If you're new to DIY, there's probably not a better choice for getting your feet wet (pun intended) than attempting to replace your shower head. There could be several reasons for wanting to take on this task — the current shower head is ugly, you're looking to save water with a low-flow variety, or you'd like to cut down on the chemical exposure with a filtered unit. Whatever your reason, we break it down quick and easy.
Changing a shower head is something that usually can be done for rentals as well as homes. However, check your rental contract for any specific plumbing clauses that may prohibit it. If you're in the clear there, here are the tools you'll need.
- New Shower Head
- Adjustable Wrench (we use an 8-inch)
- Teflon Tape (also called Plumber's Tape)
Pick Your Shower Head
You've decided to change your shower head, but now comes the big decision. I picked up this low-flow variety from my local hardware store because my motivation was to cut down on the total gallons per minute being used every day in the shower. *I will note that I was impressed with the way this unit performed after install, so you may want to check it out too.
If you have heavily chlorinated water in your area, you may want to look into a shower head filter to prevent chemical exposure to your hair and skin. Definitely something to consider if your blonde locks are taking on shades of green or you're noticing orange buildup accumulating around the bathtub.
Remove Old Shower Head
Take your wrench and open it up wide enough to grip around the notch of your current shower head. Give it a few counter-clockwise turns and it should loosen up. If you're having a hard time getting it off, make sure you are gripping your wrench at the very end of the handle so you get more torque. Don't apply a lot of force, though. As with anything plumbing related, be extra careful on the amount of pressure used to tighten and loosen.
Once the shower head loosens, simply finish removing by unscrewing the shower head with your hands.
Remove Excess Materials
With the old shower head removed you may notice some excess material in the form of dirt, leftover rubber gaskets, or plumber's tape around the pipe. Get a rag, and remove all residue and excess material so you get off to a fresh new start.
Wrap with Teflon Tape
Wrap the threads of the pipe with a couple layers of the teflon tape. The tape isn't sticky like what you may be accustomed to, but it'll adhere just fine to the threads of the pipe. Use your finger to smooth out the tape along the threads.
Install Replacement Head
Each head is different, but you'll likely just need to hand-tighten the new shower head onto the pipe by turning clock-wise. Don't use a wrench unless the instructions explicitly state it. And in the event you do need one, be careful to not over-tighten (just do 1/4 turn at a time).
Check for leaks
Turn on the shower head and look and feel for leaks around the seal. If there are none, then pat yourself on the back — you've just done one of your first DIY's. If you do find a leak, try and hand-tighten the shower head a bit more and test again. Wasn't that easy and painless?
The real question is: what DIY projects are you going to have the courage to tackle now?
(Images: Chris Perez)
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Thanks for the recommendation for a new shower head. I had googled a little bit but couldn't find any good recommendations. This one looks nice.
wrap the tape clockwise around the threads. that's the same direction you'll be screwing the new head on and it will help keep the tape from ripping and leaking.
Thanks - that is just what I have been wondering. I need a new one and am looking for one with a filter! I live in a perchlorate water area. Sometimes my eyes even sting while in the show-show!
I did this and it changed my life! I even added an extender so my husband didn't have to do a backbend to get his hair wet. The extender and shower head I bought were made so I didn't even have to use the Teflon tape. Seriously so easy!
This could not have come at a better time. We moved in a week and a half ago and I bought a new shower head (the one here sucks) and it's just been waiting in my closet since. And my guy's not exactly handy around the house... Thanks!
I agree that replacing your standard rental shower head can make more difference than you'd expect! We have this one: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=16716545&RN=1046& and I highly recommend it because it's a "rain shower" that makes it feel very luxurious but also low-flow to save money on your water bill (but unlike many low-flow shower heads, it still have great water pressure!).
YAY! Thanks Omoriala. Finally something to use my BB&B coupon on that isn't excluded in the fine print at the bottom!
I hope it's okay to say that before beginning any utility project (water, electric gas), you should turn off the source i.e. not to the entire house but to those projects you're working on. Be safe not sorry.
A Shower Head Wars series?
if you are changing an older shower head you may find that the "ball" the shower head rotates on is part of, or adhered to, the goose neck pipe (coming out of the wall). In which case, you'll need to replace the goose neck pipe and the little collar that covers the hole in the wall. Replacement kits are super cheap, like less than $5, but you will likely need a much bigger wrench than what's pictured here - something with a long handle that will give you enough leverage to get the old, crusted, rusted parts to give. And be careful to turn the pipe with the wrench, but not pull on it because you can damage the pipes in the wall.
I've had this happen twice: once in a post-war apartment, and now in my current 1970sbuilt house.
Good to know, @DeniseGK! We're looking to purchase an older house, and I'm sure that would have come up! Thanks!
This is such as easy way to upgrade your life - everyone should do it! I've taken a nice shower head through at least 5 apartments now, and I often replace them for friends if I visit and they have crappy ones.
OK. In need of a shower head myself, I went ahead and picked up the 1.5 gpm version of this one at Home Depot for $13. No adjustment capability (which I kind of like since I hate feeling like I'm taking a multiple choice test in the shower), and it works brilliantly. This is the first shower head I've owned where I didn't think to myself, "This is a stupid way to use water," while showering. I didn't feel wasteful afterward; I felt clean. And my hot water held up nicely. Thanks for the recommendation! You may try the lower flow version on your next go-round...if you're like me, you won't miss a drop.