Whether the old shower has given up, the tray is leaking or you simply want something better than a dribble, the first question is the same: what will your water system actually support? This page explains the main shower types and what installing or replacing one involves.
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Choosing the right type of shower
The best shower for your home depends on how your hot water is supplied:
Mixer showers blend hot and cold from your existing supply. They suit combi boilers and unvented cylinders with good mains pressure
Electric showers heat cold mains water inside the unit, so they work whatever the boiler is doing, which makes them a useful second shower
Pumped showers boost the flow from a gravity-fed system with a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder
Thermostatic valves hold the temperature steady when someone runs a tap elsewhere, which is worth having with any mixer
Electric showers and Part P
An electric shower is a high-power appliance on its own dedicated circuit. Fitting a new one, or upgrading to a higher power unit, involves electrical work that falls under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales and needs to be done or certified by a suitably qualified electrician. Like-for-like swaps still need the existing cable and protection checked. If your project includes electrical work, we will be clear about which part is plumbing and which needs an electrician.
Shower replacement
Replacing a shower like for like is the simplest job: the same type, connected to the same pipes. Things get more involved when you switch type, for example from an electric shower to a mixer, or move from an exposed valve on the wall to a concealed one behind the tiles.
A concealed valve needs the wall opened and the pipework fitted inside it, so it is often best done as part of a wider refit. An exposed bar mixer is usually easier to fit to existing tiles.
Shower valve replacement
A shower that runs too hot, too cold or will not hold its temperature often has a worn thermostatic cartridge. On many valves the cartridge can be replaced without changing the whole valve. If the valve is old and parts are no longer available, a replacement valve may be the better option, and the job depends on whether it is surface-mounted or set into the wall.
Shower leaking?
Leaks around showers come from a few common places: a failed silicone seal around the tray, a cracked tray, a leaking waste, a dripping head or hose, or a joint behind the wall. Water that stains the ceiling below is a sign it has been getting through for a while. If the source is hidden, our leak detection page explains how it is traced.
Shower doors and enclosures
Shower door replacement is often needed when seals perish, hinges fail or the glass is chipped. Measure the existing opening carefully, as enclosure sizes vary. If the tray is also old or cracked, it is usually worth replacing the tray and enclosure together rather than fitting new glass onto a failing base.
Send a photo of your current shower, the boiler or cylinder, and what you would like to change. Call or WhatsApp 07429 632804, or use the quote form.
Common questions
Shower Installation FAQs
Clear answers before you arrange a visit.
Why is my shower pressure low?+
Common reasons include a scaled-up shower head, a kinked hose, a partly closed isolation valve, a worn cartridge, or a gravity-fed system with little height between the tank and the shower. Cleaning the head is the easy first check.
Can I have a mixer shower with a combi boiler?+
Usually, yes. Combis supply hot water at mains pressure, which suits mixer showers. The boiler's hot water flow decides how well it copes with more than one outlet at once.
Do electric showers need an electrician?+
The electrical side of a new or upgraded electric shower falls under Part P and needs to be done or certified by a suitably qualified electrician.
What does shower installation cost?+
It depends on the shower type, whether pipework moves, whether the valve is concealed and whether the tray or enclosure is changed. Chris will give you a clear figure after seeing the job.
Can a shower pump be added to any system?+
No. Most pumps are designed for gravity-fed systems. They are not normally fitted to combi boilers or unvented cylinders.
