A DIY Guide to Replacing Your Shower Head

Tired of that weak, sputtering stream from your old shower head? You don't need to call a plumber. Follow these simple steps to install a brand-new one and transform your shower.

​Why Do It Yourself?

• Cost-Effective: You only pay for the new shower head, not for a plumber's time.

• Incredibly Fast: This is typically a 15-20 minute job from start to finish.

• Instant Gratification: You'll immediately notice the difference in water pressure, spray pattern, and aesthetics.

​Tools and Materials

​You'll be surprised by how little you need. Gather these items before you start:

• Essential:

  • ​Your new shower head

  • Plumber's tape (also called Teflon tape or thread seal tape)

  • An adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers

  • A soft cloth or rag

• Might Need (for stubborn old fixtures):

  • An old toothbrush

  • White vinegar

  • Penetrating oil (like WD-40)

​Step-by-Step Installation Guide

​Step 1: Remove the Old Shower Head

​First, ensure the shower faucet is turned off completely. You do not need to shut off the main water supply to your house for this project.

1. Protect Your Tub: Place the soft cloth or an old towel on the floor of your shower or tub. This will prevent any dropped tools from scratching or cracking the surface.

2. Attempt to Unscrew by Hand: Try turning the existing shower head counter-clockwise (remember: "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey"). Sometimes, they are only hand-tight and will come off easily.

3. Use the Wrench: If it's stuck, wrap your soft cloth around the base of the shower head where it connects to the pipe (this is called the shower arm). This protects the fixture's finish from being scratched by the tool. Grip the cloth-covered base with your adjustable wrench or pliers and turn counter-clockwise. A little bit of firm, steady pressure should do the trick.

​Pro-Tip: If the shower head is really stuck due to mineral deposits, you can spray a little penetrating oil at the connection point and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before trying again.

​Step 2: Clean the Shower Arm Threads

​Once the old head is off, you'll see the threaded end of the shower arm extending from the wall. It’s likely covered in old plumber's tape, mineral buildup, and gunk. A clean connection is crucial for a leak-free seal.

1. ​Peel off any old plumber's tape.

2. Use an old toothbrush dipped in a little white vinegar to scrub the threads clean.

3. Wipe the threads dry with your cloth.

​Step 3: Apply New Plumber's Tape

​This is the most critical step for preventing leaks.

​Take your roll of plumber's tape and hold the end against the threads.

1. Wrap the tape clockwise around the threads. Wrapping in this direction ensures the tape tightens as you screw on the new head, rather than unraveling.

2. ​Overlap the tape as you go, making about 3-4 complete wraps. The tape should be snug enough that you can see the definition of the threads through it.

​

Step 4: Install the New Shower Head

​Now for the rewarding part.

1. ​Hand-Tighten First: Take your new shower head and carefully screw it onto the freshly taped threads in a clockwise direction. Hand-tighten it as much as you comfortably can. This helps prevent cross-threading (misaligning the threads), which can damage the fixture.

2. Final Tightening: Place your soft cloth over the base of the new shower head to protect its finish. Using your wrench, give it a final quarter-turn to snug it up. Do not over-tighten! This can crack the plastic connector inside the new fixture. A snug fit is all you need; the plumber's tape does the sealing.

​

Step 5: Check for Leaks

​It's the moment of truth.

1. ​Turn on the shower faucet and observe the connection point between the shower head and the shower arm.

2. ​Look for any drips or spraying water.

3. If you see a small leak, use your wrench to give the head another slight (eighth-of-a-turn) tightening.

4. If the leak persists, you may need to turn the water off, unscrew the head, remove the tape, and re-wrap the threads with a fresh layer, ensuring it's nice and snug.

​

Troubleshooting

• Low Water Pressure with the New Head? Many modern shower heads come with a "flow restrictor" to meet water conservation standards. It's usually a small plastic or rubber disc inside the connector. You can often pry it out with a paperclip or small screwdriver to increase flow, but be sure to check your local regulations first.

• The New Head is Leaking from its Body, Not the Connection: This is a sign of a defective product. You should return it to the store for a replacement.

​Congratulations! You've successfully completed a home improvement project, saved some money, and are now ready to enjoy a much better shower.

But hey, we get it. Sometimes a "quick" DIY project doesn't feel so quick. If you've discovered the old fixture is fused in place or you have a pesky drip that won't quit, don't let it ruin your day. Just give us a call, and we'll send a professional over to take care of the installation for you. Your perfect shower is just a phone call away!