How To: Install a New Shower Head

Replacing your shower head is a great start to DIY home repair. Whether you’ve started noticing issues with water flow or buildup, you’d like to cut down on chemicals using a filtered unit, or your current shower head is just plain ugly, there are a lot of great reasons to switch it up! Follow along for step-by-step instructions on completing this often inexpensive, quick and easy home project that will give you a great feeling of satisfaction and pride next time you step in the shower.

1. Remove the old shower head

Once you’ve picked out that perfect shower head, the replacement process is relatively simple. Some units will even come with instructions right on the package, but we’ve got your back just in case. To remove the old shower head, stabilize the shower arm with one hand while turning the shower head connection counterclockwise. Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. If the shower head comes off by hand, that’s awesome! If not, we’ll need to grab some tools.

We recommend using some slip-joint pliers with electrical tape or placing a towel around the shower arm to protect the finish. Use these pliers to grip the shower arm and an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the old shower head. Once off, clean any rust, mineral deposits or old sealant from the shower arm threads.

2. Wrap the threads

Many shower heads come with a small spool of Teflon tape for installation. If not, you can pick some up for cheap in the plumbing aisle. Simply wrap the tape in a clockwise direction three or four times around the threads of the shower arm and press the tape into the threads for a nice seal.

3. Install the shower head

Once you have the tape in place, screw the new shower head on in a clockwise direction and tighten by hand. Now it’s time to turn the water on and check for leaks. If leaks occur at the connection point, check your tape, reapply if needed, and carefully tighten using an adjustable wrench  a quarter turn at a time, careful not to over-tighten.

That’s it! Easy peasy. Brand new, clean and efficient shower head that you’ve installed all on your own. Enjoy!