How to Change a Shower Head in a Few Easy Steps
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We’ve all been there—you want to renovate the bathroom or replace some hardware, but it’s a little intimidating to get started when you’ve never done it before. So if your new shower head has been sitting on your bathroom shelf for a while, don’t be discouraged! Learning how to replace a shower head is a fairly simple process that can be done quickly, and we’re here to show you how. By taking it one step at a time, you’ll be on your way to basking in bathing bliss sooner than you think.
As long as you have the right tools and follow our easy step-by-step instructions, you can tackle this household task yourself even if you don’t have much (or any) plumbing experience. Whether you’ve avoided installing that shower head you bought months ago or just started toying with the idea of adding one to your cart, the process of putting it to work is so much simpler than you think.
What Tools Do I Need to Change a Shower Head?
Shop Shower Head Replacement Must-Haves
How to Change a Shower Head
1. Protect Your Space
Protect your bathroom from damage by laying down a drop cloth in the shower. Be sure to cover the drain to prevent anything from falling beyond your reach.
2. Remove the Old Shower Head
Detach your shower head from the shower arm (the pipe that connects your shower head to the water supply). To do so, you’ll need a wrench and a washcloth or dishtowel. Find the nut that attaches the head to the arm—that’s where you have to twist with the wrench. Place the washcloth between the wrench and the nut to avoid scratches and damage, then twist and remove the shower head. Remove any old plumbing tape, and clean all of the fittings with a cloth and mild cleanser.
3. Attach the New Shower Head
Once you’ve dried the shower arm inside and out, wrap a fresh piece of plumber’s tape around the threads. Grab your new shower head and check to see that the washer inside is laying flat. Being careful not to apply too much force, screw the whole thing clockwise into the shower arm, and tighten.
4. Test It Out
Before you clean up and enjoy the spoils of your handiwork, turn on the faucet and run water through the shower head to check for leaks. Tighten with a wrench as needed.
Do I Need to Shut Off the Water to Change a Shower Head?
Yes and no! You can shut off that specific valve before disassembling anything. However, you don’t need to turn off the main water supply to your home.
