Replacing an ancient electric shower

[badabec]

More important is the shower screen. If it's a curtain try to change to a full enclosure.
The 'shower twice a day' tenants I had in a flat didn't use the curtain. Destroyed the laminate flooring, ruined the flat underneath, also mine, plus adjoining flats.

 

[marlinspike]

Replace the shower when the bathroom as a whole is redone?

When I did that, I found an open hole into the cavity of the external wall behind the shower unit - no sealant or gasket. I have no idea if there should be, but it seemed silly not to, reduce water entering the cavity.

Removed the shower, pulled it away from the way, and some decent sized cable came out with it - all of about a foot . . . as did a choccy-block screw connector linking it to normal twin and earth. Well, nearly. Earth was floating free.

We are wondering whether it might as well wait until he can afford a full refurb. If it's not a straightforward swap for a similar £150 unit but ends up costing ££££ it's money he could save and put towards having the whole thing done at once.

 

[marlinspike]

unless you buy the same model there a git to refit new

pipework never matches up and the same can be said for the wiring

Beware of differences even buying the same model.
I made a point of like-for-like (not the cheapest option) when mine died, pipework on new was on opposite side.

Yes, that's the worry. He hasn't got the money to have to redo the pipework and tiling atm. At least it does work, as far as we know anyway, so perhaps just living with it for now is the best, cheapest, option. Just had the boiler and central heating serviced and a small repair but there is some wiring that needs looking into so he's still got unknown expenses to come.

The flat hasn't been lived in for about 2 years. Does sound like changing the head, bracket, and a good clean might be the best option for now. Thanks again guys.

 

[badabec]

Is he going to live in it or rent it out?
If renting, a good clean and sell it.

 

[marlinspike]

Live in it. It's not terrible but needs decorating, new carpets, and lots of little things need sorting. Carpets can't be fitted until mid Jan so we're helping him do it up with a view to moving in once they go down. First pic makes the hall look worse than it was. Replacing the bulbs improved it lol. It's just all a bit tired and dated.

 

[marlinspike]

Thinking of those round led ceiling lights for the hall as it doesn't get any natural light. Seem to start around £15 and last a few years, then you have to replace the whole unit.

 

[Wedg1e]

If 'eldest' just wants a prettier one, buy a replacement chrome hose, nozzle and rail and et voila a new shower.

Good point: you don't know where that 'nozzle' has been

 

[gaz1]

your shower looks like the old cheap 8kw shower by the way

 

[Nomad]

We are wondering whether it might as well wait until he can afford a full refurb. If it's not a straightforward swap for a similar £150 unit but ends up costing ££££ it's money he could save and put towards having the whole thing done at once.

This !

New shower hose and head for now, paint walls & ceiling to freshen it, redo silicone around shower & bath to stop leaks, cheap vinyl floor if needed.

Plan to replace the shower unit as part of a major bathroom renovation at some point when you're ready.
Think about updating shower wiring & fuse during the work, fit a modern "high power" shower ( compared to 70s unit).

Top tip: fit shower panels in the shower (use offcuts for splashbacks behind bath/sink), smart and wipe clean easy.
Some artistic ideas (also available in plain) https://www.showerscape.co.uk/

 

[Nomad]

I’ve done a few budget house refurbs.

Advice would be keep an eye out for ex display / sale / clearance bathroom suites (I rarely find modern used ones 2nd hand).
Ask your local suppliers if they have any returned stock they need to offload. I got £300 of new shower boards / panels for £50 from a cancelled order - they needed to clear junk before a warehouse stocktake

For a kitchen update, buy good used kitchen units from a larger house (gumtree / marketplace / eBay). Use what you need and bin / sell the rest.
Fit new countertops and taps for a good cheap result.