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Installing a new showerhead is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to bring new life to your shower — and it's something that even apartment-dwellers and renters can do to personalize the bathroom without damaging walls or other fixtures! Replacing old heads with low-flow models is one of the best ways to conserve water and "go green": the average family can save up to 2,900 gallons of water per year! And for people with sensitive skin or respiratory systems, swapping out an old showerhead for a filtered one can even help with health issues. With so many great reasons to ditch your boring, outdated, or just plain inefficient showerhead, don't let the uncertainty of how to install a new one get in your way! PlumbingSupply.com® will help you out with these easy-peasy instructions. It's probably the simplest home renovation you'll ever do! (Interested in installing a rain shower? Read our tips on our page before you get started!)
Many people don't know how incredibly easy it is to replace their shower head. Let Mike, our go-to guy, take you step-by-step through the process, and you'll have a new shower head on there in minutes.
What you'll need: new showerhead, a strap wrench, pliers or crescent/adjustable wrench, a rag or soft cloth, and PTFE sealing tape
view Step 1 example
Step 1: Use a strap wrench, pliers or a crescent wrench to remove the old shower head. Turn the connection nut counterclockwise to remove. If you want to avoid cosmetic damage to the old shower head, using a strap wrench is the best method. If a strap wrench is unavailable, you can use a rag between the showerhead connecting nut and the pliers; this will help prevent scratching the finish.
Step 2: Clean the threads on the shower arm. There may be some residual thread sealing tape or mineral deposits on the arm that can be cleaned off using mild soap and water and/or an old toothbrush. We've found that a paper clip can be useful in removing old PTFE tape from threads.
view Step 3 example
Step 3: Now that the shower arm threads are clean, you can apply new PTFE tape. Use about 4-6 wraps around the threads; wrap tightly in a clockwise direction. Use your fingers to gently press the tape into the threads.
view Step 4 example
Step 4: Take your new shower head out of the packaging and check the contents. Some shower heads come with a rubber washer that you must install. If your shower head did not come with a washer, skip this step. If it did come with a rubber washer, insert it into the shower arm connection nut and push it down flat.
view Step 5 example
Step 5: Begin to thread the shower head onto the shower arm. Start slowly to avoid crossing threads, and hand tighten as much as possible. Use your strap wrench (or place a rag over the connection and use a crescent wrench or pliers) to tighten the nut by a quarter turn. Be careful not to over tighten: this can damage the threads or possibly crack the shower head connection nut.
view Step 6 example
Step 6:Turn the water on and check for leaks. If you have a leak coming from the connection, turn the water off and tighten the nut by another quarter turn.
Step 7: Turn the water on once more and check again for leaks. If you don't have any, congratulations on a job well done!
If you find the connection still leaks, check to make sure the threads are not crossed. Unscrew the showerhead and remove and reapply the PTFE tape, adding a few more wraps than you did before (in Step 3). Reinstall the shower head as shown in Steps 5 and 6.
Wondering what the best way to clean your showerhead is? We've got your answer!
Related Items & Articles
Shower Head Buying GuideWater-Saving Shower HeadsFiltered Shower HeadsShower ArmsDiagnosing a Leaky ShowerShower Head Flow ControlsHow to Convert Your Tub to a Shower
Please note: The information provided here is intended to give a basic knowledge of plumbing related repairs. This information is general, and may not suit all applications. If you are at all unsure of your abilities to complete one of these projects, please consult a professional. Always check with local code regulations and the proper authorities before beginning a project.
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