The Block’s Scott Cam has come forward with a raft of cost saving maintenance hacks that he says could save homeowners thousands of dollars.

The 62-year-old TV host and former tradie pointed out ways to avoid burst water pipes, which, according to a fresh survey by Allianz Insurance, have cost Aussies $864 million over the last year.

Describing the new stats as ‘astounding’, Scott said that simple things like checking the condition of the bathroom and kitchen sink plumbing were a way to avoid catastrophe.

And in his familiar no-nonsense style, the one-time carpenter also slammed homeowners for not taking sufficient care.

‘People are walking out the door for long European holidays without checking their gutters, their drains, or the flexi-hose under their sink, and they come home to (major) damage,’ he told the Daily Telegraph on Thursday.’

‘If you’re home, you can obviously turn the water off, but often these leaks happen while people are away,’ he said.

The Block’s Scott Cam has come forward with a raft of cost saving maintenance hacks that he says could save homeowners thousands of dollars. Pictured: Scott Cam and Shelley Craft

Scott told the Daily Telegraph that people are walking out the door for long European holidays without checking their gutters, their drains only to come home to find (major) damage

Scott added that shutting off water supply after a DIY meter could avoid hidden leaks that could, if unchecked, end in wallet bursting repairs.

He added that leaving off the water supply for a few hours would reveal any issues.

‘You’ll know there is a hidden leak if the water reading has changed. Sometimes the meter might only move slightly, but it’s a great way to see if you have a small drip somewhere,’ he explained.

Scott also suggested other damage-avoiding tips such checking to make sure garden hoses are not left tangled as well as making sure kitchen sink flexi hoses are secure.

It comes after filming on Channel Nine’s The Block got underway in regional Victoria in March after Nine allegedly hit a serious snag ahead of production.

An industry insider exclusively told Daily Mail Australia that cameras were set to roll in Daylesford in January but was held up until March.

Our source revealed that producers are less-than-enamoured with the crop of contestants who applied for the show’s 21st season.

They claimed casting producers have been in crisis meetings with Nine executives because they are so far unhappy with the presented line-up for 2025.

The TV host and former tradie pointed out ways to avoid burst water pipes, which, according to a fresh survey by Allianz Insurance, have cost Aussies $864 million over the last year

‘There are desperate measures being made to get the show right for the next series,’ the source said.

‘There has been a noticeable absence of what Channel Nine were interested in showcasing later this year.’

The source said Nine was interested in attracting ‘older and wiser’ contestants for 2025, in a bid to move away from on screen drama that has become a fixture on the show in recent seasons.

Much of the 2024 season was dominated by the controversial ‘flirtgate scandal’ involving married couple Brad and Kylie Baker, and their co-star Mimi Belperio.

Daly Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.

This season contestants will have to build their luxury homes completely from scratch in a new plotline that is sure to inject even more tension into the already time-pressured and stressful builds.

According to Realestate.com.au, planning documents submitted to Hepburn Shire Council include five new plots that will provide a starting-off point for contestants.

Previously, Blockheads have been tasked with renovating an existing property or, in the case of the 2022 season, renovating homes that were shipped into the Gisborne site.

In a huge challenge, the 2025 contestants will be required to complete the shell of a five-bedroom floor plan, including a study, living area and a garage.

The properties will also include other lavish amenities including a covered outdoor area and a heated swimming pool.

The documents, which were submitted by Group Architects, also suggest that the five homes will be near-identical two-storey eco friendly developments.