Wiktor Wise
Replacing an electric shower unit is a task that can be completed by a qualified professional or, in some cases, as a DIY project. Before beginning the replacement, it is important to disconnect the power supply and water supply to the shower unit. The old shower unit can then be removed, typically by unscrewing it. When installing the new shower unit, it is crucial to ensure that the electrical and water connection points are secure and correctly aligned. Once the new unit is in place, the power and water supply can be turned back on, but caution must be exercised when testing the new shower as electricity and water can be a dangerous combination.
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What You'll Learn
Disconnect power and water supplies
Disconnecting the power and water supply from your electric shower unit is a crucial step before removing and replacing it with a new one. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it safely and effectively:
Disconnecting the Power Supply:
Start by locating the power supply to your shower unit and turning it off. This is usually a dedicated circuit breaker in your consumer unit or fuse box. Ensure that the electricity is indeed turned off by using an electrical tester, which will indicate the presence of any current. If the tester shows no current, you can be sure the power is off.
Disconnecting the Electric Shower Unit:
With the power off, you can now safely disconnect the electric shower unit. This typically involves removing the front cover of the unit to access the internal connections. Unscrew the front cover and set it aside. You may need to remove additional components, like the dials or control board, to access the electrical connections.
Disconnecting the Water Supply:
Next, turn off the water supply to the shower. This could be a shut-off valve specific to the shower or a main shut-off valve for the entire house. Once the water is off, go back to the shower and open the faucet to release any remaining water pressure in the lines.
Removing the Water Connections:
With the power and water supplies turned off, you can now disconnect the water supply lines from the shower unit. Loosen and remove any fittings or connections that attach the water pipes to the unit. Be careful not to damage the pipes or fittings, as you may be able to reuse them with your new shower.
Final Checks:
Before removing the old shower unit, double-check that all electrical and water connections are properly disconnected. Ensure that the unit is no longer receiving power by checking with the electrical tester once more. Make sure there is no remaining water pressure or leaks from the water supply lines.
Now that you have safely disconnected the power and water supplies, you can proceed to remove the old shower unit and install the new one, ensuring that all connections are secure and properly aligned. Remember to exercise extreme caution when dealing with electricity and water, and always seek professional guidance if you are unsure at any point during the process.
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Remove the old shower unit
Before you start removing your old electric shower unit, make sure you have disconnected the power supply. Check that the electricity is disconnected by using an electrical tester, which will light up when a current is flowing. You should also switch off your water supply.
With the power and water disconnected, it is safe to remove the old shower unit. The difficulty of this step depends on the type of shower unit. Most shower units are fixed in place with screws, so use a screwdriver to undo the screws holding the unit in place. If your shower unit has a front cover, you will need to remove this to disconnect the water and electricity supplies. Once the screws have been undone, the unit should just pull away from the wall.
If you have no experience with plumbing or electrical cabling, it is recommended that you hire a professional to replace your shower unit. Even if you are competent at DIY, you may encounter issues with cabling, plumbing, or positioning of power and water supply connectors. If you are confident in basic plumbing and wiring, and are happy to proceed, make sure to check that the kW rating of your new shower is suitable, and that the cabling can withstand the required current.
If you are replacing your old shower with a more powerful or feature-rich model, it is recommended that you consult a professional plumber to assess whether your current setup can support the new unit.
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Check new unit's connection points
When replacing an electric shower unit, it is important to check the new unit's connection points to ensure a safe and proper installation. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Check Water Connection Points:
Start by figuring out if the water connection points on the new unit align with those of the old unit. Mark the position of the new unit on the shower wall, including the screw holes. If the holes don't align, you may need to drill new ones. Some shower units, like Mira, offer multiple connection points, making installation easier. Ensure the water inlet is attached to the new unit using the appropriate fitting or connector. Tighten the joint with an adjustable spanner, being careful not to overtighten to avoid damage.
Check Electrical Wiring Compatibility:
Check if the electrical connections of the new shower unit align with your existing wiring. Pay close attention to the electrical connections, ensuring they are tight and properly secured. If you are working with a new shower placement and new wiring, cut the wire to size and remove the plastic outer layer to access the individual wires.
Check Fuse and Circuit Breaker:
Before turning on the power, check the fuse rating and circuit breaker. Most shower outputs are rated at 240v, so for a 9000W shower, you'll need a 37.5A fuse or circuit breaker. Look in the consumer unit for a circuit labelled 'shower' to determine the correct rating.
Turn on the Power and Water:
Once you are confident that the wiring and water connections are secure, turn on the power and water supply. Be extremely cautious during this step as water and electricity do not mix. If you are unsure, seek professional guidance.
Test the Shower:
With the power and water on, test the shower. Run the shower for a few minutes and check for proper water flow and heating. Inspect all connection points for any water leaks. Ensure the shower unit is receiving electricity; modern showers usually have an indicator light.
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Fix the new unit to the wall
Fixing the new electric shower unit to the wall involves several steps. First, you need to mark the position of the new unit on the shower wall, indicating where the screw holes will be drilled. Use a pencil so that you can easily erase the marks after installation.
Next, use a drill with a masonry bit to make the holes, and then insert the wall plugs. It is important to ensure that the electrical and water connection points on the new unit align with those of the old unit. If they do not, adjustments may be necessary.
Now, feed the water supply pipe and electrical connection through the backplate of the new shower unit, fixing them securely in place. When fitting the water supply pipe, use a pipe wrench to tighten the compression fitting to prevent leaks.
Finally, screw the new unit to the wall of the shower, ensuring that the screws are tight. Check the electrical connections once more to ensure they are secure and correctly connected.
If you have no experience with electrical cabling and plumbing, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.
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Reconnect power and water supplies
Before reconnecting the power and water supply, you must be 100% sure that the wiring and water connections are securely in place. Check that the neutral, live, and earth wires are not just connected to the shower unit but also connected correctly. When fitting the water supply pipe, use a pipe wrench to tighten the compression fitting. If you are not confident about the connections, it is best to seek professional guidance.
Once you are sure that the connections are secure, screw the front plate of your shower unit back in place. Now, it is time to turn the power and water supply back on. You must be extremely careful when testing your new shower as electricity and water do not mix. If you are unsure about testing your new shower, call in the services of a qualified professional.
If you are replacing an old unit, this step should be fairly straightforward as your electricity cables and water supply pipes will already be in roughly the right place for your shower installation. However, if this is a brand new bathroom or you are relocating your shower, you will need to locate an appropriate access point for water and electricity connections on the decided wall for your shower.
If you are upgrading your shower, for instance, from 8.5kW to 10.5kW, you will need to call an electrician. Upgrading to a higher kW can overload your cable and cause issues, the most serious of which would be a house fire.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your level of experience with DIY, plumbing, and electrical work. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to hire a professional. If you are competent and confident with DIY, plumbing, and electrical work, it is not a difficult task.
The cost of replacement depends on your location and the demand for plumbers and electricians. For a like-for-like replacement, installation costs range from £150 to £1,000. If alterations to plumbing or electrics are required, the cost can be upwards of £700 to £2,500.
Before starting any work, disconnect the power supply and water supply to the shower unit. Check that the electricity is disconnected using an electrical tester. Ensure that the water and electricity supplies are isolated. Be cautious when testing the new shower unit, as water and electricity do not mix.
First, remove the old shower unit. Mark the position of the new unit on the wall and drill holes for mounting. Connect the water supply pipe and electrical connection to the new unit, ensuring they are secure. Screw the new unit to the wall and check that the electrical connections are correct. Turn on the power and water supply to test the new shower.
Consider the age and condition of the existing shower unit. Electric showers typically have a lifespan of 8-10 years. Assess the water pressure and flow rate to ensure they are optimal. Evaluate the wiring and electrical capacity, as the shower requires a dedicated electrical circuit. Determine your budget and select a shower unit that aligns with your requirements and priorities. Additionally, consider energy efficiency and seek professional advice to choose the right unit for your bathroom and supply.
