Shower Installation Cost
£300–£900
typical UK range
Updated
A shower installation in the UK costs between £300 and £900 for a standard enclosure or over-bath shower, rising to £1,500–£3,500+ for a fully tiled walk-in wet room. The shower unit itself costs £80–£800+; the remainder is labour, tiling, and associated plumbing work.
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How much does each option cost?
| Type / scope | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric shower installation (replacement)Like-for-like electric shower replacement using existing supply connections — 1.5–2.5 hours including testing; note: electrical connection must be by a Part P-qualified electrician | £200–£400 | Like-for-like electric shower replacement using existing supply connections — 1.5–2.5 hours including testing; note: electrical connection must be by a Part P-qualified electrician |
| Electric shower — new installationNew electric shower where there was none before — requires new cold supply and new electrical circuit | £300–£600 | New electric shower where there was none before — requires new cold supply and new electrical circuit |
| Thermostatic mixer shower installation (over bath)Thermostatic bar valve with riser rail — typically installed as part of a bathroom refurbishment using existing hot and cold feeds | £250–£500 | Thermostatic bar valve with riser rail — typically installed as part of a bathroom refurbishment using existing hot and cold feeds |
| Thermostatic mixer shower with enclosureShower tray, enclosure, and thermostatic shower valve installed in dedicated shower area — includes waste connection | £500–£1,200 | Shower tray, enclosure, and thermostatic shower valve installed in dedicated shower area — includes waste connection |
| Walk-in wet room installationFully tanked wet room with floor drain, wall tiling, and linear drain — significant waterproofing and tiling work | £1,500–£4,000 | Fully tanked wet room with floor drain, wall tiling, and linear drain — significant waterproofing and tiling work |
| Shower pump installationBooster pump for properties with low mains pressure — requires electrical connection in addition to plumbing | £300–£700 | Booster pump for properties with low mains pressure — requires electrical connection in addition to plumbing |
What affects the price?
- Shower type — electric showers are cheapest to install; thermostatic mixer showers require hot and cold supplies; digital or ceiling-mounted showers are most expensive
- New installation vs replacement — replacing an existing shower in the same location is much cheaper than installing a completely new shower
- Whether an electrician is needed — electric showers and shower pumps require Part P-qualified electrical work; this is often a separate cost
- Tiling extent — a tiled shower area adds significant cost; a pre-formed acrylic or fibreglass enclosure is much cheaper
- Wet room vs standard enclosure — a fully tanked and tiled wet room is the most expensive option but most durable
- Water pressure — properties with low pressure may need a shower pump (additional cost) to achieve a satisfying shower experience
- Location — London and South East rates are 20–30% higher
What's included in the price?
- Supply and installation of shower valve, controls, and head (or installation of customer-supplied unit)
- Supply and installation of shower tray or wet room floor drain as applicable
- Shower enclosure installation (screens, doors) if included
- Plumbing connections to hot and cold supply
- Waste connection
- Waterproofing of shower tray area (tanking)
- Testing and commissioning
- Note: electrical connection for electric showers is typically carried out by an electrician and may be quoted separately
How long does it take?
An electric shower replacement takes 1.5–2.5 hours (plumber) plus 1.5–2 hours (electrician) if a new circuit is needed. A thermostatic over-bath shower installation takes 2–3 hours. A complete shower enclosure installation (tray, screens, valve, connections) takes 4–8 hours depending on complexity. A full wet room installation takes 3–6 days including waterproofing, floor prep, and tiling.
Do I need one?
An electric shower provides instant hot water independent of your boiler, making it particularly useful in homes with hot water demand at peak times. A thermostatic mixer shower is preferred by most people for showering experience — the temperature control prevents scalding and maintains consistent temperature. A shower installation must comply with Water Regulations — particularly regarding anti-scalding temperature limits on thermostatic valves. Electrical connections must be done by a qualified electrician under Part P of the Building Regulations.
How do you avoid overpaying?
- Replace rather than relocate — keeping the shower in the same position dramatically reduces cost by reusing existing pipework
- Choose an acrylic shower tray and enclosure over a fully tiled solution — the appearance is similar at lower cost
- Supply the shower unit yourself (Triton, Mira, Aqualisa from a trade supplier) and ask for labour-only fitting
- Get the plumber and electrician to attend on the same day for electric shower installations — avoids two separate callout fees
- A thermostatic bar shower (over the bath) is significantly cheaper than a separate shower enclosure and provides a good showering experience
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Frequently asked questions
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
How much does it cost to install a new shower in the UK?
A standard shower installation costs £300–£900 in the UK. Electric shower replacement costs £200–£400 (including an electrician for the connection). A thermostatic mixer shower with enclosure costs £500–£1,200 fully installed. A fully tiled wet room costs £1,500–£4,000+.
Do I need an electrician to install an electric shower?
Yes. Electric showers require a dedicated electrical circuit and must be connected by a qualified electrician under Part P of the Building Regulations. The plumber installs the shower unit and water connections; the electrician connects the power supply. Some plumbers are also Part P-qualified and can handle both elements.
What type of shower is best for a UK home?
A thermostatic mixer shower is generally the best showering experience — it maintains constant temperature and prevents scalding. It requires hot and cold water supplies (suitable for properties with a boiler). An electric shower is better for homes where the boiler can't supply sufficient hot water, or where a separate shower supply is needed. Digital showers offer app control and precise temperature setting but at higher cost.
How long does a shower installation take?
A simple shower replacement takes 1.5–3 hours. A new shower enclosure installation takes 4–8 hours. A wet room takes 3–6 days for the complete waterproofing, floor prep, tiling, and plumbing. Electrical connections add additional time if a separate electrician is required.
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