How much does it cost to install a shower
Whether you are planning your new-build bathroom, have moved into a new home with outdated washing facilities, or just want to update your current home, installing a shower is a priority for many. But you may be thinking to yourself, "How much does it cost to have a shower installed?".
There are a lot of factors that will go into how much it costs to install a shower, from the price of the shower unit itself to what work needs to be done for the installation.
In order to get the best idea of how much your shower installation will cost, we will break down the costs involved.
Different Types of Shower: Prices and Installation Costs
So, how much does a shower cost? The answer to this will depend on the type of shower you want to be installed in your home.
Choosing the shower type is one of the most important decisions you will make when installing a new shower. Depending on your home's water pressure and plumbing, some choices might be better than others. Here are the main shower types and costs for you to consider.
Electric shower costs
Electric showers are suitable for any kind of water system and offer a level of convenience to the homeowner.
Electric showers don't rely on the boiler heating the water and provide instant hot water. This is great for ensuring you will still have hot water for a shower, even if you have boiler issues.
Electric showers need to be fitted by a professional, and you may need a shower pump if you have a water tank that is gravity fed or the water pressure in your home is poor.
They work by heating the water that is channelled from the mains system. They tend to be compact systems that are great for smaller areas.
The ease of installation, energy efficiency, and temperature control makes electric showers a popular choice.
Your electric shower installation cost will depend on the electric shower model you choose and the professional's rates that fit it.
Estimated costs: Up to £400 plus labour
Mixer shower costs
A mixer shower works well with low or high water pressure and are available in either manual or thermostatic mixer designs.
Thermostatic mixer showers keep the water temperature constant, which is better for families with smaller children as it removes the risk of them being scalded by hot water.
Manual mixers mix the hot and the cold water supply together, so they will need both a hot water supply and a cold water supply to function.
If you are looking for a more powerful shower than an electric one, this could be the choice for you.
They are easy to install, and the water temperature will not be affected if water is being used elsewhere in the home.
Estimated costs: Up to £400 plus labour
Power shower costs
If you want a bit more luxury in your home, a power shower will be ideal for you. Though they are not the most efficient option, consuming more energy and water, they offer high performance.
They are great for gravity-fed water supplies and require heating elements for cold and hot water. In terms of water pressure, power showers offer the best and are great for people looking for spa-like quality.
The designs tend to offer a very stylish shower head and body, and you will find models with massage jets as well, turning your shower into a relaxing experience. Though a brand new power shower costs more than most other options, you will get to enjoy a high-performance shower.
Estimated costs: Up to £500 plus labour
Thermostatic shower costs
Thermostatic showers offer the user safe temperature control and are great for families with young children. They control the temperature using a system of valves and sensors that detects and regulates changes in water temperatures.
They need a high-pressure supply and will be connected to the hot and cold water supplies.
Estimated costs: Up to £300 plus labour
Digital shower costs
Tech-heads will love the opportunity to install the latest technology in their bathrooms, but this isn't just a fancy gimmick. Digital showers are easy to use and efficient.
They take the hot water directly from the boiler and can be used with all kinds of water supplies, tanks, or boiler systems.
They offer excellent control over the water temperature and flow rate.
Estimated costs: Up to £1,000 plus labour
What Factors Influence the Price of a New Shower?
Having a defined budget will help you limit the final cost of your new shower, but getting a better understanding of all the costs involved will help you set that budget. There are many factors to consider when buying and installing a new electric shower, and these factors will influence how much you can expect to pay.
Your location
Your location will have a massive impact on labour costs, with installation in central London likely to cost considerably more than quieter towns or suburbs.
That is not to say that the further from a major city you find yourself, the cheaper it will be. Remote locations can also result in you paying a premium for services.
Bathroom layout and design
Sometimes, installing a new shower is just a case of removing the old one and installing the new one. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Sometimes it is necessary to redesign the bathroom, which is when you can expect costs to rise. You will be able to seek expert advice from bathroom designers or plumbers to advise you on the best position for your new shower unit. Some showers will need cables running through the wall as well as plumbing.
Speaking with specialists will help you make the most efficient use of space and can even help to reduce excess plumbing costs.
Converting small spaces or areas that were not previously used as shower rooms or bathrooms will require plumbing.
Type of shower
The type of shower you choose will also make a big difference in cost for the unit and installation. You may need a shower pump to improve water pressure or additional work to fit a different kind of unit. This increases labour costs, and there will be costs to decorate the bathroom after installation.
Additional plumbing work
Some shower units may require additional plumbing work for the shower to work to its full capabilities, and depending on the location and layout, additional work can increase labour costs.
Installing or Replacing a Shower: What Is Involved?
Installing or replacing a shower should only be carried out by qualified plumbers and a qualified electrician if you are installing a new electric shower.
The installation will differ depending on the type of shower you have chosen. Some showers will require access to your mains supply, boiler, and electricity supply in some cases.
To do this, your water and electricity will have to be shut down for a period of time while the work takes place.
Pipework installation and extensions may be needed depending on the existing infrastructure and position of the new shower.
Installing the unit should only take around 2 hours on average, but this is dependent on the positioning and any additional plumbing work that is needed.
For a complete bathroom refit, including shower tray, shower doors, tiling, and flooring, you could expect the full process to take anywhere from 3 to 5 days, including the removal.
Hourly Rates for Shower Installation
On average, plumbing rates in the UK can vary between £40 to £80 per hour. Some plumbers offer day rates that will work out cheaper than the hourly rates.
If you are getting a lot of work done in your bathroom, it is worth speaking to a few recommended plumbers in your area to get estimates for time and cost for the work required.
The shower installation cost will always vary, but getting quotes and seeking recommendations will ensure you get the best value for money.
Additional Expenses of Installing a Shower
The best-case scenario for installing a new shower is that the unit fits precisely where the previous unit did, and you only need to think about the cost of the shower unit and labour.
However, more often than not, there will be additional expenses associated with installing a shower unit.
One of the main additional expenses associated with shower installation is decorating after a shower unit has been removed and replaced. It is unlikely you will find an exact fit, and this can leave gaps in tiling around the unit.
It is possible to carry out patchwork at a minimal cost, or you might want to take the opportunity to redecorate your bathroom at this point.
If this is an entirely new shower installation, you will also have the cost of a new shower tray and shower door and the installation costs.
As we previously mentioned, additional plumbing costs can also impact the final price of your shower, with parts and labour adding up.
How to Find the Right Professional Shower Fitter
A great way to find a professional shower fitter in your area is by seeking recommendations from people you trust. They will be able to advise you on the quality of work carried out as well as give you an idea of their labour costs.
Searching online is also an excellent way to check as you can often find reviews for their work. There are sites dedicated to listing tradespeople that customers can leave reviews and comments on.
You should also consider their experience as you may find cheaper workers, but they may not have carried out as many jobs.
There are a number of trade associations such as the KBSA (Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Association) that you can find out if they are members of.
When you speak to them on the phone or in person, make sure that you have a good rapport with them. You will be inviting them into your home and trusting them to provide a high-quality service, so it is important that you feel comfortable speaking with them.
When you do speak to them and get a quote, make sure that the quote includes everything and that there will be no hidden costs. A good tradesperson should be able to take into account the materials needed and the time it will take them to carry out the work to a high standard.
Establishing a payment plan upfront will help to keep you on top of everything. Some tradespeople may ask for a deposit upfront, and this will usually cover materials, with the remainder of the balance being payable when the job is completed.
Finally, it is important to check they are registered with the relevant authorities to be able to carry out the work necessary to install your new shower unit.
Which Type of Shower Unit is Right for You?
Deciding which shower unit is best for you will depend on your budget, the existing plumbing in your home, and the water pressure. It is possible to make adjustments to suit the shower unit you want, but this will impact the final cost.
Families with young children should look at options that offer good control and safety. Shower units that moderate the temperature will stop fluctuations if other people are using water in your home.
If you are looking for a way to lower costs, increase efficiency, and be more eco-friendly, electric showers are a great choice. They also protect you should you have issues with your central heating or boiler system as they run independently and will still provide hot water.
For a more decadent, luxurious option, power showers are ideal. Built to a high standard with a stylish finish, you will be able to enjoy relaxing, soothing showers and make the most of massage jets for rejuvenating aqua massage sessions.
Having an idea of what kind of shower unit you want before speaking with a plumber or tradesperson will let them advise you of the most suitable shower unit for your home and space. It is also a great way of finding out about any additional work that would be needed.
Choosing more than one shower possibility will allow you to get more than one quote. You will then be able to make your decision with all the necessary information.
FAQs
How much does a walk-in shower cost?
Walk-in showers differ from traditional showers in that they are not enclosed by glass, a shower door, or a shower curtain and do not have shower trays or steps that need to be negotiated before entering.
They offer a modern and luxurious alternative to traditional showers.
On average, a walk-in shower unit and installation will cost around £1,200. However, there are many options to choose from, and costs will depend on the existing bathroom and any modifications required.
You will be able to choose from corner walk-in showers that are excellent replacements for traditional showers. These recessed walk-in showers can replace baths and are a great minimalist choice or floating walk-in showers that offer opening on either side of a glass pane.
How can I save money on a new shower?
The best ways to save money on a shower are shopping around for the best prices and making use of existing fixtures if there is nothing wrong with them.
Replacing a shower with a like for like unit will also mean there will be minimal work needed during installation, and it shouldn't need much decoration after the unit has been installed. For example, buying the same make and updated model of an existing power shower will likely provide you with a similar-sized model with enhanced performance.
Which is the best shower type?
Each shower type has different benefits, and the best shower type will depend on your needs. Exploring the available options and speaking to a professional plumber will help to narrow down the most suitable options.
A power shower will be great for those that want to enjoy every moment of their shower and see them as a luxury as well as a necessity.
Electic shower models are efficient and help to save money in the long term by using less power and water than other options. They also provide hot water, even if your boiler breaks down. Anyone who has had boiler problems in the depths of winter will appreciate how valuable an asset is.
You will also have the choice of mixer showers, digital showers, and thermostatic showers, so taking a look through our advice and exploring options with your plumber will help you find the best shower type.
How long will it take to install a new shower?
The length of time it takes for a new shower installation will depend on the work needed. If it is a straight, like-for-like replacement, it can take as little as between 1 and 2 hours, and complete bathroom renovations can take as long as five days.
When you speak to your tradespeople to get a quote for the work, they will be able to give you a more accurate timescale.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring you have the best shower unit for your home is a crucial decision to make. Not only will you have to consider the initial costs, but there will also be the costs of running it and how good a performance you can expect after it has been installed.
We have looked at the available shower types, the homes they would be best suited to, and associated costs, so you should have a better idea of what shower type will best suit your needs and how much you will have to pay to install it.
As well as a great selection of digital, electric, mixer, and power showers, you will find the ideal shower trays, heads, arms, rails, doors, accessories and much more.