How to replace a showerhead to take your bathroom to the next level

Power shower

Shower head on blue pastel background
(Image credit: Future)

A li'l stressed about maintaining your apartment? No worries, girl, we've got your back. When we move out on our own for the first time, whether it be to a small one-bedroom apartment or studio, we don't have the slightest idea of repairing or swapping out certain appliances. 

We’re only aware of the basics, such as cleaning out the fridge, swapping out the shower curtain for a new one, dividing your studio space, and the fun stuff, aka decorating.

What many of us don’t think about is the shower head in our bathroom. Should it be swapped out for a new one or not? 

With this question in mind, there are a few reasons why you might want to change your shower head, plus how to do it.

Good to know

Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy 

Helpful tip: If you're thinking about changing your shower head, making sure that your shower head of choice is compatible with your shower plumbing is key. You should also consider the water pressure in your home and the amount of water you want to save. With so many different options available, you’ll be sure to find the perfect shower head for your needs.

How to replace a shower head

Step 1: Stop the water supply

Turn off the water supply to the shower head. This is usually located near the base of the shower. You can usually find it by looking for a valve with a handle that turns clockwise to shut off the water 

Step 2: Loosen the shower head

Use a wrench to loosen the shower head. You can use a standard adjustable wrench or a basin wrench, depending on the size of the shower head. Be careful not to overtighten the wrench, or you could damage the shower head. 

Step 3: Remove shower head

Remove the shower head from the pipe. Once the shower head is loose, you should be able to unscrew it by hand. If it is difficult to remove, you can use the wrench to help you. Apply plumber's tape to the threads of the new showerhead. This will help to create a watertight seal.

Step 4: Attach new shower head

Screw on the new shower head. Be careful not to overtighten the new shower head, or you could damage the threads. 

It isn't always necessary to hire a plumber to fit a shower head, however, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself or if you have a shower head with a specialized connection, it is best to consult with a professional.

FAQS

Why change your shower head?

Improve the water pressure

If your shower head is old or damaged, it may not be putting out as much water pressure as it used to. A new shower head can help increase the water pressure and make your shower more enjoyable.

Save water

Some shower heads are designed to use less water than others. If you're looking to conserve water, a low-flow shower head can be a good option.

Improve the water quality

Some shower heads have filters that can remove impurities from the water, such as chlorine and lead. This can make your showers healthier and more enjoyable.

 Change your shower’s look 

A new shower head can be a quick and easy way to update the look of your bathroom. There are a variety of different styles and colors to choose from, so you can find one that matches your décor.

Is it easy to replace?

Now that you have reasons to replace your shower head with a new one, you’re wondering if it’s an easy task. It is usually easy to change your shower head, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the new shower head is compatible with your current plumbing. Second, be sure to turn off the water supply to the shower before you start. Finally, use a wrench to loosen the old shower head and then screw on the new one. 

Are all shower heads created equal?

In general, all shower heads do not fit the same. The most common type of shower head is the standard shower head, which has a threaded connection that fits onto the shower arm. However, there are also other types of shower heads, such as handheld shower heads and rain shower heads, which have different types of connections. 

Aida M. Toro
Freelance Writer

About Me:

Hello! My name is Aida M. Toro and I am a freelance writer that loves cultivating stories about amazing people, fashion, interiors, art, and food. I currently write for Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, The House Magazine, Hobnob Magazine, The C-Word, and Real Homes. I live in West New York, New Jersey, which is literally a 10-minute ferry ride or 20-minute bus ride away from New York City. Although I was born and raised in West New York, I consider NYC my home, as I believe it to be the place where all dreams come to fruition, and of course, spend most of my time in. When I’m not writing, I love perusing the city streets and taking snaps with my iPhone of street art along with random things, scoping out new restaurants as well as their spaces, shopping at some of my favorite stores, spending time with family and friends, walking my cockapoodle Benji, and working out at Lifetime or DOGPOUND, which are some of the top fitness spaces in Manhattan and overall the U.S.

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