Shower unit fitting
From your description, it sounds like you have a power shower unit, this will have a single plumbing inlet to connect to your water main. They must be used when there is an insufficient head of water from your hot water supply.

The basic type has a heater (electric) and mixer unit, if your mains water pressure is low, the unit will need electric pump assistance.

The other type of unit will have two plumbing inlets, for hot and cold water. These are used when the head pressure is sufficient for the hot & cold supplies. It works as a simple mixer unit and requires no electric supply, it may require a pressure reducer for the cold supply.

We have both types of units fitted in our house, as ours is (an ex council) five stories. The plumber connected the piping, he also wired up the electrics to the upstairs unit, as he is a "competent person".

The wiring was checked by a certified electrician.

You could do the work yourself, but get it checked (in writing) by a certified plumber and a certified electrician. It's best to cover your arse in case you need to make an insurance claim.

You shouldn't have a problem finding local tradesmen in the Tyne Valley area, Yellow pages is a start, on line, check "The Paper Boy" for tradesmen in free local papers.

Another alternative would be to knock the wall through and fit a bathroom suite, that will add more value than a shower, should you be thinking of selling on.

I believe you are living in a hard water area, it would be a good idea to fit an electronic (around the main supply pipe) water softener unit, this will save you plenty on lime scale build up damage to your washing M/C, dish washer, immersion heater, central heating system, electric kettle etc.
(alanrbnsn, Mon 7 Apr 2008, 6:57, Reply)