Molly Ayala
Electric showers are convenient and provide on-demand hot water. However, like all appliances, they have a finite lifespan, and you may need to replace them. Replacing an electric shower can be a DIY project if you have basic plumbing and wiring knowledge. It involves ensuring the power and water supply are off, disconnecting the old unit, and connecting the new unit's wires and water inlet. If you're confident with the basics, it's a straightforward process. However, if you're upgrading to a higher-wattage shower or changing the shower placement, it's best to consult a professional plumber or electrician. They can ensure your setup can handle the new unit and that all safety measures are in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of replacement | Replacing an electric shower with a like-for-like model is a straightforward process that can be done by a competent DIYer or a professional. |
| When to replace | Electric showers typically last 8-10 years, but this varies with usage and maintenance. Replacement is advised if the shower is old, faulty, or inefficient. |
| Considerations | Ensure the power and water supply are turned off before replacement. Check the water pressure, flow rate, and circuit suitability. Upgrade the electrical circuit if necessary. |
| Professional installation | Hiring a plumber or electrician is recommended if you lack experience with plumbing and electrical work. |
| Eco-friendliness | Newer electric showers offer energy-saving features and water-saving technologies, reducing energy consumption and utility bills. |
| Features | Modern electric showers have digital displays, wireless remote controls, smartphone app integration, and built-in pumps for improved water pressure. |
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What You'll Learn
Like-for-like replacements are straightforward
Replacing an electric shower with a like-for-like model is a straightforward process. Before starting, ensure that the fuse for the electric shower is turned off to avoid any accidents. Also, remember to isolate the water supply to the shower by turning off the isolation valve. This valve is usually found on the pipework leading to the shower and may be located under the bath or behind bathroom tiles.
Once the power and water supply are turned off, disconnect the old shower unit. If you are replacing an old unit, the electricity cables and water supply pipes should already be in the correct place for the new shower installation. Check the positioning of the water feed and ensure it matches the new shower. The water feed can be from the left, right, centre, or all three in some cases, so make sure the pipes are compatible with the new shower.
When installing the new shower, pay close attention to the electrical connections. Ensure that the wires are properly seated and the connectors are tightened securely. For the water inlet, ensure that everything is clean and free of debris, as even a small amount of dirt or grit can make it challenging to achieve a watertight seal.
If you are confident with basic plumbing and wiring, replacing an electric shower with a like-for-like model can be a relatively simple task. However, if you have no experience with electrical cabling and plumbing, it may be best to consult a professional plumber or electrician.
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Basic plumbing and wiring skills are needed
If you have basic plumbing and wiring skills, replacing an electric shower is a straightforward task. It is important to note that you should only attempt this if you are confident in your abilities, as improper wiring or plumbing can lead to safety hazards.
Before beginning, ensure that you have switched off both the water and electricity supply at the mains. Double-check that the correct circuit has been turned off. Isolate the water supply to the shower by turning the isolation valve, which is usually found on the pipework leading to the shower and may be tucked away under the bath or behind bathroom tiles.
When replacing the shower, pay close attention to the electrical connections. Make sure the wires are properly seated in the connectors and that the connectors are tightened securely. Check them multiple times to ensure they are properly tight. If you are working with a new wire, cut it to size and remove the plastic outer layer to access the three wires within: brown (live wire), green (earth wire), and blue (neutral wire). Expose the cables by removing the coating from each wire. Feed these wires into the corresponding cables in the shower unit, matching green to green, brown to brown, and blue to blue. Secure these connections by screwing them into the corresponding bracket.
For the water inlet, ensure that everything is spotlessly clean. Even a small amount of muck or grit in the joint can make it extremely difficult to achieve a watertight seal. After mounting the new shower, run the water to check for any leaks.
If you are replacing the shower with a like-for-like model, the process is generally simpler, as the existing pipework and power supply connectors can remain unchanged. However, if you are upgrading to a higher-wattage unit, you may need to install a new cable and breaker, and consult a professional to ensure your current setup can support the upgrade.
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Ensure the power and water supply are off
Before starting any work on your electric shower, it is imperative that you disconnect the power and water supply to the shower unit to avoid accidents.
Electricity Supply
First, locate your main circuit breaker, which is usually found in the basement, garage, or closet. Find the circuit breaker for the shower and turn it off. Do not just switch off the one labelled "shower", but ensure you isolate the correct circuit. Double-check that the electricity is indeed disconnected by using an electrical tester. An electrical tester usually features a small neon bulb that lights up when a current flows through it.
Water Supply
Next, locate the main water shut-off valve in your home and turn it off to stop the flow of water. This is usually located in the basement or on an outside wall. If your shower has its own shut-off valve, you can turn it off instead. This is usually located on the floor below the bathroom or sometimes under the sink.
If you are only replacing the shower handle, you may not need to turn off the water supply. However, you may still get sprayed with water, so proceed with caution.
Once you have confirmed that both the power and water supplies are off, you can safely remove the old shower unit.
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Check the water inlet and electrical connections
Electric showers are a great option for any home, as they can be installed in any type of water system and rely solely on a home's cold water supply. They are easy to install and offer constant hot water, even with low water pressure. However, replacing an electric shower requires careful consideration of both water inlet and electrical connections.
Firstly, locate the main stopcock and turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. Then, open a few taps in the house to release any remaining water in the pipes. This is crucial to prevent accidental leaks when disconnecting the shower unit. Once the water supply is disconnected, loosen the water connection to the unit using an adjustable spanner. Be prepared for some residual water to escape.
Next, identify the electrical terminals by opening the shower's connection box. You should see the live (L), neutral (N), and earth (E) terminals. Ensure that the wiring connections are secure and correctly matched (green to green, brown to brown, and blue to blue). Feed the cables into the corresponding cable in the shower unit, and screw them firmly into the corresponding bracket.
After securing the electrical connections, focus on the water inlet. Align the inlet with your plumbing and use the appropriate fitting or connector to attach the water inlet to the shower unit. Tighten the joint with an adjustable spanner, ensuring it is firm but not overtightened to avoid damage.
Finally, check for leaks by gradually turning on the main water supply and observing the connection point. If you notice dripping, gently tighten the connection further or replace the washer inside the fitting. By following these steps, you can ensure a secure water inlet connection.
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Assess the cabling, water pressure and flow rate
Replacing an electric shower is a relatively simple task, especially if it is a like-for-like replacement. However, before replacing your electric shower, it is important to assess the cabling, water pressure, and flow rate to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential issues. Here are some detailed instructions on how to assess these factors:
Cabling
When assessing the cabling for an electric shower, it is important to consider the power rating of the shower and ensure that the cabling can handle the required load. A more powerful shower will typically require a larger cable to support the increased electricity demand. For example, upgrading to a higher-wattage shower, such as a 9.5 or 10 kW unit, usually requires upgrading the cable from 6mm to 10mm. It is crucial to consult with a qualified electrician to determine the appropriate cable size and ensure safe and effective installation.
Water Pressure
Water pressure is a critical factor in the performance of an electric shower. Low water pressure can result in a weak flow and an unsatisfactory showering experience. To assess water pressure, you can conduct a simple test using a measuring jug, a timer, and a calculator. Place the jug under the showerhead and time how long it takes to fill. If it takes more than 6 seconds to fill, you likely have low water pressure. Low water pressure can be caused by various factors, including old piping in mains water systems in city or town centres.
Flow Rate
The flow rate of an electric shower refers to the amount of water delivered per minute. It is influenced by factors such as power rating and water pressure. To measure the flow rate, place a bucket marked in litres under the shower and turn it on for exactly one minute. Measure the water collected in the bucket, and you will have the litre flow rate per minute. An average flow rate for electric showers in the UK is about 8 litres per minute for models between 7 kW and 8.5 kW. Higher-power models may require a slightly higher flow rate.
By assessing the cabling, water pressure, and flow rate, you can make informed decisions about replacing or upgrading your electric shower to ensure it meets your needs and expectations. Remember to consult with qualified professionals, such as electricians and plumbers, for expert advice and safe installation.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are replacing like-for-like, it is a straightforward process. If you are confident with basic plumbing and wiring, you can do it yourself. First, ensure the electricity and water supply are turned off at the mains. Then, disconnect the old shower and mount the new one, paying close attention to the electrical connections.
Replacing an electric shower can take around four hours if it is your first time. Subsequent replacements will take less time, with some people able to do it in under an hour.
Either a plumber or an electrician can replace an electric shower. Replacing a like-for-like shower is a simple job for a plumber, and they will charge accordingly. However, if you are upgrading to a higher wattage shower, you may need to hire an electrician to upgrade the wiring and breaker.
Before replacing an electric shower, ensure that the existing unit is fully removed. Check that the fuse for the electric shower is off, and isolate the water supply by turning the isolation valve. If you are working with a new shower placement, you may need to cut and expose the wires.
