulnerable to freezing. So it’s a good idea to shut off the supply to the tap in winter, but ensure that the tap itself is left open. That way, any residual water or dampness will be able to drip away of its own accord, rather than being allowed to build up.

If you leave your home unattended, never turn the heating completely off. Some central heating systems have a setting to maintain a certain amount of warmth. If yours doesn’t, setting it on the lowest possible heat is a good idea to prevent freezing. You may wish to leave all of the doors open, including the doors to your attic space, so that the air can circulate and prevent cold pockets from forming.

Final Thoughts


If you’ve never reviewed the quality of the plumbing around your home, it’s a good idea to invest time over the warmer months. Check the depth of any pipes underground, ensure that lagging is present and of a good quality, and inspect the pipes for any signs of loose joints or weakness.

*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.

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