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Electric showers are one of the most common types of shower in UK homes. They work in a similar way to a kettle, unlike other types of showers that use hot water from your boiler. Electric showers work using a powerful heating element. Water passes over this element and absorbs the heat, providing you with a nice warm shower.

What are the advantages of electric showers?

If you’re considering switching to an electric shower, it may help to know their advantages. These are the benefits of an electric shower:

• Affordable - Electric showers are one of the more affordable options to install.

• Hot water supply - These showers don't need a hot water supply to function. You also won’t need a conventional boiler to power an electric shower.

• Convenient - Your electric shower can provide a constant stream of hot water, very convenient for larger families.

• Easy installation - The installation process is quite simple, meaning low labour costs.

• Great temperature control - You can easily control the temperature of your electric shower.

What are the disadvantages of electric showers?

While electric showers are the perfect option for many homeowners, this isn’t always the case. It’s important to be aware of the drawbacks of electric showers before making up your mind. These include:

• Running costs - Electric showers can be more expensive to run than other options.

• Less pressure - Generally, your water pressure will be lower if you choose an electric shower.

• Switch location - To activate your electric shower you need to pull a switch, this may be inconvenient depending on where it’s located.

• Power cuts - During power cuts, you won’t be able to use your electric shower.

If an electric shower isn't right for your home, don't worry. There are a range of other types of showers available, including:

• Mixer showers

• Power showers

• Digital showers

• Thermostatic showers

Once you’ve decided to buy an electric shower, you’ll need to know how much to budget for this job. The price of your electric shower will vary depending on the following factors:

• Brand of shower - Different shower brands mean different prices.

• Current set up - If you already have an electric shower, it’ll be cheaper to switch it out like for like than if you're switching from a different type of shower.

• Plumbing needed - Depending on any extra plumbing needed, the price of your shower installation can vary.

• Tiling needed - If tiling is needed, this will also increase your electric shower installation cost.

• Power of electric shower - More powerful electric showers produce more hot water, but are more expensive.

Electric shower installation cost

The average electric shower installation cost is £200, while the cost of the shower itself could range from £60-£400. You can find more prices and information about other types of showers in our shower installation cost guide.

How much does an electric shower cost to run?

It's true that electric shower running costs can be quite high, depending on how often you use your shower, how long you take in the shower and the power of your shower. For example, if you use your shower for 10 minutes a day, the electric shower running cost for an 8.5kW shower will be around £144.78 a year. However, a 10.8kW shower will cost around £183.96 a year.

Fitting an electric shower involves working with both plumbing and electricity. While the plumbing may be quite basic, wiring an electric shower can be more complicated and dangerous. This is especially true for DIY beginners. While you could theoretically install an electric shower yourself, you’ll need an electrician to check it’s safe before you can use it.

We’d recommend hiring a professional for this job. So, who fits an electric shower? As this job requires both plumbing and electrical work you may be wondering whether to hire a plumber or electrician. Test option is to hire an expert who is Part P qualified, as this means they are trained to work with both electrics and plumbing.

Having a shower is something many of us take for granted so it can be frustrating if your electric shower suddenly stops working. There are a few reasons this could happen, so if you’re wondering why your electric shower isn’t working, it might be due to:

• Damaged heating element

• Micro switch issues

• Problems with the safety cut out device

• Excess pressure

• Blocked pipes

• Damaged solenoid valve coil

If you’re having issues with your shower, our electric shower not working guide is full of tips and advice. Alternatively, skip to the next FAQ where we explain how to find electric shower repair specialists in Orkney Islands.

Want to speak to electric shower installation experts in Orkney Islands?

Once you’re ready to have your electric shower installed, it’s important to hire someone qualified, experienced and trustworthy. Checkatrade members pass 12 checks and come with the recommendation of your neighbours, so you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re hiring the best.

There are two ways we can help you to find electric shower fitters in Orkney Islands. One option is to use our free search feature. Enter your postcode and we can show you a range of specialists in your area.

Alternatively, fill in our request a quote form with details about your job and we’ll pass your details to three electric shower installers in Orkney Islands. They’ll then get back to you with a quote.