Shower Installation Cost
How much does it cost for a shower installation or replacement?
The average cost to install a new shower in the UK ranges from £300 to £1,500, depending on the type of system, the complexity of the work, and whether it’s a replacement or a completely new installation. For example, replacing an existing shower in the same location will usually cost 30 to 40% less than a completely new installation.
This guide explains what else affects the price, typical costs for different shower types, and what to expect when budgeting for your next bathroom upgrade.
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User submitted shower installation costs
Below are prices provided by WhatPrice users for actual jobs and quotes received for shower installation and replacements.
| Job type | Description | Price | Units | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shower installation | Labour cost for installing shower tray and electric shower and removing old one less cost of refitting shower doors | £420 | Labour only | Scotland |
| Shower installation | Disconnect old boiler fed bar shower and waste. Fit temp inline cut off valves. Put aside shower rail. Remove skirting boards. Cut out old fibreglass shower cubicle, too large, and remove from upper floor to skip included in price. Re route waste to new drain position and make good Lino floor. Fit new 800 quadrant shower tray on legs, connect waste and fit plinth. Fit shower proof wall boards on two sides with trim to edges and corner. Fit new half round door frame and doors. Seal shower and make good skirting. Test. Seal floor. | £2,238 | Total price | North East |
| Shower installation | Leaking shower tray where not sealed correctly. Remove shower tray and screen doors & damaged tiles, reseal tray and tile down. Second visit double seal tray and grout tiles | £525 | Total price | South East |
| Shower installation | replace shower tray and cubicle, shower and tiles remaining, customer supplied materials, | £160 | Total price | Cymru Wales |
| Shower installation | take out shower tray. take of tiles. replace shower tray & tiles. keep existing shower. new shower door. | £1,295 | Total price | Scotland |
| Shower installation | Put a replacement pump on a shower. | £1,340 | Total price | South East |
| Shower installation | Shower tray was cracked near the waste, tray had 20mm riser behind tiles. Removed tray with out effecting tiles or cubical. Fit new shower tray with legs, skirts and a frame. | £450 | Total price | East Midlands |
| Shower installation | Installation of thermostatic Mira shower to be fed from combi boiler | £700 | Total price | Scotland |
| Shower installation | Existing bathroom staying. Fit new 800mm quadrant shower cubicle and combi shower including all pipework, move toilet to accommodate new shower, labour only. | £500 | Labour only | West Midlands |
| Shower installation | Removal of bath, fixings and wood panels. Removal of old pipework to bathroom, including to bath and appliances, then re-routing from adjacent room through wall including installation of stopcocks in utility room. Re-routing new pipework in wall cavity for new concealed digital shower. Digital shower installed and all new pipework bonded and drain offs installed where previously absent. New waste pipes and fittings running through then along exterior wall to gulley. All tested and conforming to new regs. Flow now much better to entire house due to re-routing. Price for job. | £915 | Labour only | South East |
| Shower installation | Replace shower tray, shower cubicle and thermostatic mixer shower including parts | £1,325 | Total price | South East |
| Shower installation | Fit new top of the range 10.5Kw electric thermostatic shower, re-tile wall, refit old shower screen, fit new bath panels, fit new bath mixer and new towel rail. All materials supplied by plumber, price including labour and VAT. | £1,630 | Total price | North West |
| Shower installation | I’m having my old shower removed and a new one fitted, INCLUDES the original call out charge to see if it could be repaired. | £585 | Total price | Scotland |
| Shower installation | Replace old shower cubicle with new, reseal shower tray. | £300 | Total price | North West |
Average costs for shower installation
Here’s a quick breakdown of average UK prices for supplying and fitting a new shower:
| Type of Shower | Typical Cost (Supply + Installation) | Average Time | Notes |
| Electric shower | £250 to £600 | 3 to 6 hours | Cheapest option; heats water instantly |
| Mixer shower | £300 to £800 | 1 to 2 days | Uses hot and cold supply from your boiler |
| Thermostatic mixer | £400 to £1,000 | 1 to 2 days | Maintains consistent temperature |
| Power shower | £450 to £1,200 | 1 to 2 days | Includes pump for stronger pressure |
| Digital or smart shower | £600 to £1,500 | 1 to 2 days | App-controlled and temperature-precise |
| Walk-in / wet room | £1,200 to £5,000+ | 2 to 5 days | Full waterproofing and tiling included |
A shower installation includes several parts and trades. The table below outlines a rough cost breakdown:
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
| Shower unit | £100 to £700 | Price varies by brand and power rating |
| Tray or enclosure | £100 to £400 | Optional for wall-mounted or walk-in setups |
| Plumbing labour | £200 to £600 | Main installation and pipework |
| Electrical connection | £80 to £250 | For electric or digital showers |
| Tiling or wall panels | £150 to £500 | For waterproof finish |
| Waste disposal / removal | £30 to £80 | Old shower, tiles or debris |
Typical total: £400 to £3,000+, depending on shower type, bathroom size, and finish quality.
Main factors affecting the cost of shower installation
1. Type of shower
This is the single biggest price driver.
- Electric showers are the most affordable and quickest to install; perfect for small bathrooms or rental homes.
- Mixer showers require both hot and cold-water feeds, so they’re slightly more complex to fit.
- Power showers are ideal for low-pressure systems, but not compatible with combi boilers.
- Digital or smart showers include premium features such as thermostatic control and smartphone integration.
- Wet rooms / walk-ins are effectively a small bathroom remodel, requiring waterproofing (tanking), drainage, and tiling.
2. Plumbing and electrical requirements
Older homes or outdated plumbing can add significant cost:
- New pipework or rerouting: £100 to £300
- Electrical spur or dedicated circuit: £150 to £250
- Shower pump installation (for low pressure): £250 to £400
3. Location and accessibility
Installing in an existing bathroom is simpler and cheaper than creating a new en-suite or relocating the shower, which may need additional waste pipes and electrical cabling.
4. Wall and floor finishes
If your bathroom needs tiling or waterproof panels, this adds to the total:
- Tiling a small shower area: £250 to £600
- Waterproof wall panels: £150 to £400 (faster and cheaper than tiles)
5. Labour rates and region
Trades typically work on a fixed price for bathroom projects, but complex installs may be quoted daily, and labour costs will vary by location:
- London and Southeast: £50 to £70 per hour
- North, Wales, Scotland: £35 to £50 per hour
How long does it take to install a shower?
| Type of Installation | Typical Timeframe |
| Electric shower replacement | 3 to 6 hours |
| Mixer / power shower | 1 to 2 days |
| Walk-in wet room | 3 to 5 days |
Allow an extra day for grouting, sealing, and drying before use.
Additional costs to keep in mind
- Old shower removal / disposal: £50 to £150
- Painting or redecorating: £100 to £250
- New lighting or extractor fan: £100 to £250
- Upgrading boiler or water system: £500 to £2,000 (if pressure is inadequate)
If you’re renovating the whole bathroom, combining jobs (e.g. shower, toilet and tiling) can save 10 to 15% on overall labour costs.
How to save money on a shower installation
- Keep it in the same position. Relocating pipework and waste lines is expensive.
- Match your system. Don’t buy a power shower if you have a combi boiler as it won’t work properly.
- Buy your own unit. Sourcing the shower and enclosure directly online can save 10 to 20%.
- Choose wall panels over tiles. Faster installation and lower maintenance.
- Get at least three quotes. Compare itemised costs from qualified plumbers and electricians.
- Book off-peak. Winter months often have better trade availability and lower rates.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring electrical certification. Electric and digital showers require a Part P registered electrician.
- Poor waterproofing is important, especially in wet rooms as inadequate tanking can cause leaks and structural damage.
- Undersized electrical circuit: A new 9.5 kW shower needs its own 40-amp circuit with RCD protection.
- Skipping ventilation: Always install or upgrade an extractor fan to prevent mould.
When planning your project, factor in plumbing, electrical certification, waterproofing, and finishing. Always request detailed, written quotes and use qualified tradespeople for safety and compliance.
With the right preparation, you can upgrade your bathroom with a stylish, efficient shower that adds both comfort and value to your home.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a plumber or an electrician to install a shower?
Most shower installations require both. The plumber handles water feeds and drainage; the electrician connects and certifies the wiring if it’s an electric or digital model.
What’s the cheapest shower to install?
An electric shower is the most cost-effective, typically £250 to £400 fitted for a like-for-like replacement.
Do I need planning permission?
No, but electrical work in bathrooms must comply with Building Regulations (Part P) and should be signed off by a certified electrician.
How long should a shower last?
A quality shower will last 8 to 15 years, depending on brand, usage, and water hardness.
