What we’ll cover…
- The average cost for a bathroom radiator fitting
- Different bathroom radiator types and their price ranges
- Factors that can influence installation costs
- A comparison between DIY and professional installation considerations
- Tips and advice on how to save money on your bathroom radiator project
Working out a bathroom radiator cost
A stylish heated towel rail or a beautiful radiator is a must have for any bathroom. They keep the space warm, dry towels and complement the look and feel of the decor.
But like with any renovation project, it is always a good idea to have a budget in mind, be aware of any additional costs that might come your way, and importantly any tips and tricks that could save some of your money!
In this guide we’ll take you through the average costs to fit a heated towel rail or bathroom radiator and the other influences that could affect the total bill.
Factors that can affect installation costs:
Type of bathroom radiator
Depending on the type of heated towel rail or radiator you want to fit in your bathroom, the installation cost will vary considerably.
For example, electric and dual fuel heated towel rails and radiators are more expensive to install than plumbed options since the former are hard wired into the mains which can be tricky!
By law, this requires the help of a qualified electrician, or a Gas Safe Registered plumber who is also qualified to install electric heating.
Electric towel rails and dual fuel towel radiators cost more to buy too. But, they can also help save you money in the long run because they heat your home more efficiently and reduce your energy usage.
DIY or professional
If you are an experienced DIY-er and no pipework requires adjusting, you might find that you can fit your bathroom radiator yourself, which of course will save you a pretty penny!
But, if the job is more complex, or you have an electric or dual fuel radiator, the installation must be carried out by a qualified professional, by law.
Assessment costs
To try and save some money, the best thing to do is do some research and get a couple of quotes from different tradesmen.
For example, some may charge around £60 or £70 just to come and assess the job before the installation. But, others will offer a thorough assessment for free and then provide a detailed quote.
Who sources the bathroom radiator?
When selecting a new bathroom radiator, you have the option of choosing your own from a supplier like us, or hand the decision making over to your plumber.
But, it is worth keeping in mind that allowing your plumber to make the choice may cost you more than purchasing the radiator yourself.
This is because you have less control over the budget and you must be willing to accept the cost of your plumber’s supplier.
If you require radiator valves for a plumbed radiator, you also have the option to choose a style that complements your bathroom and fits your budget.
Any pipework adjustments
If your new bathroom radiator is a direct swap and the same size as your old radiator, it will probably be a quick and easy job.
But, if your plumber needs to remove an existing radiator, install new pipework, or move pipework to accommodate a bigger radiator, this will be a longer, more complex process and may cost a higher installation rate.
Location
Labour costs can also differ depending on your location. For example, prices in the London area will be greater than in the North of the UK.
So, please note that the following prices are an average sum to give you a rough guide for your budget.
Cost to install a heated towel rail
According to Checkatrade, the average cost of installing a standard hot water heated towel rail is £235 for materials and £225 for installation. So you should expect to pay around £460 in total.
Other heated towel rail installation costs:
- Electric heated towel rails
You should expect to pay around £200-£250 per day, or £40 per hour to hire an electrician. The installation may take approximately 2-3 hours to complete, depending on what the job entails.
- Dual fuel heated towel rails
Since dual fuel towel rails are connected to both your mains electrical supply and your central heating, the average cost to fit is the highest. You should expect to pay around £400 for a dual fuel installation.
Cost to install a bathroom radiator
Of course a heated towel rail isn’t the only option to keep your bathroom cosy and give you lovely warm towels.
Classic column radiators and modern designer radiators with robe hooks and accessories are becoming increasingly popular bathroom heating choices.
So how much will it cost to fit a bathroom radiator?
Checkatrade advises that the average cost to replace a radiator is usually around £200 for a double panel radiator that connects to your central heating system.
Popular double panel options for bathrooms are the white Milano Windsor column radiator and the anthracite Milano Aruba vertical designer radiator.
Installation costs for electric and dual fuel designer radiators will usually be around the same price as the towel rail equivalents.
However, they may be slightly more expensive to fit if they are larger radiators, or if pipework, flooring and walls require work.
Still looking for a bathroom radiator?
We hope this guide has been helpful and given you an idea of some expenses you should expect, so you can plan your budget properly.
If you’re still unsure which radiator or towel rail might be best for your bathroom, why not take a look at our bathroom radiator guide or browse the collections below?
Just remember to check the heat outputs of the radiators to ensure you choose the correct size for your bathroom.
Head over to our BTU Calculator to work out the heat requirements of your bathroom.
If you have an idea which towel rail or towel radiator you are looking for, click the image below to browse our collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is estimated that a typical bathroom radiator installation in a UK household will cost £460 in total, but this can only be used as a rough estimate, considering the many variables that can influence.
A bathroom radiator will have an average purchase price of around £235, with installation fees usually in the region of £225. However, as aforementioned, these costs can fluctuate greatly based on several factors, including the location the work is to be carried out in and the workload of the professional you have hired.
Browse our blog, how much does it cost to fit a bathroom radiator, for a more in-depth look.
A few factors will affect and determine how much it will cost to ultimately fit a bathroom radiator. These include which type of bathroom radiator you opt for, especially as the initial purchase price can differ greatly between alternate styles.
Whether you operate on a DIY basis or opt for a professional installation will also influence the total cost of a bathroom radiator installation, including whether or not you need to pay an initial assessment fee to a plumber or professional heating specialist.
Other influential circumstances include whether you select the radiator yourself or trust your plumber to source from a supplier, as well as any necessary pipework adjustments that could be potentially disruptive. Labour costs are also volatile in line with location and the workload of your hired professional.
The estimated average cost of a UK bathroom radiator installation is £460 overall, but this can only be used as a general guideline.
For a more detailed insight, explore our blog, how much does it cost to fit a bathroom radiator.
The average cost to install a heated towel rail in a UK household totals £460, though this should only be used as a rough guide as many factors can influence a fluctuation in prices.
It is suggested that a heated towel rail will typically cost around £235 to purchase, and in the region of £225 to be fitted. These estimated prices can be volatile with regards to several circumstances, especially in terms of installation, including location and reputation to name just a couple.
Consult our heated towel rail buying guide for inspiration on the ideal model to select, and for further pricing information, our article titled how much does it cost to fit a bathroom radiator.
Jess has a passion for interior design and wants to inspire people to look at radiators as home decor. She enjoys keeping on top of the latest design and heating trends to ensure the Advice Centre has all the information and inspiration homeowners need to make the best choice for them.
