Does a Plumber or Electrician Install an Electric Shower?

If you’re upgrading your bathroom or replacing an old shower, you might be wondering: does a plumber or electrician install an electric shower? It’s a common question—and for good reason. Electric showers combine plumbing and high-voltage electrical work, making it tricky to know who to call. Hiring the wrong professional could lead to safety hazards, code violations, or costly re-dos. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly who should handle your electric shower installation, why it matters, and how to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.

Who Actually Installs an Electric Shower?

Short answer: Both a plumber and an electrician may be needed—but the electrician must handle the electrical parts.

Electric showers are unique because they heat water instantly as it flows through the unit—using powerful electrical elements (typically 8.5kW to 10.8kW). This means they require:

• A dedicated high-amperage circuit (usually 40–50 amps)
• Proper grounding and RCD (Residual Current Device) protection
• Correct water supply connections

While plumbers are experts in water systems, they are not licensed to handle high-voltage electrical installations in most U.S. states. Conversely, electricians aren’t trained in plumbing code or pipe fitting. That’s why a licensed electrician must perform or oversee the electrical work, even if a plumber connects the water lines.

💡 Expert Insight: According to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 422, fixed electric space-heating and water-heating equipment—including electric showers—must be installed by qualified personnel following strict safety guidelines. Source: NFPA 70 (NEC)

Why You Can’t Just Use a Plumber (or Just an Electrician)

Many homeowners assume their trusted plumber can handle the whole job—but that’s risky. Here’s why:

Risks of Letting a Plumber Handle Electrical Work:

• Code violations: Most plumbing licenses don’t include high-voltage electrical certification.
• Fire or electrocution hazard: Incorrect wiring can overload circuits or bypass safety devices.
• Voided insurance: If a fire occurs due to unlicensed electrical work, your homeowner’s insurance may deny the claim.

Risks of Letting Only an Electrician Handle Plumbing:

• Leaks or poor water pressure: Incorrect pipe sizing or connections can cause inefficient flow or water damage.
• Code non-compliance: Plumbing codes (like IPC or UPC) govern pipe materials, shut-offs, and drainage.

Best Practice: Hire a licensed electrician for the electrical side and a licensed plumber for the water connections—or find a certified bathroom installer who holds dual credentials (rare but possible in some states).

Step-by-Step: How an Electric Shower Is Installed (Safely)

Here’s what a proper electric shower installation looks like when done by qualified professionals:

1. Assess Electrical Capacity

• The home’s electrical panel must support a new 40–50 amp dedicated circuit.
• Older homes may need a panel upgrade (common in pre-1990 houses).

2. Install Dedicated Circuit

• Run 6-gauge or 8-gauge copper wire (depending on amperage) from the panel to the shower location.
• Install a double-pole breaker and a Type A or F RCD (required by NEC for wet locations).

3. Mount the Shower Unit

• Secure the unit to a load-bearing wall using manufacturer-specified brackets.
• Maintain at least 60 inches of clearance from water sources like tubs (per NEC 410.10).

4. Connect Water Supply

• Use copper or PEX piping with a shut-off valve within 3 feet of the unit.
• Ensure proper flow rate (typically 2.5–4 GPM) for optimal heating.

5. Final Inspection & Testing

• Local building department may require an inspection.
• Test for grounding, leakage current (<5mA), and water pressure stability.

⚠️ Never DIY high-voltage shower installation. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 400 electrocution deaths annually from household electrical incidents—many involving water and electricity.

Plumber vs Electrician: Who Does What? (Comparison Table)

Note: Some states (e.g., California, New York) require both trades to be licensed and pull separate permits for their portions of the work.

Real-World Example: A Costly Mistake

In 2023, a homeowner in Texas hired a handyman to install a 9.5kW electric shower. The handyman—unlicensed for electrical work—wired it to a shared 20-amp bathroom circuit. Within weeks, the breaker tripped constantly. During a repair attempt, the unit shorted, causing a small fire. The insurance company denied the $18,000 claim due to “unpermitted, unlicensed electrical work.”

Had the homeowner used a licensed electrician from the start, the installation would’ve cost ~$800–$1,200—but avoided disaster.

Safety First: Why This Isn’t a “Quick Fix” Job

Electric showers operate at 240 volts—the same as an electric oven. Combine that with constant water exposure, and the margin for error is near zero. That’s why the NEC and International Residential Code (IRC) treat them as high-risk installations.

Always verify:

• Electrician’s state license number
• Plumber’s certification (e.g., through PHCC or state board)
• Proper GFCI or RCD protection (required within 3 feet of water sources)

For more on electrical safety standards, see the National Electrical Code overview on Wikipedia .

FAQ Section

Q1: Can a handyman install an electric shower?

A: Only if they hold both a plumbing and electrical license in your state. Most handymen do not. Doing so without proper licensing violates building codes and risks safety.

Q2: How much does it cost to install an electric shower?

A: In the U.S., expect to pay $800–$2,500, depending on:

• Need for new electrical circuit ($400–$900)
• Plumbing modifications ($200–$600)
• Shower unit cost ($200–$800)

Q3: Do I need a permit?

A: Yes, in nearly all U.S. jurisdictions. Both electrical and plumbing permits are typically required. Your contractor should handle this.

Q4: Can I replace my old electric shower myself?

A: Not recommended. Even swapping units often requires circuit verification, grounding checks, and pressure testing. One mistake can be fatal.

Q5: What’s the difference between an electric shower and a power shower?

A: An electric shower heats cold water on-demand using electricity. A power shower uses a pump to boost flow from a hot water tank—it doesn’t heat water itself.

Q6: Are electric showers common in the U.S.?

A: Less common than in the UK or Europe, but growing in popularity for guest bathrooms, ADUs, and eco-friendly homes due to on-demand efficiency (no standby heat loss).

Conclusion

So, does a plumber or electrician install an electric shower? The truth is: you likely need both—with the electrician leading the electrical portion, which is the most critical for safety. Cutting corners might save money upfront, but the risks far outweigh the cost.

Before you start your project: ✅ Verify contractor licenses
✅ Get written permits
✅ Never skip the RCD/GFCI protection

Your safety—and your home’s value—depends on it.

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