Should I Repair or Replace My Shower?

Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.

Electric showers typically last 6–10 years. Thermostatic bar showers and mixer showers last 8–15 years. The cartridge (the mixing valve) is usually the first thing to wear out, but it's a straightforward replacement. Power showers with pumps sit at the shorter end of the lifespan range.

Electric showers under 6 years old are almost always worth repairing — even a full unit replacement is only £250–£450 fitted. For thermostatic mixer showers, cartridge replacement (£80–£160) is a common mid-life repair that adds many more years. Shower pumps (£150–£300) are worth replacing if the rest of the system is in good order.

The three main types of shower in UK homes are electric, mixer, and power showers — and each has different repair implications. Electric showers (brands like Mira, Triton, and Aqualisa) heat water on demand and are the most common in the UK. They're relatively cheap to replace (£150–£350 fitted) but internal element and PCB failures can be costly to repair. Mixer showers blend hot and cold water from your existing supply and tend to be more reliable, with thermostatic cartridge replacement being the most common repair (£80–£150). Power showers use an integrated pump to boost water pressure and are ideal for homes with gravity-fed systems, but pump failures can cost £100–£200 to fix. Knowing your shower type helps you assess whether a repair quote is reasonable.

• Frequent temperature fluctuations — if your shower regularly swings between scalding and cold despite stable water pressure, the thermostatic valve or heating element is likely failing.
• Persistent leaking from the unit — water dripping from inside the shower casing (not just the hose or head) often indicates internal seal or tank failure.
• Weak water flow that doesn't improve — if descaling the head and checking the stopcock doesn't help, the internal valve or pump may be worn beyond repair.
• Electrical tripping — an electric shower that repeatedly trips the RCD is a safety concern and usually means the heating element has developed a fault.
• Visible limescale build-up inside the unit — in hard water areas of England, heavy internal limescale can reduce performance beyond what cleaning can fix.

Showers are generally cheaper to run than baths, but running costs vary significantly by type. An electric shower at 8.5 kW costs roughly 30–40p per 8-minute shower at current UK electricity rates. Mixer showers draw from your hot water cylinder, so their cost depends on how you heat your water — gas is typically cheaper than electricity. Power showers use the most water and energy due to their high flow rates. If you're replacing a shower, consider a model with eco settings or flow restrictors — these can cut water usage by up to 40% without noticeably affecting pressure. Water meters, now common across much of England and Wales, make these savings even more significant for household bills.

Some shower repairs are well within reach of a handy homeowner, particularly on mixer showers and non-electrical components. However, electric showers are directly connected to the mains supply and fall under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales — meaning electrical work must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician.

Safe DIY Repairs

• Replacing a shower head and hose — save £20–£40. Shower heads and hoses simply screw on and off. Upgrading to an eco shower head (around £15–£30) can also cut water usage by up to 40%, saving on energy bills.
• Replacing a leaking shower cartridge (mixer showers) — save £40–£80. The thermostatic cartridge controls temperature. Replacement cartridges cost £15–£40, and on most mixer valves you just need to remove the handle, unscrew the cartridge, and fit the new one.
• Re-sealing around the shower tray or enclosure — save £30–£60. Failed silicone sealant is the most common cause of bathroom leaks. Remove old sealant with a scraper and re-apply bathroom-grade silicone. Costs under £10 in materials.

Always Hire a Professional

• Electric shower installation or replacement (£150–£350) — Electric showers draw up to 10.8kW and require a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit. Under Part P of the Building Regulations, this electrical work must be done by a qualified electrician who can self-certify or be inspected by Building Control.
• Fixing a leaking shower valve behind the wall (£120–£300) — Accessing concealed pipework means removing tiles and potentially cutting into the wall. If the valve body has failed, soldered connections need replacing — a job for a qualified plumber to avoid hidden leaks that cause structural damage.
• Power shower pump replacement (£150–£350) — Power shower pumps are connected to both the plumbing and electrics. Incorrect installation causes water damage, electrical faults, or dangerously low/high pressure. A plumber with electrical competence should handle this.

If your shower pressure has dropped noticeably, try descaling the shower head in white vinegar overnight — this free fix resolves the issue in over half of cases.