If you need to replace your shower head, you’ll be glad to know it’s one of the easiest DIY projects. From removing your old shower head to testing the new one for leaks, I’ll walk you through each step.
There are plenty of reasons to replace your shower head. Maybe your old one isn’t working as well as it used to, your family’s needs have changed, or you’re simply updating the design of your bathroom. The good news is that there are many options on the market, including high-pressure models, rain heads, handhelds, and even smart models.
For those who prefer hands-off installation, Home Gnome can connect you with a professional plumber near you so you don’t have to lift a finger.
| Difficulty Level: Beginner Estimated Time: 20 to 30 minutes Cost: $50 to $350, depending on the tools you need to buy. Keep in mind that luxury shower heads will increase the price considerably |
Materials and Tools
Replacing your old, worn-out shower head is a quick and easy project. In addition to your new shower head, you just need a few household tools.
- New shower head
- Towel
- Teflon tape
- Stepstool
- Soft brush
- Soft-jaw pliers
- Soft cloth
Step 1: Turn Off Your Water
The first — and most important — step to replace your shower head is to turn off the water to your shower so it doesn’t flow while you work. Locate the water valve for your shower. It’s usually behind an access panel within your bathroom or a nearby space.
If you can’t find the water valve or it’s hidden behind a wall, you’ll need to shut off the water to your whole house. You can find that valve outside by a water hose, inside your home near the hot water tank, or in your basement or crawl space.
My Tip: Before starting the remaining steps, I suggest placing a towel over the shower floor and covering the drain. This prevents small parts from disappearing down the drain and protects the floor from scratches.
Step 2: Remove Your Old Shower Head
Removing your old shower head is simple. I start by unscrewing it with my hands by turning it counterclockwise. If it’s too tight, use a pair of soft-jaw pliers. If you don’t have those, a crescent wrench or channel-lock pliers will do the job. Wrap a soft cloth around the shower arm and the base of the shower head to protect the metal from scratches.
Once loose, remove your old shower head from the arm and set it aside.
Step 3: Clean Your Shower Arm
Before attaching your new shower head, I suggest cleaning your shower arm. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to remove any grime or buildup. This is also a great time to remove leftover tape from the arm’s threads. This helps ensure a secure, leak-free connection.
Read More: Read about my favorite methods to clean a shower head.
Step 4: Use Teflon Tape to Wrap the Threads
Next, I wrap the threads of my shower arm with Teflon thread-sealing tape. I’ve found that three loops, wrapped clockwise, are enough to create a tight, leak-proof seal. This is a crucial step to avoid leaks later on.
If you purchased a dual, handheld, or other type of shower head with multiple connections and hoses, you’ll want to repeat this process until all of the threads are wrapped.
My Tip: Most shower heads come with Teflon tape. However, if yours didn’t, it’s readily available at your local hardware or big-box store.
Step 5: Attach Your New Shower Head
Installation of your new shower head depends on the type you purchased. I recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation. However, below is a rundown of how I would install three of the most popular types of shower heads.
- Fixed Shower Head: Simply screw this type of shower head onto the shower arm and tighten it by hand.
- Handheld Shower Head: Screw the handheld’s mount onto the shower arm. Next, connect the hose to the mount, then the bottom of the shower head. Dock the handheld unit in the mount, and you’re done.
- Dual Shower Head: Attach the water diverter to the arm first, and then screw the main shower head and the hose onto the diverter. Finally, attach the handheld shower head to the hose and dock it.
Read More: For more information about the different types of shower heads, check out our guide.
Step 6: Check for Leaks
Once everything is in place, turn on the water and let it run through your new shower head. Closely monitor the areas where you used Teflon tape to connect the shower head and hose.
If there’s a leak, tighten the connections gently. If that doesn’t work, I’ve found that adding a bit more Teflon tape to the threads solves the problem.
Find a Plumber Near You
If you need to replace your shower head, it’s a simple job that most people can complete themselves. I suggest taking your time, especially when you’re applying the Teflon tape. That overlooked step causes the most issues down the road if it’s ignored.
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Main Photo Credit: Angelov / Adobe Stock Free / License
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