How to Install a New Shower Head


Posted on: February 19th, 2013 by Sandra 7 Comments


How to install a shower head

 

There are no complicated plumbing skills required to change out an old shower head with a new one.  Just a little teflon tape, some muscles or an adjustable wrench and an old rag.

How to install a shower head

 

I’m changing out our guest bathroom shower head with a more luxurious Moen Halo (available at Home Depot for $59).  I changed Madison’s a few months ago and she LOVES it.  The center part has massage settings and the outer ring is the “rain shower”.  She says it keeps her whole body warm at the same time.

 

How to install a shower head

 

To remove the old shower head, you just unscrew it.

Lefty loosey.

 

How to install a shower head

 

If it gives you any trouble, grab the adjustable wrench and an old rag or washcloth.  The rag protects everything from getting all scratched up.  The wrench gives you some more Umph!

 

How to install a shower head

 

Got it!  Uh huh!  Oh yeah!  (Dance around a bit…)

 

How to install a shower head

 

Don’t change out your shower head in a silk dress.  If it’s been used recently, there will be some water that leaks out of the pipe and old shower head.

 

How to install a shower head

 

Also, don’t be tempted have a drink because, take it from me — it tastes nasty!

 

How to install a shower head

 

The necessity of Teflon tape is debatable because new plumbing fixtures have rings and gaskets that are supposed to prevent leaking but I like to take the extra 30 seconds to do this step just for the fun of it.  Because it is fun!  And, in the event that the new fangled rings and gaskets don’t work, Teflon tape is an extra step to preventing leaking.  So why not?

Wrap in the direction that you will be screwing the new shower head ON so it doesn’t just tear the tape back off.

Righty Tightey.

 

How to install a shower head

 

Screw the new shower head on and hand tighten.  It needs to be snug but you don’t want to over tighten.  If you feel you really need to get it a little tighter than you can by hand, use the rag and wrench again.  Just DON’T over tighten.  (If your shower head happens to be plastic, you could crack it.)

 

How to install a shower head

 

Turn your shower on to check for leaks at the joint (where you just applied teflon tape and screwed the bugger on).

And enjoy!

How to install a shower head

 

Ooh yeah!

How to install a shower head

 

Probably best to wait until you’re not fully clothed…especially if you couldn’t resist and are wearing a silk dress!

 

How to install a shower head

 

 

It takes about 5 minutes to change out a shower head — and most of that will be just getting the packaging open.  (Utility knife is my friend.)

 

How to install a shower head

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  I was provided with Moen Halo shower heads to install and try out by Moen.  I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own (or Madison’s).













7 comments on “How to Install a New Shower Head

  1. You are too funny!

  2. I just did this two weekends ago. Had to use three quick squirts of penetrating oil though because the fixture had been on the arm so long.

  3. I bought the Kreg Rip Cut thing you suggested on one of your posts (which I like, btw). Getting the package open however, was terribly difficult and it all ended with a cut finger.

  4. Kristen @ Pink Toes and Power Tools on said:

    We tried removing a shower head a few years ago that would not budge. We suspect this is because of the awful, hard water we have around here and gave up. I’m going to try the penetrating oil you mentioned–so hope it works! I would love to have a better one that the builder grade that came with the house.

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