![How much does bath installation cost? [March 2025]](https://d21dfqs8hl0txa.cloudfront.net/cost-guides/main/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-a-bath.png)
The short answer
- The total cost of installing a new bath can cost anywhere from £350 - £1,500+
- The final cost will vary depending on a few different factors, but the type of bath and the material it's made from will likely be the largest influences
- The cost of the bath itself can range from £120 to £1,000+
- There is a wide variety of baths to choose from, with costs varying based on style and material
- While you can technically install a bath yourself, it is always recommended to hire a professional plumber
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Contents
- How much does the labour for bath installation cost?
- How much does the actual bath cost?
- How does the material affect the cost of the bath?
- What other factors affect the cost of installing a bath?
- How long does it take to install a bath?
- Can I install a bath myself?
- Where can I find a plumber to install a bath?
- Sources
How much does the labour for bath installation cost?
The total labour for installing a bath will on average cost between £200 - £600 (inc VAT).
Plumbers will typically charge an hourly rate, plus the cost of the actual bath and materials. The total cost for labour alone will depend on a few different factors, but the type of bathtub will usually be the biggest influence.
Freestanding and jacuzzi baths will typically cost more to install than other styles. Most plumbers won’t be certified to carry out electrical work, so a qualified electrician will need to handle the electrics before installing a jacuzzi/whirlpool bath. Many plumbers can arrange an electrician for you, or you can organise this yourself if you prefer.
If you're installing a new bath, you'll find that costs will be higher than if you were simply replacing your current tub, assuming no plumbing is in place already.
Here's a cost breakdown of what you'd expect to pay to install different types of bath both inside and outside London.
| Type of bath | Price range (outside London) | Price range (London) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bath (against two walls) | £150 - £250 (inc VAT) | £200 - £300 (inc VAT) |
| Corner bath | £150 - £250 (inc VAT) | £200 - £300 (inc VAT) |
| Freestanding bath | £300 - £500 (inc VAT) | £400 - £650 (inc VAT) |
| Shower bath | £200 - £300 (inc VAT) | £300 - £400 (inc VAT) |
| Jacuzzi/whirlpool bath | £300 - £500 (inc VAT) | £400 - £650 (inc VAT) |
Rates for professional plumbers will generally be higher in the South of England and in larger cities, with London prices typically around 20% higher than elsewhere. It's also important to factor in any parking costs and clean air charges. If you live in a rural area, plumbers may even charge extra to cover fuel costs.
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Get a quote onlineHow much does the actual bath cost?
The cost of the bathtub will depend on its style and the material it's made out of. Not surprisingly, freestanding and jacuzzis/whirlpool baths are usually most expensive, topping out at over £1,000 on average.
You can supply the new bath yourself or get your plumber to locally source it for you instead. However, bare in mind, your plumber will likely add around 20 - 25% on top of the cost of the unit to cover their time and travel.
| Type of bath | Price range |
|---|---|
| Standard bath (against two walls) | £120 - £300 |
| Corner bath | £300 - £600 |
| Freestanding bath | £400 - £800 |
| Shower bath | £300 - £600 |
| Jacuzzis/whirlpool bath | £700 - £1,500+ |
How does the material affect the cost of the bath?
The material your new bath is made of can greatly affect its cost. Typically, cast-iron and natural stone bathtubs are more expensive, while acrylic and steel options are more budget-friendly.
| Material | Price range | Features & details |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | £150 - £400 |
|
| Cast-iron | £1,250 - £4,450+ |
|
| Steel | £150 - £350 |
|
| Fibre glass | £100 - £400 |
|
| Natural stone | £1,000 - £2,000+ |
|
What other factors affect the cost of installing a bath?
Several other factors can affect the cost of installing a bath - from the placement of your new tub to any additional work that you may need to consider.
1. Who you book with
Sole traders typically charge less for bathtub installation than larger, more established plumbing companies. Some independent plumbers even operate below the VAT threshold, meaning you could end up not paying VAT on top of the cost of the service.
Despite the highe rate, booking with larger tradesperson companies comes with several benefits. You’ll often have access to a dedicated customer support team, ready to help in case anything goes wrong. Most of these larger service providers will have a wider variaty of slots available, including next-day or even same day slots. Many established tradesperson service will also often guarantee their work for up to 72 hours. This means they’ll return to fix any problems with their work free of charge.
2. When you book
Most plumbers will charge a premium for last minute slots, such as next day or same day call outs. And if you’re planning to get work done on the weekends or bank holidays, expect to pay more too. So, if you're on a tight budget, it's best to plan ahead whenever possible to secure the lowest rates.
3. Placement of your new bath
Replacing a bath with a similar style or size is generally straightforward. However, removing and repositioning it can be more complex and require more labour. You'll also need to account for the cost of retiling or repainting the area where the old bathtub was removed. If the necessary plumbing isn’t already in place for the new tub, your plumber will need to make adjustments, which can hike up the final cost.
4. The cost of bath panels
Most of the time, bath panels won’t come as standard with the purchase of your new tub, so you'll need to factor in this additional cost. You can expect to pay around £30 - £150 per panel, depeding on the material it's made from.
5. The cost of new mixer taps
When installing a new bath, many people choose to upgrade their taps. For a bath, you'll need a mixer tap, which typically costs between £40 and £150, depending on the material. If you're installing a shower over bath, you'll also need to purchase a bath mixer shower attachment which costs around £50 - £100. Chrome taps are usually the most affordable, while prices rise for brushed stainless steel, matte finishes, and premium options like brass or gold.
6. Additional work
Most bath installations are part of a bathroom renovation. However, if you’re planning on ticking off other bathroom projects, it's usually more cost-effective to complete everything at once rather than spreading the work over several months. This is because most plumbers charge by the hour. So if you're looking to install heated towel rails, replace sink taps, or fit a new toilet, be sure to inform your plumber from the start.
Beyond plumbing work, you should also budget for painting and decorating. Factor in any retiling, painting, or flooring that may be needed once the plumbing is complete.
If you're installing a new bath as part of a full bathroom renovation, it's important to consider ensuring proper ventilation to prevent mold growth - especially if you don't have a window in the bathroom. If your a landlord, it's even a legal requirement to install an extractor fan in any bathroom that does not have a window. [1]
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Get a quote onlineHow long does it take to install a bath?
The time required to install a bathtub depends on the type of tub and your existing plumbing. If you're simply replacing your current tub with one of a similar size and style, and your plumbing is already in place, installation will take on average 3 - 5 hours.
However, if you're relocating the bath, installing a freestanding the process can take up to two days due to the need to reposition plumbing. If you're installing a jacuzzi tub, be sure to account for additional time required for an electrician to handle the wiring.
Of course, in addition to the plumbing work, you'll also need to factor in the time required to complete those finishing touches, such as retiling and painting.
Can I install a bath myself?
While you can technically install a bath yourself, it's generally not reccomended. It's always a good idea to hire a qualified plumber for any plumbing work, including installing a new bath, to ensure the work is done to a high standard, will last for many years and avoid any costly leaks in the future. You'll also want to ensure any work is compliant with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999. [2]
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Where can I find a plumber to install a bath?
There are many ways to find a great plumber - if you know where to look. It's a good idea to check out local groups on social media for recommendations or tradespeople directory sites. If your friends and family have had any plumbing work done recently, you could also ask them for recommendations.
There are also many professional tradesperson services, like Housekeep, that take the hassle out of finding a plumber. Just tell us what you need doing, and we'll give you an instant online quote. We'll send out a fully insured, qualified plumber at a date and time that suits you.
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Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson
Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.
With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.
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