COST GUIDES
Shower tray replacement cost UK: 2026 prices
Updated 07/26
In this cost guide we are taking a closer look at how much it costs to replace a shower pan. From supply costs to plumber hourly rates, we've got everything covered to help you find the right installation for your budget.
Fast Facts
Supply cost: £50 – £400 depending on tray type
Labour cost: £200 – £1000 for removal and installation
Supply and fit combined: most homeowners pay £200–£900 in total
Spotted water damage, leaks or mould growth around your shower tray? It could be time for a replacement.
Replacing a shower tray typically costs £150–£500 for labour, plus the cost of the tray itself (£50–£400 depending on type). Supply and fit combined, most people pay between £200 and £900.
Things included in this article:
How much it costs to replace a shower tray
A breakdown of supply and labour costs by tray type
The cost to replace a shower tray and enclosure
How to find the right installation for your budget
Note: "shower pan" is the American term for a shower tray. In the UK, you'll hear it called a shower tray - that's what this guide covers.
How much does it cost to replace a shower tray?
Shower tray replacement costs break down into two parts: supply and installation.
Shower trays have an average supply cost of £150. Meanwhile, average costs to remove a shower tray and install a new one in the same place start at £200.
But like most home improvement jobs, there's more to a shower tray replacement cost than just the averages above.
Prices for a shower tray installation can rise depending on:
The type of shower tray you need
Any modifications to the pipes, shower enclosure or tiling needed
Shower tray types and what they cost
Here's a rundown on the three most popular types. If you're converting your bath to a shower, your choice of tray type will also affect the overall budget.
Standard shower tray costs
Standard acrylic or stone resin shower trays are the most common replacement choice:
How it works: They sit at a raised height with legs or a frame underneath, making the waste pipe easier to connect
Supply cost: A budget shower tray has an average supply cost of £50
Labour cost: Installation of an entry-level shower tray is roughly £400
Low profile shower tray installation cost
Low profile trays sit closer to the floor (often just 40–60 mm high), giving a cleaner, more modern look:
How it works: The waste pipe needs to run at a shallower angle, usually requiring a pump
Supply cost: Prices can rise up to £400 for a high quality shower tray
Labour costs: Expect to add 20–30% to the labour cost compared with a standard tray installation
Wet room shower tray installation cost
A wet room tray (also called a linear or slope-to-drain tray) is designed to sit flush with the floor, creating a fully waterproofed level-access shower:
How it works: Installation is more involved as the floor needs a waterproof membrane treatment and correct gradient
Supply cost: Wet room floor replacement costs are around £1,200
Labour cost: The average wet room installation cost is around £280 for labour charges
For a deeper look at what's involved, see our full guide to wet room conversion costs.
| Item | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply replacement shower pan | £50 | £400 | £150 |
| Remove and install new shower pan (labour only) | £200 | £1000 | £400 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
Cost to replace a shower tray and enclosure
Replacing a shower tray and enclosure together typically costs £400–£1,500 for labour, depending on size and whether the waste pipe needs rerouting.
Are you looking to upgrade your entire shower installation, not just the tray? Switching a small shower tray for a larger installation can be a complex job. This kind of renovation often involves:
Removing the existing enclosure panels and doors
Relocating the waste pipe to match the new tray's drain position
Re-tiling the surrounding area once the new tray is fitted
On average, you can expect to pay £400 for a professional shower tray installation. Remember, this fee is for labour only and does not include the supply cost of the replacement tray or enclosure.
If you're thinking bigger, take a look at our guides to full shower installation costs and new bathroom costs.
How much does it cost to repair a leaking shower tray?
Minor shower tray repairs — resealing, re-grouting, or clearing a blockage — typically cost £50–£150, depending on the plumber's call-out fee.
A leaking shower tray doesn't always mean you need a replacement.
Depending on the level of damage, an experienced plumber or handyperson may be able to fix a leaking shower tray by removing old sealant and grouting or clearing a blockage in your shower drain.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a shower tray?
In most cases, resealing or re-grouting a shower tray is far cheaper than replacing it. Repairs can cost as little as £50–£150, while a full replacement starts at £150 for labour and can reach £500+ once you factor in the new tray.
If the tray has a large crack, is structurally compromised, or is so old the sealant keeps failing, replacement usually makes better long-term sense. A checked plumber can advise after a quick inspection.
Types of showers and how to choose one for your home
We explore the types of showers available in the UK, and their pros, cons, cost, and compatibility, helping you to make the best choice for your home.
Signs you might need a shower tray repair or replacement
Common causes of a leaking shower tray include:
Worn silicone seal
Cracked grout
Cracked tiles
Damage to the tray
Movement of the shower tray
While a small crack or hole in the sealant around a shower tray might be tempting to ignore, it could be causing considerable damage to internal walls or ceilings — along with mould growth.
An experienced plumber can locate the source of the leak and fix the problem, or suggest a replacement if needed.
Factors affecting the cost of replacing a shower tray
The following factors impact shower tray replacement costs:
Material: Shower trays are made from various materials, some more budget-friendly than others
Size: Large shower trays often have higher supply and installation costs
Tray type: Standard, low-profile or wet-room?
Supply costs: Your replacement will be cheaper if you are only paying supply costs
Complexity of the job: Upgrading to a larger shower tray will be more time-consuming and result in a higher labour fee
Waste pipe position: If the new tray's drain is in a different location, the plumber needs to reroute pipework, which adds time and cost
'Making good': Regrouting the surrounding tiles (if needed) will be an added cost
Your location: Tradespeople charge varying plumber rates throughout the UK
Access and removal difficulty: If the old tray is fully tiled in with no access hatch, the plumber may need to break tiles to remove it, adding time and cost
We recommend contacting a local plumber to discuss your project and find the best shower tray replacement for your budget.
Shower room ideas
You can swirl different colour options, designs and essential additions in this shower room ideas piece. Your mind should be brimming with inspiration for your shower room by the time you’ve finished ogling.
Looking to give your bathroom a complete upgrade? From shower room trends, to how to choose the right shower, we've got you covered.
How long does a shower tray installation take?
Most shower tray replacements take half a day to a full day for a professional.
A straightforward like-for-like swap (same size tray and no pipework changes) can be done in three to four hours.
Upgrading to a larger tray or switching to a low-profile or wet-room tray adds time, often a full day or more, because of pipework adjustments and extra waterproofing work.
DIY vs hiring a professional
You don't legally need a qualified plumber to fit a shower tray, but it's strongly recommended — especially if the waste pipe needs rerouting or the floor needs waterproofing.
DIY installations are cheaper in the short term, but a poorly fitted shower tray can lead to damage and expensive repairs in the future.
That's why we recommend hiring a professional for a quality installation that lasts. You can read our guide on how to fit a shower tray yourself if you'd like to understand what the job involves before deciding.
Find a high-quality bathroom fitter or plumber near you and ask for a price estimate for your shower installation.
Plumber cost: shower tray job estimator
For an exact quote for your shower tray replacement, try our free interactive cost calculator for an instant estimate.
Or, for an exact quote, download our free app to connect with local plumbers or handypeople we've checked and reviewed in your area.
Job Estimate Calculator
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How to find a plumber
Finding a plumber for your shower tray replacement is easy with Checkatrade.
We check, verify and approve all of our members. All of the tradespeople in our directory meet our high quality standards.
Use our quick and easy request a quote feature and we'll get experienced local plumbers to contact you directly. To get accurate quotes, be as detailed as you can:
The type of shower tray you have now (standard, low profile or wet room)
The size you want (same size or larger)
Whether the waste pipe will need rerouting
Any tiling work you'd like included
Whether you want the plumber to supply the tray or you'll supply it yourself
Shower tray replacement cost checklist
Before you get in touch with a plumber, run through these points:
Shower tray replacement cost checklist
If you have any questions your plumber cannot answer, try our FAQs below.
Most shower trays last at least 10 years, and some materials last much longer. Plastic and porcelain trays can last 40+ years, while acrylic and fibreglass typically need replacing after 10–20 years of regular use.
Yes, you can replace a shower tray without replacing the walls. The shower tray is a separate component from the walls and enclosure, so you can swap it out without touching the tiles, provided the new tray is the same size. A checked plumber or bathroom fitter can confirm this before you buy.
In theory, anyone can replace a shower tray, but we'd strongly recommend using a qualified plumber. Incorrect installation can void the tray's warranty, cause leaks, and lead to expensive water damage. A checked plumber will make sure the waste pipe and seal are fitted correctly from the start.
Low-profile trays are more complex to install than standard raised trays because the waste pipe has less room to run at the correct gradient. This typically adds time and cost to the job. We recommend hiring an experienced plumber or bathroom fitter to make sure your new shower tray is fitted correctly.
A standard like-for-like swap takes a plumber three to four hours. If you're upgrading to a low-profile or wet-room tray, or the waste pipe needs rerouting, expect a full day or more. It's a skilled job worth doing properly — a poorly fitted tray can cause leaks and water damage inside the floor or walls.
For minor issues - a cracked seal or blocked drain - repair is almost always cheaper. If the tray is cracked, structurally weak, or has been leaking for a while and caused damage, replacement is the better long-term choice.
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