How much does shower installation cost? [October 2024]

How much does the labour for a new shower cost?

The labour for a new shower installation usually costs between £200 - £400. You'll usually pay more for labour in London & the South East of England. Plumbers will generally charge on an hourly rate (£75 - £90 inc. VAT)

How much does the shower unit cost?

The actual shower part can cost anything from £100 - for a basic mixer shower - right up to £1,000+ for a top-of-the-range smart shower. 

You'll also find that the price varies between showers, depending that they're made from. For example, a brass shower might cost more than a basic chrome shower.

What’s the difference between each type of shower?

The actual shower part can cost anything from £100 - for a basic mixer shower - right up to £1,000+ for a top-of-the-range smart shower. 

You'll also find that the price varies between showers, depending that they're made from. For example, a brass shower might cost more than a basic chrome shower.

How long does a shower installation take?

It usually takes between 0.5 - 1.0 day for a plumber to install a new shower or replace an existing one.

More complex installations - like a digital or smart shower, for example - generally take longer, as they also require electrical work and may include smart home configuration.

Do you need a professional plumber to install a new shower?

In theory, it's possible for you to do it yourself. But you won't want to. A shower installation is complicated task, so you'll want to be hiring a professional plumber with plenty of experience to ensure the job's completed to a high spec and the work is compliant with the The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.^[2]

If you live in a leasehold property, you'll likely need to obtain what's knwon as "Landlord's permission" in order to install a new shower or complete any other plumbing alterations. Obtaining permission for this will almost certainly be dependant on providing details of a qualified and insured professional plumber who can complete the work.^[1]

Where can I find a professional plumber to install my new shower?

Good plumbers are always in high demand. But that doesn't mean that you won't be able to find one.

If you know someone who's recently had plumbing work done, you can ask them for an introduction to their plumber. Alternatively, you can find a plumber through tradespeople directory sites, social media or through a speciailist tradesperson service like Housekeep.

You can get a price for a new shower installation through the Housekeep website. Just let us know what you need doing and we'll give you a price. We'll then match you with a qualified and insured plumber who can get the work done at a time that suits you. If you have the parts you're looking to install, your plumber will be able to use them. If you're not sure what you need - or would prefer to avoid the hassle - your plumber will also be able to provide all of the materials needed to complete the work.

Wherever you choose to hire a plumber from, you should always check that they have relevant experience and that they're insured before giving the project the go-ahead. 

Written by Henry Paterson

With years of experience in the industry, Henry is one of Housekeep’s home services specialists. He’s 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.