Electric Shower Installation Costs in the UK: 2025 Guide
If your boiler cuts out the second you’ve shampooed, an electric shower can be a sensible choice. No reliance on a hot-water tank, no waiting for the system to “wake up”. Just a compact unit that heats water on demand. But what does it really cost to install one in 2025, and where can budgets creep?
Electric shower installation cost (UK 2025): the honest range
When people ask ‘what does it cost?’, they might be talking about very different jobs.
- Like-for-like swap – old unit off, new one on, same spot, same power rating. Usually costs £250–£350 including labour and small materials.
- First-time install – adds a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit, ensures RCD protection, runs a cold feed and makes good afterwards. Costs around £500–£600, sometimes more in older homes that need electrical upgrades before sign-off.
The unit price itself varies too.
- Basic: 8.5 kW models hover near £100
- Mid-range thermostatic units with stable temperature control: £150–£250
- Designer glass-fronted or app-enabled options can knock on £300+
The labour cost doesn’t depend on how pretty the fascia is. It’s the electrics that drive the price.
Why electric shower installation costs vary from home to home
Period homes and London terraces love a surprise. Three things push costs up:
- Aged electrics: a new shower circuit may need a consumer unit upgrade, fitting an appropriate MCB, and upsizing cable if you’re moving to 9.5 kW or 10.5 kW.
- Low mains pressure: standard electrics can feel underwhelming. Pumped units make the flow better but cost more and take longer to fit.
- Layout realities: relocating the shower usually require new routes through studwork or masonry — doable but may require extra cost.
Still deciding on technology? See our Electric Shower vs Combi Boiler Showers Guide
Electric shower running costs (UK 2025): what your bills will notice
Electric showers heat only the water you actually use. For short showers, or homes where the boiler isn’t always on, that’s a win. At current UK electricity prices, a 9.5 kW unit running ten minutes lands roughly around 50p. At current UK electricity prices, a 9.5 kW unit running for ten minutes costs around 50p. For twenty-minute showers, double it and compare with a combi-powered mixer.
You can calculate the cost yourself, or take the guesswork out of it by calculating your estimate using our UK renovation cost calculator.
When an electric shower is the smart choice (and when it isn’t)
Adding an en-suite, loft dormer or annex where there’s no hot feed? Electric saves the cost of long pipe runs and avoids loading the boiler.
Refitting a rental where reliability matters more than looks? If the boiler sulks, the shower still works.
Renovating a guest suite you don’t heat year-round? An electric shower is a sensible choice.
We don’t usually recommend electric for high-use family bathrooms where several long showers happen back-to-back. In those cases, a mixer on a modern combi often feels better. (see the earlier comparison link—no need to repeat it).
If you’re planning a broader upgrade with layout changes, check out our Bathroom Renovation projects.
Safety, compliance and sign-off (Understand that Part P)
Showers are not a “have-a-go” zone. Part P is the section of the UK building regulations that covers electrical safety in homes and they apply to electrical work in bathrooms. A qualified electrician will test, certify and ensure the circuit is safe. If your consumer unit is outdated, expect this to come up before work starts. Good contractors explain cable sizes, breaker ratings and routes in plain English.
Beams’ take: cost clarity beats surprises
From small flats to busy family homes, the key to staying on budget is clear scope from the start. We scan the place, check the electrics, confirm routes, price making-good and talk openly about pressure and power. Then we give you a fixed proposal so there are no mid-job surprises. If the electrics are right for you, we’ll say so. If not, we’ll point you to the alternative.
FAQs: Electric shower installation & costs (UK 2025)
1. How long does an electric shower install take?
A like-for-like swap typically takes under half a day including testing and certification. First-time installs take longer because you’re adding a dedicated circuit and running a new cold feed. If it’s part of a wider refurb, schedule electrics before tiling to avoid doing things twice.
2. Do I need a new consumer unit for a modern 9.5–10.5 kW shower?
Not always, but many older boards do need attention. The shower needs its own RCD-protected circuit and correctly rated MCB with the right cable size. Your electrician will check and advise if the board needs an upgrade.
3. What wattage electric shower should I choose?
Higher wattage means faster heat-up and fuller flow, but needs heavier cabling and breakers. Many homes are fine with 9.5 kW; smaller spaces or limited electrics may stick to 8.5 kW. Considering your usage (quick blasts or leisurely showers) is as important as the wiring itself.
4. Can I fit an electric shower over a bath?
Yes, if it’s outside splash zones and the circuit is installed and certified. If you’re retiling or changing layouts, do your electrical before finishes.
5. Is an electric shower cheaper to run than a mixer on a combi boiler?
For short, occasional showers, electric often costs less. For long, daily showers, a combi with a good mixer can be better.
6. Will an electric shower work during a boiler breakdown—or a power cut?
During a boiler breakdown, yes — that’s the beauty of an electric unit. During a power cut, no — it still needs electricity to heat water. If you want a safe choice — an electric shower is still a strong option for secondary bathrooms.