What we’ll cover…
- Choosing the correct electric shower: Factors to think about in relation to water pressure and power requirements.
- Required tools and materials: Essential items needed for a successful installation process.
- Safety precautions: The importance of switching off the water and electricity supply before starting.
- Installation steps: Detailed guidance on mounting, connecting water and electricity, and securing the unit.
- Testing and troubleshooting: Tips to ensure the shower operates safely and correctly.
Electric shower installation tips
An electric shower is ideal for a family or household where there’s a limited supply of hot water, as it only takes water from the mains cold water supply, meaning no stored hot water is used.
Providing hot water on demand, an electric shower is always ready to use any time of the day or night.
In this guide we explain how to fit an electric shower and how one works.
How does an electric shower work?
Inside an electric shower there’s an element that heats the water as it passes through.
The temperature is controlled by changing the rate at which the water passes over the element.
Electric showers don’t have a thermostat, which means if the temperature of the incoming water varies, the temperature of your shower will too.
An electric shower can be fitted over the bath or in a shower enclosure.
But when deciding where to fit it ensure there’s enough room to remove the cover in case it needs servicing in the future. The water supply pipe could enter from the top or bottom depending on the type of unit, so ensure you have the right amount of cable coming out of the wall to connect to the terminal block.
Preparation
Before installing the shower you’ll need to prepare pipework and install an electricity supply:
- Start by running a single 15mm pipe from the cold water supply near the storage tank to the wall where the shower will go.
- Hold the shower unit in position and mark where the inlet pipe and power supply cable are.
- Before drilling into the wall check there’s no hidden pipes or cables with a pipe and cable detector.
- Run the pipe through the wall at the place you’ve marked.
- Fit an isolating valve in the pipe and insert the correct connector for the unit.
- Next, drill a hole in the wall for the electric cable. The length of the run and the kilowatt rating of the shower unit will determine the size of the cable you’ll need
- Run the cable from the shower unit position to a ceiling-mounted double-pole pull-cord switch – this should have an on/off indicator and must not be fitted in Zone 1 or 2 in accordance with the IEE wiring regulations.
- An electric shower needs to have its own dedicated circuit from the consumer unit, and an electrician should make the final connection. You’ll also need to ensure the circuit is protected by a residual current device (RCD).
Installing an electric shower
1. Mark the position of the fixing holes
Take the shower unit and mark the position of the fixing holes using a chinagraph pencil. Drill the holes with a masonry bit. If you’re drilling into tiles use a tile bit or use masking tape to prevent the bit from slipping. Insert wall plugs and squeeze silicone sealant onto each one.
2. Feed in the pipe and electric cable
Next, feed the pipe and electric cable through the back-plate of the shower unit and screw it to the wall using the supplied screws.
3. Connect the inlet pipe
The inlet pipe can now be connected to the shower unit. Use a pipe wrench to tighten the compression fitting.
4. Connect the live and neutral cores
Fit the cable to the unit by connecting the live and neutral cores to the terminals marked load, and the earth core to the earth terminal.
5. Fit the cover
Fit the cover and ensure the rubber seal is in place.
6. Fit the rail
Now the unit is connected you can fit the rail.
7. Connect the hose and handset
Finally, connect one end of the hose to the handset and the other end to the shower unit and position in the holder. Check the electric shower is working properly before use.
Frequently asked Electric Shower questions
The most common, and extremely simple reason for a loss of pressure in an electric shower system is a blocked shower head.
Typically, shower heads will collect mineral residue whilst in use. Then, after the water has been switched off, the mineral deposits will bond together over time, forming a build-up of limescale within your shower head or pipes.
Our blog, How to Descale a Shower Head, offers a full explanation as to how you can tackle the issue.
When installing a new electric shower, plumbing and electrical experience is required, considering the new shower system may have a higher wattage than the one you are replacing.
Instead of taking on the task yourself and risking injury, you should enlist the services of a qualified plumber for the safe replacement or re-installation of an electric shower.
In most scenarios, electricity and water typically represent an extremely dangerous combination. However, electric showers are completely safe provided they are installed correctly.
This is the case on account of the electric heating element being contained within a fully sealed unit. The electric current flows through the element, but not in any way that puts you at risk of suffering a shock.
So all in all, electric shower systems cannot be considered dangerous as long as they are properly fitted.
It is not recommended to silicone around an electric shower system.
In accordance with electrical standards, electric showers are required to be IPX4 rated, which means the shower itself will offer protection from water ingress when the water is sprayed at all angles.
Furthermore, silicone sealant could actually cause potential damage to the shower case, leading to cracking which would allow water ingress to enter.
Electric shower systems can be categorised by their power ratings, which are measured in kilo-watts (kW). These ratings signify the pressure and power of the water.
Typically, the power ratings of electric showers span between 7.5kW and 10.5kW. In most instances, the more powerful shower systems will prove the most expensive types.
Water not heating up to the proper extent can be a frequent issue associated with electric shower systems.
There are two main problems that tend to lead to lukewarm water emerging from electric showers – the first of which is a lack of power managing to get through to the micro switch.
The other most common cause is a fault with the heating element, which will curtail the water from heating up in the way that it should.
A micro switch will typically be less expensive to replace than a heating element, so the former problem could prove less troublesome to tackle.
DIY is a great way to save time and money, however to avoid disappointment, invalidating your warranty, and potential injury we recommend hiring a trained professional. This guide on how to fit an electric shower is for your information only and if you do decide to be bold and try it, we cannot be responsible for any outcome.
Rikki has a passion for interior design and an even bigger passion for writing about it. When she isn’t writing about gorgeous bathroom interiors, you’ll find her discovering all of the latest trends.
