Weak spray, clogged nozzles or a showerhead that drips after you turn it off are all good reasons for an upgrade. It’s one of the easiest bathroom projects you can do. If you can turn a wrench, you can replace a showerhead, and you’ll be done before your coffee gets cold.
What You Need to Replace a Showerhead
- New showerhead (standard 1/2-inch threads fit almost every home in the US)
- Adjustable wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers
- Plumber’s tape, also called Teflon tape
- A soft cloth or rubber jar opener to protect the finish
- Old toothbrush and white vinegar
You don’t need to shut off the main water. Just make sure the shower valve is fully off.
Step 1: Remove the Old Showerhead
Grip the connector nut where the showerhead meets the shower arm, the pipe coming out of the wall. Turn it counterclockwise. Many heads come off by hand. If yours is stuck, wrap the nut in a cloth and use the wrench.
Hold the shower arm steady with your other hand while you turn. You don’t want to twist the arm itself, since that can loosen the fitting inside the wall.
Dealing With a Stuck Showerhead
Mineral buildup can lock an old head in place. Soak a rag in vinegar, wrap it around the nut and leave it for 30 minutes. Then try again. Gentle, steady pressure works better than a sudden yank.
Step 2: Clean the Shower Arm Threads
Old tape and scale on the threads stop the new head from sealing. Peel off the old tape and scrub the threads with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar. Wipe them dry.
This is also a good moment to check the shower arm. If it’s corroded or cracked, replace it too. Shower arms simply unscrew from the wall fitting and cost only a few dollars.
Step 3: Wrap the Threads With Plumber’s Tape
Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise around the threads, the same direction the showerhead will turn on. Three or four wraps are plenty. Wrapping the wrong way makes the tape bunch up as you tighten, which causes leaks.
Step 4: Install the New Showerhead
Thread the new showerhead on by hand, turning clockwise until it’s snug. Most modern heads have a rubber washer inside, so hand-tight plus a small extra turn with a cloth-covered wrench is enough. Too much force can crack the plastic nut.
Step 5: Test for Leaks
Turn on the shower and watch the connection for a minute. A small drip usually means it needs a quarter turn more. If it still leaks, remove the head, rewrap the tape and try again.
Choosing a Better Showerhead
A few things to look for when shopping:
- Flow rate: Many areas limit showerheads to 2.0 or 2.5 gallons per minute. Look for the WaterSense label if you want to save water.
- Spray settings: Handy if different people like different pressure.
- Handheld models: Great for cleaning the tub and bathing pets.
Should You Hire a Plumber?
Swapping the head itself is simple. Call a plumber if water leaks from the wall behind the shower arm, if the arm won’t budge without twisting the pipe, or if you want to move the shower higher on the wall. Those jobs involve pipes inside the wall, and a small mistake there can cause hidden water damage.
Clean Your Showerhead to Keep It Working
To stop new buildup, soak the face of the showerhead in vinegar every few months. A plastic bag filled with vinegar and tied around the head overnight does the job without removing it.
Keep Going in the Bathroom
While your tools are out, caulk the bathtub to seal any gaps, or learn how to fix a running toilet. If the bathroom sink drips too, our leaky faucet repair guide will help you stop it for good.
