Safety
When Not to DIY: Safety Rules for Gas, Electricity and More
The jobs that should always go to a professional, the warning signs to stop on, and how LiveFix AI is designed to push you toward safety.
By LiveFix AI Team · October 2, 2026 · 5 min read
The point of a repair assistant is to save you money and hassle, not to talk you into something dangerous. Knowing when to stop is part of being good at DIY.
Call a professional for these
- Gas appliances and gas pipework. Boilers, cookers, hobs, gas dryers and anything that smells of gas.
- Mains wiring. Consumer units, sockets that run hot, new circuits, anything inside a wall.
- Water heaters and pressure systems where scalding or bursting is a risk.
- Roofs, ladders at height and structural work.
- Airbags, braking and steering systems on vehicles.
- Swollen or damaged lithium batteries.
Warning signs: stop immediately
- A smell of gas, burning, or hot plastic.
- Sparks, scorch marks, or a buzzing sound from a socket.
- Water near electrics, or a trip switch that keeps tripping.
- A heated panel or a hot swollen battery.
The golden rules for everything else
- Switch it off at the wall, and unplug it, before opening anything.
- Isolate water and gas supplies before touching pipework.
- Wear eye protection for anything that can chip, spray or spring.
- Take photos before you take things apart.
- If you feel unsure, stop. A pause costs nothing.
How LiveFix AI handles safety
LiveFix AI is designed to flag risks such as electricity and gas, and to recommend a professional when a job is beyond DIY. It is still an AI that can make mistakes, so use your own judgement and follow manufacturer instructions and local regulations.
A good use of the AI on risky jobs
You can still use it to prepare for a professional: describe and show the problem so you can explain it clearly, learn what questions to ask, and judge whether a quote is reasonable. See Repair or Replace?.
Questions about a specific job? Ask LiveFix AI.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I smell gas?
Do not use switches. Open windows, leave the building and call your gas emergency number from outside.
Can LiveFix AI help with jobs I should not do myself?
Yes. It can help you describe the problem, learn what to ask and judge a quote, while recommending a professional for the work.
Is the AI always right about safety?
No. It can make mistakes. Use your own judgement and follow manufacturer instructions and local regulations.
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