Wiktor Wise
Electric showers are a convenient and economical option for any home, providing hot water on demand without the need for a hot water tank or storage. They are especially useful in older buildings where hot water may not be readily accessible. Fitting an electric shower is a feasible DIY project, but it is important to prioritise safety and ensure that your house meets the minimum requirements. This involves consulting both an electrician and a plumber and acquiring the necessary tools, including a drill, screwdrivers, a pipe cutter, and a spirit level. The process involves preparing the pipework and electricity supply, mounting the shower unit on the wall, and securing it in place, following the manufacturer's instructions for connecting the electrical wiring.
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What You'll Learn
Consult a qualified electrician and plumber
Fitting an electric shower is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety and functionality. While it can be a rewarding DIY project, it is crucial to prioritize safety and compliance with regulations. Therefore, consulting qualified professionals, such as electricians and plumbers, is essential. Here are some detailed reasons why:
Firstly, a qualified electrician will ensure that your electrical system can handle the demands of an electric shower. They will assess the size and type of independent circuit required and install a dedicated circuit for the shower, following local electrical standards, regulations, and legislation. This is critical to guarantee safety and prevent electrical faults that could be life-threatening.
Secondly, an electrician will guide you in selecting the appropriate electric shower unit for your specific needs and space constraints. They will consider factors such as power ratings, which influence the pressure and power of the water, ensuring you choose a unit that aligns with your desired shower experience and your home's electrical capabilities.
Additionally, a qualified plumber will be well-versed in the intricacies of water systems and can advise on any necessary adjustments or additions to your pipe system. They will ensure that your home plumbing meets the minimum requirements for an electric shower and help you navigate the process of connecting the hot and cold water pipes to the electric shower unit securely and leak-free.
Moreover, a plumber will be knowledgeable about safety regulations and can guide you in selecting the appropriate fittings and mounting brackets for your shower unit. They can provide valuable insights into maintaining proper water pressure and preventing water ingress, which is crucial in avoiding potential damage to your property.
Finally, consulting professionals ensures that you receive guidance on maintaining and troubleshooting your electric shower. They can advise on compliance with safety regulations, regular maintenance checks, and resolving any issues that may arise, such as leaks or electrical faults. This long-term support adds value to your investment and provides peace of mind.
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Prepare pipework and install electricity supply
To prepare the pipework and install the electricity supply for your electric shower head, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you have the necessary tools, including a drill, screwdrivers, a pipe cutter, and a spirit level. It is also important to have the electric shower unit and any additional fixtures and fittings needed. Before beginning any work, prioritise safety by turning off the electrical supply at the mains and double-checking with a voltage tester.
Next, you will need to run a single 15mm pipe from the cold water supply near the storage tank to the wall where the shower will be installed. Hold the shower unit in position and mark where the inlet pipe and power supply cable are located. Before drilling into the wall, use a pipe and cable detector to check for any hidden pipes or cables. Drill the holes for the pipe and cable at the marked locations, ensuring the cable hole is the appropriate size based on the length of the run and the kilowatt rating of the shower unit.
Now, fit an isolating valve and the correct connector for the unit into the pipe. Run the electric cable from the shower unit position to a ceiling-mounted double-pole pull-cord switch, ensuring it is not fitted in Zone 1 or 2 as per IEE wiring regulations. Attach the electric cable from the isolating switch to the power unit, and secure a pipe from the cold water main supply to the shower unit. This will be how the water passes through the main valve.
Finally, attach a non-return valve or stop tap to the pipe to isolate the shower's water supply from the rest of the building. Ensure that the pipe is securely connected to the shower unit using a compression fitting to prevent leaks.
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Secure the shower unit and shower head to the wall
Fitting an electric shower is a feasible DIY project, but it is important to follow safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions. Before installing the shower, ensure you have the required tools, including a drill, screwdrivers, a pipe cutter, and a spirit level. You will also need to acquire the electric shower unit and any additional fixtures needed.
To secure the shower unit and shower head to the wall, first, prepare the pipework and install an electricity supply. This involves running a single 15mm pipe from the cold water supply near the storage tank to the wall where the shower will be installed. Hold the shower unit in position and mark where the inlet pipe and power supply cable are located. It is crucial to use a pipe and cable detector to check for hidden pipes or cables before drilling into the wall.
Next, drill a hole in the wall for the electric cable. The size of the cable required depends on the length of the run and the kilowatt rating of the shower unit. Run the cable from the shower unit position to a ceiling-mounted double-pole pull-cord switch, ensuring it is not fitted in Zone 1 or 2 per IEE wiring regulations.
Now, you can secure the shower unit to the wall. Hold the back unit against the wall, covering the electric cables and the water pipe. Loosely connect the shower unit to the water supply pipe to ensure a proper fit and cover any holes. Some electric showers may come with a template to trace and cut out the required space. Once you have marked the designated screw holes, remove the shower unit and set it aside. Drill the marked holes for the screws and any additional holes for the electrical and water pipes to access the back of the shower unit.
Finally, hang the electric shower unit on the mounting bracket and secure it in place according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that any gaps between the unit and the wall are sealed with waterproof sealant to prevent water ingress.
Before turning on the water supply and testing for leaks, follow the manufacturer's guidelines to connect the electrical wiring to the shower unit, which may include connecting live, neutral, and earth wires.
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Test your setup
Once you've installed your electric shower, it's time to test your setup. This is a crucial step to ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely. Here's a detailed guide on how to test your newly installed electric shower setup:
Inspect Electrical Installation:
Before turning anything on, ensure that your electrical installation complies with local standards, regulations, and legislation. This step is vital for safety, as you're dealing with electricity and water in close proximity. Make sure you've consulted an electrician to advise on the independent circuit and consumer unit, and that all electrical connections are secure.
Turn on the Water Supply:
Locate your water supply valve and turn the knob counterclockwise to open it up. This will allow water to flow through the pipes to your new electric shower.
Check for Leaks:
With the water supply turned on, carefully inspect all the connections you've made. Check the pipe connections to the shower unit, the shower hose, and the showerhead itself for any signs of leakage. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections further, using your hands or tools as needed.
Test the Shower:
Now, it's time to test the shower. Turn on the electric shower and ensure that water flows through the showerhead as expected. Adjust the temperature settings and test both hot and cold water to ensure the heating mechanism is functioning correctly.
Final Checks:
Once you've confirmed that the shower is operational, perform final checks to ensure everything is secure. Check that all wires are tucked away safely and that any excess lengths are back in the wall. Ensure the water pipe is secured properly, and take advantage of any additional safety clips provided by the manufacturer.
Remember, if you're ever unsure about any aspect of the installation or testing process, consult a qualified electrician or plumber. It's always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with electricity and water.
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Attach the shower rail and hose
Attaching the shower rail and hose is a simple process. Typically, there are two small plastic clips that need to be screwed into the wall, one above the other. This is what your shower rail slots into. Make sure the clips are screwed tightly into the wall, as this will bear the weight of the shower rail and the showerhead. The shower rail should easily slot into the clips.
Now, you can screw the shower hose into your shower unit. The shower hose is usually attached to the shower unit with a screw joint. Ensure that the joint is tight and secure. Once this is done, you can pop back on your shower's front cover.
Your shower rail and hose are now attached. You can now unscrew your isolation valve and turn the corresponding fuse back on.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to consult both an electrician and a plumber to ensure your house meets the minimum requirements. You should also turn off the electrical supply at the mains and double-check with a voltage tester.
You will need a drill, screwdrivers, a pipe cutter, and a spirit level. You will also need the electric shower unit and any additional fixtures.
First, prepare the pipework and install an electricity supply. Then, connect the hot and cold water pipes to the electric shower unit, ensuring a secure and leak-free connection. Next, hang the electric shower unit on the mounting bracket and secure it in place. Finally, follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the electrical wiring to the shower unit.
