Shower Repair Costs Guide Scope of Works Isolate water & electrics and protect adjacent finishes. Diagnose the fault (e.g. leaking mixer valve, cracked tray...
Shower repair in the UK typically costs £80–£400 for routine faults — leaks, low pressure, broken thermostat, dripping shower head. Full shower replacement (mixer or electric) costs £300–£900 including labour. The most common UK shower types — electric, mixer, and digital — each have different fault patterns and repair costs.
For UK homes, electric showers (Mira, Triton, Aqualisa) account for ~40% of installations; thermostatic mixer showers ~50%; digital and power showers the remaining 10%.
Typical UK shower repair costs
| Repair | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Replace shower head + hose | £40–£120 |
| Descale shower (limescale removal) | £80–£180 |
| Replace thermostatic cartridge | £120–£280 |
| Replace solenoid (electric shower) | £100–£250 |
| Replace heating element (electric) | £150–£300 |
| Replace shower valve | £200–£500 |
| Replace pump (power shower) | £300–£600 |
| Replace electric shower (full unit) | £300–£700 |
| Replace mixer shower (full unit) | £400–£900 |
| Reseal shower tray | £90–£200 |
| Re-tile shower zone | £300–£800 |
Common shower problems
- Low water pressure — limescale in head, blocked filter, low mains pressure. £40-£180 to fix.
- Temperature swings — failed thermostatic cartridge or scale build-up. £120-£280.
- Won't get hot enough — failed heating element (electric) or boiler/cylinder issue (mixer).
- Cold water only — solenoid failure (electric) or cartridge failure (mixer).
- Leaks at shower head joint — worn O-ring or PTFE tape failure. £40-£90 fix.
- Leaks behind tiles — failed valve seal or pipe joint behind wall. £200-£500 + tile work.
- Pump noisy / weak (power shower) — pump bearing wear or impeller scale.
- Tray sealant failing — re-silicone with sanitary silicone. £40-£120.
Repair vs replace
Shower repair is usually worthwhile for any branded shower under 12-15 years old. Older showers, multiple faults, or significant scale damage often hit "replacement is cheaper":
- Electric shower over 10 years — replacement often more economical than major repair.
- Mixer shower with cartridge + spout damage — borderline; new mid-range model £300-£500.
- Power shower over 8 years — pump replacement often costs as much as a new unit.
- Digital showers — almost always worth repairing through manufacturer service.
Things people often miss
- Limescale is the #1 cause of UK shower faults — south-east England (London, Kent, Essex) particularly affected. Annual descale extends shower life dramatically.
- Thermostatic vs non-thermostatic — thermostatic showers maintain set temperature when other taps run. Non-thermostatic (older) can scald when toilet is flushed. Worth upgrading.
- Electrical compliance — electric shower work in the bathroom is "special location" under Part P. Notifiable, must be Part P registered electrician + plumber for water side.
- Tray seal vs pan seal — silicone bead at the tray joint. Re-silicone every 5-7 years to prevent water ingress.
- Filter cleaning — most modern showers have inlet filters. Annual cleaning prevents pressure issues.
- Limescale prevention — water softener (£500-£1,500 install) or scale inhibitor cartridge near the shower's mains feed (£60-£150) prevents most scale issues.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a leaking shower?
Surface leaks (head, hose, mixer joints): £60-£200. Wall / valve leaks: £200-£500. Through-tile leaks requiring re-tiling: £500-£1,200+.
How long should a shower last?
Electric shower: 8-12 years (limited by heating element wear). Mixer shower: 12-20 years (cartridge service every 5-7 years). Power shower: 10-15 years (pump wear). Digital shower: 10-15 years.
Why has my electric shower stopped getting hot?
Most likely heating element failure. £150-£300 to replace if the rest of the unit is sound. Sometimes a thermal cut-out has tripped due to scale; service may resolve. Solenoid failure also possible.
Can I replace a shower myself?
Like-for-like mixer shower: yes, with reasonable plumbing skills. Electric shower: must use a Part P registered electrician for the electrical side. Always isolate water and electricity before any work.
What's the most common shower fault?
Limescale build-up causing reduced flow and temperature issues. Affects 40%+ of UK shower repair callouts in hard water areas. Annual descale is the prevention.
Are digital showers worth the extra?
For households with multiple users wanting their own preferred temperature/pressure presets, yes. For single-user or simple installations, mixer or electric showers offer better value. Digital showers cost £700-£1,500 for the unit alone.
Want a local pro to handle this? A plumber experienced with the specific shower brand resolves most issues in a single visit. For electric shower work, a plumber + Part P electrician combination is required. Brands like Aqualisa, Triton, and Mira have strong service networks for in-warranty issues.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
