How much is it to install a shower

This guide will mainly cover the cost of replacing and installing a new shower unit - the pump, pipework and shower head. The full cost of the job will be the cost of installation, plus the cost of the shower unit you purchase, the prices of which are outlined below.

Electric showers are connected to your cold water supply, and use a heating element within the shower unit to bring the water up to temperature. These units can either be concealed behind the wall, or exposed. Power showers are often confused with electric showers because they feature a similar external unit, but they draw water from both cold and hot water supplies. However, the difference is they feature an internal pump which helps to increase the water pressure.

Installing a new shower may also require hiring a plumber and electrician near you to ensure the work is up to code. A shower pan is a solid, waterproof floor sloped to guide water to the shower drain. Hot mopping uses asphalt and layers of felt to create a waterproof pan that is less puncture-prone than a vinyl membrane. Shower doors come in hinged, sliding, and bi-fold opening styles.

Handicap walk-in showers feature a zero-threshold curbless entry with a shower floor level with the bathroom floor. Barrier-free showers also provide wheelchair accessibility. A shower bench improves accessibility for people with mobility issues and provides a footrest for leg-shaving. A bathroom exhaust fan vents moisture outdoors to reduce humidity, remove odors, and prevent mold and mildew.

The cheapest shower is installing a fiberglass prefab shower stall with a built-in shower pan. Using a shower curtain instead of a glass shower door also reduces costs. A walk-in shower must be at least 30" x 30" to meet minimum code requirements.

A walk-in shower is a standalone shower without a tub. Some walk-in showers are enclosed by a partial wall or a fixed glass shower screen and don't require a door or curtain. Walk-in showers can be built in any shape and typically have a low threshold or curbless entry. Installing a tub is cheaper than installing a shower.

A shower liner is a solid vacuum-formed piece designed to precisely mold to the contours of the existing shower. Medicare will not pay for a walk-in shower. Medicare doesn't cover walk-in showers because they are not considered "durable medical equipment" since anyone in the home can use them. Medicare Advantage plans may reimburse part of the cost when prescribed by a doctor, but coverage varies.

Installing a new shower is a complex project that requires plumbing experience and specialized tools. Replacing an existing shower with a prefab stall may be manageable as a DIY project, but new shower installation needs a professional. Incorrect installation may result in water leaks and damage. Before hiring a shower installer near you , be sure to:. Get free estimates. If you want control over the water pressure and whether it is massaging, pulsing, or a gentle mist, you want a multi-setting showerhead.

Many hand showers and several types of stationary showerheads have multiple settings. The settings are achieved by turning or twisting either the head or a level on its face. Your sizes, finishes, and styles are more limited with this showerhead, so they tend to have a tighter price range. Talk to local pros to get quotes for your shower installation Get Estimates. The vast majority of showerheads are made with brass.

Brass is a long-lasting material that works well for faucet or showerhead bodies. The brass is then plated or finished with various other materials to give it different looks. A few less expensive showerheads may be made of a mixture of brass and plastic.

The plastic may be coated with a film to give it the look of a metal finish for a lower cost. Finishes vary by manufacturer. The only regulated material in the U. All other finish materials can be proprietary and vary from one brand to another. For the best results, always purchase your showerhead, shower valve, bathroom faucets, and accessories from the same manufacturer to ensure they match.

Otherwise, opt for chrome for consistency. Plastic showerheads are not completely made of plastic. They are often a mixture of brass and plastic, and the bell, sunflower, or exterior shape of the showerhead is made of plastic. These showerheads usually have a finish painted on to mimic the look of metal. They are flimsy and crack over time.

If you want a showerhead with a brushed finish that is cooler in color than brushed nickel, a stainless steel finish is an option. This finish may be actual steel-plated over the brass. It is often either a brushed chrome finish called stainless or a painted finish. If this is a real steel showerhead, beware that it can discolor with mineral buildup and scratch with harsh cleansers.

Chromium or chrome is one of the only finishes in the U. The same amount of chrome must be placed on every faucet, handle, and showerhead. For this reason, chrome always matches chrome regardless of brand. Chrome showerheads come in every style and size. It has a little copper in it, which gives the metal a richer color than chrome. Nickel is more costly than other finishes, but it is available in nearly all styles.

Real bronze is a copper alloy with a rich, bright brown color. But when it comes to the bathroom, what most people think of as bronze is a color known as oil-rubbed bronze. This is a deep, almost black brown with hints of copper showing through. Every company has its proprietary bronze, and they do not often match. These finishes tend to be the most expensive, and they are not available in every style. Many showerhead and faucet manufacturers, particularly those who produce nickel, bronze, and stainless steel finishes, also have a PVD finish on their items.

PVD stands for physical vapor deposition, and it is the process in which metallic ions are deposited on a metal surface inside a vacuum.

These ions do not change the appearance of the metal beyond giving it a slight luster. They make the finish impervious to everything except bleach. PVD-finished showerheads never discolor or show limescale. They also do not change or fade over time. However, a PVD finish cannot be cleaned with bleach.

Chrome never has a PVD finish because chrome is already impervious to many things that can harm another metal. If you choose a nickel, bronze, or stainless steel finish, consider opting for one with a PVD coating. Most brands that offer PVD include it on their more-susceptible finishes.

Your showerhead can come in several shapes and styles. They can give you varying amounts of water, pressure, and different looks. Most come in various finishes and sizes, meaning a range of costs for each type. The speakman showerhead is the most classic showerhead design. It comes in several sizes, all the same shape, slightly conical with a wider base than the top. Speakmans can adjust the pressure slightly via a lever on the side. This is a good, consistent showerhead that performs the same way each time, regardless of water pressure.

The sunflower is a retro-style showerhead. This style is frequently used with clawfoot tubs. Finishes are more limited with this style, and you will not see much bronze or nickel. Hand showers are used as a standard showerhead or in addition to a standard showerhead. This is a showerhead with a handle meant to be removed from its holder. This allows you to bathe children and dogs, clean the tub, and make it easier for those with disabilities to bathe.

They come in all shapes and sizes, with single or multi-function controls. If you want the feeling of standing underneath a fast-moving waterfall, a waterfall showerhead may be for you. Waterfall heads are usually large, flat, and installed in the wall. They send a large sheet of water out at a time, rather than individual sprays.

They come in several finishes, although only the smallest flange can be seen flush with the wall. If you want a showerhead that can be installed flush with the ceiling or want multiple ceiling showerheads for a unique shower effect, consider the tile showerheads. These are square, flat showerheads that install on the ceiling, often flush with the surface.

They come in many finishes but are mostly chrome, steel, or nickel. They have a modern look that works well in large showers. If you want a gentle shower that feels like falling rain, a rain showerhead may be for you. These showerheads are much like watering cans. They have flat bottoms and a curved top. They fill up slowly from bottom to top, then gently release the water like rain.

They come in many sizes, including some up to 12 inches in diameter. If you like how a rain showerhead looks but want something with more pressure and power, get a deluge head.

Deluge heads look similar to rain heads, but they give you a lot of water all at once. This is a better choice for people with thick hair or who want to shower more quickly.

They attach to the ceiling or a wall via a long arm. However, if you plan on using tile, slab, or custom walls for your shower, you need to purchase a shower pan for the floor. All shower pans are designed to slope to the drain. For pans that are tiled, the tiles must accommodate that slope without cracking. For this reason, any tiles installed on the pan must be 2 inches or smaller.

Shower trays are available in three main types:. A ready-made shower pan is usually acrylic but can be fiberglass or composite. They come in several sizes and shapes, with a drain in the center or at one end. They are usually white, but some can be custom ordered in different colors as well.

Most have a small lip, but you can find some barrier-free models. These molded pans are designed to receive tile. They install very quickly, so they cost less than a custom pan. Sizes and shapes are limited, so it may be tough to find in this style if you want something specific. Custom pans are built on-site by your plumber.

There are different kinds, including sheet metal and hot mop, which is built with hot tar. They are labor-intensive and expensive to build, but you can have them done in any size or shape.

If you want something that you cannot find in a ready-to-tile pan, this is your best option. Not every plumber builds custom pans, and those who do have a preferred method. Shower pans can be found prefab in several materials. Or, once they are tiled, they can be finished in a few materials. Each one has characteristics of appearance and care as well. Prefab pans are mostly made of acrylic.

They may also be made of fiberglass or composite materials, although these are often less common. Acrylic shower pans are generally the most common. They are made of tough and durable plastic, often with a textured, non-slip surface. They are usually white, but a few can be ordered in other colors. They may have a lip, or be barrier-free, and come in many sizes. Fiberglass shower pans are a lot less common than acrylic but are still a good choice.

They are very tough and durable and less likely to crack over long periods like acrylic. They are also lightweight and come in many sizes. They are mostly white but can be found in limited other colors as well. Composite shower pans are nice if you want a pan that closely resembles the look of stone. Composite pans are made with a mixture of resins and often quartz or another stone. They may have the look of marble or granite or a solid color.

They come in several sizes and colors, all with a non-slip finish. Compare quotes from local shower installers Compare Quotes. If you opt for a tile-ready pan or a completely custom pan, it needs to be finished.

This is done with tile measuring 2 inches or less. This is important because the tiles must slope to the drain. Tiles larger than 2 inches may crack rather than slope. Any floor-rated ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile can be used on a shower pan, and many types of stone can be used as well. Tile pans can be created to match or coordinate with the tile walls of a shower or make a statement independently.

Many tiles come in sizes small enough for a tile pan, and tiles, such as glass, can be used to create a fun pop of color or sparkle in this area. Because mosaics are more expensive than larger tiles, the tiles you choose for this area cost more than the tiles used elsewhere.

There are many ways to create a stone shower pan. A popular method is to use pebbles or rounded beach stones, which massage your feet while you shower. You can also use a textured stone underfoot like slate or marble or granite that matches your shower walls. Avoid using soft stones like limestone on the shower floor because these may pit.

Also, avoid green marbles because these may spall or become scaly over time. Any stone in this area should be sealed to impede staining.

Not all showers need or use doors. Some use curtains, while others use stationary panels, and some showers are installed in wet rooms with no way to contain the water at all.

However, the majority of showers use a door. Many prefab shower stalls come with a built-in door, but others need the door fitted separately. Any custom shower requires a custom-built door to match to get the exact fit. The fitting and labor costs to replace a shower vary depending on the shower type.

A prefab acrylic shower stall is a fairly straightforward install that can be completed in about 3 - 4 hours. After the plumbing is roughed in, the unit is set in place and screwed into position on the flanges at the top and sides. Caulk is used to fill the gaps, and the drain is set. The trim for the valves, showerhead, and other accessories are installed last.

Roughing in the new plumbing takes about 2 hours, and installing the surround and trim takes another 3 - 4 hours. A custom shower installation is more labor-intensive and involves different professionals.

First, the shower is framed out. This includes studs so that you could eventually install grab bars. Then, water-resistant cement backerboard is installed, the shower pan is created or laid, the rough plumbing is installed, and then the walls and pan are tiled. After the shower is complete, the trim is put on, and any shower doors can be installed. This entire process takes between 2 - 4 days. You have three choices of shower pan for your shower.

If you install the pan when the rest of the stand-up shower is remodeled, some of these costs may be prorated or rolled into the total because most installers have a minimum charge. Tiling a shower is one of the most popular ways to finish this area.

The cost to install your shower plumbing depends largely on the shower type. A basic shower with a single pressure balancing valve and showerhead costs considerably less to plumb than a shower with a thermostatic valve, three-volume controls, two showerheads, and three body sprays. In a complete remodel, it is easy for the plumber to get in and install the pipes and valves. When replacing the valve, your plumber may have a harder time reaching things, increasing the labor cost. Another factor influencing costs is your shower wall material.

Prefab and tile showers are straightforward to install the plumbing valve and trim on. But a slab requires the plumber to put extenders on the valves, increasing time and costs.

The cost of installing a shower valve depends mostly on the valve type. Pressure balancing valves are fairly easy to install and take about 1 - 2 hours, less if the wall is already open for a remodel.

Thermostatic valves take longer to install because they are part of a set and require a separate volume control for each water source. This means 1 - 2 hours per valve in the set, with a minimum of two valves for a minimum of 2 - 4 hours. Many variables go into replacing a shower. You can replace your existing shower with an identical one.

You can also go from tile to prefab, prefab to tile, or these to slab walls. In addition, the layout and size of the stand-up shower may remain the same or change. The plumbing and valve systems may remain the same types, or they may change. This makes for a wide range of costs. This can go higher if the tile is old.

If you have a bathtub that you want to replace with a shower stall, many variables influence the total cost. Bathtubs come in many materials, including acrylic, fiberglass, steel, and iron.

Metal tubs can be heavy and difficult to remove. Tubs can also have a tile surround or be one piece with walls of the same material. For example, if you need to cut open the walls or the floor to remove the tub, costs are higher. From there, you need to decide the size of the new shower. Framing, backerboard, plumbing, and the new shower stall material - prefab or custom - follows. If you currently have a prefab, fiberglass shower, replacing it with tile can give your bathroom a fresh new look.

Many fiberglass showers are one piece, so to remove it, you need to cut it into pieces and tear it out. Find the best shower installers in your neighborhood Find Pros. If you want to be completely immersed in water from multiple places at once, a performance shower or full-body shower is a great choice. In a full-body shower, you have a thermostatic shower valve for precise temperature control.

You also have a volume control for each showerhead - most full-body showers have two - and control for your body sprays. Body sprays are small heads installed in a row on your wall and send water directly to your body. They are installed to hit your legs, low back, and upper back while the showerheads hit your head and the other side of your body. Body sprays must be installed in one line, and they need to be installed in groups of three.

For every group of three, you have a separate volume control. For the body sprays to give you an equal amount of pressure and water at once, they must be connected in a pressure balancing loop.

Your plumber will run pipes down the sides of the three valves and across to each of the valves. They cannot work unless they all get an equal amount of pressure, and the pipes ensure that they do. Installation takes 5 - 6 hours.

You need to support at least 24 gallons of water per minute and have at least a gallon hot water tank installed in your home. Many wells are not capable of putting out 24 gallons of water a minute. Therefore, this system may not work in homes with wells but should be reserved for homes with street water.

A shower tower is a good way to give yourself a performance shower without including plumbing or extra costs. Most people investing in a shower tower do so as part of a minor remodel, rather than a brand new shower. A shower tower fits over your existing valve and showerhead. It contains two or three body sprays and a showerhead, and an occasional hand shower as well.

It has many limits for performance showers, but it is easier and less invasive to install. Bathroom showers come in nearly any size or shape that you desire. To meet code, your shower must be a minimum of inches square.

However, this is very small and often uncomfortable for people to bathe in, so the smallest recommended shower size is inches square. Your shower can technically be any height as well, but to meet code, you need to either extend your tile or shower surround to 3-inches above your showerhead. Or, you need to tile or otherwise cover your ceiling if your showerhead is on the ceiling or if it extends from the wall just below the ceiling.

The most common shower size in the U. If you have the space, you can certainly go larger. Your contractor will want to measure the area for your new shower stall. However, you can spend a few minutes doing this yourself to help understand the costs associated with the supplies required.