Shower Installation Cost

How Much to Fit a Shower in the UK?

What is the cost of shower installation in 2024?

In the UK, the average shower installation cost is between £175 – £1,600. This price range includes typical labour rates and new shower costs.

However, the exact cost of installing a shower in a bathroom varies depending on various factors though.

Do you know if you have low water pressure? You may want to check with a plumber to find out and discuss what type of shower solution best suits your needs.

So what impacts the cost of a shower installation?

The type of shower you choose has a significant impact on how much it costs to install a new shower. Electric shower installations cost the least and power showers cost the most to install.

Another important factor is whether you're looking to install a new shower or replace what's already in place. Labour costs to replace showers (like-for-like) will be more affordable.

If you are considering a walk-in shower solution, you need to ensure that you have enough depth so that no water escapes out of the showering area.

Where you live will also determine the final cost, as plumbers and electricians tend to charge more in London (and the surrounding areas).

If you're looking to get a more accurate price for a shower installation, we can help connect you with a local plumber.

Shower Installation Prices

To help you get an idea of shower installation costs, take a look at the below table:

What Are the Supply Costs of Shower Installation?

If you are planning to install a shower on a DIY basis, then you need to consider the following supply costs:

What Are the Additional Costs of Installing a Shower?

There are several other costs you need to factor in when fitting a shower, including:

New Bathroom

If you decide to renovate your entire bathroom , you should expect to pay anywhere from £1,000 – £15,000. This will, of course, depend on the quality of the bathroom renovation and the cost of the plumbing features.

Toilet Installation Cost

The cost of fitting a new toilet typically ranges between £300 – £600.

The exact price will depend on the type of toilet you choose — as there is a wide range of low-budget, average, and high-quality options which are suited to all budgets.

Bathroom Tiling Cost

You may also want to update your bathroom by installing new tiling.

Tiling costs are wide-ranging, with low-cost materials such as ceramic starting from £12 per m² and £55 per m² for slate tiles.

However, more expensive options such as glass tiles cost around £50 per m².

There are also various cost-affecting factors to consider, such as:

Type of Shower

The type of shower you choose will have a significant impact on the cost.

There are four main types of new shower installations you get:

• Digital shower — Control temperature and flow through digital dials.
• Electric shower — Heat water from your cold water supply, working independently of the boiler.
• Power shower — Pull hot and cold water from your existing system and boost water pressure with a pump.
• Mixer shower — Integrate with your existing hot and cold water system.

Each of these options varies in price, with a wide range of models to choose from.

Size of Shower

The size of the shower will also determine the final price, as the larger the shower is, the more time it will take to install.

The shower size, in comparison to the bathroom's dimensions, will also factor into the price, as it may be harder to install a large shower in a smaller space.

Minimum Fees

Plumbers tend to charge a minimum fee for certain jobs, including shower installation. For this type of job, you should expect a minimum fee of around £80.

Number of Tradespeople

A typical shower fitting typically only requires one tradesperson.

However, for complicated installation, two or more plumbers may be needed to assist, resulting in additional labour costs.

Duration

The time it takes to complete the job is also an important cost factor, as typically the longer the job takes, the higher the total cost to fit the shower will be.

Tradesmen Costs for Shower Installation and Repairs

The average labour costs for installing a shower will depend on the complexity of the job.

For instance, the labour cost to replace electric showers (a like-for-like fitting) is between £80 – £150. On the other hand, a new shower costs between £150 – £600 to get professionally installed.

If you have an electric shower installed, you will need to hire an electrician who typically charges around £25 – £35 an hour in the North of England.

Electricians cost more in London, with rates of around £55 per hour.

How Long Does It Take to Install a Shower?

The average time that it takes to install a new shower is between approximately 3 – 5 hours.

Replacing an existing shower usually only takes between 2 – 3 hours to complete. However, this type of job can take up to 2 days to complete if you're having a brand-new power shower installed.

What Impacts How Long a Shower Installation Takes?

Here's a look at what will impact the time it takes to install a shower:

• Like-for-like shower replacements tend to be quicker, as less plumbing and electric work is required (because it's already there).
• The type of shower you want to get is a significant factor, with power shower installations requiring additional work that isn't necessary for a basic electric or mixer shower.
• If tiling work is required, then you will need to budget for additional tiling costs and the shower installation job will take longer.
• Unforseen issues that are uncovered when installing or replacing a shower could lead to significant delays. There might be issues you didn't know about behind walls or with the plumbing and wiring systems.

What Impacts the Shower Installation Cost?

As we've just touched on, the cost to fit a shower is heavily dependent on the type of shower you want to get installed.

Electric showers are popular in the UK. Electric shower costs are affordable and they're often straightforward to install, too.

To help you choose the right shower, let's take a look at your options:

Digital Shower Cost

One modern shower option is the digital shower, which features an electronically powered control panel to change the temperature and water flow pressure.

Most models offer shower or bath fill options, and the LED display will alert you when the water has reached the desired temperature.

The typical cost of a digital shower ranges from £400 – £1,000 to buy.

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• Flexible shower and bath options.

Cons:

• One of the most expensive options.
• Requires a power unit.

Electric Shower Cost

One of the most common choices is an electric shower that works by drawing cold water to the unit and heating it by running an electrical current through an element to produce hot water.

You should expect to pay around £57 – £550 for an electric shower.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly.
• Offers up to 99.6% efficiency.
• Easier to modify.
• Privacy.

Cons:

• A qualified electrician is required to fit the shower.
• Reduced water pressure.

Power Shower Cost

Power showers feature built-in pumps that enhance water pressure, as the pump pushes water through at high pressure by combining the hot and cold water supply.

The average supply cost of a power shower is about £195 – £640.

Pros:

• Great for properties with low-water pressure.
• Offers the best shower experience.

Cons:

• Power showers aren't compatible with combi boilers.
• Expensive options.

Mixer Shower Installation Cost

Mixer showers also draw the cold and hot water supply and force it through the attached shower head. They are compatible with combi boilers and loss pressure gravity systems.

Mixer showers normally only cost around £25 – £1,000 to purchase.

Pros:

• More powerful than an electric shower.
• Easy to use controls.

Cons:

• Does not work with all heating systems.
• A water pump may be required to improve the flow rate.

How Much Does a New Shower Cost to Maintain?

If your shower is fairly new, but you have noticed an issue, then you may want to call in a plumber to repair your shower.

There are various types of maintenance you might need to perform over time — with varying shower repairs prices — such as:

Blocked Shower

If the water isn't draining, this could be due to a blocked shower plughole.

You can try to unblock it yourself by removing the issue. However, if you are unsuccessful, you will need to hire a plumber to resolve the problem.

The shower repair costs for this type of job are typically around £80 – £90.

Leaking Shower

A leaking shower not only results in wasted water and wet patches but can also lead to dampness — as well as ceiling and floor damage.

If this problem occurs often, then a plumber may suggest replacing the shower valve, which is typically priced at £190 – £360.

Cracked Shower Tray

Another common cause of a shower leak is a cracked shower tray, which allows water to seep out and cause damage to the rest of your home.

If hiring a plumber, the cost of repairing a shower tray is between £400 – £500.

How Much Does a Shower Cost to Remove?

If you wish to replace your shower or swap your bath for a shower, you will need to consider the cost of shower removal.

The average cost of a plumber is between £40 – £80 per hour in the UK.

If you have an electric shower, you will also need to hire an electrician — who will charge around £30 – £60 an hour.

FAQs

Q: How do you repair a cracked shower tray?

A: If you notice a crack in your shower tray, you should try to get it repaired as soon as possible. However, before fixing it, you need to clean it thoroughly to ensure the crack is visible.

You should then assess the crack's condition, as smaller, superficial cracks can be fixed with a simple patch job by first sanding down the area before applying a fibreglass mesh patch onto the area.

You can then prepare and apply the filler by mixing it first, followed by applying it directly to the crack and leaving it to set for two to three hours, or preferably overnight. Once it is dry, the area should then be sanded, and a finishing polish should be applied and left for 24 hours.

You may need to purchase a shower tray repair kit or call in a professional who may repair or replace the shower tray for larger cracks.

Q: How do you clean a showerhead?

A: To prevent a build-up of limescale and debris on your showerhead, you should try to clean it regularly. One of the best shower head cleaning methods involves soaking your shower head in vinegar and baking soda.

To do this, you should pour the two ingredients into a plastic bag and then wrap it around the showerhead and tie it. This can be left for a minimum of an hour or overnight before removing it and running the shower until the smell of vinegar has disappeared.

Q: Which type of shower is the best?

A: One of the most popular shower models is an electric shower, as it is an eco-friendly and efficient option. However, there are various other shower types that cater to showering needs.

For instance, a digital shower offers complete convenience as they normally feature easy-to-use controls, allowing you to easily change the temperature and water flow.

Q: How much water does a shower use?

A: The amount of water used during a shower will depend on the duration of the shower. On average, an electric shower puts out around four litres per minute.

If you wish to reduce your water output when taking a shower, you should consider changing your shower head to a water-saving model as this will regulate water flow.

Q: How do you unblock a shower drain?

A: If your shower tray is filling up with water and does not drain, then the first thing you should do is take some hot water from your kettle, making sure to leave it for a few minutes before pouring the water down the drain.

If this makes no difference, you should use a plunger on the plughole to draw out the blockages. You can quicken the process by pouring a cup of baking soda and vinegar down the drain to loosen any debris and leave it for an hour.

If this doesn't work, you should use a drain unblocker or call in the professionals to help out.

Sources

1. https://www.showerenclosuresuk.com/blog/how-to-repair-a-cracked-shower-tray/
2. https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/how-long-does-a-shower-have-to-be-to-use-the-same-amount-of-water-as-a-bath/

Author: Heather B

I am a seasoned copywriter from Liverpool - who after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in English Media and Cultural Studies - went on to specialise in the creation of business and lifestyle copy for a wide range of industries across the UK and USA.