Does your bathroom need a change? One of the best ways to make a big impact with minimal effort is to change your showerhead. It’s something that takes less than 30 minutes and can have a long-lasting change on the way you shower and the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Though it may seem like a big task, we can assure you, it’s quick and easy. Here is the best way to change a showerhead.
Materials
The first thing you’ll need is a small set of materials. Chances are you already have them around the house.
New Showerhead – a new showerhead can range in price from $40 to $400. It all depends on the style you want.
Your showerhead should be easy to remove. Start by turning it counterclockwise with your hand. Oftentimes, this alone is enough to remove it.
If your showerhead is older, you could experience some resistance. When this happens, grip the pipe that connects the showerhead to wall with a washcloth—you really don’t want to damage it. Then, use a wrench to gently grip and screw off the existing showerhead.
Discard this showerhead in any manner you see fit.
2. Clean the Pipe Arm
With enough time and use, all showerheads will incur some residue. Chances are there is probably some old Teflon or plumbers tape left underneath as well.
After removing the old showerhead, use the washcloth to clean out the inside of the connecting pipe. Then remove any Teflon tape.
Next, use the toothbrush to clean the threads on the outside of the pipe. You want to keep all this clean so the new Teflon tape can stick and guard against any potential leaks.
3. Put on the Teflon Tape
Applying this little roll of tape can be trickier than it looks. It’s something more than a few homeowners get wrong. Here are the basic steps to using Teflon tape:
Hold the tape flat against the pipe’s treading. The tape can’t bunch at all. Lay the tape flat at the end of the pipe closest to the wall.
Wrap the tape 6-8 times counterclockwise around the pipe threads.
Hold and press the tape tight and flat.
After you’ve wrapped the tape from end to end, break the tape by pulling it apart. Then smooth the loose end over the threads.
It is now time to move on to installing the showerhead.
4. Screw in the Showerhead
The first thing you should do is read the instructions that come with the showerhead. There may be some special steps needed for different types of hardware. Also, some showerheads require a wrench while others just need a hand.
After you’ve read the instructions and you’re ready to go, screw the showerhead clockwise into place. When it’s secure, tighten it one quarter turn.
After that quarter turn, do not tighten it any further. Most showerheads come with a plastic nut that could crack under too much pressure.
5. Check Everything for Leaks
After you have everything connected take a second to admire your handiwork. After that, turn on the shower.
Don’t be worried if you need to readjust the showerhead or Teflon tape. That is perfectly normal, and most people don’t get it right on their first try.
Just be sure not to tighten anything too tight. We don’t want that plastic nut mentioned above cracking or breaking.
Need Plumbing Help? Call Moore Home Services
At Moore Home Services, we can tackle most plumbing jobs that aren’t as easy as changing a showerhead. We only hire professional plumbers who have a solution for every problem.
To schedule your own stellar service, call the number at the top of the screen or click here to request an appointment online.
The first thing you’ll need is a small set of materials. Chances are you already have them around the house.
Your showerhead should be easy to remove. Start by turning it counterclockwise with your hand. Oftentimes, this alone is enough to remove it.
If your showerhead is older, you could experience some resistance. When this happens, grip the pipe that connects the showerhead to wall with a washcloth—you really don’t want to damage it. Then, use a wrench to gently grip and screw off the existing showerhead.
Discard this showerhead in any manner you see fit.
With enough time and use, all showerheads will incur some residue. Chances are there is probably some old Teflon or plumbers tape left underneath as well.
After removing the old showerhead, use the washcloth to clean out the inside of the connecting pipe. Then remove any Teflon tape.
Next, use the toothbrush to clean the threads on the outside of the pipe. You want to keep all this clean so the new Teflon tape can stick and guard against any potential leaks.
The first thing you should do is read the instructions that come with the showerhead. There may be some special steps needed for different types of hardware. Also, some showerheads require a wrench while others just need a hand.
After you’ve read the instructions and you’re ready to go, screw the showerhead clockwise into place. When it’s secure, tighten it one quarter turn.
After that quarter turn, do not tighten it any further. Most showerheads come with a plastic nut that could crack under too much pressure.
After you have everything connected take a second to admire your handiwork. After that, turn on the shower.
Don’t be worried if you need to readjust the showerhead or Teflon tape. That is perfectly normal, and most people don’t get it right on their first try.
Just be sure not to tighten anything too tight. We don’t want that plastic nut mentioned above cracking or breaking.