Hollywood trends causing more leaks in the bathroom

• UK bath showrooms report a 12 per cent increase in people wanting to install two toilets in the same bathroom
• 10 per cent increase in people wanting to install urinals in their home bathrooms 
• The increase in multiple toilets and sinks requires more complex plumbing and households are at an increased risk of leaks and floods
• Direct Line is launching an augmented reality experience at Kings Cross station highlighting the damage escape of water can do to a property
  
  

Dual toilets is the latest Hollywood trend to make its way across the pond, according to new research¹ from Direct Line Home Insurance.

To accommodate this latest ‘must have’, bath stores² have seen a 12 per cent increase in people installing two toilets in the same bathroom over the last year. Spice Girl Mel B famously showcased her two toilets in one bathroom on TV programme MTV Cribs.

As bathroom trends in the UK are rapidly evolving, bath stores are reporting a 10 per cent increase in customers wanting to install a urinal in their home. More than a quarter (27 per cent) of Brits are open to the idea of having a bathroom urinal with the reasons including men prefer them, they are more convenient and they improve cleanliness.

Research amongst bath showrooms reveals dual toilets and urinals are not the only trends key tends in home design. In the last 12 months alone, there has been an 85 per cent increase in demand for rain showers. Other fashionable additions include free standing baths (80 per cent), heated towel rails (77 per cent), separate baths and showers (76 per cent), tiled in pipework (73 per cent) and two sinks (65 per cent).
 

Dan Simson, head of home insurance at Direct Line, commented:“While seen as a sign of a luxury bathroom, the increase in multiple toilets and sinks does have a down side, as more complex plumbing is required and households are at an increased risk of leaks. We are seeing more claims than ever as fashionable bathrooms with tiled in plumbing means issues go unidentified for longer and subsequently repairs are more expensive than when the pipes are visible and easily accessible.”   

When asked about their perfect bathroom Brits rated their top five luxuries as:

1.         Heated towel rails

2.         Separate bath and showers

3.         Jacuzzi baths

4.         Rain showers

5.         Tiled in pipework

Source:  Direct Line Home Insurance 2018
 

Consumers concerned about the impact of the escape of water in their property can take advantage of Direct Line Home Plus which includes Emergency Plumber cover, with no excess to pay. The service ensures a plumber attends a customer’s property within three hours to address unstoppable leaks, following an incident such as a burst pipe. Direct Line will pay up to £500 (including VAT) for emergency assistance to cover the cost of the call-out, labour at the customer’s home, and parts to fix the leak.
 

For water leaks that can be contained by turning off the water supply, Direct Line will still ensure an Emergency Plumber is sent to the property at a time convenient for the householder.  Customers also benefit from no excess charges for plumber call outs and unlimited call outs during their policy period.
 

To highlight the damage water can cause to properties Direct Line is launching an augmented reality experience at Kings Cross station on 19th January 2018.  Commuters and passers-by in the station will be virtually submerged by burst pipes, overflowing taps and baths. 
 

- ENDS -
 

Notes to Editors

• ¹Research carried out by Opinium amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,008 UK adults between 12 to 15 January 2018
• ²Independent research amongst 77 bath stores across the UK 11 to 16 January 2018 
   

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster

Deputy head of news 

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 672

Email: claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Antonia Green

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Antonia.green@citigatedewerogerson.co.ukm

0207 282 2967
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting