Thinking about a bathroom upgrade and wondering: how much does shower installation cost in the UK? It is one of the most common questions UK homeowners in Bolton ask our plumbing and heating experts. The truth is there is no one answer.
Your shower installation costs will depend on the type of shower you want, the brands you choose, the complexity of the installation, and the professionals you hire.
Don’t worry; we will break it all down for you, from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury showers. You will learn how much you need to spend on different types of showers and their pros and cons.
We will also discuss the cost of walk-in shower installation in the UK, plumber rates, and much more. Let’s dive in!
Average Shower Installation Cost in the UK
Shower installation costs can vary significantly based on the type of shower and how much work is required. Here’s a rough price breakdown:
- Budget-friendly installations: £300 – £600 (basic electric shower installation cost with minimal plumbing work)
- Mid-range installations: £700 – £1,500 (a standard mixer shower or thermostatic shower, plus installation)
- High-end installations: £2,000 – £5,000+ (custom walk-in shower, wet room, or smart shower system)
Replacing an Old Shower vs. Installing a Brand-New One
Replacing an existing shower unit – If you’re replacing an old shower unit with a similar model, you’ll save money because most of the plumbing and electrical work is already in place. Expect to pay around £300 – £800, depending on the shower type.
Installing a new shower from scratch – if you’re installing a new shower from scratch—especially in a bathroom that wasn’t previously fitted with one—you’ll need additional plumbing, wiring, and potentially even building regulations approval. This can push the cost up to £1,500 – £3,000 or more.
Shower Types and Their Installation Costs
Not all showers have the same functionalities. The cost of shower installation also varies widely depending on the type you choose. Let’s break it down:
| Shower Type | Unit Cost (£) | Labour Cost (£) | Total Cost (£) | Price Factors | Popular Brands |
| Electric Shower | £150 – £500 | £300 – £700 | £450 – £1,200 | Power rating, water pressure compatibility, brand quality | Triton, Mira, Aqualisa |
| Mixer Shower | £100 – £500 | £300 – £800 | £400 – £1,300 | Design, materials, compatibility with combi boilers or pressurised systems | Grohe, Hansgrohe, Bristan |
| Power Shower | £150 – £600 | £350 – £1,000 | £500 – £1,600 | Pump power, water flow rate, plumbing requirements | Triton, Mira, Aqualisa |
| Thermostatic Shower | £200 – £600 | £350 – £1,200 | £550 – £1,800 | Temperature control precision, brand reputation, compatibility with heating systems | Grohe, Hansgrohe, Bristan |
| Digital & Smart Shower | £400 – £1,500 | £500 – £2,000 | £900 – £3,500 | Technology features (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth), design, brand exclusivity | Aqualisa, Kohler, Grohe |
| Walk-in Shower | £1,000 – £5,000+ | £1,000 – £3,000+ | £2,000 – £8,000+ | Size, materials (glass, tiles), accessibility features, floor reinforcement | Matki, Roman, RAK Ceramics |
| Wet Room | £3,000 – £10,000 | £2,000 – £5,000+ | £5,000 – £15,000+ | Waterproofing quality, size, drainage system, luxury finishes | Impey, Schluter, Wedi |
1. Electric Shower Installation Cost (£150 – £500 for the unit + £300 – £700 for installation)
✔ Best for: Homes without a hot water cylinder or low water pressure.
✔ How it works: Heats cold water on demand using an internal element.
Pros: Energy-efficient, budget-friendly, great for instant hot water.
Cons: Requires professional wiring, may need a higher-rated fuse box.
2. Mixer Shower Installation Cost (£100 – £500 for the unit + £300 – £800 for installation)
✔ Best for: Homes with a combi boiler or pressurised system.
✔ How it works: Mixes hot and cold water from your supply.
Pros: Stronger water flow than electric showers, stylish designs available.
Cons: Doesn’t heat water itself, may need a shower pump in low-pressure homes.
3. Power Shower Installation Cost (£150 – £600 for the unit + £350 – £1,000 for installation)
✔ Best for: Homes with gravity-fed water systems needing better pressure.
✔ How it works: Uses a built-in shower pump to boost water flow.
Pros: Luxurious water flow, perfect for older properties with low pressure.
Cons: High water and energy usage, may require upgraded plumbing.
4. Thermostatic Shower Installation Cost (£200 – £600 for the unit + £350 – £1,200 for installation)
✔ Best for: Families (especially with kids or elderly relatives).
✔ How it works: Maintains a stable water temperature, even if someone flushes the toilet.
Pros: Prevents scalding, works with all heating systems.
Cons: More expensive than basic mixer showers.
5. Digital & Smart Shower Installation Cost (£400 – £1,500 for the unit + £500 – £2,000 for installation)
✔ Best for: High-tech homes, remote control convenience.
✔ How it works: Uses digital controls (or Wi-Fi/Bluetooth apps) to set water flow and temperature.
Pros: Ultimate convenience, sleek modern look, eco-friendly settings.
Cons: Pricey, requires expert installation.
6. Cost of Walk-in Shower Installation UK (£1,000 – £5,000+)
✔ Best for: Accessibility, modern aesthetics.
✔ How it works: Open-plan design with shower tray and glass panels.
Pros: Stylish, easy to clean, ideal for mobility needs.
Cons: Expensive, may require floor reinforcement.
7. Wet Room Installation Cost (£3,000 – £10,000)
✔ Best for: Full bathroom makeovers, luxury spa-style homes.
✔ How it works: Entire bathroom is waterproofed, with floor-level drainage.
Pros: Seamless design, fully accessible, adds home value.
Cons: High installation costs, requires professional waterproofing.
Labour Costs for Shower Installation
The cost of shower installation isn’t just about the unit—you also have to pay for the professionals who fit it.
How Shower Installation Complexity Affects Labour Costs
- Simple replacement (same location, minimal work): £150 – £300
- New shower installation (pipe rerouting, tiling, wiring): £800 – £2,000+
Shower Installation Labour Costs in various UK locations
- London & South East: £80 – £120 per hour
- Midlands & North: £40 – £80 per hour
- Scotland & Wales: £40 – £70 per hour
Other Trades You Might Need
- Tilers: £20 – £50 per m² (for shower enclosure or full walls)
- Plasterers: £150 – £400 (to repair walls after old shower removal)
Additional Shower Installation Costs to Consider
Alright, so you’ve got a ballpark figure for your shower installation cost, but before you set your budget, let’s talk about the extras. These are the hidden costs that can sneak up on you and inflate the final price.
1. Plumbing Costs
If your new shower needs more than just a straight swap, expect some plumbing work:
- Pipe rerouting – £150 – £500 (if your new shower isn’t in the same spot)
- Water pressure adjustments – £100 – £300 (essential if you’ve got low water pressure)
- Shower pump installation – £250 – £500 (for boosting flow in gravity-fed systems)
- Replacing old pipes – £200 – £600 (if your plumbing is outdated)
2. Electrical Costs
Installing an electric shower? Then you’ll need an electrician for the wiring. Here’s what that might cost:
- New wiring to the fuse box – £200 – £500
- Upgrading consumer unit (fuse box) – £300 – £800 (if it’s not up to current standards)
- RCD protection installation – £100 – £300 (for electrical safety compliance)
Pro Tip: If you’re switching from a mixer shower to an electric shower, factor in extra costs for wiring and water supply adjustments.
3. Shower Tray & Enclosure Costs
Thinking of a walk-in shower? Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shower tray (low-profile or raised) – £100 – £400
- Shower enclosure (glass panels, doors, fittings) – £200 – £1,500
- Custom glass panels – £500 – £2,500+ (for that luxury hotel feel)
Pro Tip: Want to avoid high tiling costs? Shower panels are a modern, low-maintenance alternative (£150 – £600).
4. Tiling & Waterproofing Costs
If your new shower setup involves tiling, prepare for these costs:
- Shower enclosure tiling – £20 – £50 per m²
- Waterproofing (membranes, grouting, sealants) – £200 – £600
- Full bathroom tiling – £1,000 – £4,000 (if you’re going all out)
Pro Tip: Want to avoid high tiling costs? Shower panels are a modern, low-maintenance alternative (£150 – £600).
5. Extras & Accessories
Want to add some finishing touches? Here’s how much they might cost:
- Shower heads – £20 – £300 (from standard to luxury rainfall showerheads)
- Thermostatic shower valves – £50 – £200 (great for preventing scalding)
- Grab bars – £30 – £100 (perfect for accessibility)
- LED shower lighting – £50 – £300 (for a stylish upgrade)
If you’re planning to install a new bathroom, be sure to check out our comprehensive article on how much does a new bathroom cost? for a detailed cost breakdown.
Factors That Affect Shower Installation Costs
Not all shower installations cost the same—some factors can push the price up or down. Here’s what to consider:
1. Your Location
Where you live in the UK plays a huge role in pricing.
- London & South East: Prices are often 20–30% higher due to demand and living costs.
- Midlands & North: Labour rates tend to be lower, so you might save £200 – £500.
2. Bathroom Layout & Size
- Compact bathrooms – Smaller shower enclosures or corner showers cost less.
- Larger bathrooms – More tiling, bigger glass panels, and structural adjustments push the price up.
3. Type of Shower Unit
- Basic electric showers – Budget-friendly and simple to install.
- Mixer showers – Mid-range option, perfect for high-pressure water systems.
- Smart & digital showers – High-tech but expensive due to complex installation.
- Walk-in showers & wet rooms – The priciest choice, requiring waterproofing, tiling, and drainage work.
4. Plumbing Complexity
Older homes might have outdated pipework, leading to additional plumbing costs:
- Old pipe replacement: £200 – £600
- New pipe installation for repositioning a shower: £300 – £1,000
5. Structural Work
If you’re converting a bath-shower combo into a walk-in shower, you may need:
- Wall reinforcements – £200 – £800 (essential for heavy glass enclosures)
- Floor waterproofing – £300 – £1,500 (especially for wet room showers)
Pro Tip: The fewer changes you make to your existing layout, the cheaper your installation will be.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a clear idea of shower installation costs in the UK, what factors affect pricing, and how to save money while getting a high-quality setup.
Key Takeaways:
✔ A basic electric shower is the cheapest option (£300 – £900, installed)
✔ A mixer shower offers great performance with a combi boiler (£500 – £1,500)
✔ Walk-in showers and wet rooms are premium options costing £2,000 – £8,000+
✔ Labour costs vary depending on location and expertise.
✔ Always hire professionals for plumbing & electrical work
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Shower Installation Cost
1. How much does it cost to replace an old shower?
A basic shower replacement (same type, no major plumbing changes) costs £300 – £800, including labour.
2. What’s the cheapest shower to install?
A basic electric shower is the most affordable, costing £150 – £500 for the unit and £150 – £400 for installation.
3. Can I install a shower without a boiler?
Yes, if you choose to use electric showers. Otherwise, you will need to have a boiler installed in your home.
4. How long does a shower installation take?
- Simple replacement: 2–4 hours
- New installation (with plumbing & wiring): 1–2 days
- Walk-in shower or wet room: 3–7 days
5. Can I replace a showerhead myself?
You can if you have experience. However, it is always better to hire a professional bathroom installation expert for the job.
6. Do I need both a plumber and an electrician?
If you’re installing a mixer shower, an expert plumber in Manchester or in your area is enough. For an electric shower, you’ll need both a plumber and a Part P-certified electrician.
7. How much does a plumber charge to fit a shower?
Plumbers charge £40 – £80 per hour. A basic shower installation costs £150 – £400 in labour.
8. Can a combi boiler run a shower?
Yes! Mixer showers work well with combi boilers, including Worcester Bosch and Baxi gas boilers, providing good water pressure.
9. Why are people replacing bathtubs with showers?
✔ Space-saving – Showers take up less room than bathtubs
✔ Water efficiency – They use less water than a bath
✔ Easier access – Walk-in showers are great for seniors and people with mobility issues
