How much does shower installation cost?

There are a wide range of showers available on the market for you to choose from. What you choose will affect the cost of fitting it, so if you’re on a budget, it’s important to look at what type of shower you will need.

Electric shower installation costs

From £60 - £400 plus labour
Electric showers are one of the most common types of shower you’ll find in UK homes. They work by being connected to your cold water supply and using a heating element to heat up the water, so they’re ideal if you want instant hot water.

When you buy an electric shower make sure you check what kW rating they have – the higher the better. On average, the cost of a standard electric shower installation will be around £400 for supply and installation.

Key features:

• 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.

Mixer shower costs

From £50 - £400 plus labour
A mixer shower, as the name suggests, 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 mixed shower units that you can conceal within the wall so they’re hidden away – although doing this will increase the cost to install your new shower.

Key features:

• 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 costs

From £250 - £500 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 best type of shower to provide strong water pressure.
• They tend to use more water than other shower types (between 8-12 litres a minute).
• Need a hot and cold water supply.
• Ideal for homes with weak water pressure.

Thermostatic shower costs

From £150 - £300 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 dramatic 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:

• 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 costs

From £250 - £1,000 plus labour

For tech-lovers out there, digital showers combine the workings of a mixed shower with the precision of a digital control that allows 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:

• Connects to your home’s hot and cold water supplies.
• Options are available for all types of water system or boiler.
• Some are compatible with other smart home devices.
• Well-suited for homeowners who want to add tech to their bathroom.

How much does labour cost for shower installation?

In addition to the cost of the shower unit itself, you also need to factor in the installation labour. On average a plumber will charge around £50 per hour, and will take upwards of three hours to install a straightforward shower.

If you add this to the cost of the shower unit, 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.

Shower installation cost calculator

How much does it cost to install a shower in the UK?

To work out the total cost of installing a new shower there are a number of factors you need to consider. You’ll first need to know the type of shower you want to install, as this will have the biggest impact on the cost.

Once you know the type of unit you need, you should add on the installation labour costs and any other fixtures or fittings needed – including any plumbing or tiling work.

Shower installation quote

We recommend obtaining at least three quotes from our trusted tradespeople. Our post a job feature is perfect for getting quotes – you post details about the job you want doing and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area. Try it out.

Shower installation hourly rates

The average hourly rate of a plumber to install a shower is about £40 to £60 per hour. To find out more, check out our guide to plumber costs in the UK.

Additional costs and considerations

As mentioned, the costs above are for simply fitting a shower unit. If you’re looking to replace an entire shower (including the cubicle, screen, shower tray, tiling, etc) then you’ll be looking at an additional set of costs. These will vary greatly depending on the quality and type of materials you choose.

Labour costs will also increase as the job could take several days rather than hours.

The average cost for a whole shower installation is around £2,000.

Shower panel prices and installation costs

Shower panels offer a cost-effective, hygienic, and low-maintenance alternative to tiles. The price of shower panels will vary depending on their size, what they’re made from, and whether there are any custom design elements.

Cost of acrylic shower panels

These are available in a variety of colours, sizes, and styles, or custom-made to fit your exact design and measurements. But how much do acrylic shower panels cost?

Acrylic shower panels can cost as little as £55 per panel (1000mm). For custom-fit, or larger panels (typically 1200mm), you can pay anything up to £500 per panel.

Cost to install shower wall panels

Shower panels are strong, waterproof and are generally lightweight and easy to fit. A bathroom fitter, plumber, or specialist shower panel installer will normally charge a day rate of between £150 - £250.

FAQs

What type of shower should I choose?

The best shower for you and your home depends on a number of factors, including the type and size of the boiler you have and the water pressure in your home. Different shower types will help address different issues of water pressure and temperature control.

A professional plumber will help you select a suitable shower based on your property water pressure, boiler type, and requirements.

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

No. But if you’re having any type of shower installed 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.

Is a mixer shower electric?

No. Most mixer showers work without electricity as they operate using the mechanics of water pressure. However, if you want to have a separate shower pump installed, that will need a power source.