Replacing a shower head is an easy DIY project that can add style and functionality to your bathroom. But, like any home improvement project, you need to follow the right steps to make sure the job is done correctly.
Start by getting the tools you need: a wrench, toothbrush, cloth, and seal tape. Then, clean the threads on your shower arm where the new head will attach.
Remove the Old Shower Head
Before you can install a new shower head, it’s important to remove the old one. This step can help prevent leaking and ensure that the new shower head screws on securely and doesn’t leak where the old arm connects to the pipe. Shut off the water to your home at the main valve before starting this project. A small amount of water leaking from the faucet in your bathroom can cause serious damage and lead to expensive plumbing repairs.
You’ll need a few accessories and parts to change your showerhead, including an adjustable wrench, slip joint pliers and Teflon tape. The type of showerhead you want to replace will determine what tools you need. You can find a variety of different shower heads at your local home improvement store, including handheld showerheads, rain showerheads and dual showerheads with different spray patterns. Once you’ve decided on the type of showerhead you want, choose a size that will match your current bathroom plumbing.
Place a blanket or plastic tarp over the bathtub or shower floor to protect it from dings and spills while you’re working on this project. You can also cover the drain, to avoid losing any small parts down the drain. If you’re able, you can try to remove the shower head by hand. Many showerheads screw on easily, but if yours doesn’t come off, you may need to use the adjustable wrench or slip joint pliers to loosen it.
Once you’ve loosened the shower head, clean off any corrosion or mineral buildup with steel wool and vinegar. You should then apply a couple of layers of Teflon tape to the end of the shower head arm. This specialty plumbing tape helps create a tight seal to help prevent leaks where the shower arm connects to the plumbing in your wall or tub.
Once the tape is in place, you can start to remove the old shower head. The shower head should then unscrew easily with the adjustable wrench or pliers, and you’ll be ready to install your new showerhead. If you have a difficult time removing the old showerhead, you can try using a penetrating lubricant to loosen it. This product is available at most hardware stores and comes with instructions for application and use.
Clean the Threads
Showers are a great way to wake up in the morning or relax after a long day. But if your existing shower head isn’t giving you the results you want, it may be time to install a new one. Changing your shower head is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that can provide big benefits.
Before you begin, read the instructions that come with your new shower head to make sure there aren’t any specific steps you need to take. If you have any doubts, call a plumber, and importantly a good one, especially a plumber akin to the Anchorage plumbers, or handyman for assistance. It’s also a good idea to cover the tub or shower with a garbage bag, plastic tarp or old towel to protect it from any broken parts and other debris that might fall during the project.
Start by removing any existing tape from the shower arm. If there’s no tape, use a toothbrush and a damp cloth to clean the shower arm threads, which is where your new shower head will attach. This step is important because it ensures the new head will create a watertight seal with the shower arm and prevent leaks.
After you’ve cleaned the threads, apply a fresh layer of thread tape to them. This is a specialty tape that acts as a seal to prevent water flow from leaking where the hardware screws together. You can find it at most home improvement stores and in many hardware departments.
Depending on the kind of shower head you have, there may be additional accessories or parts needed for your project. For example, if you’re replacing a rainhead or handheld sprayer, you may need an adapter kit to connect it to your shower. You should also purchase new shower head accessories like a hose, hand sprayer and/or a mounting bracket.
If your new shower head is a fixed type, you can simply screw it into the shower arm by hand. However, you may need to unscrew the shower arm first if it’s secured with a Loctite type sealant or is particularly tight. If this is the case, try to loosen it by applying steady pressure, without jerking. This may require the help of a pipe wrench, adjustable wrench or channel lock pliers.
Apply Thread Tape
Whether you’re doing a full bathroom remodel or simply want to upgrade your shower experience with better water pressure and advanced features, installing a new shower head is an easy DIY project that can be done by even the most novice homeowner. The process is simple enough that it can be completed in less time than it takes to go through the checkout line at a store.
Before you begin, however, it is important to read the instructions that come with your new shower head, as there may be some special steps or tools needed for different types of heads. In addition, be careful when unscrewing the old one – you do not want to break the seal where it connects to the pipe in the wall. A broken seal could lead to a slow leak that will eventually necessitate a significant repair.
To prevent this, be sure to thoroughly clean the threads of the new arm before you apply any tape. This can be done by using a wire brush, toothbrush, or cloth to get rid of any gunk or rust that has built up on the threads. Once the threads are cleaned, you should then allow them to dry completely.
Next, take a roll of Teflon tape and unroll it to a length that is adequate for the job. Then, wrap the tape around the threads of the arm 2-3 times in a clockwise direction. You should always wrap the tape tightly, as this will help to create a good seal that will keep water from leaking out of the shower head.
It is also a good idea to wrap the threads of the arm with plumber’s tape, as this will help to prevent any leaks and protect the metal. Just make sure that the plumber’s tape is the correct color – yellow for black iron gas pipe and white for galvanized water pipes (in the US). Finally, once you have wrapped the arm threads with the appropriate type of tape, you can screw the new shower head onto the arm.
Attach the New Shower Head
Whether you’re doing a full bathroom remodel or simply refreshing your space, adding a shower head upgrade can make your everyday routine feel more comfortable and enjoyable. There are many options available for any budget, from basic models to deluxe versions with more advanced features like adjustable flow settings and even massage jets.
Depending on the type you choose, it may require additional accessories or parts to complete installation. For example, some types of showerheads feature a separate hose that connects the head to the holder on your wall. If that’s the case with your new showerhead, be sure to follow the instructions for assembling the hose and mounting it on your wall mount holder.
Before you attach the new shower head, wipe away any grime on the end of the arm that goes into your wall. Then, tightly wrap five layers of plumber’s tape clockwise around the end of the arm, going against the way it will twist into place to create a watertight seal. After the tape is in place, screw on the new shower head.
Start by threading it onto the pipe in a clockwise direction, and hand tighten as much as you can without the nut becoming too loose or damaging the threads. Then, using a strap wrench (or a rag placed over the nut and an adjustable crescent wrench or channel lock pliers), turn the nut a quarter turn to ensure it’s tight enough.
After the nut is in place and tightened, test out your new showerhead by turning on both hot and cold water to see if it works properly. If you encounter any leaks from the connection, tighten it a bit more.
A new showerhead can be the finishing touch to your bathroom, and it’s a relatively easy DIY project for any experienced do-it-yourselfer. But before you begin, set aside enough time to complete the project so that you don’t find yourself without a way to wash your hair for an extended period of time. And if you’re not ready to do the work yourself, you can always have it installed by a professional.