A survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Triton Showers has found that in the bathroom, homeowners expect a shower to work for eight and a half years, running twice a day and a toilet for six and a half years.
Despite 11% claiming they replace bathroom taps at the first sign of wear, the surveyed homeowners believe a new set should operate for almost a decade. Meanwhile, the average washing machine will keep going for seven years and two months before breaking down, with dishwashers functioning for six years and eight months.
Commenting on the findings, Tina Simpson, spokesperson for Triton Showers, said: “Bathroom products are expected to last a little longer, on average, than anything else in the home. But these items – the shower, taps and toilet – are often used by the whole family multiple times per day, meaning they get more usage than items such as the washing machine.
“It is important consumers feel like they’re getting something for the bathroom, which will stand the test of time. They also need to know that when a product or appliance does break, spare parts can easily be found to fix it. When it comes to the end of use, being aware that the unit can be disposed of responsibly is also key.”
According to the OnePoll figures, more than three quarters of adults will use an appliance until it’s beyond repair before replacing it.
Tina added: “It was reassuring to see that the majority of households would try to fix an appliance before substituting it, which is really important in order to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill unnecessarily.
“When choosing an item for the home, I’d always recommend checking that it is covered by a guarantee and ensuring that the manufacturer recycles old parts, where possible. There are also steps that can be taken to make appliances perform longer. For example, those living in a hard water area can install a water softener or scale reducer can help extend the life of showers, washing machines and dishwashers.”