A DIY Or Professional, For Your Steam Or Shower Cabin Installation?
At Smart Price Warehouse, we are often asked by customers, “How difficult a task is a steam or shower cabin installation?” This is always an interesting question, as what may be simple to one individual could be very challenging for another. This article will explain what is required, for you to determine whether you are capable of undertaking such a project. It is up to you to determine whether you have the required skills.
If you're thinking about installing a steam or shower cabins yourself rather than hiring a professional, then read on. Unlike what many people would believe, most of the work involved in installing a these showers is not related to plumbing. Only about 10% of the work is related to the plumbing.
Water connections and waste disposal...
Water connections and waste disposal are made by flexible hoses, much like those found on washing machines. The hot and cold supplies are connected using 15mm compression fittings, and the waste is connected using a flexible hose pipe. In our "The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Steam Shower", you'll find comprehensive details on water requirements.
Assembling the shower unit...
You will primarily be working on assembling the shower unit, which is a flat-packed product, and it is here that you will need to apply your skills. In general, if you can put together a flat-packed Ikea wardrobe, then you are as likely qualified to put together a shower as a plumber would be.
If you are considering this option, you may want to locate a plumber who can connect and commission the unit for you after the unit has been constructed. By completing a large portion of the work yourself, you will save money.
A professional by law though, must also be hired for the electrics part of the installation. Cabins usually have lighting, steam generators, or whirlpools, all of which require electricity. To learn more about electrical requirements, again see "The Ultimate Guide to Buying Guide".
Once the unit has been unpacked and all the contents have been checked off the list, the assembly will take about 2-3 hours. This allows for the connection to the mains water supply, but not to the actual plumbing, sealing, power line, or full water testing.
So can I do the shower cabin installation myself?
Having read the information above, you should be better informed about what it entails and able to answer the question "Can I do it myself?". The more positive option for you may be to hire a professional steam shower installation company, bathroom fitter, or plumber. If you do, the following points will help you to find the right person for the job, if you choose the professional route.
Check out Yell.com for local plumbers and installers, or use one of the many specialist websites available today, such organisations as Checkatrade.com and RatedPeople.com to search for and study reviews of tradespeople in your local area.
The first thing you want to know is if they have had any past experience of shower cabin installation, as hiring someone with a degree of previous experience is certainly an advantage. However, this type of product is now familiar to most bathroom fitters these days.
Beware though, of some "old school" plumbers who may have a negative opinion of these shower types. If they have fitted a cheap Chinese-made one in the past, or if they prefer to provide you themselves, with a traditional shower installation, as they can increase their profit and money from the job by selling a complete solution from the tiling to the plumbing.
They may have known them to leak in the past or there be a lack of spares, so they may well have a valid point that cheap units are to be avoided at all costs. It has been found that some plumbers are not aware of how advanced these types of units have become since the early 2000s when they were first appearing on the UK market.
Shower cabin installation....get at least 2 quotes....
You should get at least two quotes. In addition, you may also want to get a breakdown of their price:- (1) Plumbing: Installing the necessary hot and cold pipework behind where the shower cabins is going to be placed - Cost depends on how much work is required and other plumbing materials.
In addition, there should be an electricity supply installed behind where the shower unit will be fitted. A lot depends on the work involved, as no two jobs are the same, so labor and materials such as cables, spur sockets, etc. need to be calculated. Cost - The cost of building and commissioning the unit could range from £150 to £350, depending on the model and your location in the UK. Prices can vary remarkably just by location.
Shower cabin Warranty periods offered....
With brands like Insignia, Vidalux, and Lisna Waters now offering 2 to 6 years parts Warranties, it should be evident that they believe in their product's durability and quality. Additionally, here at Smart Price Warehouse, we have a close association with a dedicated steam showers parts website. This is so if you ever run into a problem outside of the manufacturer's warranty period, spare parts are still available.
If you need more help with shower cabin installation or even to choose a shower cabin to purchase, review our complete Buyers Guide. If you still have questions, you can also check out our Knowledge Base, which contains a lot of FAQs. In addition, if you have any further questions, you can call us on 0208 1665994 or open a Support Ticket in our Contact Us section. For further reference, an Insignia shower cabin installation video below.....