Study Shows Average UK Homeowner Spend On Bathroom Fixtures

• Interactive tool shows the average lifespan of all aspects of a bathroom’s fixtures and accessories – from toilet roll holders to shower heads.
• London residents spend £1,118 each year on replacing and fixing bathroom fixtures.
• Almost a third (27.77%) of Brits will take fewer baths and showers due to rising energy, water and gas costs.
• Wales and Northern Ireland residents can go an entire year without calling out professional plumbing assistance.

In parts of the UK, homeowners spend more than £1,000 annually on replacing bathroom fixtures. Understanding how to care for them helps avoid excess costs, which is especially important given the rising cost of living. Our guide outlines best practices for taking care of your bathroom accessories and recommended fitting and replacement times.

Mira Showers worked with a host of expert bathroom installers to gain their insights on how long on average all the key parts of a bathroom last – so you can discover your own bathroom’s expiration date.

Within the tool, you can click on any part of the bathroom to reveal just how long that fixture or accessory is likely to last and discover hints and tips on how to care for your bathroom to extend its life expectancy. For example, a toilet seat should last for over 5 years while taps should last for 10 or more years. 

Londoners spend £1,118 each year on replacing and fixing bathroom fixtures while southwest of the UK spend on average just £531

London residents spend the most on replacing and fixing bathroom fixtures, accumulating to an average of £1,118 each year. The southwest of the UK is the savviest with bathroom upkeep, spending less than half this figure on average at just £531. Residents in Cardiff and Birmingham require a plumber the most often, with 5% requesting these services daily.

In terms of professional maintenance, residents in the northeast require a plumber the most frequently – every six months on average. On the other hand, residents in Wales and Northern Ireland can go an entire year without calling out professional plumbing assistance, requiring a plumber every 13 months on average. Surprisingly, almost 20% of Brits have never had an experience that requires a plumber.

Younger generations are the most likely to renovate for material reasons, with over 23% replacing accessories when they are outdated, compared to 18% of the overall population

But why are we replacing our bathroom fixtures – for necessity or aesthetic purposes? The vast majority of replacements are made when fixtures are broken, according to 46% of the population. Younger generations are the most likely to renovate and replace fixtures for material reasons, with over 23% replacing accessories when they are outdated, compared to 18% of the overall population. 

20% of women are more inclined to replace fixtures when redecorating, while 17% of men tend to replace them when they’re outdated or faulty.  

Generally, it is time to consider a bathroom remodel or fixture replacement once any damage is observed. Prolonging this could mean paying more to fix additional issues.  

Bathroom wall shower panels are the most expensive fixture to replace, costing an average of £652 to install. Mirrors are the least costly to replace, costing just £105 on average. However, with Brits cleaning their bathroom mirrors just four times a year, they may need replacing more frequently, which can add up.  

With the rising cost of living across the UK, bathroom upkeep matters more than ever. Almost 40% of Brits will change how often they replace bathroom fixtures amid the cost of living crisis.   

38% of brits will replace bath towels less frequently, while 37% of Brits will be more stringent in purchasing hand soap and green cleaning supplies. The northeast will make fewer changes in light of rising costs, with 40% of respondents admitting they will not change anything.  

Almost a third (27.77%) of Brits will take fewer baths and showers due to rising energy, water and gas costs. This figure rises even further to 50% among women. Plymouth is the city that will shorten its showers the most, with 60% of residents saying they will spend less time showering due to rising energy costs. 

45% of men never run out of toilet rolls, compared to 31 % of women. A further 70% of Brits over the age of 55+ have a consistent stock and never run out of toilet rolls. Residents in Wales run out of toilet rolls the most, with 6% running out daily. Northern Ireland is the most stocked up, running out of toilet paper the least often.  

Fixtures and fittings will eventually have to be replaced, but there are several ways that we can extend our bathroom’s lifespan. According to Alex Hyslop, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Mira Showers: 

“Our bathroom is one of the most used rooms in our house by occupants and guests alike. So, we must take care of all aspects and repair them as needed. 

While every bathroom differentiates in furniture, hardware and appliances, good care and maintenance will mean most of the fittings can last up to ten years before replacements and upgrades are required. 

Bathrooms are designed to endure significant wear and tear, but without regular cleaning, even the most durable parts will become damaged and worn down.” 

Whether you are considering a complete remodel or minor bathroom replacements or switching to digital showers or mixer showers, consult with our installation experts at Mira Showers to ensure you get the most out of an upgrade. 

As well as the tool, Mira Showers has also collected advice and tips from all the bathroom experts on how to extend your bathroom’s lifespan.

For more information please visit: https://www.mirashowers.co.uk/blog/trends/bathroom-expiration-date/

Source : Mira Showers

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.