Are you looking to replace your shower head, or would a thorough cleaning suffice to restore it back to its best? Well if either of them are the case you are going to need to know how to take it off, right?
Don't worry if you're wondering: how do I change a shower head? Our staff have come together to bring you a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to change a shower head.
This will be a straightforward activity to complete, especially for people who are not very fond of DIY projects. So let’s get into it.
How To Change A Shower Head
So before we go into the step by step process of changing a shower head, let’s take a look at the equipment you will need.
- The new shower head
- Adjustable wrench
- Blanket or tarp
- A Cloth
- Teflon Tape
- A pair of slip-joint pliers
Now we have all the equipment, let's look into the process of changing shower heads from start to finish.
Step 1 - Ensure Shower Is Turned Off
Firstly make sure your shower is fully turned off to avoid any water sneaking out.
Step 2 - Clear The Area
Place a blanket or towel on the bath or shower floor to safeguard the tub or shower from potential debris or damage, as well as to avoid the loss of any small components down the drain.
Step 3 - Removing The Old Shower Head
Once your area is all set up, the first step is to take off the existing shower head.
You’ve got two options here. If your shower head isn’t on too tightly, you can just use your hands to twist it counterclockwise and gently pull it towards you until it pops off.
For the second method, grab a cloth and wrap it around the base of the shower arm, then secure it with slip-joint pliers. This way, you can safely remove the shower head without risking pulling the entire shower off the wall.
Then, using an adjustable wrench, turn the head counterclockwise to unscrew it totally from the shower arm.
Step 4 - Clean Your Shower Arm
Next, it’s time to tidy up the threads on the shower arm so that the new shower head can fit on easily.
You really want that new head to form a watertight seal with the shower arm to avoid any leaks. An old toothbrush can come in handy for this, it’s perfect for getting into those threads and scrubbing away any gunk or rust to make everything nice and clean.
Step 5: Apply New Teflon Tape
Grab the Teflon tape and wrap it around the threads of the shower arm two to three times. Make sure to wrap it tightly in a clockwise direction, ensuring it gets into the threads nicely.
Step 6: Installing New Shower Head
At last, it’s time to put in the new shower head! Just turn the head clockwise with your hands to get it secured, and then use the your cloths, pliers, and adjustable wrench to make sure it’s nice and tight on the pipework.
If you’re working with a standard wall-mounted showerhead, these steps should help you switch it out effortlessly.
But if you’ve chosen a more elaborate model, be sure to follow any additional instructions specific to that shower head to make sure you attach it properly.
Handheld Shower Head - Installing handheld shower heads is relatively easy; they are simply connected clockwise to the shower arm, then connected to the mount with the shower hose.
Sliding Bar Shower Head- Usually, these shower heads have a handheld sprayer on a vertical bar mounted to the wall with a flexible hose attached. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the bar to the water supply.
Shower Panels or Electric Shower Heads - These shower heads can be pretty tricky to install, so if you’re not feeling up to tackling it yourself, you might want to call in a plumber. The manufacturer's instructions can be a bit hard to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Change Your Shower Head?
Changing your shower head every 6-8 months is recommended to ensure it is working at it’s best, whilst preventing the buildup of bacteria, mould, and sediment. Which is known to have an impact on your health. Cleaning your shower head can expand it’s lifespan but in the end, changing the shower head is absolutely necessary.
How Do I Change A Filter On Shower Head?
Are you unsure how to change a filter on shower head? Well to change your shower filter simply turn off the water supply and remove the shower head then disassemble the shower head to access your filter. Once replaced you can now reassemble and turn your water back on again.
Can Changing A Shower Head Improve Water Pressure?
Yes absolutely! Replacing your shower head can enhance water pressure, particularly when selecting a model specifically made for low pressure or high flow; although it will not increase the overall water pressure of your household system, it can enhance water flow and produce a stronger spray in your shower.
Can I Change A Shower Head Myself?
So can you change shower heads? Yes definitely, luckily a task like changing your shower head is a simple DIY task that most people can do themselves.
