Digital Shower

Trade: Plumber

⭐ Introduction

A digital shower is a modern showering system that allows you to control water temperature and flow precisely, often via a remote control or touchscreen panel. Instead of mechanical valves, digital showers use electronic components to deliver a consistent and comfortable showering experience.

Digital showers are popular if you want easier temperature control, remote operation, or the ability to pre-set your preferred shower settings. They suit both new bathrooms and upgrades to existing showers. You might choose a digital shower if you’ve struggled with fluctuating hot water or want a sleek, contemporary look.

🔧 What the job involves

Installing a digital shower involves replacing (or fitting for the first time) the shower’s plumbing controls with a digital valve and controller. The valve mixes hot and cold water electronically, maintaining your chosen temperature. A separate remote control panel is usually wall-mounted within easy reach.

Key parts and tasks include:

Isolating and turning off existing water supplies.
Removing old shower valves and controls if it’s a replacement.
Installing the digital valve and connecting it to the hot and cold water supplies.
Wiring the valve to the control panel; this requires a low-voltage electrical connection but does not involve mains voltage.
Securing and testing the remote control or touchscreen panel on the shower wall.
Checking all settings and functionality to ensure safe and smooth operation.
Possibly modifying plumbing to accommodate the new valve’s position or size.

Because this job involves both plumbing and low-voltage electrical work, it demands a tradesperson experienced with digital showers. The plumber should ensure making the installation safe and compliant, though digital showers typically do not require Building Regulations approval if the electrical work stays low voltage and within the bathroom zone rules.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

Initial enquiry: Contact a local Gas Safe registered plumber or a specialist bathroom installer with experience in digital showers. Describe your current setup and preferences.
Survey and quote: The plumber visits your home to assess the existing plumbing, water pressure, and electrical provisions. They discuss suitable models and options and provide a detailed quote with timescales.
Booking the job: Agree a date and confirm the work scope, including any extra plumbing or electrical needs. Triple-check the agreed price and warranty details.
Day of installation: The plumber arrives, isolates water supplies, removes any existing valves if needed, installs the digital shower valve and control panel, connects wiring, and tests thoroughly.
Customer walkthrough: They explain how to operate the shower, adjust temperatures, and set any programmable options. They also advise on basic troubleshooting and cleaning.
Completion and paperwork: You receive any relevant documentation such as manufacturer warranties and servicing guidelines. If applicable, an Installers Certificate or evidence of compliance is provided.
Aftercare: Arrange any regular servicing to keep the digital components in good condition.

💷 Main costs to expect

Labour: Typically £150–£300 for a straightforward install (1–2 hours), higher if extra plumbing or electrical work needed.
Digital shower unit: Prices usually range from £200 to £600+, depending on features and brand.
Plumbing modifications: If pipework adjustments are required, budget another £50–£150.
Electrical work: Minor wiring is often included, but if mains supply or new consumer unit connection needed, costs rise significantly.
Disposal: Removal and disposal of old fixtures may add £20–£40.
Certification: Generally no formal Building Regulations certification unless electric work includes mains wiring, but installers may provide a courtesy report.

Example: Labour (£200) + Digital shower (£350) + Plumbing mods (£100) + Disposal (£30) = £680 total (excluding VAT).

📊 What affects the price

Accessibility of the existing shower plumbing and controls.
Complexity of integration with existing pipework and water pressure systems.
Whether upgrading from a manual to a digital shower valve.
Additional electrical work or wiring modifications.
Location in the UK (London and south-east often more expensive).
Urgency or scheduling (short notice or out-of-hours work).
Need for additional equipment like remote thermostats or multiple user profiles.

⏱ How long does it take?

Simple like-for-like replacement: 1 to 2 hours. This is common when swapping an existing manual valve and controls for a digital unit.
Moderate complexity: 2 to 4 hours. Needed where minor plumbing rerouting or electrical wiring behind walls is required.
Complex installs: More than 4 hours or spread over two days. If pipework requires major alteration, new electrical circuits are involved, or the bathroom layout is unusual.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

While some keen DIYers might feel tempted, installing a digital shower is not recommended as a DIY project due to:

The need to safely handle and isolate water supplies.
Low-voltage electrical components requiring understanding of bathroom electric zone regulations.
Ensuring the installation meets manufacturer instructions and UK standards to avoid damage or warranty invalidation.

Hiring a Gas Safe registered plumber with digital shower experience is advisable to ensure safety, performance, and compliance. Incorrect fitting risks leaks, temperature inconsistency, or electrical faults.

💰 Typical UK price range

Expect to pay roughly £500 to £900 (including VAT at 20%) for a standard digital shower installation. This includes labour and a mid-range digital shower unit. Basic models or simple replacements can be nearer £400, while more advanced systems with additional features can push towards £1000 or more.

✅ Handy tips before you start

Check the water pressure in your home—digital showers usually require a minimum flow and pressure to work properly.
Confirm the electrical setup and ensure any additional wiring work complies with Part P of Building Regulations.
Look out for extended warranties on the shower unit and ask about servicing requirements.
Keep the installation manual, warranty, and any certification documents safe for future reference.
Ask your installer about recommended maintenance, e.g., cleaning filters or replacing batteries in the remote controls.
Prepare the bathroom area by clearing shelves and protecting flooring before work starts.
Plan for water shutdown during the job, typically a few hours, and inform all household members.

Following these steps will help your digital shower installation go smoothly and ensure many years of comfortable, precise showering.