Blog>Cost Guides>Shower installation: Cost breakdown 2025

Last updated: 26 June 2025

Shower installation: Cost breakdown 2025

Having trouble with your shower? Find out about shower installation costs in this comprehensive guide. We look at the cost of replacing the shower unit, as well as individual parts.

How much does shower installation cost in 2024?
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Fast Facts

  • You’re looking at a total cost of between £300 - £1,500 for the supply and installation of a new shower by a professional installer

  • If you're completely renovating your shower, don't forget to budget for the cost of your shower tray, enclosure and surrounding panels or tiles, too

  • You need to hire a Part P-certified plumber to fit a shower connected to water and electricity

Is your shower on the blink and in need of a replacement? Or are you installing a new shower as part of an exciting house renovation project? Whatever the case, you'll want to know the latest shower installation costs.

The average cost of supplying and installing a new shower is typically between £300 - £1,500.

However, calculating the total cost for your project depends on several variables, which we'll outline in this article. Here, we run through the costs for:

  • Installing electric, power, and digital showers

  • Replacing key components such as the pump, tray, and enclosure

We also share tips on saving money and finding a plumber or electrician using our free directory below.

How much does shower installation cost in 2025?

Shower installation costsRange - LowRange - HighAverage labour
Electric shower£150£300£200
Mixer shower£150£300£200
Power shower£200£500£350
Thermostatic shower£150£300£200
Digital shower£250£1,000£300+
Last updated: April 2025
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

These costs are a good place to start when budgeting for your new shower unit.

But exactly how much your shower replacement costs depends on the type and brand you choose. For instance, the cost of a Triton shower installation could differ greatly from that of a Mira shower.

Labour costs are also an important consideration, both in terms of how long your installation takes and regional variances in labour rates. We'll cover this in more depth below.

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Shower installation costs UK

The best shower for you and your home depends on several factors, which a plumber can discuss with you. Generally speaking, these include:

  • The type and size of your boiler

  • Your home's water pressure

  • Temperature control requirements

Here's an overview of the different types of showers and the average costs of installation.

Electric shower installation cost

From £200 plus labour

Electric showers are one of the most commonly used showers in UK homes. They work by being connected to your cold water supply and using a heating element to heat the water, so they’re ideal if you want instant hot water.

When you buy an electric shower, check its kW rating – the higher, the better.

  • On average, a standard electric shower installation will cost around £400 for supply and installation

Key features:

  • The average time to install an electric shower is roughly two to four hours. You're looking at two hours for a like-for-like replacement. But if there's rewiring and extra plumbing to be installed, it could take four hours

  • Needs good water pressure (from either your mains supply or a shower pump)

  • Doesn’t need hot water from your boiler

  • Compact and easy to install

  • Well suited to homes with combi boilers

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Mixer shower installation cost

From £200 plus labour

As the name suggests, a mixer shower mixes water from your home’s hot and cold water supplies to achieve the right temperature. With this type of shower, the unit doesn’t heat any of the water itself, so it depends on your boiler or heat tank for hot water.

You can also get mixer shower units that you can conceal within the wall so they’re hidden away – although doing this will increase the cost of installing your new shower.

Key features:

  • The average time to install a mixer shower is around three to six hours. If plumbing for the hot and cold water supply is already in place, it could take three hours. However, it will take a plumber longer to install if new pipework needs to be fitted

  • Requires both a hot and cold water supply

  • Stronger water pressure than electric showers

  • Concealed styles are available

  • Best suited to homes with good water pressure and a reliable supply of hot water

Power shower installation cost

From £350 plus labour

If you’re looking for a powerful, high-pressure shower, then a power shower is what you want. They are often confused with electric shower units because they look similar, but a power shower uses an internal pump to significantly increase water pressure.

The costs for a power shower installation will be higher than both an electric and mixer shower.

Key features:

  • The average time to install a mixer shower is around three to six hours. Similarly to mixer showers, it all depends on whether the hot and cold water supply is already in place

  • Designed to provide strong water pressure

  • They tend to use more water than other shower types (between 8-12 litres a minute)

  • Needs a hot and cold water supply

  • Ideal for homes with weak water pressure

Thermostatic shower installation cost

From £200 plus labour

Thermostatic showers use a system of internal valves combined with a sensor that detects changes in water temperature. The shower unit regulates the hot and cold water before it leaves the shower head, preventing scalding or sudden changes in temperature.

Like with any shower type, the cost to install a new shower unit will vary depending on the make and model.

Key features:

  • The average time to install a thermostatic shower is approximately three to five hours. However, if you're installing a like-for-like replacement, it could less than three hours

  • A safer alternative for temperature control

  • Needs to connect to your home’s hot and cold water supplies

  • Well suited for homes with young children or the elderly

  • Requires a high-pressure water supply

Digital shower installation cost

From £400 plus labour

For the tech lovers out there, digital showers combine the workings of a mixer shower with the precision of digital controls that allow you to set a precise temperature at the touch of a button.

Some digital showers are also compatible with other smart devices in your home, but connecting them up can add to the overall shower fitting cost.

Key features:

  • The average time to install a digital shower is around four to eight hours. Surface-mounted units are generally quicker to install. It will take longer to install a concealed unit

  • Connects to your home’s hot and cold water supplies

  • Options are available for all types of water systems or boilers

  • Some are compatible with other smart home devices

  • Well-suited for homeowners who want to add tech to their bathroom

Still on the fence about what type of shower is right for you and your budget? Our shower buying guide helps you weigh up the pros and cons of each style.

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Shower installation prices per project

Planning to replace your entire shower and start afresh (including the cubicle, screen, shower tray, tiling, etc)? Let's take a look at the project costs for these elements.

The average cost for a whole shower overhaul is around £2,000, but this will vary greatly depending on the quality and type of materials you choose. Let's break down the costs:

Shower panel installation cost

Shower panels offer a cost-effective, hygienic, and low-maintenance alternative to tiles.

The cost of shower panels will vary depending on their size, what they’re made from, and whether there are any custom design elements.

  • Acrylic shower panels: Can cost as little as £55 per panel (1000mm)

  • Custom-fit or larger panels (typically 1200mm): You can pay anything up to £500 per panel

  • New moisture-resistant plasterboard: Before applying the panels, your existing plasterboard might need replacing if it's water-damaged. This costs around £200

Shower tiling costs

Tiling a shower enclosure can add flair and personality to your bathroom. But it can be pricey depending on your chosen style and the volume needed.

As a general steer, the average cost to fully tile the walls and floors of a bathroom is typically between £800 - £1,200 and will take three to four days.

Cost to replace shower tray and enclosure

Before forking out for a whole new shower, have you considered replacing parts instead?

You will be amazed at the difference a new showerhead can make to your morning splash. Meanwhile, a new shower tray with fresh silicone sealant can spruce up a tired-looking shower.

Wondering what the cost to replace a shower tray and enclosure is? Let's break down the costs:

  • Shower tray: You'll be surprised how much a shower tray can add to your shower renovation budget. On average, you're looking at around £400

  • Shower enclosure: A new shower enclosure and door can make a big difference to the look of your bathroom. Prices typically sit around £400

Levelling a shower tray

Factors affecting the cost of fitting a shower

As mentioned earlier, the type of shower and model you go for will impact the cost. But there are other factors to think about, too. They include:

Replacement vs. full renovation

If you're ripping everything out and starting from scratch, the costs will be substantially more than a simple shower replacement.

Chosen materials

The quality and type of materials you choose can significantly increase costs. For instance, shower panels will generally be cheaper than tiling.

Additional pipework

If you're replacing a standard electric shower with a mixer shower or thermostatic design, there will be additional pipework to install the cold and hot water supply.

Labour time

Concealed digital shower units may look smart, but they take longer to install. That's because an enclosure has to be created behind the shower wall to hide the digital unit.

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Hidden costs to watch out for

We've outlined the key costs involved in shower installation, but are there any less obvious costs to be aware of?

Well, if your shower's playing up and a plumber discovers it's just a part that needs replacing, rather than the whole shower unit, you're looking at a different set of costs.

Here are some average costs to give you a steer:

  • Shower pump: A new pump is one of the more costly shower components you can replace, but it will still be cheaper than buying a new shower. You're looking at around £250 to supply and install a new pump

  • Shower pipework: Additional pipework for a new mixer or thermostatic shower will cost in the region of £150

  • New electrics: If the wiring has gone on your electric shower, it could be a simple fix costing roughly £200

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Plumber day rates

Many homeowners source the shower unit themselves and then pay for a plumber to fit it. Therefore, having a rough idea of how much installation labour will cost you is handy.

On average, a plumber's hourly rate is around £50, and they'll take upwards of three hours to install a straightforward shower. To find out more, check out our guide to plumber costs in the UK.

If you add this to the shower unit cost, you’re looking at a total cost of between £300 - £1,500 for the supply and installation of a new shower by a checked installer.

However, it's important to know this is an average cost for a standard shower. Choose one of the latest digital or power shower models, and the prices start creeping up.

Cost of hiring a plumber vs DIY

Thinking about installing your shower yourself to save money? It can be tempting, especially if you're trying to make your budget stretch, but it's important to weigh up the risks versus the rewards.

Hiring a plumber or a checked electrician will ensure your shower is installed safely and in compliance with building regulations.

This is particularly relevant for electric or digital showers, where incorrect wiring can lead to dangerous outcomes.

In general, a trained plumber will be able to spot any issues with your existing plumbing that could impact the performance of your new shower - or indeed, lead to costly issues if not fixed.

For something like a shower, which is used frequently and has the potential to cause serious issues if not installed correctly, consider hiring a plumber.

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What's the cheapest way to install a shower?

As we've outlined, shower installation costs can start to mount up quickly. So, if you're looking to save money on shower installation, these money-saving tips can help:

  • Don't be swayed by brands: Instead, focus on the shower specifications, such as the volume of water produced and power ratings. You often find two different showers offer the same power, but there's a big price difference!

  • Shop in the sales: Bargains are often available in the January and Black Friday sales. Just be careful not to buy an end-of-line shower model. If they are discontinued, it could be harder to get replacement parts in the future

  • Choose simpler designs: You'll pay a premium for more niche designs, such as matt black finishes, so opt for something simpler

  • Pick a like-for-like replacement: The labour time will be a lot quicker if the wiring and plumbing marries up with your existing shower unit

  • Shop second-hand: Check out second-hand sites for shower enclosures and trays – there are some bargains to be had

  • Do it yourself: If you're a confident DIY-er, tackle the demolition work or tile yourself. Just leave the plumbing and electrics to a qualified plumber or electrician

Plumber installing a shower

Shower installation cost checklist

The supply and installation of a new shower will typically cost between £300 - £1,500, depending on several factors, which we've outlined above.

When planning your budget for shower installation, remember this handy checklist to make sure you're not hit with any surprise costs:

  • Shower unit: The type you choose, e.g., electric, mixer, power, thermostatic, or digital, will impact cost

  • Labour costs: You'll need a plumber, and potentially a qualified electrician if you're installing an electric shower and your plumber is not Part P certified

  • Additional costs: Depending on what's required, you may need to budget for pipework, fittings, and electrical work

  • Upgrades: If a new shower tray, enclosure, or tiling/wall panels are needed, this will increase your spend

  • Waste disposal: If an old unit needs to be disposed of, check whether this is included in your quote

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Find a checked tradesperson to install your new shower

Ready to crack on with installing your new shower? Your first step is figuring out which tradesperson you need for the job.

  • For shower installations, a plumber may be all you need

  • However, for electric shower installation, you will need the services of a Part P-certified plumber or qualified electrician

They can safely complete the shower installation and will ensure that all water pipes and wiring are handled correctly.

It’s also wise to check your tradesperson is registered with a relevant trade body, such as the NICEIC.

Finding a Part P-certified plumber or electrician on Checkatrade is simple. Just enter your postcode below to start your search for plumbers today.

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Shower installation cost FAQs

How much does it cost to fit an electric shower in the UK?

On average, a standard electric shower installation will cost around £400 for supply and installation.

What is the cheapest type of shower to install?

If you're after budget-friendly shower installations, an electric shower is the cheapest and quickest to replace. That's provided all the plumbing and wiring are in place.

Can I install a new shower unit myself?

That depends on the type of shower you're installing. If you’re having any type of shower that connects to water and electricity then you’ll need to hire a Part P-certified plumber. They can safely complete the shower installation and will ensure that all water pipes and wiring are handled correctly.

How long does it take to replace a shower tray and enclosure?

That all depends on the type of shower and enclosure you are installing. But, as a general rule of thumb, the average time to install an electric shower is roughly two to four hours. However, installing the latest digital shower could take up to eight hours if the unit is concealed.

Do I need a plumber and an electrician to install a shower?

A plumber is well placed for shower installation. However, if you’re installing an electric shower, you will need the services of a Part P-certified plumber or qualified electrician.

How can I save money on shower installation?

As explored above, there are plenty of ways to save money on your shower installation. From 'shopping smart' in the sales to choosing a more straightforward design to avoid paying a premium for specialist finishes or features.

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