Families argue five times a week over trivial issues

Families argue five times a week on average – mostly over such issues as keeping the house tidy and turning the heating on, research claims.

The average British household has around 260 rows a year, taking up a total of 180 hours, a survey found. 

The most common cause of bickering was messiness, cited by 42 per cent, followed by doing the chores at 27 per cent. 

Leaving lights on sparked rows in 26 per cent of homes, turning on the heating in 17 per cent and not putting the toilet seat down in 14 per cent.

Wasting food triggered quarrels in 20 per cent of families and paying bills in 19 per cent. 

Other areas of conflict included taking too long in the shower (11 per cent) and leaving taps running (10 per cent).

The most common cause of bickering was messiness, cited by 42 per cent, followed by doing the chores at 27 per cent (stock image)

The average household spends 17 minutes debating what to watch on TV – and 68 per cent admit they end up watching something they do not want to see.

The survey of 2,000 adults, conducted by Smart Energy GB, the campaign to encourage the use of smart meters, found that control of the thermostat is a major issue. A third want to turn up the temperature as soon it feels cold, while a quarter say others want the heating on too early. More than half admit to becoming more eco-conscious as a result of activists such as Greta Thunberg.

When asked what could help to solve domestic disputes, the main suggestions were talking more (29 per cent) and everyone pulling their weight (37 per cent).