Changing a Showerhead

Changing a showerhead is a very straight forward project that most homeowners can tackle themselves.   Tools / Materials Required Adjustable pliers Masking Tape Plumbers Tape Rag New Showerhead Large towel or piece of Cardboard

Site Preparation

 

First, start by laying a large towel or piece of cardboard in the bottom of the shower area to prevent the shower pan from potentially being damaged due to dropped pliers or showerhead.

 

Second, if you want to save the older showerhead, wrap some masking tape around the jaws of the adjustable pliers.

 

Changing Showerhead   Using adjustable pliers remove / unscrew the old showerhead from the shower stem.   After removing the old showerhead, wipe down the threads of the shower stem. You want to make sure there are no residual Teflon tape pieces on the shower stem threads to ensure a tight seal with the installation of the new showerhead.

 

Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the shower stem. You want to get three to four wraps around the shower stem threads to ensure a snug fit when screwing the new showerhead onto the shower stem. Note: when applying the Teflon tape it is important that you wrap it in the direction that you will screw the showerhead onto the shower stem. If you do not do this, the tape will most likely bunch up and tear when you screw on the new showerhead assembly. This may result in leaks.

 

With the shower stem taped, hand screw on the new showerhead, making sure you do not cross thread it.

 

Once hand snug, use your adjustable pliers to further tighten the new showerhead to the shower stem. However, make sure you do not over tighten.

 

Remove the towel or cardboard and your ready for a shower!!

 

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Additional Home Plumbing Resources

 

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