Shower installation cost in the UK
Shower installation in the UK typically costs between £400 and £2,500, including the unit, enclosure and labour. A straightforward electric shower swap runs around £250–£500; a full walk-in shower with new tray, glass screen and tiled walls can reach £2,500–£4,500.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up bathroom renovation cost in the uk, small bathroom renovation cost in the uk and ensuite bathroom renovation cost in the uk. For wider context, browse our kitchen pricing, boiler & heating costs and trades day rates.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Electric shower swap (like-for-like) | £250–£500 |
New electric shower install (no existing wiring) | £500–£900 |
Mixer shower with bar valve | £350–£800 |
Thermostatic mixer + new enclosure & tray | £1,200–£2,500 |
Walk-in shower (wet area, tanked, tiled) | £2,500–£4,500 |
Power shower install | £700–£1,500 |
Labour costs
Most installs need a plumber; electric showers also need a Part P electrician for a dedicated circuit and pull-cord isolator.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Plumber (mixer/thermostatic install) | £200–£600 |
Electrician (electric shower circuit + RCD) | £220–£500 |
Tiler (shower wall + tray surround) | £250–£800 |
Tanking / waterproofing for walk-in | £200–£500 |
Tray bedding & seal | £100–£250 |
Materials costs
Unit cost is the main driver. Frameless glass screens, low-profile resin trays and large rainfall heads push the budget upward.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Electric shower unit (8.5–10.8 kW) | £90–£350 |
Thermostatic mixer + head | £150–£700 |
Shower enclosure (framed / quadrant) | £220–£800 |
Frameless glass screen | £400–£1,400 |
Shower tray (stone resin) | £150–£600 |
Wet-room former + drain | £250–£600 |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Type of shower — electric is cheapest, walk-in wet rooms the most expensive.
- ·Existing wiring — new circuits add £150–£300 for cable, RCD and isolator.
- ·Water pressure — gravity-fed systems may need a pump (£250–£500).
- ·Glass spec — frameless and 10 mm glass cost 2–3× framed 6 mm.
- ·Tray size — over 1,200 mm trays cost more and may need two installers.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Stick with the same shower type and brand for direct swaps — no new wiring or pipework needed.
- ·Choose mid-tier brands (Mira, Triton, Bristan) — same internals as premium ranges.
- ·Use a quadrant enclosure to fit a shower into an existing alcove without re-tiling.
- ·Combine the shower install with a wider bathroom refit to share labour days.
- ·Avoid walk-in tanked showers if you don't need step-free access — they double tiling and labour cost.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a shower install take?
- 2–4 hours for a like-for-like electric swap, half a day to a day for a new mixer install, 3–5 days for a full walk-in wet area with tanking and tiling.
- Do I need an electrician for an electric shower?
- Yes — electric showers must be installed by a Part P registered electrician on a dedicated RCD-protected circuit.
- What kW electric shower do I need?
- 8.5 kW is the entry point; 9.5–10.8 kW gives noticeably better flow, especially in winter when cold mains is colder.
- Can I fit a shower over an existing bath?
- Yes — a bath shower mixer with screen costs £200–£500 fully installed and avoids removing the bath.
- Do walk-in showers add value?
- In master suites and high-end refurbs, yes. In smaller homes, removing the only bath can reduce family-buyer appeal.
- How often do shower pumps fail?
- Typical service life is 7–12 years for a quality pump. Annual descaling extends life noticeably in hard-water areas.