Help & advice
Bath or shower?
Baths and showers are accountable for the highest water consumption in the home - effecting your power and heating bills as well as water usage.
- A short shower with an efficient shower head generally uses less water than a bath. However, beware some power showers may actually use more!
- Contoured baths provide the feeling of a deep bath without using as much hot water
- Switch to an aerated or low flow shower head to reduce the amount of water used
Other things you should think about when deciding between a bath and a shower:
Number of people
In a busy household with a need for quick routines, a shower is a much more practical choice. You might even consider maximising the space for multiple people by having a shower and dual sinks so that more than one person can get ready at a time.
Number of bathrooms
If you have more than one bathroom, you could designate one for relaxation with a bath and another for quick showers.
Accessibility
As we, our family members and friends get older, clambering in and out of a bath to get a shower does become more taxing!
Space
In smaller bathroom layouts, a shower is space–efficient, providing functionality without compromising the rest of the room.
Your personal routine
Many of us compromise with a shower over the bath, but if you are showering 90% of the time, is it really worth holding on to the bath?
Cleaning effort
Showers are generally easier to clean, avoiding the awkward lean or climb into a bath.
Water usage
Remember to consider water conservation; baths tend to use more water than showers.
Frequently asked questions
Does a bath use more water than a shower?
Usually yes. A standard bath generally uses more water than a short shower with an efficient shower head. However, some power showers can actually use more water than a bath if used for long periods.
Is a shower more energy efficient than a bath?
In most cases, yes. Using less hot water usually means lower energy consumption for heating water, which can help reduce energy bills.
What type of shower uses the least water?
Low flow and aerated shower heads are designed to reduce water usage while still maintaining decent pressure. Electric showers also tend to use less water because of their lower flow rates.
Do power showers use a lot of water?
Yes. Power showers are designed to increase flow and pressure, which can significantly increase water consumption compared to standard or low flow showers.
Is it better to have a bath or shower for resale value?
In most UK family homes, keeping at least one bath is seen as beneficial for resale value, especially for buyers with children. In smaller homes or apartments, a good shower may be prioritised instead - but ultimately you want to design your home for you, not someone else!
What is an aerated shower head?
An aerated shower head mixes air with water to reduce water usage while still creating the feeling of good pressure. They are often used to improve water efficiency.
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What needs to be decided before first fix?
Pipes and cables are installed inside walls and floors, so changes become expensive and disruptive.
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