plumbing
Shower Installation London: Electric, Mixer and Power Shower Guide
Types of Shower for London Properties
The right shower type depends on your boiler type, water pressure, and available space. London properties vary enormously — from Victorian terraces with gravity-fed systems to modern flats with combi boilers and mains pressure.
Electric Shower
An electric shower heats cold mains water on demand — it does not rely on your boiler. This makes it ideal for London properties where the boiler is old or unreliable, and as a backup for when the boiler is off. Typical installation cost: £250–£450 including supply.
Mixer Shower
A mixer shower blends hot and cold water from your existing supply. Thermostatic mixer showers are safer (prevent scalding) and better for London HMOs under Legionella risk assessment requirements. Typical installation cost: £300–£600 including supply.
Power Shower
A power shower incorporates a pump to boost water pressure — suitable for gravity-fed systems common in older London houses with a hot water cylinder in the loft. Not compatible with combi boilers (already at mains pressure). Typical installation cost: £400–£700 including supply.
Shower Installation in London HMOs
HMOs with multiple occupants require careful consideration: thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) set to 41°C on shower valves prevent scalding (Legionella L8 recommendation); showers serving multiple units may need a pressurised hot water system rather than a combi boiler; and electrical shower circuits must comply with Part P building regulations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shower installation take in London?
A straightforward like-for-like electric shower replacement takes 2–3 hours. A new mixer shower installation where new pipework is needed takes 4–6 hours. A power shower installation including a pump and new pipework takes 5–8 hours. Tiling work is a separate trade not included in plumber timescales.
Do I need an electrician as well as a plumber for a shower installation in London?
Electric showers require a dedicated 45A circuit from the consumer unit and must be installed by a Part P qualified electrician (or a plumber with dual electrical qualification). In London, this work must be notified to building control via the Competent Person Scheme. Our engineers hold the relevant qualifications for most shower installations.
Can I install a shower in a London flat without planning permission?
Installing a shower in an existing bathroom does not require planning permission. However, creating a new bathroom in a property — particularly in a leasehold London flat — may require consent from the freeholder under the terms of the lease. Always check your lease before structural plumbing works in a London flat.