Trystan Casey
Installing an electric shower can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and the right tools, it can be a rewarding DIY project. Before you begin, it's important to consider the water pressure in your home and select a shower unit that fits your bathroom and works with your plumbing and electricity supply. You should also decide whether you will install it yourself or hire a professional. If you choose to install it yourself, ensure you have the necessary tools, including a pipe wrench, tape measure, pipe cutter, level, screwdrivers, drill, hole saws, pipe and cable detector, and more. It is crucial to turn off the electricity and water supply before beginning any work. If you are replacing an old unit, you may need to disconnect the power supply and isolate the water supply. Mark the position of the new unit and drill holes for the screws. Connect the water supply pipe and electrical cables, following the manufacturer's instructions. Finally, turn on the electricity and water supply to test your new electric shower.
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What You'll Learn
Turn off the electricity and water supply
Before you begin any work on installing or replacing an electric shower, it is imperative that you turn off the electricity and water supply to avoid the risk of electrocution and flooding.
First, locate the fuse for the electric shower and turn it off. This will ensure that there is no power running to the shower unit, and you can safely work on the electrical cables. The fuse box is usually located near the main electrical panel, and you may need to use a screwdriver to access it. Make sure to use a voltage tester to confirm that the power is indeed off after you have turned the fuse off.
Next, you need to isolate the water supply to the shower. Locate the isolation valve on the pipework leading to the shower. It is often tucked away under the bath or behind bathroom tiles. Turn the valve to shut off the water flow to the shower. Place a bucket underneath the valve before turning it to catch any dripping water. If you are replacing an old unit, this step may not be necessary as you can simply turn off the main water supply to your home.
Once you have turned off the electricity and water supply, cover the electrical cables and the water pipe to protect them during the installation process. You can use electrical tape or a temporary cover to secure the cables. For the water pipe, you can use a pipe sleeve or a similar protective covering. Ensure that the area is dry before proceeding with the installation of your new electric shower.
If you are unsure about any of these steps or feel uncomfortable working with electricity and plumbing, it is always best to consult a qualified professional. A Part P-qualified electrician or plumber is equipped to handle the installation of electric showers safely and in compliance with regulations.
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Check water pressure and select a suitable unit
Before installing an electric shower, it is important to check the water pressure in your home and select a unit that matches your specific water pressure to ensure optimal performance. Electric showers are designed to work with low-pressure systems, but selecting a unit that is compatible with your water pressure is crucial. Look for models with high energy efficiency ratings, such as the Redring Glow Phased Shutdown Electric Showers, to save on electricity bills and reduce your environmental impact.
When choosing an electric shower, consider one with multiple entry points for cables and plumbing. This will make the installation process easier by increasing the chances of aligning the new shower's connections with the existing ones. At a minimum, look for four entry points: top, bottom, side, and back. Additionally, swivelling connections for water and multiple connectors can be advantageous.
If you are replacing an old electric shower, a plumber may be able to handle the installation as the electrical cables are already in place. However, if you are installing a new electric shower or relocating the shower to a different wall, you will need to consult an electrician to handle the electrical connections safely. It is crucial to hire a qualified electrician or a Part P-qualified plumber to ensure the installation complies with safety standards and regulations.
Before starting the installation, ensure that the electricity and water supply to the shower is turned off at the mains to avoid any accidents. If you are confident in your DIY skills, you can attempt the installation by following the manufacturer's instructions and seeking guidance from online resources. However, if you have any doubts or concerns, it is always best to seek the help of a qualified professional.
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Prepare the cables and plumbing
Preparing the cables and plumbing for an electric shower is a complex process that may require the help of a professional. If you are uncomfortable with any of the steps, consider hiring a Part P-qualified electrician or plumber.
First, ensure that the fuse for the electric shower is off to avoid electrocution. Isolate the water supply to the shower by turning the isolation valve, which is usually found on the pipework leading to the shower. If you are replacing an old unit, the electricity cables and water supply pipe should already be in the correct location. However, if you are installing a new shower or relocating the existing one, you will need to identify an appropriate access point for water and electricity connections on the wall where the shower will be located.
Next, you will need to drill holes for the plumbing and electrical cables. If you are starting from scratch, you may need to drill and saw a hole for the electrical and water pipes to access the back of the shower unit. The drill bit you will need depends on the surface you are drilling into. If you are drilling into tiles, use a tile bit, and if you are drilling into masonry, use a masonry bit.
Once the holes are drilled, fill them with rawl plugs and, if necessary, plug any gaps with silicone sealant. It is important to use silicone sealant designed for wet environments, as regular sealant will not withstand shower use. Feed the pipe and electrical cabling through the shower's backplate, and then screw the shower into place.
Now, you can connect the inlet pipe and electrical cabling. The live and neutral cores of the electrical cabling need to be connected to the terminals marked "load," while the earth core needs to be connected to the earth terminal. If you are unsure about any part of this process, it is crucial to consult a professional, as incorrect electrical connections can be dangerous and void your warranty.
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Drill holes and fill with rawl plugs
Drilling holes in your wall for an electric shower installation requires careful preparation. Before you start drilling, make sure you have marked the positions of the holes on the wall. If you are drilling into tiles, it is recommended to use masking tape on the surface to prevent the drill bit from slipping and to provide grip. Drill bits also depend on the surface – for drilling into tiles, use a tile bit.
Once you have marked the positions of the holes, you can start drilling. Drill gently, especially if you are drilling into tiles, as they can easily break. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as eye protection and a mask, to shield yourself from dust and debris. If possible, have an assistant help you with this step.
After you have drilled the holes, fill them with rawl plugs. Rawl plugs, also known as wall plugs or cavity plugs, are used to secure screws in place. Ensure that the plugs fit snugly into the holes. If there are any gaps, use silicone sealant to fill them. Silicone sealant is designed for use in wet environments, so it is important to use this type of sealant in a shower.
Once the rawl plugs are securely in place, you can feed the pipe and electrical cabling through the shower's backplate. Then, screw the shower into place, and you can proceed to connect the inlet pipe and electrical cabling.
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Connect the hose and test
Now it's time to connect the hose and test your new electric shower. First, connect the hose to the unit. You may want to check at this stage that it's working before attaching the showerhead. Once you've done this, you can connect the showerhead.
If you're happy that everything is connected, turn the shower on and let the water run for a while to check for any leaks. If everything seems to be working as it should, you've finished fitting your electric shower!
If you're unsure about any of the electrical work, it's important to call in a professional. Only a Part P-qualified electrician can wire, test and sign off any electrical work. Getting electrical connections wrong can be dangerous and may void your warranty.
If you're happy to proceed, remember to ensure that the electricity cables and water supply pipe are in the right place for your shower installation. If you're replacing an old unit, this step should be straightforward. However, if you're installing a brand new shower or relocating an existing one, you'll need to locate an appropriate access point for water and electricity connections on the wall where your shower will be.
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Frequently asked questions
You should hire a Part P-qualified electrician or plumber to install an electric shower. This qualification indicates that they are registered with a competent person scheme, such as ELECSA or NICEIC, and are therefore allowed to self-certify their work.
The cost of getting an electric shower professionally installed can range from £150 to £300. However, this can jump to £700 if you have a high-end unit.
Before installing an electric shower, you should make sure that the fuse for the electric shower is off so that you don't electrocute yourself when handling the cables. You should also isolate the water supply to your shower by turning the isolation valve. This is usually found on the pipework leading to your shower and may be tucked away under your bath or behind your bathroom tiles.
Once you've installed your electric shower, screw the shower unit's front cover back on. Then, unscrew the isolation valve and turn the corresponding fuse back on. Turn on the shower and let it run to check for any leaks.
