Omari Gates
Changing a shower head is a straightforward DIY task that can instantly refresh the look of your bathroom. It is a simple process that does not require any technical know-how. You can easily install a new shower head by following the instructions that come with it and taking a few precautions. This guide will teach you how to replace your old shower head with a new one, increase water pressure, and save money on water bills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | One of the most straightforward DIY plumbing jobs; no technical know-how required |
| Reasons to Change Shower Head | Improve appearance, increase water pressure, save water and money on bills |
| Tools Required | Shifter/adjustable wrench, soft jaw pliers or soft cloth, wire brush/old toothbrush/damp paper towel, plumber's tape, utility knife, multi-purpose detector |
| Steps | 1. Turn off tap. 2. Unscrew existing shower head. 3. Clean threaded extension pipe. 4. Position new flange and wind plumber's tape. 5. Check for wires or pipes before placing rail. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the old shower head
Changing a shower head is a straightforward DIY task that can give your bathroom a refresh. Here is a detailed guide on removing your old shower head:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Before starting, ensure you turn off the tap connected to the shower head you plan to replace. You don't need to turn off the main water supply; just make sure the specific tap is in the "off" position.
Unscrew the Existing Shower Head
Use a shifting spanner or an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the existing shower head. Turn the neck of the shower head counter-clockwise to detach it. If it's a wall-mounted shower head, be careful not to turn the pipe in the wall. Hold the connecting pipe with soft jaw pliers or a soft cloth while turning the shower head by hand.
Clean the Threads
Once you've removed the old shower head, clean the threads on the shower arm or hose. Use a wire brush, an old toothbrush, or a damp paper towel to remove any gunk, dirt, or debris from the threaded extension pipe. Make sure the threads are clean and free of any residue before proceeding to the next step.
Remove the Old Flange
Use a utility knife to clean the thread further if needed. Remove the old flange, and clean the surrounding tiles. Ensure that the area is free of any remaining debris.
Remember to always refer to the instructions that come with your new shower head, as they may provide specific guidance or additional steps for removal and installation.
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Buying a new shower head
There are several different types of shower heads to choose from, and the right one for you will depend on your style, budget, and water pressure preferences. Here are some of the most common types of shower heads on the market:
Fixed shower heads
Fixed shower heads are securely attached to the wall, providing a steady stream of water. While you can adjust the flow rate of the water, the height of the shower head cannot be changed. This may be a concern if you have a shared family bathroom where people of differing heights will be using it.
Handheld shower heads
Handheld shower heads offer more flexibility as they are not fixed to the wall. They are usually attached to a hose, which allows for more movement and can be useful for rinsing hard-to-reach places or washing children or pets. Some handheld shower heads come with a cradle hook so they can be placed back on the wall when not in use.
Rainfall shower heads
Rainfall shower heads, also known as rain shower heads, are designed to mimic the experience of standing in the rain. They are typically larger in size and have a flat, round head that delivers a gentle, drenching shower experience. Rainfall shower heads can be ceiling-mounted or attached to a pipe.
When choosing a new shower head, it's important to consider factors such as water pressure, flow rate, and spray patterns. You should also pay attention to the measurements and fittings of your current shower head to ensure that your new shower head is compatible. It's a good idea to check the instructions that come with your new shower head, as you may need to assemble its different components or fix an external rubber washer.
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Preparing the new shower head
Firstly, check the instructions that come with your new shower head. Some shower heads may require you to assemble the different components or fix an external rubber washer before installation. If your shower head doesn't come with a reel of plumber's tape, it is recommended to purchase some from a hardware store, as this will be useful for the installation process.
Next, you will need to remove the old shower head. Start by turning off the tap; there is no need to turn off the main water supply. Then, proceed to unscrew the existing shower head. If it has been used for a long time, it may be corroded and difficult to unscrew, so you may need to use a shifting spanner or adjustable wrench. Turn the neck of the unscrewed shower head counter-clockwise to detach it, being careful not to turn the pipe in the wall. You can hold the connecting pipe with soft jaw pliers or a soft cloth while turning the shower head by hand.
Once the old shower head is removed, clean the threads of the showerhead pipe with a wire brush, old toothbrush, or damp paper towel to remove any gunk or debris. Make sure the threads are clean before proceeding to the next step.
Now you are ready to install your new shower head. If it is a wall-mounted shower head, simply follow the manufacturer's instructions to screw it into place. If your new shower head is ceiling-mounted, you will need to first check that there are no wires or pipes behind where you plan to place it. Then, place the rail against the wall and mark the screw holes onto the tiles before proceeding with installation.
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Installing the new shower head
Installing a new shower head is a straightforward DIY task that can be completed in a few simple steps.
First, ensure that you have prepared the shower space by turning off the tap. It is not necessary to turn off the main water supply, but the tap that is to be replaced should be in the "off" position.
Next, proceed to unscrew the existing shower head. Depending on its age and duration of use, the shower head could be corroded and difficult to unscrew. In this case, a shifting spanner may be useful. Turn the neck of the unscrewed shower head counter-clockwise to detach it, being careful not to turn the pipe in the wall. You may find it helpful to hold the connecting pipe with soft jaw pliers or a soft cloth while turning the shower head by hand.
Once the old shower head is removed, clean the area thoroughly. Use a wire brush, old toothbrush, or damp paper towel to clean the threads of the showerhead pipe, ensuring they are free of debris.
Now, you are ready to install the new shower head. Start by checking the instructions that come with your new shower head, as you may need to assemble its different components or fix an external rubber washer. If your shower head comes with a reel of plumber's tape, you can wind two turns of this tape onto the thread in a clockwise direction. If not, you can purchase plumber's tape from a hardware store.
Finally, carefully screw on your new shower head, and you're done!
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Cleaning the shower head
Shower heads should be cleaned at least once every two months to remove built-up minerals, bacteria, and mould. Mineral deposits can build up over time, causing the nozzles to squirt water in all directions or clog up completely, resulting in poor water pressure or low flow.
You can dislodge mineral buildup in the nozzles by massaging each nozzle with your finger or gently scrubbing them with a toothbrush. If you haven't cleaned your shower head in a while or notice a reduction in water flow, it should be cleaned immediately.
Soaking in vinegar
A common method for cleaning a shower head is to soak it in vinegar, as the acidity naturally dissolves built-up limescale without the use of harsh chemicals. Here are the steps to clean your shower head using vinegar:
- If you want to leave the shower head attached to the pipe, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and wrap it around the shower head. Secure the bag with a rubber band, tape, or a twist tie. If you don't mind removing the shower head, you can submerge it in a container filled with vinegar.
- Leave the vinegar on the shower head for a few hours or overnight.
- Remove the bag and re-attach the shower head to the pipe.
- Run water through the head for a few minutes to clear out the vinegar.
Other methods
If you don't have vinegar, you can also use lemon juice or a paste made from lemon juice and baking soda or salt. Soak the shower head in the solution or scrub it with the paste. After cleaning, polish the shower head with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove water spots and make it look new.
Cleaning the filter screen
To clean the filter screen, you may need to refer to the shower head instruction manual. In most cases, you will need to remove the shower head from the pipe to access the filter screen. You can remove the filter screen by gently brushing it out or using tweezers or needle-nose pliers. Run the screen under water for a few minutes to flush out any buildup, and use a toothbrush to gently brush out mineral deposits. Place the filter screen back into the pivot ball and re-install the shower head.
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Frequently asked questions
Changing a shower head is one of the most straightforward DIY plumbing jobs you can do at home and does not require any technical know-how.
You will need a shifter or adjustable wrench, soft jaw pliers or a soft cloth, and a wire brush, old toothbrush, or damp paper towel to clean the threads. You may also need to buy a reel of plumber's tape if it doesn't come with your new showerhead.
First, turn off the tap. Then, proceed to unscrew the existing shower head. You may need to use a shifting spanner if it is corroded and difficult to unscrew. Next, clean the threads using a wire brush, old toothbrush, or damp paper towel. Finally, install your new shower head, following the instructions provided.
Yes, it is important to turn off the tap before removing the existing shower head to avoid leaks. Also, be careful not to turn the pipe in the wall while unscrewing the shower head. If necessary, hold the connecting pipe with soft jaw pliers or a soft cloth.
