How to Fit a Shower

Upgrading your bathroom with a new shower is one of the best ways to refresh your home. While the idea of plumbing might seem daunting, many parts of the process are straightforward DIY tasks if you have the right tools and a bit of patience.

1. How to Fit a Shower Tray

The foundation of any good shower is the tray. It needs to be perfectly level; otherwise, the water won’t drain properly, and you’ll end up with a soggy bathroom floor.

• Prepare the floor: Ensure the area is clean and clear of debris.
• Check the level: Place the tray in position and use a spirit level. If your floor is uneven, you may need to create a “plinth” (a raised wooden base) or use a tray with adjustable legs.
• Connect the waste: Before fixing the tray down, make sure the waste pipe aligns with the hole in the tray.
• Seal it up: Apply a high-quality silicone sealant along the edges where the tray meets the wall to prevent leaks.

2. How to Fit a Shower Pump

If your water pressure feels more like a drizzle than a downpour, you might need a shower pump. This “boosts” the water flow to give you that powerful, refreshing experience.

• Choose the right spot: Pumps are usually tucked away in the airing cupboard or under the bath. They should be accessible but out of sight.
• Connect to the water supply: You’ll need to link the pump to your hot and cold water tanks. Most modern pumps come with “push-fit” connectors, which make joining the pipes much easier.
• Electrical safety: A pump needs power. Because water and electricity are a dangerous mix, we always recommend having a qualified electrician handle the wiring.
• Choose the right type: Shower pumps are generally either single impeller (boosting hot or cold water individually) or twin impeller (boosting both for a balanced flow). They can also be positive head or negative head, depending on your existing water pressure system.

3. How to Fit a Shower (The Unit and Valve)

Whether you are installing an electric shower or a mixer shower, the “fitting” part usually refers to the unit on the wall.

• Pipework: Ensure your hot and cold pipes are protruding from the wall at the correct distance apart for your specific shower valve.
• Mount the valve: Screw the shower unit to the wall using the provided wall plugs.
• Flush the system: Before you attach the shower head, run the water for a moment to clear out any dust or grit that might be inside the pipes.

4. How to Fit a Shower Screen

The final step is keeping the water inside the shower and off your towels! Fitting a shower screen (or door) is the finishing touch.

• Fix the wall profile: The metal channel that holds the glass. Hold it against the wall, check it’s perfectly vertical with your spirit level, and mark your drill holes.
• Drill with care: If you are drilling into tiles, use a specialised tile drill bit and go slowly to avoid cracking them.
• Slot in the glass: Most screens simply slot into the wall profile and are secured with small screws.
• The Final Seal: Apply sealant to the outside edge of the screen where it meets the tray. Avoiding sealant on the inside allows any water that gets into the frame to drain back into the tray.

Ready to get started?

Fitting a shower is a rewarding project that can transform your daily routine. By taking it step-by-step, from the tray to the screen, you can achieve a professional-looking finish yourself.

Top Tip: Always double-check your measurements before drilling or cutting, and if you ever feel unsure about the plumbing or electrics, don’t hesitate to call in a professional for that specific part of the job.

Explore our full range of showers, trays, and pumps to find everything you need for your bathroom renovation.