If you're updating your bathroom, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between a power shower and a mixer shower. Both can deliver a great experience, but they suit different homes and budgets. As a family-run plumbing and heating team, we've fitted hundreds of both across the UK. Here's a practical comparison to help you decide.
A power shower uses a pump to boost water pressure. It typically draws water from a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder. The pump, usually fitted in the airing cupboard or loft, mixes hot and cold water and delivers it to the shower at a consistent, powerful flow. This system is common in older homes with gravity-fed plumbing.
A mixer shower blends hot and cold water directly from your mains supply. It relies on the pressure already in your pipes. If you have a combi boiler or an unvented hot water cylinder, you'll usually have good pressure, so a mixer shower works well. In low-pressure homes, a mixer shower can feel weak unless you add a pump—but that effectively turns it into a power shower.
Installing a power shower is more complex. You need a cold water tank (often already in the loft), a hot water cylinder, and space for the pump. An electrician may be needed to wire the pump. If your home doesn't have a tank or cylinder—for example, if you have a combi boiler—you'd need to install them, which is a major job. Typical costs: pump £150–£300, plus labour £300–£600. Add extra for new pipework or electrical work.
A mixer shower is usually simpler to install, especially if you have a combi boiler or high-pressure system. It connects directly to your existing hot and cold pipes. A basic mixer shower costs £80–£250, with installation £150–£400. If you need a thermostatic model for better temperature control, expect to pay a bit more. The disruption is minimal compared to a power shower.
Running costs depend mainly on how much hot water you use. Power showers often deliver 12–15 litres per minute, whilst mixer showers typically use 6–10 litres per minute (depending on pressure). More hot water means more energy to heat it, so a power shower generally costs more to run. The pump itself uses electricity—around 200–400 watts—but that's a few pence per shower, far less than the cost of heating water.
If you have a combi boiler, a mixer shower heats water on demand, so you avoid standing losses from a hot water cylinder. That can make it more efficient. However, if your family takes long showers, a high-flow power shower will still use more water and energy. A thermostatic mixer shower can help by keeping temperature steady without wasting water.
Your existing plumbing is the biggest deciding factor. Power showers need a gravity-fed system with a tank and cylinder. They are not compatible with combi boilers unless you undertake a costly conversion. If you have a combi boiler, a mixer shower is your natural choice—it will work well as long as your mains pressure is adequate (at least 1 bar is ideal).
In homes with low mains pressure and no tank, a mixer shower can be disappointing. You might need a booster pump on the mains, but that requires water authority permission. A power shower solves low pressure by using a pump, but only if you have a tank and cylinder. If you have an unvented cylinder, you'll have excellent pressure, so a mixer shower is usually the best option.
Also consider noise: power shower pumps can be heard in adjacent rooms. Mixer showers are silent. Maintenance: pumps can fail and need replacing every 5–10 years; mixer showers have fewer moving parts.
To decide, ask yourself:
In our experience, most modern homes with combi boilers are best served by a good thermostatic mixer shower. Older homes with gravity systems often benefit from a power shower if the pressure is poor. If you're unsure, a qualified plumber can test your water pressure and advise. Whichever you choose, both can give you a comfortable shower—it's just about matching the technology to your home.
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