How To Replace a Shower Head
With about 3 items and 3 steps, you can replace that leaky, outdated shower head with a brand new one. See how easy it is to update your shower with a more modern shower head.
Shopping List
- Shower Head
found with Faucets & Accessories products. - Shower Arm
found with Faucets & Accessories products. - Thread Seal Tape
found with Faucets & Accessories products. - CLR or Lime-A-Way
found with Bathroom Cleaners products. - Wrench
found with Screwdrivers & Hand Tools products. - Pliers
found with Screwdrivers & Hand Tools products.
Project Steps
Step 1: Turn the water supply off
Turn water off at the bath or shower knobs.
Pro Tip:
Lay some cardboard in the bottom of the tub so it won't damage the tile if you drop a tool
Step 2: Remove shower head
Unscrew the old shower head by hand if possible. If you need to use pliers or a wrench, wrap the teeth in tape to prevent damage to the finish of your shower arm.
Hold the arm with pliers and remove shower head with wrench.
Step 3: Prep pipe threads
Clean pipe threads on shower arm with a scouring pad to remove old thread seal tape and mineral deposits.
Wind thread seal tape two or three times clockwise around the threads on the shower arm.
Step 4: Attach shower head
Twist right to attach new shower head to shower arm. Test by turning water on; if it leaks, tighten it until the leak stops.
Pro Tips
- If the old shower head is really stuck, soak the joint in lime, calcium, or rust remover.