When your wall-mounted shower head is no longer performing to your expectation, replacing it may be your best option. It is very easy to carry out the installation process of a new shower head. You only need to lay your hands on the right tools and information.
Things You Will Need
- New showerhead
- Adjustable or pipe wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- Towels (at least 2)
Removing The Old Shower Head
To remove the old shower head, you need to take the following steps.
Step 1: Switch Off The Faucet
Your first responsibility is to ensure that you put off the shower’s faucet. This will help in preventing unnecessary messing up of your bathroom during the installation process. You may not need to switch off the water valve because once the faucet is off, no water will go to the shower head.
Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area
You should close your shower’s drain so that you won’t lose dropped fasteners as well as other hardware stuff during the installation process. You can place a towel over the closed drain, and this will prevent their bouncing off to the floor.
Step 3: Remove the Shower Arm If Necessary
This step is not compulsory when putting in place a new wall-mounted shower head. But if the arm cannot fit the latest interior decoration of your bathroom, you certainly need to remove it.
To take off the shower arm, turn it in an anticlockwise direction with your bare hands. You can spray WD-40 to the threaded connection if it is deteriorated. Allow WD-40 to stay for some minutes, and loosen it.
If you cannot turn it with your bare hand, get an adjustable or pipe wrench to do the job. You should make sure that you apply steady anticlockwise force with the wrench up till when the arm is free for removal.
It is now time to tuck in the new shower arm. Turn it in a clockwise direction until it gets tight. Besides, you should replace the trim ring, which can also be referred to as an escutcheon. This is easy to slip off because a caulk holds it in place.
Relevant Article: How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head?
Putting in a New Shower Head
Here are the steps you need to take in order to successfully put in the new shower head.
Step 1: Unscrew The Shower Head
If you want to keep your present shower arm, get a clean dry towel, and wrap the towel around its base where it connects to the wall so as to prevent it from damage. Thereafter, use the wrench to grip the arm, and unscrew the head in an anticlockwise direction with your hand.
Some shower heads can be very stubborn. To remove this type of head, wrap it in a clean cloth so as to protect its metal finish. Thereafter, use the wrench to turn the head in an anticlockwise direction until it comes loose. If you cannot lay your hands on a wrench, you can use a pair of pliers or channel locks.
Step 2: Clean the Threading of the Shower Arm
You should use an ideal general-purpose cleaner to clean the shower arm’s threading. Thereafter, use a clean towel to keep it dry. You should make sure that you eliminate the joint compound or Teflon tape left behind due to the former installation.
After proper drying of the threads, apply a Teflon tape or thread joint compound. The application of the Teflon tape should be in a clockwise direction. In a situation whereby the Teflon tape does not blend with the threading, you should use your fingernail to push it in.
Also, some Models of Shower Heads do not need Teflon tape. You should read your product’s manual properly so as to get the best result.
Step 3: Assemble the Shower Head If Necessary
Some models have various pieces, features or extensions. Usually, you will find a rubber washer, which connects to the connector of the shower arm. You can find the diagram of rubber washer insertion in the product’s manual.
Step 4: Connect the Shower Head to the Arm
It is advisable to change the trim ring before connecting the shower head. Thereafter, screw it in a clockwise direction to the arm’s taped threading. You should make sure that you carry out the screwing slowly so that you don’t allow the threads to cross or bind.
If they cross or bind, the Teflon tape can get damaged, which will not make it possible for you to get the best result. To prevent scratching of the metal’s finish, you should envelop the connection with a piece of cloth before tightening.
Use a wrench or a pair of pliers to secure the connector so that you will get the most satisfactory result. Take note that over-tightening of the shower head is counter-productive, hence, you should avoid it. This can lead to impairment of the threading or the connection nut, and this can lead to leakage.
Step 5: Check For Leaks
Restore the water supply to the shower so as to check for leaks. You should turn it on and off so that you can check if there is any leakage at the joints.
If you discover any leak at the connector, use your wrench to retighten until there is no more leakage. You should put a clean towel on the connector so as not to damage it.
If leakage persists, it may be necessary for you to unscrew the shower head again, and reapply the Teflon tape. Reattach the head and tighten it properly.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
It is important for you to add every finishing touch so that you won’t have issues Enjoying Your Shower Head. If a new shower arm is part of your installation, there is every possibility that you will need a plumber’s putty, which will help in sealing spaces between the wall and the arm.
Hence, the wall will get maximum protection from moisture deterioration. You must ensure that you apply the putty in accordance with the instructions on its label.
Summary:
This article is more helpful for who wants to replace their old shower head. If you want to change your showerhead then follow this guide and easily you can install without a plumber.
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