How To Replace A Like For Like Electric Shower

Author: Stuart Hunt - Published: 16.09.20
Replace A Like For Like Electric Shower

Replacing an electric shower can seem like a rather complex; however, that is simple on the case as to replace a like for like electric shower is mostly straight forward.

If you already have an electric shower and you are just replacing that shower, then it should be a task for most people to do themselves as the water and electrics are already in place and should take no longer than 1 hour.

My how-to guide for how to replace a like for like electric shower will take you through a step by step installation guide including the following steps

  1. Turning off the mains water supply
  2. Removing the old electric shower unit
  3. Fitted new electric shower unit to the wall
  4. Connecting the mains water supply
  5. Connecting the electric
  6. Turn on the mains water supply

Do You Need An Electrician To Replace An Electric Shower?

As you are only replacing your electric shower unit which has the same Kw and therefore like for like replacement, you will not need to replace or upgrade the wiring also you will not need to replace or upgrade your fuse box; therefore, you will not need an electrician

Which Electric Shower Is The Easiest To Install?

Most electric showers are straightforward to install however the easiest electric shower is the Triton T80Z as this shower has multiple entry points for both the water and electrics which makes this electric shower adaptable to most old electric shower installations  

Which-Electric-Shower-is-The-Easiest-To-Install

Let’s get started to replace your electric shower unit

Tools and materials you will need to complete the replacement shower

  • Screwdriver
  • Adjustable Grips
  • Small Spanner
  • Compression back nut and olive

Turning off the main water supply - First, you will need to turn off or isolate the mains water supply to your old electric shower unit.

As all-electric showers are installed onto the incoming cold-water mains, you can just turn off your main stop valve inside or outside your house.

Once you have turned off the mains water supply turn on the cold water tap on the kitchen sink to drain off any excess water, the best way to remove the water from the electric shower leave the cold tap on so when you undo the compression fitting on the shower unit the water will drain by the tap

Removing the old electric shower unit - Now, the water has been turned off; you can now start to disconnect the water and electrics.

First using adjustable grip hold the compression fitting so that you don’t damage the copper pipe than using a small spanner undo the compression fitting back nut.

Unscrew two of three screws that are holding the shower unit to the wall leaving the top screw so that you can rotate the shower unit to remove the water fitting away from the compression fitting.

Once you have removed the water now, you can start to undo the electrics

Make sure you have turned off the electrics from either the fuse box or the pull cord or the double pole switch

If you are unsure if you have turned off the electrics to your electric shower, then you can test this with an electric tester.

If you are still not comfortable, then I would suggest you don’t attempt to replace your electric shower unit.

Once you have made sure you have turned off the electrics, then you are ready to undo the wires from the connection block inside the shower unit first undo the earth, live and neutral

Just as a note don’t allow the cable end to touch one another or this can cause your whole fuse box to trip.  

Fitted new electric shower unit to the wall - Fitted new electric shower unit to the wall firstly check that the water is lining up by pushing the electric shower water inlet to the compression fitting in the wall then mark the water where the screw can be fitted

Drilling through wall tiles can be a little tricky so if you need to drill into tiles the use a masonry drill bit inside a hammer drill, however, don’t use the hammer function on the tiles but only once you are on the brick wall behind.

Insert wall plugs and screw the top screw into the water without the shower attached.

Slide the electric shower unit onto the top screw then insert the rest of the screws to fix the electric shower to the wall.

Connecting the mains water supply – Now that the new electric shower unit is connected to the wall using a new back nut and olive onto the old compression fitting

Connect the mains water inlet on the shower and tighten with a small spanner making sure you don’t overtighten.

Connecting the electric – When reconnecting the electric power to the shower ensure that you know which cable is the live, neutral and the earth cable

The cables are colours

Red = Live

Blue = Neutral

Earth =Green and Yellow

New-Wiring-Colours

If you have old wiring, the colours may be different and therefore will be

Red = Live

Black = Neutral

Earth =Green

Old-Wiring-Colours

To make sure you are connecting the right wire into the right place, check with the installation instructions inside the new electric shower box as these differ from the shower to shower.

Turn on the mains water supply - Once you have connected both the water and electrics before you connect the front panel of the shower unit you can turn of the water supply – Please don’t turn on any electrics at this stage

Once you have turned on the mains water supply and tested for leaks, you are ready to connect the front panel of the shower unit

There might be a small light that is connected to a cable laying loose inside the shower this is most likely be pushed into a housing on the front panel as a low water pressure indicator

Now push the front panel onto the back of the shower and with two or three small screws that are supplied with your shower tighten the front panel to the back

Quick Tip - Before pushing the front panel to the back, make sure that the dial with the water temperature is in the right place.

ou can do this by pushing the front panel on to the back and turn the dial to the cold and then the hot if the dial is not all the way around then lift the front panel and adjust accordingly.

That’s it – turn on the electrics and then turn off the electric shower unit to test both hot and cold water.

As with any DIY plumbing or electrical project if you are not comfortable, then you should always contact a professional of which I have a full guide on how much does it cost to install an electric shower

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. The logo for this website was made by DesignEvo logo maker.
COPYRIGHT © 20220 HOMEOWNERS GUIDE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram