Life’s biggest inconveniences are queue-jumpers, poor Wi-Fi and boiler breakdowns

A poll of 2,000 adults uncovered the top 50 things that irritate people when they’re trying to get on with their dayA poll of 2,000 adults uncovered the top 50 things that irritate people when they’re trying to get on with their day
A poll of 2,000 adults uncovered the top 50 things that irritate people when they’re trying to get on with their day | Gas Safe Register
Life’s biggest inconveniences include queue-jumpers, poor Wi-Fi and boiler breakdowns, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults uncovered the top 50 things that irritate people when they’re trying to get on with their day – with struggling to find the end of the sticky tape and getting a wobbly and loud trolley at the supermarket also making the list.

While 37 per cent find themselves annoyed when it rains after they’ve hung washing out on the line, 14 per cent have been left having to endure a cold shower thanks to their boiler packing in. 

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But 40 per cent claim something always breaks when they’re having a ‘skint month’ and can’t afford to get it fixed or replaced. 

It also emerged 36 per cent feel these daily inconveniences have a knock-on effect for the rest of their day.

To mark this year’s Gas Safety Week, Gas Safe Register - which commissioned the research – has released a new tongue-in-cheek public service-style announcement film to bring to life the consequences and impact on people’s day-to-day lives ‘when the gas goes’ at home.

Actor Will Mellor, who narrated the new film, said: “Why does it always feel like things go wrong at the worst moment? I’ve been caught out myself, coming back from a holiday to find out the boiler had packed in, it was Baltic.

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“Have to admit, I didn’t realise you needed to get all of your gas appliances safety checked once a year, but now I know why staying on top of this is so important. You'll be less likely to run into issues and any faults can be fixed before they become more expensive problems.”

Gas Safe Register has released a new tongue-in-cheek public service-style announcement film to bring to life the consequences and impact on people’s day-to-day lives ‘when the gas goes’ at homeGas Safe Register has released a new tongue-in-cheek public service-style announcement film to bring to life the consequences and impact on people’s day-to-day lives ‘when the gas goes’ at home
Gas Safe Register has released a new tongue-in-cheek public service-style announcement film to bring to life the consequences and impact on people’s day-to-day lives ‘when the gas goes’ at home | Gas Safety Register

Things going wrong at the worst moment

The study also found 46 per cent have up to four inconvenient things happen to them a week.

But 67 per cent believe being a little more organised ahead of time can help avoid problems happening.

When things do go wrong, 38 per cent of people react by swearing, 32 per cent moan to others while 28 per cent take deep breaths.

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Household appliances breaking down and not working properly is the cause of the biggest inconveniences in life (39 per cent), followed by technology (31 per cent).

A quarter also said their boiler always breaks down at the worst possible time.

Yet 22 per cent have not had their gas appliances serviced in the past year, which can help to prevent breakdowns as well as ensure they’re running safely.

It was also found 24 per cent claim the biggest mishaps in life happen at home compared to when they’re out and about.

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The washing machine (45 per cent), gas boiler (38 per cent) and central heating (29 per cent) are revealed as the biggest problems in the home.

The study by Onepoll found 13 per cent currently have a malfunctioning appliance they’re still using in their home.

And 18 per cent will wait up to two weeks before trying to get that appliance fixed.

The film created by Gas Safe Register seeks to remind householders of the importance of getting their gas appliances safety checked annually.

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Rob Denman, head of professional and field services at Gas Safe Register, added: “Small inconveniences – like when the boiler breaks down or when the wi fi cuts out when you’re in the middle of working, really can put a dampener on your day, especially when they accumulate.

“However, being prepared in advance can help avoid the potential of many issues occurring – as has been indicated by the research.

“Ultimately, while minor inconveniences are a part of life, taking proactive steps such as getting an annual gas safety check, can help minimise their impact and keep our homes running smoothly.”

40 per cent of people claim something always breaks when they’re having a ‘skint month’ and can’t afford to get it fixed or replaced40 per cent of people claim something always breaks when they’re having a ‘skint month’ and can’t afford to get it fixed or replaced
40 per cent of people claim something always breaks when they’re having a ‘skint month’ and can’t afford to get it fixed or replaced | Shutterstock

50 of life's biggest inconveniences: 

  1. People pushing-in in a queue
  2. Needing the toilet but can’t find a public loo/no loos open
  3. Wi-fi cutting out
  4. Raining when the washing has just been hung on the line
  5. Public transport not turning up on time or at all
  6. Boiler breaking down leaving the household no heating, especially during the colder/winter months
  7. Leaving something in a pocket when putting clothes through the wash
  8. Staining a favourite item of clothing with food
  9. Struggling to find the end of a roll of sticky tape
  10. Holding the door open for someone who doesn’t say thank-you
  11. Getting stuck at every red traffic light
  12. Getting splashed by a vehicle when walking
  13. Getting stuck behind a cyclist when driving
  14. Getting a wobbly or loud trolley at the supermarket
  15. Drivers not saying thank-you when you let them out
  16. Locking yourself out of your home
  17. An engine light flashing up on the car dashboard when about to drive somewhere
  18. Having to pay for someone to come and fix something which only takes a few minutes
  19. Getting stuck behind a bin lorry when driving
  20. Discovering the milk in the fridge has gone off
  21. Light bulb blowing and not having the correct replacement
  22. Needing to reset all digital clocks after a power cut
  23. A laptop/computer automatically restarting without a warning
  24. An unexpected bill leaving your bank account
  25. Colour running in the washing machine
  26. Food exploding in the microwave
  27. Alarm clock not going off
  28. Forgetting an umbrella when it’s raining
  29. Forgetting to pack a specific item for a holiday
  30. Being late for work due to no fault of your own
  31. Realising the clothes you want to wear are in the wash
  32. The temperature being too hot or too cold e.g. in the workplace
  33. A pen running out of ink when taking important notes
  34. An online bus/tube timeline not matching up with the actual times
  35. Boiling the kettle and not having enough water for all the drink requests
  36. Accidentally burning toast
  37. Getting caught in rain after washing or styling hair
  38. A biscuit breaking off in a cup of tea or coffee
  39. Gas stove/oven packing in unexpectedly when going to cook
  40. Having to have a cold shower as the boiler has stopped working
  41. Loud building works going on when working from home
  42. A video call freezing
  43. Realising the item of clothing picked to wear needs ironing
  44. A load of washing not fitting on the airer
  45. Accidentally reading a message on WhatsApp but not being ready to reply
  46. Shower or bath not working on hair wash night
  47. Forgetting a poo bag when walking the dog
  48. Neighbour’s dog barking when working from home
  49. Waiting ages for the bathroom in your home
  50. A work meeting being put in the diary for 5pm

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