Replacing a Shower Head Is Easy With This Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Equipment / Tools

Materials

How to Replace a Shower Head

1. Turn off the Faucet

   Turn off the faucet to prevent water from escaping when the shower head is removed. Make sure the water faucet is off, but it's not necessary to turn off the water to the house.

   See Also

   How to Change a Showerhead (DIY) - A Step-by-Step Guide | Woolf Plumbing ‐ Woolf Plumbing

   

2. Unscrew the Existing Shower Head

   • Turn the shower head counterclockwise by hand.
   • If the shower head doesn't turn easily, hold the connecting shower head pipe (arm) with soft-jaw pliers or a wrench wrapped around a soft cloth.
   • Turn the shower head gently counter-clockwise. Be careful not to turn the pipe in the wall to avoid breaking it off the wall.

   

3. Remove Excess Dirt

   Once you remove an older or dirty shower head, you may find gunk around the threaded end of the extension pipe coming through the wall.

   • Use a wire brush, old toothbrush, or damp paper towel to wipe the threads clean.
   • Dry the threads before applying the thread tape.

   

4. Apply the Thread-Sealing Tape

   Wrap the thread-sealing tape around the threads. Each layer should cover half of the previous layer as you wrap up the threads.

   • Start at the base and wrap clockwise. (If you wrap counter-clockwise, the tape will unravel when you screw on the new shower head.)
   • Continue going around until you reach the end of the threads. If you run short, remove the tape and start over with a longer piece.
   • Squeeze the tape and threads between your thumb and forefinger to smooth it into the threads.

   

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5. Attach the Replacement Shower Head

   Before you attach the replacement shower head, read the product's instructions. Your shower head may not require a wrench to fasten it to the pipe in the wall securely.

   How to Install a Fixed Shower Head

   • Screw the new shower head on the shower arm.
   • Tighten by hand, but do not overtighten.

   How to install a Hand-Held Shower Head

   • Screw the mount that holds the hand-held shower head into the shower arm.
   • Connect the hose of the hand-held shower head to the mount and to the head to secure the flow of water.
   • Secure the hand-held shower portion in the mount.

   How to Install a Combination Shower Head

   • Secure the water diverter portion of the head to the shower head and shower arm. Tighten by hand.
   • Screw the main shower head onto water diverter and tighten by hand.
   • Secure the hand-held shower head to the shower and the mount per the instructions (differs by model).
     

   

6. Check the Fit and Look for Leaks

   • Check the fit by angling the shower head toward a wall away from you.
   • Turn on the cold and hot water. If you spot a leak, the shower head may need tightening.
   • Make sure that there is sufficient tape on the threads and that the tape is firmly secured on the threads.
   • Check to see if the rubber seal is lining up correctly or if it appears damaged.

   

7. Fix or Make Adjustments

   • Turn off the faucet, check the seal, re-tape the shower head, and retighten.
   • If you still have leaks from the shower head's connecting nut, one of the components may have been damaged.
   • If the water flow or pressure seems low or only trickling, remove the shower head, inspect the shower head closely for parts that seem out of place or unaligned, and start over.

   

When to Call a Professional

You may decide to call a professional for more difficult shower head installations. A top-mount shower head or smart shower head could require electrical wiring. If you are not an experienced DIYer with plumbing and electrical experience, it will be worth calling in a professional.