Before going any further with this I need to point out that in some areas any work on electrical wiring needs to be done by a competent suitably qualified electrician. Check with your local authority if you are in any doubt about this.
The above being said there are things that you can do to make it cheaper and less time consuming. Or use the following advice to help you not get duped by some low life cow boy contractor.
For your new installation the new electric shower is going to need some thought and checking before proceeding.
If you already have a electric shower installed and the new one is the same power rating:
Check that the existing wiring is in good condition.
Check the area around where the shower will be fitted for condition of the walls and ceilings.
Check the condition of the pipework for your water supply.
Check the pressure of your water supply is adequate
Check the condition and the efficiency of your drain. Pour some water in there to make sure it drains out quickly as over time these can get partially blocked by hair and lime scale etc..
If you are upgrading a existing shower installation, all the above are relative plus:
Check that the existing wiring is rated for the amount of power that is needed.
Check that the water is flowing enough for the higher rated shower.
If this is a completely new install:
Where is the nearest drain?
Where is the nearest cold water supply?
Can you get enough fall from your selected place of the new shower to allow the drain/waste pipes to take the water away quickly enough. (The shower needs to be higher than the drain.)
Decide the easiest route for the new water pipes to supply the shower.
Do you have spare capacity to power the electric shower. they need their own supply of electricity. Preferably on a new circuit with a rcb in place to help protect you and your home.
Where is the new electrical cable going to run through your home?
All of the above need to be taken into account before deciding on the final position of the shower installation. If all of your needed sources of supply etc.. are at the other end of the house then it may be necessary due to costs to reconsider your original plan. Maybe to install a non electric shower instead.
Having gone through the above process you should have a good idea of what is needed so when you get in potential contractors you will know if they are giving you a good service or not. To make things a little cheaper you may consider doing some of the work yourself. However, please remember the safety aspects of the proposed project after all water and electricity do not mix too well.
Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms Ltd who supply electric shower products across the UK.
Bella Bathrooms is an online retailer formed by 2 plumbers from the North East of England. Having hands on experience of custom bathroom installation and products has enabled Bella Bathrooms Ltd to only select quality bathroom products for their online shop. They sell bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, showers and bath related products for consumers through the United Kingdom.
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