How To Install A New Showerhead
Whether your current showerhead clashes with your bathroom aesthetic, you’re looking to save water (and cut back on your monthly water bill) with a low-flow showerhead, or you want to reduce mineral or chemical exposure with a filtered showerhead – you should know that it doesn’t take much to install a new showerhead in your home. Whatever your reason for wanting to replace your showerhead, we’ve got an easy to follow guide for getting the job done right.
What you’ll need to install a new showerhead
- New showerhead
- Adjustable wrench (an 8-inch one is recommended)
- Plumber’s tape (also known as Teflon Tape) – oftentimes plumber’s tape will come in a pack with multiple rolls but you really only need one if you’re looking to just install a new showerhead
Deciding on a new showerhead
The biggest and hardest part of the decision-making process. If you live in an area with heavily chlorinated water, you may want a showerhead that has a good filter on it to prevent chemical exposure to your hair and skin (this is especially important if you suffer from dry skin frequently or if you or any of the members in your household have dyed, bleached, or naturally blonde hair – which may develop shades of green from the chlorine in the water).
Step 1: Remove your old showerhead
Open your wrench up wide enough to get a good grip around the notch of your current showerhead. Gently turn your wrench counter-clockwise to loosen it up. Be careful not to apply too much force. Make sure you’re gripping the wrench at the end of the handle to get more torque. Once the showerhead has loosened, use your hands to finish unscrewing and remove your old showerhead.
Step 2: Remove Excess Gunk
After removing your old showerhead, you may notice that there’s a buildup of dirt, grime, leftover rubber from gaskets, or plumber’s tape stuck around the pipe. Use a rag to remove all of the residue so it doesn’t interfere with your new showerhead.
Step 3: Wrap the pipe with plumber’s tape
Wrap a couple of layers of plumber’s tape around the threads of the pipe. If you’re not familiar with plumber’s tape, don’t worry – it’s not supposed to be sticky like the other kinds of tape you’re likely used to using. It should still adhere to the threads of the pipe without any sort of adhesive. Use your finger to smooth the tape out along the grooves of the threads.
Step 4: Install a new showerhead
While every showerhead is different, they’re usually installed the same way. Hand tighten the new showerhead onto the threads of the pipe, turning clock-wise. Unless your showerhead comes with specific instructions to use it, a wrench shouldn’t be needed to get the new showerhead on. If you must use a wrench, be especially mindful not to over-tighten!
Step 5: Inspect for leaks
Turn on the showerhead and look and feel around the connection point for leaks. If you find one, turn off the water flow, try and hand-tighten the showerhead a little more and test again. If the leak persists, you likely just need another layer of plumber’s tape.
And it’s as easy as that!
For any other plumbing questions or issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to A-Abel plumbing. Our experts are standing by to help you turn your house into a home.
