Electric shower replacement cost in Ireland: what changes the quote?
Source reviewed with 3 external references. How we review guides
An electric shower replacement may be a straightforward swap, or it may need new electrical and plumbing work. The unit’s power rating, condition of the existing circuit, cable route, water supply and bathroom access all affect the job. A quote for fitting a replacement unit should not be compared directly with a quote for creating a new shower installation.
An Irish electrical contractor’s 2026 guide publishes €180–€300 labour for a like-for-like swap, €350–€700 for a replacement supplied and fitted, and €700–€1,200 or more where new wiring is needed. A separate Irish trades directory gives a lower €200–€350 estimate for a replacement. These are published estimates with differing scopes, not an official rate card or a guaranteed national price.[1][2]
This guide helps you describe the work accurately, see what may sit outside the headline price and check that the electrical work is completed by a Registered Electrical Contractor.
Published Irish electric-shower price examples checked October 2026
| Job | Published estimate and scope |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like replacement, labour onlyExisting wiring and pipework reused in the contractor’s described scenario. | €180–€300[1] |
| Replacement supplied and fittedOne contractor’s 2026 estimate; model and minor adjustments affect the total. | €350–€700[1] |
| New installation where new wiring is requiredOne contractor’s estimate; circuit, plumbing and access requirements need inspection. | €700–€1,200+[1] |
| Replacement estimate from a trades directoryBroad listing estimate with less detail on inclusions; confirm scope directly. | €200–€350[2] |
Prices are typical 2026 estimates and vary by job, condition and location.
First work out which shower job you have
If an existing electric shower is being replaced with a compatible unit and the circuit and pipework are suitable, the contractor’s like-for-like price may be the relevant comparison. A new shower location, a different power rating, a damaged cable, inadequate protection or a change to water connections can turn it into a larger job. The electrician and plumber should assess their respective parts; do not assume the old installation is suitable simply because it worked before.
- Like-for-like replacement: same location and compatible electrical and water connections.
- New unit supplied: confirm make, model, power rating, warranty and whether the quoted unit is included.
- New installation: may require a dedicated circuit, cable route, plumbing changes and making good.
- Fault diagnosis: a tripping circuit, low water flow or temperature problem may not be fixed by replacing the shower unit alone.
What to compare in written quotes
The two published replacement ranges differ partly because their inclusions are not identical. Ask every contractor to price the same unit and list labour, materials, electrical testing, certification, plumbing work, removal of the old unit, disposal, VAT and any making good. The contractor guide notes VAT treatment can depend on how the work is invoiced; ask for the VAT rate and total payable rather than trying to infer it from an online estimate.[1][2]
- Does the figure include the shower unit, or is it labour only?
- Will the existing circuit be tested and confirmed suitable for the proposed model?
- Are plumbing connections, isolation, removal and disposal included?
- What work is excluded, including cable routing, tiling, plastering and decorating?
- What VAT rate and total amount payable appear on the written quote?
- Will the electrician provide the appropriate completion certificate?
Use a Registered Electrical Contractor
Safe Electric advises homeowners to use a Registered Electrical Contractor for electrical work in the home and ask for a Completion Certificate after the work. Verify the contractor through Safe Electric or contact the scheme if the person is not listed. Never remove the shower cover or attempt to inspect live wiring yourself.[3]
For a quote, provide the existing shower make and model if visible, the reason for replacement, county, and clear photos of the outside of the unit and bathroom layout. Do not remove the cover or share personal documents. If there is burning, water entering electrical fittings or repeated tripping, stop using the shower and arrange professional assessment promptly.
A clear request to send to electricians
'I need an existing electric shower assessed for replacement at [town/county]. The current unit is [make/model if known] and is [fault/symptom]. I would like a like-for-like replacement if the circuit and water connections are suitable. Please state whether the shower unit is included, what electrical testing and certification are included, whether plumbing or making-good work is excluded, the VAT rate and total price. Please advise if a site visit is needed before confirming the quote.'
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace an electric shower in Ireland?+
Published 2026 estimates include €180–€300 labour for a like-for-like swap and €350–€700 for a replacement supplied and fitted from one electrical contractor. A separate directory estimate is €200–€350. They describe different scopes and are not fixed quotes.[1][2]
Why can a new electric shower installation cost more than a replacement?+
A new installation may need a dedicated circuit, cable routing, water connections, testing and additional finishing work. The property and proposed unit need an on-site assessment before the final price is confirmed.[1]
Do electric-shower quotes include the unit?+
Not always. Ask whether the price is labour only or includes the exact shower model, plumbing materials, testing, certification, VAT and disposal of the old unit.
Who should replace an electric shower?+
Use a Registered Electrical Contractor for the electrical work and ask for the appropriate Completion Certificate. Depending on the scope, plumbing work may also need a qualified plumber.[3]
Sources and editorial notes
Numbered references link claims in this guide to the sources below. Sources were accessed during the article's research or latest material review.
- [1] Unique Electrical - Electric shower installation cost in Ireland (2026)
- [2] TradesmenIreland - Electrician prices and hourly rates (2026)
- [3] Safe Electric - Find a Registered Electrical Contractor
Official guidance and further reading
- CCPC: Home improvement and building work disputes
- Safe Electric: Find a Registered Electrical Contractor
These links are further reading and do not substantiate every estimate above.