Power Shower Installation Cost Guide 2023

Power showers are designed to use both hot and cold water from your water supply to get to the temperature set by the shower's thermostat. They are ideal for homes with low water pressure as they come with a pump to improve flow rate. They cost an average of £650 to supply and install, but what factors make up this cost?

How much does it cost to install a power shower?

On average, it costs £650 to install a power shower, but this will vary depending on whether you are replacing an existing power shower, the brand of shower you choose and where you are in the country.

HaMuch has a large database of hourly and daily rates for plumbing jobs all over the country, so take a look at the tables below to get an idea of the cost of labour in your area. However, these are the average costs you can expect:

Power shower brands

There are lots of power shower brands on the market, along with plenty of generic power showers that may be suitable for your needs. However, sometimes it can pay to spend a bit more on a well-known brand – while the initial cost may be higher, it may save you money in maintenance and repair costs in the long term.

How do power showers work?

Power showers work by combining hot and cold water from your supply in the same way that a normal mixer shower would, but they have an electric pump inside that boosts your flow rate and water pressure, producing a much more luxurious shower experience.

If you have a conventional boiler with a cold water tank in your loft that supplies water to a hot water tank (usually kept in an airing cupboard), then you can have and may benefit from a power shower. Conventional boiler systems are low-pressure systems, which can result in a shower that feels more like a dribble than a waterfall, so a power shower can help combat this.

How long does it take to install a power shower?

If you’re replacing a power shower with another one, you can usually expect it to be installed within 3 hours, providing the fixtures and fittings are generally the same. If you’re installing a power shower for the first time, it’s more likely to take a whole day to install. It could take up to two days if you need extra pipework, but this is generally only if you want the shower to be in a different place to your old one.

Do power showers work with combi boilers?

No, power showers don’t work with combi boilers. Power showers use your hot and cold water supply alongside a pump to provide a high-pressure shower, so need a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder to function. Combi boilers provide better pressure, so it is unlikely that you would need a power shower anyway. You can install a mixer shower, which uses hot and cold water to provide the correct temperature in a similar way to a power shower, but doesn’t require a pump.

What is the difference between a power shower and an electric shower?

Lots of people mistakenly think that power showers and electric showers are the same. While both use electricity, they are very different. Electric showers only use cold water then heat it to the required temperature, so these showers can be used with any boiler or plumbing system. They also don't contain a pump as they're connected to the mains, so usually don't need any extra pressure.

Do you need an electrician to install a power shower?

Generally, you do need an electrician or a plumber that is Part P certified to install a power shower. According to Building Control regulations, any alterations to a bathroom or wet room is notifiable work under Part P, so it’s important to get the work done correctly. If you try to install a power shower yourself and you don’t know what you’re doing, you could pose a fire risk or shock yourself, so it’s not worth the risk to save money on labour costs.

Are power showers worth it?

If you have a low-pressure water system and you're suffering from dribbling showers, we definitely think power showers are worth it. If it's important to you, having a shower that provides a decent pressure can improve your quality of life, so weigh up the costs and benefits and make a decision for yourself.

It's always best to get at least 3 quotes from local plumbers to ensure you're getting the best price for your power shower installation. Post your job on HaMuch now and we'll put you in touch with available plumbers in your area.