How Long Is the Average Shower — And What It's Costing You Each Month

You step into the shower, let the warm water run, shampoo your hair, condition it, maybe hum a song — and before you know it, 15 minutes have flown by. Sound familiar?

Most of us have no idea how long is the average shower — let alone what it's costing us. The truth is, your daily shower habit could be adding a surprising amount to your water and energy bills every single month. In this guide, we break down the real numbers and show you how a simple, low-tech tool from EcoSavers can help your family cut waste effortlessly.

How Long Is the Average Shower?

According to global water research, the average shower lasts between 7.8 and 8.2 minutes. That sounds reasonable — but studies show that many people, especially teenagers, regularly shower for 12–20 minutes without realising it.

Here's a quick breakdown by shower duration:

*Based on one daily shower per person. Energy cost estimate includes water heating. Actual costs vary by tariff.

How Much Does a Shower Cost Per Month?

When you factor in both water consumption and the energy needed to heat it, the true cost of showering adds up fast. For a family of four, how much does a shower cost per month can easily reach €25–€50 or more — simply from daily shower time exceeding 10 minutes per person.

Heating water is the second largest energy expense in most homes, accounting for up to 18% of your energy bill. Even shaving just 2 minutes off each shower can save hundreds of litres — and euros — every year.

The Real Problem: Kids and Teens Don't Know How Long They've Been In

Children and teenagers are the biggest culprits of long showers — not out of bad intention, but because they simply have no sense of time under running water. Shouting reminders through the door rarely works, and phone alarms get ignored.

That's where a visual shower timer for children makes all the difference. Instead of nagging, you let a visual indicator do the work — making water saving a habit, not a battle.

Introducing the EcoSavers ShowerTimer Hourglass — The Simplest Fix You'll Ever Make

The EcoSavers ShowerTimer Hourglass is a brilliantly low-tech solution that anyone in the family can use instantly. No buttons. No apps. No charging. Just a clear, visual hourglass that tells everyone exactly where they are in their shower — and gently motivates them to finish on time.

This shower timer hourglass for family use is one of the most affordable eco upgrades you can make. At just €7.99, it pays for itself within days — and keeps saving every single month.

How Much Can You Save by Cutting 2 Minutes?

The maths are simple and compelling. If a family of four each reduces their shower by just 2 minutes per day using a visual shower timer:

•      Water saved per day: ~64 litres

•      Water saved per month: ~1,920 litres

•      Water saved per year: ~23,360 litres

•      Estimated annual saving on bills: €40–€80+ (depending on tariff)

Not bad for a €7.99 gadget from EcoSavers.

5 Tips to Help Your Family Take Shorter Showers

Use a visual shower timer

The EcoSavers ShowerTimer Hourglass makes time visible and tangible — especially effective as a visual shower timer for children.

Set a household shower goal

Challenge the family to stay within the 6-minute stage of the hourglass. Make it fun with small rewards.

Turn off the water while soaping up

The 'Navy shower' technique — wet, turn off, lather, rinse — can cut water use by over 50%.

Check your showerhead flow rate

Older heads can pump 15+ litres per minute. A modern low-flow head uses 6–8 litres — a huge difference.

Track your water bill monthly

Awareness drives action. When families see their bill drop, motivation stays high.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is The Average Shower?

Research shows the average shower lasts 7.8 to 8.2 minutes. However, teenagers and children often exceed 12–15 minutes.

How Much Does A Shower Cost Per Month?

For a family of four showering daily, total monthly shower costs (water + heating) typically range from €20 to €50+, depending on energy tariffs and shower duration.

Does A Shower Timer Really Work For Kids?

Yes — a visual shower timer for children is far more effective than verbal reminders. The EcoSavers ShowerTimer Hourglass makes time visible and motivates shorter showers without conflict.

Is the EcoSavers ShowerTimer Hourglass easy to install?

Absolutely. It attaches to any smooth tile or glass surface via suction cup — no tools, no drilling, no batteries needed.

How Many Litres Does The Average Shower Use?

At a standard flow rate of 8 litres per minute, an 8-minute shower uses approximately 64 litres of water.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how long is the average shower is only the first step. The real opportunity lies in acting on it — and making smarter habits easy for every member of your family. The EcoSavers ShowerTimer Hourglass is a simple, proven tool that takes the guesswork out of shower time. Whether you need a shower hourglass timer for the whole family or a visual shower timer for children that actually works — this €7.99 gadget from EcoSavers is one of the smartest small investments you'll make for your home and your planet.