The Real Cost of a Walk-In Shower: Buying, Installing & Running

It is the first question every customer asks: “How much will it cost to replace my old bath with a safe walk-in shower?”

If you search online, you will see confusing numbers. DIY stores advertise trays for £150, while specialist mobility companies quote £8,000. Why is there such a massive difference?

At EA Mobility, we believe in total financial transparency. While every bathroom is unique, we can give you realistic 2026-adjusted price ranges for a professional, accessible installation that lasts.

The “Project Cost” Snapshot (Supply & Fit)

• £5,000 – £6,500: Standard Accessible Shower. (Low-level tray, electric shower unit, standard glass screen, partial tiling/panels).

• £6,500 – £8,500+: Mid-Range Specialist. (Level-access tray, half-height carer doors, thermostatic mixer shower, full wall panels).

• £9,000+: Luxury / Complex. (Digital shower, pumped waste for concrete floors, luxury wall coverings, other bathroom adaptations).

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4 Factors That Swing the Price

1. Gravity vs. Pumped Waste 

• Gravity (Cheaper): If your waste pipe goes downhill easily, we are likely to be able use gravity waste.
  

• Pumped (Expensive): If the shower is on a concrete floor or far from the soil stack, we may need a Digital Waste Pump. This sucks the water away instantly but adds substantial costs to the work.

2. Electric vs. Mixer Shower (Installation Cost)

• Mixer Shower (Cheaper Install): Uses your existing hot water pipes. Simple to fit.

• Electric Shower (Higher Install): Needs a heavy-duty cable running from your fuse box to the bathroom. If your current wiring isn’t up to scratch, we may need a new cable run, adding further costs in electrician fees.

3. Tiles vs. Wall Panels

• Tiles: Labour intensive (days of cutting and grouting).

• Wall Panels (Money Saver): Waterproof boards (“Multipanel”) glue directly over old tiles. They are faster to fit, saving labour costs, and have no grout to go mouldy.

💡 Long-Term Value Tip: Grout vs. Panels
While tiles look traditional, Grout is the #1 maintenance cost. It discolours and cracks over 5 years, often requiring re-grouting.
Wall Panels have no grout. They wipe clean and can last 15+ years without maintenance. Choosing panels saves you money in the long run.

4. The “Hidden” Contingency: Rotten Floors

When we pull out an old bath, we can often find water damage underneath from old leaks. We may need to replace rotten floorboards or joists to ensure your new shower is safe.

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Walk-In Shower vs. Wet Room: Price Comparison

This is a critical decision for your budget.

• Walk-In Shower (Tray): We only waterproof the specific tray area.

• Wet Room (Tanked): We have to “tank” (waterproof) the entire room floor and walls to creating a sealed box.

The Verdict:
A Walk-In Shower is typically £1,500 – £2,000 CHEAPER than a full wet room conversion, while offering very similar levels of accessibility.

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Running Costs: Electric vs. Mixer (2026 Energy Prices)

Buying the shower is one thing; paying the bills is another.

1. Electric Shower (8.5kW – 10.5kW)

• Pros: Only heats water when you use it. If your boiler breaks, you still have a hot shower.

• Cons: Electricity is expensive (approx 29p/kWh). A 10-minute shower costs around 40p – 50p.

2. Mixer Shower (Gas Boiler)

• Pros: Gas is currently cheaper than electricity per unit. A 10-minute shower costs around 20p – 30p (depending on boiler efficiency).

• Cons: Relies on your boiler working.

Verdict: If you shower daily, a Mixer Shower is cheaper to run long-term, but an Electric Shower offers a vital backup for elderly clients in winter.

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The Big Saving: VAT Exemption (Save 20%)

This is the most important financial detail.
If you are installing a walk-in shower for a medical reason (e.g., Arthritis, Disability, Chronic Illness), you do not have to pay VAT.

This is HMRC Notice 701/7. It is not means-tested (unlike a grant). It doesn’t matter how much money you have in the bank.

Example:

• Standard Price: £6,000 + VAT (20%) = £7,200

• Price for You (VAT Free): £6,000

• Total Saving: £1,200

You do not need to claim this back later. At EA Mobility, we deduct it from your invoice before you pay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a grant?
A: Yes. The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) covers up to £30,000. However, it is means-tested (based on your savings) and waiting lists can be 6-12 months. Private funding is faster.

Note: Grant applications can be complex and lengthy, often taking 1-2 years to process. Our services are focused on clients funding their projects personally so we can work in a reasonable timescale. We recommend you contact your local council for assistance.

Q: Is a walk-in shower cheaper than a wet room?
A: Yes. A Walk-In Shower typically costs £1,500 – £2,000 less than a full wet room conversion because we don’t have to waterproof (tank) the entire room walls and floor.

Q: Why are B&Q trays so cheap?
A: DIY stores sell “Standard” acrylic trays. These can be slippery and flexible. They do not include installation, floor strengthening, waste pumps, or VAT exemption handling. You are paying for a piece of plastic, not a safety solution.

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Get a Fixed-Price Quote

Online calculators are guesses. Every house has different plumbing.