Bath, shower, or both?
| You want | What usually works | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| A new bath on its own | Like-for-like or a new shape on a proper frame | Bath installation |
| A better shower | A mixer or electric shower that suits your water system | Shower installation |
| Both in a small room | A shower bath with a fixed screen | This page |
| No bath at all | A shower enclosure or walk-in shower | Bath to shower conversion |
Fitting a new bath
The bath has to be level and properly supported along its full length. A bath that flexes when it's full pulls its seal away from the wall, and that's how most bath leaks start. We check the floor once the old bath is out, connect the taps and waste with isolation valves, and seal the bath while it's full. Acrylic, steel, cast iron and stone resin all have their place. Heavier baths need the floor checking first, especially upstairs. Our bath installation page covers bath types, sizes and panels in detail.
Fitting a new shower
The right shower depends on your hot water system. Combi boilers and unvented cylinders usually suit a mixer shower. Gravity-fed systems often need a pump or an electric shower. A thermostatic valve keeps the temperature steady when someone runs a tap elsewhere in the house. The tray needs to be bedded so it can't flex, and the walls need waterproofing with panels or tiles on a suitable backing. Our shower installation page explains each option.
A shower over the bath
For many homes, a shower over the bath is the best use of the space. It works well when it's planned properly:
- Choose the right bath. P-shaped and L-shaped shower baths give more room to stand.
- Fit a proper screen. A fixed glass screen keeps water in far better than a curtain.
- Waterproof the walls. Wall panels have no grout lines, so they're easy to keep watertight.
- Seal it right. The bath needs to be solidly supported so the seal round it doesn't crack.
How the work goes
- We look at the room, the water system and what you'd like.
- We remove the old bath or shower and check underneath for damp or damage.
- We fit the new bath or shower, level, supported and connected with isolation valves.
- We waterproof and finish the walls, panels and screen.
- We test everything, checking it drains properly and nothing leaks.
- We clear up and take the old fittings away.
Part of a bigger refit?
If the whole room needs doing, see complete bathroom renovations. For taps, wastes and leaks, see bathroom plumbing and tap installation.
Frequently asked questions
Do you install both baths and showers?
Yes. We fit new baths, new showers and showers over baths, on their own or as part of a full bathroom.
Can you replace my bath and shower at the same time?
Yes. Doing both together is often simpler, because the walls and seals around the bath can be done in one go.
Is a shower over the bath a good idea?
In smaller bathrooms, often yes. It needs a suitable bath shape, a proper screen and well-sealed walls.
Which shower will work with my boiler?
Combi boilers and unvented cylinders usually suit mixer showers. Gravity-fed systems may need a pump or an electric shower.
Should I keep the bath or switch to a shower?
If the bath is rarely used or hard to get in and out of, a shower may suit you better. If you want to keep a bath, a shower over it gives you both.
Do you give free quotes?
Yes. Call 07453 243277 or send an enquiry, and we'll come back to you with a free quote.
Back to All Services