Bad Loos, Bad Business: Why Drainage Maintenance Is Essential in Hospitality
Bad Loos Mean Bad Business: Why Drainage Maintenance is Essential for Hospitality
Let’s talk about Loos. We know they can be a bit of a sticky subject, and drainage maintenance isn’t something discussed in polite circles but the state of your WC could be sending your business down the tubes. New research from loo roll brand “Who Gives a Crap” has revealed some surprising facts about the effect the state of your khazi can have on your customers.
- 76% of hospitality customers believe that toilet conditions reflect the overall hygiene standards of the venue – if the loos are gross then what’s the kitchen like?
- 61% of customers would never return to a restaurant, bar, pub or cafe if the toilet experience was bad.
Simply put, bad loos and poor drainage maintenance will leave your customers down in the dumps. Butt it’s not all bad news—a good toilet experience can really change the way people feel about your entire business.
- 71% of customers are more likely to return if the bathroom’s up to scratch
- 67% would recommend the venue to a friend if it has nice loos
- 50% would be more likely to leave a tip
The team at "Who Gives a Crap" have lifted the lid on their golden rules for creating top-notch toilets your customers won’t forget.
Clean it like you mean it.
Restock regularly.
Make sure you’ve got a hand-drying option.
Upgrading your loo with modern fixtures, colourful tiles, fun signage or a cheeky mirror adds some ooh to your loo.
Tight toilets can be a turn-off. Roomy cubicles and lots of mirrors are an easy way to win over customers.
Add low lighting, soft background music, and subtle scents with a diffuser or candle so your loo isn’t giving “public bathroom” vibes.
You can tell a lot about a business by their loo roll. You don’t have to buy quad-quilted silk feel sheets but ditch the 1-ply prison issue.
Add some heating or ventilation to keep the temperature just right all year round.
Thoughtful touches like grab rails and lower sinks can help make loos accessible for all.
Small touches make a big difference. Consider providing some extras like hair dryers, free period products, emergency deodorant or tissues
Now here at AM Planned, our drainage maintenance team would like to add a few more things to this Bloo-Print.
- Don’t flush away your success
Every restaurant has that one loo—the one that never flushes properly or is constantly getting blocked. It might be tempting to ignore it, but as we mentioned earlier, a poor bathroom experience can seriously affect customer satisfaction. And let’s be honest, your bar staff won’t be thrilled about having to grab the plunger every other shift.
- The Writings (not) on the Wall:
Whilst everyone enjoys something to read on the toilet, bathroom graffiti can drag ruin the ambience. Keep the walls fresh by painting them with an anti-graffiti paint and cleaning them regularly.
- Let it Flow:
Aside from toilets that won’t flush, few things frustrate customers more than taps that don’t work, blast out scalding water, or require a manual to operate. No one wants their fingers roasted by a high-tech, touch-sensitive waterfall tap. What your customers really want is simple: a working tap with a steady flow of reasonably warm water. Easy
So there you have it—proof that your loos deserve a little more love. They may not be the most glamorous part of your business, but they do have the power to make or break a customer’s experience. With just a bit of attention, regular drainage maintenance, and a few thoughtful touches, your bathroom can go from a back-of-house afterthought to a front-of-mind brand booster.
At AM Planned Maintenance, we know the devil’s in the (often damp) details. Whether it's fixing that one rogue toilet, upgrading fixtures, or helping you stay on top of regular upkeep—we’re here to help your facilities reflect the high standards your customers expect.
Because when it comes to customer experience, it all comes back to the loo.
PS: All the puns intended.