Professional shower installation in Hampstead & NW3. Electric showers, mixer showers, power showers, thermostatic controls. Expert fitting from £350. Free quotes.
Shower Installation Hampstead: Complete Guide to New Showers
Installing a new shower transforms your bathroom experience. Our professional shower installation service in Hampstead and NW3 covers all types: electric, mixer, power, and digital showers. From simple upgrades to luxury installations, we deliver exceptional results.
Types of Showers We Install
1. Electric Showers
How They Work:
- Heat water on demand electrically
- Connect directly to cold water supply
- Independent of central heating
- Instant hot water anytime
Advantages:
- Work even when heating is off
- Economical running costs
- Reliable hot water supply
- Ideal for homes without combi boilers
- Space-saving installation
Installation Requirements:
- Dedicated electrical circuit (30-45 amps)
- Cold water supply (1+ bar pressure)
- Qualified electrician necessary
- RCD protection required
- Waterproof electrical connections
Popular Power Ratings:
- 8.5kW: Budget option, modest flow
- 9.5kW: Standard performance
- 10.5kW: Good flow and temperature
- 11kW+: Excellent performance (winter)
Installation Costs:
- Basic electric shower: £350-500
- Mid-range electric: £500-750
- High-performance electric: £750-1,100
- Premium electric: £1,100-1,800
2. Mixer Showers
How They Work:
- Mix hot and cold water
- Require both supplies
- Manual or thermostatic control
- Can be exposed or concealed
Types of Mixer Showers:
A) Manual Mixer:
- Separate temperature/flow controls
- Simple, reliable operation
- Cost: £400-700 (installed)
B) Thermostatic Mixer:
- Pre-set temperature control
- Anti-scald protection
- Maintains consistent temperature
- Cost: £550-950 (installed)
C) Concealed Mixer:
- Valve hidden in wall
- Minimalist appearance
- Premium aesthetic
- Cost: £700-1,400 (installed)
Advantages:
- Powerful flow rates
- Consistent temperature (thermostatic)
- Wide range of styles
- Can integrate with high-pressure systems
Installation Requirements:
- Hot and cold water supplies
- Balanced water pressure
- Gravity-fed or pumped system
- Combi boiler or hot water cylinder
3. Power Showers
How They Work:
- Built-in pump boosts pressure
- Mix hot and cold water
- High flow rates
- Invigorating shower experience
Ideal For:
- Low water pressure homes
- Gravity-fed systems
- Victorian/Edwardian properties
- Homes without combi boilers
Performance:
- Flow rates: 12-18 litres/minute
- Twin impeller pumps
- Powerful spray patterns
- Requires electrical connection
Installation Costs:
- Standard power shower: £600-900
- Premium power shower: £900-1,400
- Including pump installation: +£150-250
Installation Requirements:
- Hot water cylinder (not combi boilers)
- Cold water tank
- Electrical connection
- Adequate cylinder capacity
- Proper drainage
4. Digital Showers
How They Work:
- Digital temperature control
- Precise flow adjustment
- Remote control operation
- Multiple outlet control
Advanced Features:
- Exact temperature setting
- Programmable preferences
- User profiles (family members)
- Eco modes
- Wi-Fi connectivity (some models)
Installation Costs:
- Basic digital shower: £800-1,300
- Mid-range digital: £1,300-2,000
- Premium digital: £2,000-3,500
- Smart showers: £2,500-5,000+
Advantages:
- Perfect temperature every time
- Easy operation (even for children)
- Modern technology
- Multiple user settings
- Energy efficiency tracking
Complete Installation Process
1. Initial Consultation & Survey (30-45 minutes)
We Assess:
- Current bathroom setup
- Water pressure and flow rates
- Heating system type
- Electrical capacity (if needed)
- Pipework accessibility
- Preferred shower type
- Budget considerations
We Measure:
- Available space
- Wall structure and access
- Waste pipe routing
- Electrical cable runs
- Tile/finish requirements
We Advise:
- Best shower type for your home
- Optimal positioning
- Performance expectations
- Cost breakdown
- Installation timeline
Free Quote Provided:
- Itemized costs
- Shower unit price
- Installation labor
- Additional materials
- Electrical work (if needed)
- No-obligation quote
2. Preparation Work (1-3 hours)
Before Installation Day:
- Order specified shower unit
- Confirm appointment
- Provide preparation instructions
- Arrange access requirements
On Installation Day:
- Protect bathroom thoroughly
- Turn off water/electricity
- Remove old shower (if replacement)
- Prepare wall surface
- Run new pipework
- Install electrical circuit (if needed)
- Check for hidden obstacles
3. Shower Installation (3-6 hours)
Plumbing Work:
- Install hot/cold supplies
- Connect to correct pressures
- Fit isolation valves
- Install waste connections
- Pressure test all connections
- Check for leaks thoroughly
Electrical Work (Electric/Digital Showers):
- Run dedicated circuit from consumer unit
- Install RCD protection
- Connect shower safely
- Waterproof electrical connections
- Test electrical safety
- Certification provided
Shower Unit Fitting:
- Mount shower unit securely
- Level and align perfectly
- Seal around edges
- Install controls/handles
- Fit showerhead and rail
- Connect all components
4. Testing & Commissioning (30-45 minutes)
Comprehensive Testing:
- Water pressure check
- Temperature consistency
- Flow rate verification
- Thermostat accuracy (if applicable)
- Electrical safety testing
- Leak detection
- Controls operation
Customer Demonstration:
- How to operate shower
- Temperature adjustment
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Troubleshooting tips
- Safety features explained
Final Checks:
- Clean up completely
- Dispose of old shower
- Remove all packaging
- Test drains flowing freely
- Ensure bathroom ready to use
Installation Costs Hampstead 2025
Standard Installation Packages
Electric Shower Installation:
- Budget package: £350-500
- Basic 8.5kW electric shower
- Standard installation
- Replace existing electric
- Mid-range package: £550-850
- 9.5-10.5kW shower
- Premium brand
- New electrical circuit if needed
- Premium package: £900-1,500
- High-power shower (10.5kW+)
- Top brands (Mira, Triton, Aqualisa)
- Complete new installation
Mixer Shower Installation:
- Manual mixer: £400-700
- Thermostatic mixer: £550-950
- Concealed mixer: £700-1,400
- Luxury mixer: £1,200-2,500
Power Shower Installation:
- Standard power shower: £600-900
- With new pump: £800-1,200
- Premium systems: £1,100-1,800
Digital Shower Installation:
- Entry-level digital: £800-1,300
- Mid-range digital: £1,300-2,000
- Premium digital: £2,000-3,500
- Smart shower systems: £2,500-5,000+
Additional Costs
Plumbing Work:
- New hot/cold supplies: £150-300
- Pump installation: £200-350
- Waste pipe relocation: £100-200
- Pressure reducing valve: £80-150
- Water filter: £60-120
Electrical Work:
- New circuit from consumer unit: £200-350
- Consumer unit upgrade: £400-800
- RCD installation: £80-150
- Testing and certification: Included
Building Work:
- Tile around new shower: £200-400
- Wall repairs/preparation: £100-250
- Ceiling access (loft): £80-150
- Floor reinforcement: £200-400
Finishing:
- Chrome trim kit: £30-80
- Shower screen: £200-600
- Shower tray replacement: £250-500
- Wall panels instead of tiles: £300-700
Shower Selection Guide
Choosing the Right Shower Type
For Combi Boilers:
Best options:
- Mixer shower (thermostatic)
- Digital shower
- Avoid: Power showers (incompatible)
For Hot Water Cylinders:
Best options:
- Power shower (if low pressure)
- Mixer shower
- Electric shower (backup)
For Low Pressure:
Best options:
- Electric shower (pressure independent)
- Power shower with pump
- Digital shower with boost
For High Pressure:
Best options:
- Thermostatic mixer
- Digital shower
- Luxury rain showers
Performance Expectations
Water Pressure Requirements:
- Electric shower: 1 bar minimum
- Gravity-fed mixer: 0.1-1 bar
- Combi mixer: 1-2 bar
- High-pressure mixer: 2+ bar
Flow Rates:
- Electric shower: 6-10 litres/min
- Standard mixer: 8-12 litres/min
- Power shower: 12-18 litres/min
- High-pressure rain shower: 15-25 litres/min
Hampstead-Specific Considerations
Period Property Installations
Victorian/Edwardian Homes:
Common in Hampstead, these properties have unique challenges:
Water Systems:
- Often gravity-fed from loft tanks
- Low natural pressure
- Old pipework (may need upgrading)
- Hot water cylinders
Best Shower Options:
- Electric shower (pressure independent)
- Power shower (pump compensates)
- Modern thermostatic mixer with pump
Installation Considerations:
- Respect original features
- Hide pipework carefully
- Listed building compliance
- Minimal structural changes
Costs:
Period property installations: +10-20% due to complexity
Modern Apartments
Water Systems:
- Often high-pressure combi boilers
- Mains pressure throughout
- Space constraints
Best Shower Options:
- Thermostatic mixer
- Concealed valve systems
- Digital showers
Installation Considerations:
- Building management approval
- Leak tray requirements
- Noise considerations (neighbors)
- Limited access for pipework
Shower Enclosures & Screens
Enclosure Options
Quadrant Enclosures:
- Space-saving corner design
- Popular for smaller bathrooms
- Cost: £250-800 (supply & fit)
Walk-In Screens:
- Modern, open design
- Wetroom-style
- Cost: £400-1,200 (supply & fit)
Bi-Fold Doors:
- Space-efficient
- Good for narrow bathrooms
- Cost: £300-700 (supply & fit)
Sliding Doors:
- Contemporary style
- Smooth operation
- Cost: £350-900 (supply & fit)
Hinged Doors:
- Classic design
- Premium feel
- Cost: £400-1,000 (supply & fit)
Glass Options
Standard Clear: £200-500
Frosted/Obscured: £250-600
Easy-Clean Coating: +£50-100
Thick Glass (8-10mm): +£100-200
Framed vs Frameless: Frameless +£150-300
Maintenance & Aftercare
Regular Maintenance
Weekly:
- Wipe shower screen
- Clean showerhead
- Check for limescale
- Ensure drainage flowing
Monthly:
- Descale showerhead
- Clean shower valve
- Check sealant condition
- Test temperature control
Annually:
- Professional service: £85-125
- Filter replacement (if fitted)
- Check electrical connections
- Inspect all seals
Limescale Management
Hampstead Hard Water:
London's hard water requires active management:
Prevention:
- Wipe down after use
- Use squeegee daily
- Water softener consideration
- Anti-limescale showerheads
Treatment:
- Monthly descaling: £15-25 (products)
- Annual professional descale: £85-125
- Showerhead replacement: £25-150
Why Choose Our Shower Installation Service
Expert Installation
Qualifications:
- City & Guilds plumbing
- Gas Safe registered
- NICEIC electrical (for electric showers)
- 10+ years experience
- Manufacturer training
Quality Standards:
- Building regulations compliant
- Water regulations approved
- Electrical Part P certified
- Public liability insurance
- Workmanship guarantee
Customer Service
What Sets Us Apart:
- Free consultation and quote
- Transparent pricing
- Professional, courteous service
- Clean, tidy working
- Respect for your property
- Clear communication
Customer Testimonials:
*"Fantastic job installing our new thermostatic shower. Professional from start to finish, clean work, perfect result."* - Helen M., Hampstead Village
*"They installed a digital shower in our Victorian house with minimal disruption. Very respectful of the property's character."* - Andrew P., Frognal
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does shower installation cost in Hampstead?
A: Electric showers from £350, mixer showers from £400, power showers from £600, digital showers from £800. Costs include shower unit and professional installation.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: Typically 3-6 hours for standard installations. Complex installations (new circuits, extensive pipework) may take 1-2 days.
Q: Can you install a shower in a period property?
A: Yes, we specialize in sensitive installations that respect property character while delivering modern performance.
Q: What's the best shower type?
A: Depends on your water system. Combi boilers: mixer showers. Low pressure: electric or power showers. We'll advise during consultation.
Q: Do you provide electrical certification?
A: Yes, all electrical work is certified to Part P Building Regulations.
Q: Is installation guaranteed?
A: Yes, 12-month labor guarantee plus manufacturer warranty on the shower unit.
Q: Can you install on the same day?
A: For in-stock shower units and straightforward installations, yes. We'll confirm during consultation.
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*Last updated: January 2025. Shower installation costs vary by shower type, property complexity, and additional work required. All prices include VAT.*