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How to Install a Shower

Installing a new shower is a common UK home improvement project that can be partially or fully DIY depending on the type. This guide covers electric showers, mixer showers, and shower trays — what is involved in each and what you can realistically do yourself.

Types of Shower and What Is Involved

Electric shower: heats water on demand using electricity — requires an electrician for a new dedicated circuit. Mixer shower: uses hot and cold supply — plumbing DIY possible but requires good pressure. Power shower: like mixer but with a pump — needs both plumbing and electrics. Thermostatic mixer: the premium option, requires plumbing.

Electric Shower Installation

An electric shower requires a dedicated electrical circuit from the consumer unit — this must be done by a Part P registered electrician. The plumbing is straightforward (cold supply only). Cost to install an electric shower: £300–£600 including electrician and plumber.

Shower Tray and Enclosure

A shower tray must be set level and sealed completely to prevent leaks. Set the tray on a mortar bed or adjustable feet. Apply silicone sealant to all joints between tray and walls. Fit the enclosure panels or tiles. Seal all edges with silicone.

Plumbing a Mixer Shower

Turn off the water supply. Run hot and cold feeds from the nearest supply pipes to the shower position. Fit the thermostatic or manual mixer valve. Connect the shower head and hose. Turn on and check for leaks. Test temperature range and pressure.

Tiling the Shower Area

The shower enclosure must be fully tiled or fitted with waterproof shower panels. Use waterproof tile adhesive, grout, and silicone sealant at all corners and junctions. Never grout corners — use silicone only, as corners experience movement.

When to Use a Professional

Always use a Gas Safe engineer for any shower fed by a gas combi boiler if changes to the gas system are involved. Always use a qualified electrician for new electrical circuits to an electric shower. Plumbing connections can be DIY for confident plumbers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A basic electric shower installation costs £300–£600 including electrician. A mixer shower installation costs £400–£800. A new shower enclosure with tray, tiling, and shower fitting costs £800–£2,000 complete.
The plumbing connections for a mixer shower can be DIY if you are confident with plumbing. Electric shower wiring must be done by a qualified electrician. Tiling is DIY achievable. Most homeowners use a combination of DIY and professional work.
A thermostatic mixer shower is the gold standard — consistent temperature regardless of other water usage, easy to use, and premium quality. For low water pressure, an electric shower or power shower is better. For simplicity and reliability, an electric shower is hard to beat.
A simple electric shower replacement takes 2–4 hours. A new shower enclosure with tray and tiling takes 2–5 days including setting and curing time. A wet room installation takes 3–7 days.
Low shower pressure is common with gravity-fed systems. Solutions include: installing a shower pump (£100–£400), fitting a power shower, or upgrading to an electric shower (independent of mains pressure). Check whether your property has a combi boiler (usually good pressure) or a tank system (often low pressure).

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