In today's fast-paced world, multitasking has become second nature, even in the bathroom. Our research revealed that 38% of UK adults – that’s around 21 million people – use their mobile phones on the toilet.
And if that wasn’t shocking enough, an astonishing 5,500 phones are dropped into the loo every day, that’s over two million devices a year!
It’s not just mobile phones, either.
Although they top the list of items lost to the porcelain abyss, there are many other bathroom casualties. Books, e-readers, headphones, laptops, tablets, watches, and even toys have met their fate in a similar way.
The study highlights that 10% of Brits read books or e-readers and 6% of us use laptops or tablets while on the toilet, which brings a whole new perspective to online meetings.
What would you do?
When disaster strikes, how do most people react? Well, 40% of us admit to retrieving a dropped item with our bare hands, while others rely on tools like coat hangers or tongs. Some people go all out and call in professional help.
What’s the true cost of bathroom blunders?
The financial impact of this kind of mishap is eye-watering. With the average smartphone costing around £500, the annual cost of replacing them comes to around £1 billion. We’re literally flushing money down the toilet.
And that doesn't account for other valuables like watches or tablets. Plus, it doesn’t include potential plumbing repair costs from blocked pipes, leaks and failed attempts to retrieve valuables.
Safety tips for the bathroom
To minimise the risk of losing your tech down the toilet, consider the following:
Establish a safe zone
Designate a specific area away from the toilet to place items like phones, books or watches before attending to nature's call. Ask yourself whether you really need your phone with you everywhere you go.
Use bathroom storage
Shelves or cabinets are great, secure places for your valuables. If you’re listening to a podcast or watching a movie, prop your phone safely on a shelf to reduce the temptation to hold it or balance it precariously on the edge of the bath.
Stay mindful
Avoid multitasking in the bathroom. Focusing solely on the task at hand can prevent accidents. If you’re old enough to remember a time before smartphones, you’ll recall how entertaining the side of a shampoo bottle can be. Maybe it’s time to reinstate the retro bathroom visit?
Secure loose items
Make sure items like jewellery and watches are securely fastened or removed before entering the bathroom. If you’re midway through getting changed and think “I’ll finish putting my watch on while I’m on the loo,” think again.
Think before you flush
Many Brits are guilty of flushing items down the toilet that really should go nowhere near the loo. Things like kitchen roll, baby wipes and sanitary products can cause major plumbing issues over time, so don’t do it. Even dental floss can build up, leading to costly repairs.
What should you do if you drop your phone down the loo?
If you can easily reach your phone and it’s not disappeared round the u-bend, you can try to rescue it yourself. But if it’s not a straight-forward splash and grab, we recommend you seek professional help.
Accidents happen, and when they do, having comprehensive home insurance can provide peace of mind. Policies that include contents cover may protect against accidental damage to personal belongings, including those unexpectedly lost to the toilet.
Other policies will offer accidental damage or emergency cover as an add-on. The only way to know whether you’re covered for this kind of incident is to check your policy details or speak to your insurer.
