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Shower Head Replacement Guide

easyHome Repair30 min

Upgrade your bathroom with this straightforward guide to replacing a shower head. Designed for homeowners and renters alike, these instructions will teach you how to safely remove old hardware and install a new fixture for a leak-free finish.

Safety Warnings

  • Ensure the shower knobs are completely turned off and secured tightly to prevent water from leaking during the repair.
  • Avoid over-tightening connections, as this can crack shower components or strip threads.

Tools Needed

Adjustable wrench — 8-inch
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Pliers — slip-joint
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Toothbrush — nylon-bristled
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Materials

Teflon tape — plumber's tape(1 roll)
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Rag — cloth(1)
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Shower head — replacement unit(1)
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Steps

1
Place a towel or rag at the base of the tub to protect the surface from dropped tools and to prevent small parts from falling down the drain.
2
Attempt to remove the old shower head by turning it counterclockwise by hand. If it will not budge, wrap a rag around the base of the shower head and use an adjustable wrench to twist it off counterclockwise.
Tip: Wrap a rag around the shower arm (the pipe coming out of the wall) and grip it with pliers to keep the arm stable and prevent it from unscrewing inside the wall.
Shower arm Cloth wrap Shower head Twist counter-clockwise Remove the shower head using a wrench and protective rag.
3
Clean the threads of the shower arm thoroughly using an old toothbrush and a rag to remove rust, scale, and leftover Teflon tape.
4
Apply two to three wraps of Teflon tape over the threads of the shower arm in a clockwise direction, pressing the tape firmly into the grooves with your fingers.
Shower arm Threads Teflon tape Wrap clockwise Wrap Teflon tape clockwise onto the shower arm threads.
5
Place the new shower head onto the shower arm and twist it clockwise by hand until snug. For additional security, wrap a cloth around the base and tighten the connection with an adjustable wrench.
Tip: If installing a handheld model, ensure rubber washers are seated inside the mount and hose connections before tightening.
Shower arm New shower head Threaded collar Twist clockwise Thread the new head onto the arm and tighten clockwise until snug.
6
Turn on the water for a few moments and inspect all connections for leaks. If water leaks from the arm connection, remove the head, apply more Teflon tape, and re-secure the hardware.

Pro Tips

  • Consider a WaterSense labeled model to limit water use to no more than 2 gallons per minute while maintaining pressure.
  • Regularly clean your shower head with white vinegar to prevent mineral buildup and maintain water flow.

When to Call a Professional

If the shower arm is corroded or the new shower head leaks at the connection, call a licensed plumber.

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