Planning a shower you will enjoy using

Most people use their shower every day, often in a hurry.

A new one is a chance to make that few minutes better. Good planning also makes the fitting go smoothly.

These notes follow the rules for England.

Start with how you use the room

Think about who showers, and when. A family rushing out in the morning needs something different from one person who likes a long soak.

A walk-in shower with a level floor is easy to step into. It can also suit someone whose balance or movement may change in later years.

How the water is heated

Some showers run on electricity. Electrical Safety First says an electric shower must be fitted by a registered electrician and run on its own circuit.

Other showers draw hot water from the home's heating system. The Energy Saving Trust says hot water makes up 18% of a home's heat demand, so your choice of shower matters for heating too.

Flow and water use

Waterwise says showers, toilets and baths account for about half of household water use. A standard shower head uses 10 to 15 litres a minute. A low-flow head uses around 6 litres a minute.

Aerated heads mix air into the water to keep the feel of pressure with less flow. A typical bath uses around 80 litres, and many power showers can use more.

Keeping the electrics safe

Most electrical work in a bathroom must meet Part P of the Building Regulations. All circuits in or passing through a bathroom or shower room now need protection from an RCD, a safety switch that cuts the power if something goes wrong.

Sockets are not allowed in a bathroom unless they are at least 2.5 metres from the edge of the shower tray or bath. A shaver point can be closer if it is of the right safety type.

Fresh air and a dry room

Steam from a shower needs somewhere to go. Approved Document F, the guidance on ventilation in England, gives a minimum rate of 15 litres a second for an intermittent extractor fan in a bathroom.

When a bathroom is refurbished, any existing fan should be kept or replaced. It is also worth checking that a fan you keep still works properly.

Approval for the work

Installing a bathroom with new plumbing, or changing electrics near a bath or shower, can need building regulations approval. You do not need to get approval yourself if you use a tradesperson registered with a competent person scheme.

A shower for easier access

If someone at home finds the bath hard to use, your local council can assess the home for free. An occupational therapist visits and works out what would help, which can include a walk-in shower.

For a disabled person, a Disabled Facilities Grant from the council can help pay for changes such as a level access shower.