Installing a shower in your home can be an exciting project, and it is a multifaceted process that is rewarding in the end. However, there are several factors to consider. Some of them include the type and size of shower you choose and additional plumbing work to be done. These factors, along with others, directly affect the total cost of shower installation.
The larger the shower you choose, the more time the plumber needs to install it. Also, the type of shower you choose will determine how many plumbers you need for the job.
The time frame for a new shower installation job can be anything from two hours to two days. Again, this is dependent on multiple factors. Installing a new power shower, for example, might take up to two days. Furthermore, installation, supply, and labour costs also vary with the type of shower you choose.
The average fee for a plumber may also vary depending on your location. For example, some parts of London have significantly higher rates than others.
This guide comprehensively covers the details you need to know before installing a shower in 2022. It provides information about the installation cost, factors that affect that cost, how to cut down cost, the best choices of showers, how to find a professional installer, and more.
How Much Does A Shower Installation Cost?
As mentioned, the installation cost of a new shower depends on the type of shower you choose. There are typically five types of showers; mixer, electric, power, thermostatic, and digital showers. Some of these showers cost significantly more than others.
In addition, installation cost depends on any additional services that the plumber may need to render. Additional services can be anything from tiling to pipe work.
| TYPE OF SHOWER | ESTIMATED SUPPLY AND LABOUR COSTS | DURATION OF INSTALLATION |
| Mixer showers | £50 – £250 | 8 hours |
| Electric showers | £150 – £350 | 8 hours |
| Power showers | £180 – £400 | >8 hours |
| Thermostatic showers | £150 – £300 | >8 hours |
| Digital showers | £300 – £1000 | 4 – 6 hours |
The table reflects the average range of prices of the types of showers. The cheapest and most common option is the mixer shower. Mixer showers typically cost between £50 – £250, including labour and supply costs. This type of shower takes hot and cold water from your combi boiler, then mixes them inside a valve to the best temperature.
The electric shower is another favourite, and it costs £150 – £350 on average. Furthermore, the price of electric showers has fallen in the past years, making it a popular option. The electric shower does not have hot and cold water feeds; it has a system to heat the cold water passing through it.
The power, thermostatic, and digital showers are more high-end options. The power shower costs around £180 – £400. It works similarly to the mixer shower by combining hot and cold water supplies. However, the power shower uses a pump to increase the shower pressure; it is a great option for homes with low water pressure.
The thermostatic shower features a thermostatic valve that mixes the hot and cold water to a consistent, optimum temperature, and it costs around £150 – £300.
The digital shower is the most expensive of the lot. It uses a built-in thermostat to control the flow and temperature of the water remotely. The estimated supply and labour cost is around £300 – £1000.
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What Affects the Cost of Installing a Shower?
These are some of the most common factors that affect the cost of a shower installation in your home.
Type of Shower Used
The shower type is the most significant factor that affects shower installation costs. As previously mentioned, some shower types are more costly than others, and some take longer to install. Plumber rates may be around £30 – £50 per hour. Thus, if the installation runs into days, that price may increase and directly affect the installation cost.
The most affordable shower type is the mixer shower, while the most expensive is the digital shower. It is important to note that some power showers may cost as much as a digital shower. For example, a digital power shower can cost as much as £700, excluding labour costs.
Thus, conducting proper research into the specific shower type that meets your needs is crucial. Some shower types are not compatible with different water pressures, and at the same time, others might require you re-tiling afterwards. If you’re looking to renovate your house, you can also check out the house extension costs and services on Bark.
Additional Plumbing Work
Installation of some of the shower types may require the expertise of an electrician alongside a plumber. This may be the case with the power shower, which will require additional costs. Also, with a bigger bathroom renovation, you should expect to incur extra work and costs in areas like tiling and appliance fittings.
Sometimes, the plumber may need to work before the installation begins. That way, they could notice damaged pipes or any other faults during the job.
To iterate, plumber costs may be at a different rate for prolonged projects.
Location of Your Home
It is common for prices to be higher in certain parts of the UK than in others, and this rings true for every home renovation project. If you reside in the southeast of England or the northern parts, you may pay less for a shower installation than if you live in central London.
Moreover, the shower installation cost in central London is almost twice as much as in other regions.
Ease of Access
The layout of your bathroom could also impact the final cost of installation. For instance, if you want to install a power shower in a small bathroom space, you may need to change your layout to accommodate the new addition. Furthermore, a power shower may need more space than your small bathtub did.
Thus, you should speak to your tradesperson about the best layout options and proximity to plumbing.
Number of Professionals Needed
As stated earlier, this is a factor that can impact the final cost of a shower installation. The number of tradespeople you need depends on the magnitude of the project.
However, the company you engage would be able to tell you the optimum number of professionals your project requires.
Bark is a helpful tool that can get you the best shower installers in the UK.
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How to Save Money on a Shower Installation
It is important to first decide on the type of shower you prefer. This is the most costly part of the project, and doing this will give you an idea of the project’s final cost.
The next thing to consider is the plumbing condition of your home. Again, some plumbing situations may not be compatible with your shower of choice. Thus, there might be some extra costs here. For example, you cannot install a power shower if your home has high water pressure. Therefore, you should consult with your professional about choosing a different shower type that is compatible. Alternatively, they might provide you with other expert options.
Also, with a complete bathroom overhaul, it is important not to change your existing layout drastically. Try to plan the new layout where the electrical circuits and plumbing pipes are as it will reduce cost.
A way to save cost with digital showers is to skip the accessories that come with them. Opting for a digital shower usually comes with accessories that may improve the digital experience. In this case, you may choose not to buy the accessories until a later date.
Another way to save money is by making the installation a DIY job. While it is easy to look up shower installation on the web, the job requires a certain skill level. Again, some installations may require the services of an electrician. While DIY will certainly shave off some pounds, it is a safer option to go with a professional. Unexpected plumbing issues may come up that will require their expertise. Also, it is better to pay upfront costs to a professional for a thorough job than to deal with constant repairs from an amateur job.
What Type of Shower is Best to Install?
The best type of shower is a matter of personal preference. It wholly depends on factors like your idea of an ideal shower experience, the plumbing situation in your home, and your budget. Also, your family situation could be a factor.
Most parents of young children are more inclined to the thermostatic shower. The thermostatic shower ensures constant temperature and prevents accidents due to hot water with their children. The constant temperature feature is also great for homes with the elderly.
Meanwhile, modern homeowners may enjoy the expensive feel of the digital showers more. While power showers also give a similar immersive shower experience, digital showers may also be a choice fit for people with disabilities or mobility issues. You can control this type of shower remotely; some also have voice control.
Finally, the mixer and electric showers are popular for homeowners on a budget.
Ensure to speak to a professional that can help you execute your vision. Bark.com can easily take away that stress of getting a compatible professional and offer you a free quote.
The various shower types have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s have a closer look at which might work best for you.
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Mixer Shower
The mixer shower works by drawing hot and cold water from your feed, and it takes hot water from your combi boiler and cold water from your water supply. The water mixes in the hose when you manually control the temperature of the water.
Pros
- Easy to fit and use
- Uses a gas boiler to heat the water, rather than electricity
- You can conceal some mixer designs on the wall for a minimalist look
Cons
- If the combi boiler fails, you won’t get hot water
- Using water in another part of the house can affect the temperature
- Requires reliable high water pressure in the house
Electric Shower
The electric shower only requires a cold water supply, and it does not need a boiler as the water is heated in the unit using electricity. Most electric showers come with a temperature dial, a secondary dial for water pressure, and an on/off button.
Pros
- Use of water elsewhere will not affect the supply or temperature
- Only needs a cold water supply
- Most models have eco options to conserve water
- Only heats the water you use
- Does not rely on a boiler to heat water
Cons
- Flow rate may be slower than that of a mixer
- Electrical unit can look cluttered
- Low water pressure may affect the heating system
- Shower will not work if there is a power outage
Thermostatic Shower
The thermostatic shower is similar to the mixer shower, as both require a hot and cold water supply. However, the thermostatic shower has an in-built thermostatic valve that mixes water to a predetermined temperature.
Thermostatic showers have an anti-scald feature. This means that it can react quickly to changes in temperature, unlike the mixer shower, and it will speedily return to the preset temperature. Additionally, the shower valve can also shut down should the cold water supply stop to prevent scalding or unpleasant cold shocks.
Pros
- Has built-in anti-scald feature to prevent accidents
- Has optimal temperature control
- Is a great option for children and the elderly
Cons
- You may not get extremely hot or cold water if that’s your preference
- May not work with high water pressure
- Requires hot and cold water supply
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Power Shower
The power shower offers a strong flow of hot water over a longer period. Its mechanism is similar to the mixer as it requires both hot and cold water. It takes hot water from a cylinder heated by a boiler and mixes it with cold water.
This shower makes use of an internal pump that serves to boost the flow rate of water. Furthermore, it is perfect for a house with a gravity-fed water system or low water pressure.
Pros
- Powerful flow rate makes for a better shower experience
- Works best with low water pressure
- Gives a stronger flow of hot water for a longer period
Cons
- Tends to use more water than other shower types
- Needs hot and cold water
- Is a considerably expensive option
Digital Shower
The interesting features of the digital shower are precise temperature control and compatibility with smartphones. The system works the same as a mixer shower.
Most models feature an LED display showing the temperature and flow rate. Some models allow you to set unique temperatures for different users. In addition, many models are now smartphone-compatible, using voice commands and Bluetooth.
Digital showers can fit any type of water system or boiler.
Pros
- Different models can work with either gravity-fed or combi-boiler water systems.
- Most are smart device compatible
- Can allow for temperature regulation to the degree
Cons
- It is quite expensive
- Requires a level of technological savvy
- Needs both hot and cold water supply
What is Involved in Installing Or Replacing a Shower?
Firstly, switch off the electricity and water supply when installing a shower; no water or electricity should flow to the new shower.
Next, remove the old shower unit, either from the wall or behind the wall. Scrape off the old caulking until your surface is smooth.
Make sure to rid the floor of all kinds of debris from the removal process. Use a shop vacuum to get all the dirt and possible moisture. At this point, you should take a look at the pipes to make sure there are no repairs to be done.
Wait for the floor to be completely dry, then apply waterproof wallboard. Ensure there are no cables behind the wall. Then, align the heater with the wiring and drill holes into the wall to fit the pipes, cables, and shower rail.
Move the unit into place following the markings and holes made. Afterwards, use caulk to seal every hole to make it watertight. Wait for 24 hours for the caulk to dry.
Install the valves to a copper pipe and reconnect the cold water supply. Flush the pipe to spot any leaks. If not, the job is complete.
Installing a shower yourself needs a certain amount of plumbing and electrical knowledge. Thus, if you don’t have any, consider hiring a tradesperson.
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How Do I Find and Hire a Professional Shower Installer?
Recommendations are always a good way to find professionals. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they’ve had a similar job done or if they know someone who has and if they were satisfied with the outcome.
You may also do a thorough Google search and look for websites with certifications and good ratings.
Bark.com is raving with great ratings for their consistency in connecting professionals with homeowners for various projects. They offer a free list of shower installers and a free quote whenever you make a decision.
Ensuring the Professional Is The Right Fit
Whatever tradesperson you go for should have certain qualifications. Make sure to ask them for:
- A written quote. Any legit professional should be able to offer you a written quote upfront.
- Their qualifications. Find out how many years of experience they have. You need a contractor with specific experience to fit certain shower types; a contractor with broad experience may not cut it.
- References. They should have some reputable and honest references you can easily contact to confirm their work.
- Their website or photos of previous similar jobs they have done.
- Part P Competent Persons Registration. This certificate is key for plumbers and electricians that are installing a power shower.
- Proof of insurance of his work tools and public liability insurance. This insurance will cover any negligence costs if there is any home accident during the project.
Final Checklist
Make use of this checklist to ensure you have covered some important steps before the installation:
- Confirm the type of water system you have.
- Do some research into the best shower types that would fit your existing water system.
- Consider the style you are going for as well as personal shower preferences.
- Gather up quotes from Bark and decide on the professional to use. You can also use bark for other services like tree removals.
- Discuss your preferences, current plumbing condition of your home, duration of the project, cost, and water system.
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FAQs About Shower Installation
- What shower type uses the most water?
The use of water depends on how long a shower lasts. In addition, the water pressure also plays a role here. Depending on the water pressure, the mixer shower may use up to 30 litres per minute.
The power shower may use up to 16 litres, while electric showers may use up to 10 litres per minute. It depends on the kW and the temperature collected.
Some shower heads now feature water-saving models to reduce water output.
- What is the difference between a gravity-fed system and a combi boiler?
A gravity-fed system is very common in older properties in the UK, and it usually has poor flow and pressure. However, you can use a shower pump to boost the flow. It features a hot water cylinder and cold water storage in the loft, and it works best with the power shower.
Conversely, a combi boiler does not feature hot and cold water storage, and it is usually wall-mounted or tucked away in a cupboard. It provides your home with high-pressure water, and the main feeds it cold water, which is heated and flows around the house.
- What is the difference between a digital and a smart shower?
They both make use of modern technology and offer exact precise temperature controls. However, a digital shower controls temperature and flow electronically. In contrast, a smart shower controls using an app or by syncing with Google or Alexa. This affords you the luxury of turning on your shower or adjusting flow and temperature with voice command.
- Can I install a shower by myself?
You can install most showers by yourself with a certain level of know-how. The digital shower might be the easiest to install by yourself. Meanwhile, other showers require certification to be able to install. The power shower, for example, requires Part P Competent Persons Registration. It is enforced in England and Wales, but not Scotland.
Therefore, ensure to do your research before doing a DIY installation. Moreover, if you are not registered, try not to do it yourself.
- What is the difference between a mixer and a thermostatic shower?
A thermostatic shower is a type of mixer shower. Its thermostatic valve can maintain a constant temperature by mixing hot and cold water to a preset, consistent temperature.
A standard mixer can do this, but without the temperature valve. As such, the mixer shower cannot react to sudden temperature changes like the thermostatic shower. Thus, the thermostatic shower is capable of adjusting the temperature back to its previous setting. This is essential in preventing scalding and cold shocks.
- Do I need planning permission for my shower installation?
You would typically not need planning permission for a shower installation. However, this is with the exception that your building is not a listed building, and there are no plans for extension. If it is a listed building, you can find out more about listed building consent around the UK. If not, you may contact your building control department for guidance.
However, the planning permission fee is approximately £200.
- Can I install a power shower with a combination boiler?
No, a combi boiler is not compatible with a power shower, and this is because you have to fit the in-built power shower pump with a hot water cylinder. A combi boiler does not use a hot water cylinder; it gets cold water directly from the mains.
- What is the best way to clean a shower?
You should regularly clean the shower head, tray, and surface. Additionally, soak up any excess water after a shower to reduce watermarks, then use a limescale remover afterwards. Moreover, vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are also great for cleaning.
Ensure to target the growth of mildew and black mould around your shower tray.
- Which is more economical, the power shower or the electric shower?
Although an electric shower uses gas, it might be more economical. This is because the electricity only runs when the shower is in use. However, the power shower is heated using a gas boiler. You may have to turn on this gas boiler a few hours before taking a shower, and one may forget to turn it off, increasing consumption.
- What is the difference between an electric and a power shower?
Apart from their operating systems, a major difference is the heating of the water. Furthermore, the electric shower heats water instantly using an in-built heater, and it does not depend on a boiler to heat water. On the other hand, the power shower does not heat water instantly; it depends on a boiler. The boiler heats the water independently and supplies it to the shower.
Additionally, the electric shower only needs a cold water supply, while the power shower needs both cold and hot water.
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