Bathroom Expiration Date
How to prolong the life of your bathroom
Buying new products for your bathroom can be a daunting task, but so can understanding how to care for them. Guidelines for maintaining your bathroom can differ depending on each element or individual accessory, as well as how they’ve been fitted, cleaned and used. Working with our stockists and bathroom installer specialists, we’ve created a handy visual guide to show how long each part should last and what you should be doing to make it last even longer.
Just click on each of the appliances below to find out how you can prolong the life of your bathroom. We’ve included cleaning tips, installation guidelines and the types of damage you should be looking out for to keep your bathroom looking good as new.
1. Sink
How long it should last
10+ years
How to make it last longer
A ceramic basin will only need replacing if cracks form within the glaze – be careful not to drop any heavy items directly into the sink. A resin basin is less likely to crack but is more likely to scratch. Avoid using anything abrasive to clean resin basins. When installing a new sink, ensure that it has a proper wall fixture and the silicon lining around the sink is secure. This will prevent bacteria build-up and any leaks. Regularly pour hot soapy water down the drain during your general clean to prevent build-up of grime.
2. Taps
How long it should last
5+ years
How to make it last longer
Keep taps clean and scale free by staying on top of general cleaning. Be careful not to be too heavy handed when using taps as the washers can become worn and may begin leaking. Taps can have their washers replaced if they begin leaking. Taps can easily be replaced if you want to update the look of your bathroom.
3. Shower Head
How long it should last
1+ years
How to make it last longer
Maintaining the quality of your shower head will depend largely on whether you have hard or soft water in your area. Hard water can cause the shower head to scale up, which stops them working effectively. You can install a water softener to prevent limescale build-up. In soft water areas, regular cleaning will help to prolong the life of your shower head. Shower heads are relatively easy and cheap to replace, so you can keep your shower looking fresh.
4. Shower Tray
How long it should last
10+ years
How to make it last longer
When the tray is fitted, ensure the silicone sealant is installed evenly and correctly. Shower trays should last for well over 10 years if dropping heavy items onto them is avoided. Warm soapy water is best for cleaning shower trays, and abrasive cleaners such as bleach, should not be used. Shower wastes and traps will build up with hair or grime over time. Regularly remove hair from the drain and pour hot soapy water down the waste. Over time, the sealant may begin to break down, so regularly check it and replace if you notice the silicone sealant coming away.
5. Shower Enclosure
How long it should last
10+ years, dependent on model
How to make it last longer
Avoid using abrasive cleaners to clean the shower enclosure, such as bleach. Regularly clean the glass to prevent residue build-up. Instead, use a squeegee to regularly wipe away excess water from the glass to prevent residue build-up, before using a microfibre cloth to dry any chrome/metal parts. You can also oil the hinge of an enclosure door for ease of use. If possible, remove rubber seals to clean and prevent bacteria build-up or discolouration. Ensure the silicone sealant is applied correctly at time of installation and regularly check the sealant for any signs of erosion.
6. Electric Shower
How long it should last
2+ years
How to make it last longer
Electric showers can be affected by limescale build-up. The level of build-up will depend on the hard or soft water in your area. If you live in a hard water area, consider a water softener to prevent excess limescale. At time of purchase, register your shower for guarantee as this will cover the product under warranty if any problems occur – Mira Showers has a two-year warranty for electric showers. Cleaning your shower head regularly will prevent any blockages within the shower hose and replace the shower head or hose to maintain good performance.
7. Shower Seat
How long it should last
1+ years
How to make it last longer
At time of installation, ensure the shower seat is fixed solidly to the wall. Consider a metal frame solution if the seat will be taking heavy weight. Check the maximum weight restrictions before installing. Avoid using abrasive cleaners to clean the seat. Instead, warm soapy water can be used for cleaning down the shower seat, and regularly oiling moving parts will ease use.
8. Bath
How long it should last
10+ years
How to make it last longer
A well fitted bath at installation will dictate its longevity. Ensure there is no movement when installed and check the mastic seal around the bath has been done neatly and correctly. Clean the bath regularly and check the sealant for splitting or mildew. Bath wastes are either sprung or pop up with a lever system. Regular maintenance and removing any hair build-up from the waste will help your bath last longer.
9. Heated Towel Rail
How long it should last
10+ years, dependent on model
How to make it last longer
Towel rails vary in price and quality. Cheaper towel rails tend to rust quickly., whereas high quality towel rails with secure wall fittings will last much longer. Ensure that the heating system is clean and always add an inhibitor chemical to the water - this will protect it from corrosion. An annual service to the boiler will make sure the heating system water is clean and clear of sludge.
10. Toilet Bowl and Cistern
How long it should last
10+ years
How to make it last longer
Ensure the cistern is flat to the wall and securely fixed at point of installation. Do not use toilet cleaner in the cistern as this may damage the float and flush valves. Ball valves and syphons can be removed and washed, but can also be replaced regularly at an affordable cost. Keep the toilet bowl clean by using a toilet brush and bleach.
11. Toilet Seat
How long it should last
5+ years
How to make it last longer
Install your toilet seat with metal brackets instead of plastic ones. These are much more durable and will make your toilet seat last longer. If it becomes loose, it can be tightened manually, whereas if the fixing breaks or the soft close function no longer works, you will need to replace the whole toilet seat. Most toilet seats are removable – it’s good practice to remove the seat regularly to give the components a good clean.
12. Toilet Roll Fixture
How long it should last
5+ years
How to make it last longer
The toilet roll fixture can be wiped clean with a cloth, though abrasive cleaning products are not advised. A good fixing at installation is vital to ensure it is securely fastened to the wall. If the fixture becomes loose, tighten the fixture or replace with a new one. Install a grab rail nearby if you have mobility issues or elderly relatives to prevent them from using the toilet roll fixture for support.
13. Fan
How long it should last
5+ years
How to make it last longer
Use an electrician to install the fan correctly. Familiarise yourself with the regulations that cover fans and their positioning in the home. Keep the vent clean and regularly clear of dust and debris. When it is safe to do so and electricity is turned off, remove the vent face and soak in hot soapy water. This will provide a deep clean and keep your vent clean for longer, but ensure all elements are bone dry before reassembling and turning back on.
14. Grab Rails
How long it should last
1+ years
How to make it last longer
Ensure the grab rails are well fixed and fitted solidly at the point of installation. Carefully consider the positioning of the grab rails to make sure they can be easily reached. Keep the rails clean by wiping with warm soapy water, instead of using abrasive cleaners such as bleach, to prevent breaking down the material.
15. Paintwork
How long it should last
5+ years
How to make it last longer
A bathroom must be well ventilated to maintain the quality of any paintwork. Extraction and ventilation via a bathroom fan is very important to prevent the paintwork becoming damp, peeling or mould growth. Waterproof wipe paints are advised for bathrooms. These paints are designed for the hot and humid environment of a bathroom.
16. Tiles
How long it should last
10+ years
How to make it last longer
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are extremely durable. Natural stone tiles will need more care and very careful sealing. Every tile will come with specific care instructions which must be followed at installation. Wipe tiles down in wet areas after use and keep the grout clean with bathroom tile cleaner. If grout begins to break down, re-grouting is essential to avoid any serious water damage.
17. Lighting
How long it should last
5-10+
How to make it last longer
Light bulbs may need to be replaced, but light fixtures should last for years if fitted correctly. Use high quality fixtures and a qualified electrician to help install the lights. Bathroom lights must be IP rated for bathrooms and additional care for lighting will be dependent on the model. Depending on the lighting type, covers may be removable and accessible for regular cleaning.
18. Flooring
How long it should last
10+ years
How to make it last longer
Flooring should be measured and fitted correctly. If you suspect that you’re working with an off-level foundation, you can get it ready for installation quickly by using a floor levelling compound. Simply mix up the compound, pour it over the subfloor and wait for it to fill in the lowest spots. You can then smooth it out using a hand trowel and sand the entire surface. Regularly hoover and wipe down flooring to prevent any staining. Ensure an appropriate material is used, such as laminate flooring.
If you follow the advice from our experts, you will be able to enjoy bath and shower time in the knowledge that your appliances will last for many years.
All Mira products are manufactured to the highest standards, but sometimes even the highest quality products can go wrong. That’s why all our products have the benefit of our manufacturer’s guarantee, meaning that all Mira Showers appliances are covered. For example, our unique choice of shower heads are not only engineered to provide your ideal showering experience but are also under guarantee for up to one year after purchase. To see how long your products are covered for, see our guarantee promise page.
Are you an expert Installer? We design all our products with the professional in mind. Like you, we believe that all our customers deserve a reliable and efficient product installation. Find information about our training programme, helpful tips and bespoke installation methods on our professional installer zone.