Advice on installing a new electric shower please.

gizzmo_2 · 14 March 2005 at 6:24PM

I'm looking to fit an electric shower in my bathroom as I currently have a mixer one that is fitted direct to the hot and cold water supply and the water pressure is dire as I live on the 2nd floor of a block of flats. I've been ringing around getting quotes for a new electric shower installation and the quotes range from £500 - £1000 for a shower supplied and fitted. The £500 ones admit that they will supply a really cheap shower only - but are saying that if I provide my own shower it will only be £50 less.

How much should it cost to fit a new electric shower where there wasn't one already? Also does the shower come with all the electrical cables etc required for its power wattage - or will the plumber have to supply those seperately?
Also - since this is a new electric shower being fitted from scratch - can I just choose the highest wattage I want - or am I restricted by my electricity supply in some way? Do you know roughly how long it should take to fit it as well - as some plumbers quote by the hour - whilst others give a price for all in. So confusing!!!

Sorry for all the questions - bit of a novice at all this stuff I'm afraid.
Appreciate any help that anyone can provide.

RedOnRed · 14 March 2005 at 6:54PM

Why don't you have a power shower fitted? It sounds like your easiest option as you already have most of the plumbing work in place, a plumber would of course have to fit a pump which would also resolve your water pressure problems.

robowen · 14 March 2005 at 9:05PM

You don't say how your hot and cold is supplied, I presume its from a combi and the cold from the mains ?
If so, you won't be able to have a pump fitted for a power shower.

Let us know how your water is supplied and we can advise you a bit more on your options.

YorkshireBoy · 14 March 2005 at 10:28PM

First things first (and I know this is going to get a few peoples backs up

) but this is DEFINITELY a "Part P" building regs job so it's gonna cost (to do it properly!). Just in case you missed it first time, I'll say it again - THIS IS DEFINITELY A PART P JOB!!!!!!!!!!!

gizzmo wrote:

How much should it cost to fit a new electric shower where there wasn't one already?

How long is a piece of string (or the length/route of the supply cable)?

gizzmo wrote:

Also does the shower come with all the electrical cables etc required for its power wattage - or will the plumber have to supply those seperately?

No, the cable will have to be sized (and purchased) by Mr Plumber to suit the job. "Generally" speaking - 6mm for up to 7KW, 10mm for 7.5KW and above. Also, you'll have to make sure you've got room for the new fuse/breaker in the consumer unit. Finally, with many consumer units, especially older ones, you are restricted to the number of fuses/breakers greater than 30A that you can fit into the board. This will be a problem if you already have a large (double) oven on a 40A breaker, and you buy a shower bigger than 7.5KW. Budget for £150 - £200 fitted to replace the board.

gizzmo wrote:

Also - since this is a new electric shower being fitted from scratch - can I just choose the highest wattage I want - or am I restricted by my electricity supply in some way?

See above.

gizzmo wrote:

Do you know roughly how long it should take to fit it as well - as some plumbers quote by the hour - whilst others give a price for all in. So confusing!!!

Again, how long is a piece of string! Get 3 or 4 prices - never agree to hourly rate pricing. Tell them you'll need a certificate of Part P compliance. Ask them if "they" are Part P compliant. If they're not, and they can't supply an electrician who is, tell them you'll get it tested by the local authority under building control and you'll pay the Plumber if it passes. If they run a mile, don't use them! If they're happy for you to do this, then you're half way there.

Alternatively, take a bath!!!!!

HTH
YB

robowen · 14 March 2005 at 11:14PM

Excellent YB !!

You know....I should read some of these posts a bit more thoroughly. I completely missed the bit where the OP stated **she** wanted an electric shower.

Doh !!

gizzmo_2 · 15 March 2005 at 11:45AM

Thanks very much for your replies guys - This has really helped.

YorkshireBoy - I knew nothing about a plumber needing to be Part P compliant.....so I'm so glad that I asked this question. The length of the cable doesn't need to be that long given that I live in a very small flat. But I'll be sure to measure it first.
Will reply back to let you know how I go.....
Can you believe some plumbers in my area (Harrow) are booked up till May....and can't fit me in before then?????? I should change career and train to become a plumber - looks like there is a demand in my area.

robowen - BTW - I'm a girl......

Cheers again guys - I really love this site and can't believe how helpful and friendly everyone here is.

Advice on installing a new electric shower please.

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