Beatrice Lang
Fitting an electric shower is a rewarding DIY project, but it's important to follow safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions. Electric showers are a great option for any home, as they can be installed into any type of water system and rely only on a home's cold water supply, saving energy and ensuring you never run out of hot water. Before installing an electric shower, you'll need to prepare the pipework and electricity supply, ensuring you have the required tools, including a drill, screwdrivers, a pipe cutter, and a spirit level. You'll also need to obtain any necessary certifications or enlist the help of a qualified professional.
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What You'll Learn
Electric shower installation costs
Electric showers are a great option for any home as they can be installed into any type of water system and rely only on a home's cold water supply. This makes them energy-saving and cost-effective.
The cost of installing an electric shower varies depending on several factors, including the type and brand of the electric shower, the complexity of the installation, and any required modifications.
Type and Brand of Electric Shower:
Electric shower brands range in price. For example, the Mira Sport 9kW, one of the UK's best-selling electric showers, will differ in price from other brands and models.
Job Complexity:
The complexity of the job will impact the installation cost. Replacing an existing electric shower typically costs between £300 and £400 and takes around two to four hours. If you need new wiring or other additional work, the installation could take up to a day, increasing the cost.
Location:
Electrician and plumber rates vary across the UK, with London and the southeast typically having higher rates. Labour costs are generally higher in urban areas.
Modifications:
Any modifications required during installation will impact the overall cost. For example, plumbing modifications, electrical upgrades, structural repairs, and disposal of old units may incur additional charges.
On average, a standard electric shower installation will cost around £400 for supply and installation. However, prices can range from £300 to £1,500 or more, depending on the various factors mentioned above.
It is important to obtain quotes from multiple professionals and ensure they factor in all installation aspects to avoid hidden costs.
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Preparing pipework and electricity supply
Before installing an electric shower, it is important to prepare the pipework and electricity supply. Electric showers require a 15mm plumbing supply, and the inlet plumbing connections will vary depending on the manufacturer and model.
Firstly, ensure that the electrics and water supply are turned off at the mains. Then, run a 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 will go. Before drilling, check for hidden pipes or cables with a pipe and cable detector. Drill the holes for the inlet pipe and electric cable, and fit an isolating valve in the pipe with the correct connector for the unit.
Next, run the electric cable from the shower unit position to a ceiling-mounted double-pole pull-cord switch, ensuring it is not fitted in electrical zones 1 or 2, in accordance with IEE wiring regulations. The size of the cable will depend on the length of the run, the kilowatt rating of the shower unit, and the material the cable is run through.
Now, feed the pipe and electric cable through the backplate of the shower unit, and screw the unit to the wall. Connect the inlet pipe to the shower unit, tightening the compression fitting with a pipe wrench. Finally, fit the cable to the unit by connecting the live and neutral cores to the load terminals and the earth core to the earth terminal.
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Drilling and fitting the unit
First, ensure that the electrics and water supply are turned off at the mains. This is an important safety precaution. Double-check with a voltage tester to be certain. Mark the position of the new unit on the wall, covering any holes from the previous shower with the new unit or using a template that comes with some electric showers. Trace around the unit or template with a pencil, marking the designated screw holes. Remove the unit or template and put it aside.
Now, using a drill and the appropriate drill head for the wall material (masonry bit for walls, tile bit for tiles), drill the marked holes for the screws. If you're installing the shower from scratch, you'll also need to drill and saw a hole for the electrical and water pipes to come through into the back of the shower unit. Before drilling into the wall, use a pipe and cable detector to check for hidden pipes or cables to avoid accidentally drilling into them.
After drilling the holes, fit rawl plugs and screw in your new shower unit securely. Check that everything inside the unit is in the correct position, including the neutral, live, and earth wires, as well as any pipes. If you're unsure at any point, consult a professional before proceeding. Once you're certain everything is in order, screw the front cover of the shower unit back in place.
Now, connect the inlet pipe to the shower unit. Tighten the connection with a pipe wrench to ensure a secure fit. Next, connect the electric cable to the unit by attaching the live and neutral cores to the load terminals and the earth core to the earth terminal. Ensure the rubber seal is in place for a watertight fit.
With the unit connected, it's time to fit the shower rail. Most showers have two small plastic clips that need to be screwed into the wall, one above the other, to hold the rail in place. Finally, connect one end of the shower hose to the handset and the other end to the shower unit, placing it in the holder.
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Connecting the hose and rail
Now that the electric shower unit is connected to the wall, it's time to fit the shower rail and hose. The process may vary slightly depending on the brand of the shower, but here is a general guide:
First, identify the two small plastic clips that come with the shower. These clips need to be screwed into the wall, one above the other. The shower rail will slot into these clips. Make sure you screw the clips tightly into the wall to ensure they can support the weight of the rail.
Next, screw the shower hose into the shower unit. Most shower hoses will have a threaded end that twists into the shower unit. Ensure that the hose is securely attached to the unit.
Once the hose is connected to the unit, you can attach the other end of the hose to the handset. This is usually a simple push-fit connection.
Finally, place the handset in the holder on the shower rail. Ensure that the handset is securely seated in the holder.
And that's it! You have now successfully connected the hose and rail for your electric shower. Remember to test the shower to ensure that it is working properly before use.
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Final checks and testing
Before turning the power and water supply back on, double-check that everything inside the unit is in the correct position. This includes the neutral, live, and earth wires, as well as any pipes. If you are unsure, consult a professional.
Once you are certain that the wiring is correct, screw the front of your electric shower unit back in place and turn the power and water supply back on. Be extremely careful when testing your new shower to make sure everything is working as it should.
Turn the shower on and let it run for a while to check for any leaks. If everything seems to be working as it should, then congratulations! You have finished fitting your electric shower.
If you are unsure about any part of the installation process, it is always best to consult a qualified plumber or electrician.
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