How to replace a shower head

Replacing your shower head is an easy (and cheap) way to bring a bit of luxury to your bathroom at home! Follow below for easy instructions to replace your showerhead.

I have replaced all my home showerheads with rainfall-style showers cause they are A-MAZ-ING! If water pressure is a concern for your area, you can always shoot a quick email/make a quick call to your local inspector to see if a rainfall showerhead is allowed.

First, find a shower head you like. The one pictured above comes in many finishes, and is budget friendly!

Next, turn off the water to the shower location. If you are unsure where the shut off valve is, check your basement, you will likely be able to follow the pipes.

You will likely see one of two valves: a stop valve or a ball valve. To turn off water with a stop valve, simply rotate clockwise until the valve no longer turns. To turn off water with a ball valve, turn the handle so it is perpendicular to the pipe. The one pictures above runs parallel with the pipe, which signifies the water flow being open. Once the water is turned off, open at least 2 faucets in the area you are working so the water drains from the pipes.

Once you have found the shower head you like, and turned off the water to the shower, remove the old shower head. Likely, this is as simple as unscrewing the old shower head. If present, clean off any old plumber tape, putty, or other dirt/grime.

To attach the new shower head, start with wrapping the threads with plumbers tape. Add plumbers tape to any other connections, unless the installation instructions for the shower head advise against it.

Now simply attach your new showerhead by screwing it in place. DON’T overtighten, as this can lead to leaks. Hand tightening should be sufficient. Using a tool , such as a wrench, to tighten could scratch the finish, however, if it is necessary to use a tool to tighten, add some bubble wrap or a towel to the pipe and then use a wrench to tighten slightly.

That’s it! For a full layout of the bathroom remodel, check out my bathroom renovation post.

Happy DIY’ing!