How to install a shower head: Your DIY installation guide

Installing a shower head is generally an easy and beginner-friendly DIY task: you can have it swapped out under 30 minutes. However, it can become more challenging if you don’t follow the proper steps, leading to water leakage or fixture damage.

Read on for detailed steps on how to install a shower head. We also discuss common issues during shower head installation and how to resolve them.

What tools are needed to change a shower head?

The tools needed to change shower heads include an adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers, and a soft cloth. You also need Teflon tape, and optional tools like a utility razor or a small brush to clean loose debris.

How to remove a shower head

Turn off the bathroom's water supply before removing a shower head to prevent unexpected sprays and add an extra layer of safety. Then, follow these steps to remove the shower head.

Step 1: Unscrew the shower head by hand

Most shower heads are simply screwed to the shower arm and can be removed by twisting counterclockwise with your hand. Grip the shower head firmly and twist. If it has a large body, use that for better leverage.

Step 2: Use a wrench or pliers

If you cannot twist it by hand, wrap a soft cloth or rag around the nut where the shower head connects. Then, use an adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers to get a firm grip and turn counterclockwise slowly and carefully. The cloth helps prevent visible scratches or scuff marks.

Step 3: If the shower head still won’t budge

Sometimes, the shower head gets stuck due to corrosion, mineral buildup, or hardened old plumber’s tape. To loosen and clean the shower head, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and submerge it fully. Secure the bag with a rubber band and let it soak for a few hours or overnight. Afterward, wipe the area and try unscrewing it by hand or with a wrench. 

The vinegar's acidity breaks down mineral deposits or rust buildup that might have bonded the shower head to the pipe.

Another alternative is to spray a generous amount of WD-40 where the head meets the shower arm. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen the bond. Then, turn it with your wrench and cloth in between.

How to install a new shower head

Replacing a shower head isn’t difficult. Follow these steps to install it correctly.

Step 1: Clean the shower arm threads

Use a wire brush to scrub off any old Teflon tape on the shower arm, mineral deposits, or debris left behind. Then, use a clean rag to clean the leftover debris. If there’s rust, use a little vinegar or a rust remover to clean it before proceeding.

Step 2: Wrap the threads with fresh Teflon tape

Wrap the shower arm's threads with new Teflon tape to ensure a watertight seal. Start at the base of the threads, closest to the wall, and wrap clockwise. Overlap the tape slightly as you wrap, making about 2 to 3 full turns. Then, press the tape down into the threads with your fingers to mold it firmly in place.

Step 3: Screw on the new shower head

Line your new shower head with the shower arm and slowly turn it clockwise to screw it on. Make sure it’s going on straight and not at an angle. Keep turning it with your hand until it feels snug and secure, but don’t tighten it excessively.

Step 4: Test for leaks

Turn on the water slowly and watch the connection point for leakages. If you notice any leakage where the head meets the arm, turn off the water and use an adjustable wrench or pliers to tighten it gently. If it leaks, unscrew it, apply fresh Teflon tape, and try again.

Step 5: Adjust the shower head angle and test flow

Once everything is sealed and dry, adjust the angle of the shower head to your preference. Let the water run for a minute to flush out debris or packaging dust inside the head. Check for consistent spray and good water pressure.

How to install a handheld shower head

Installing a handheld shower head is slightly more complex than installing a fixed one. The main difference is that a handheld model includes a flexible hose and a separate mount or bracket, usually installed on the wall.

Step 1: Remove the old shower head

Unscrew the old shower head from the arm, and clean off old Teflon tape or debris from the threads. Check for damage, and make sure the arm is in good shape before installing anything new.

Step 2: Apply Teflon tape

Wrap the shower arm threads clockwise with Teflon tape. Use about 2 to 3 full wraps to create a leak-free seal. Press the tape into the threads with your fingers to ensure a tight fit.

Step 3: Attach the diverter or mounting bracket

Most handheld shower heads come with a diverter bracket that screws directly to the shower arm. This bracket serves two purposes: it holds the handheld shower when not in use and allows the water to pass through into the hose. 

Screw the bracket to the taped shower arm by hand, turning it clockwise. Use a wrench and a cloth to tighten gently, but be careful not to overtighten.

Step 4: Connect the hose to the bracket and the shower head

Next, connect one end of the flexible hose to the bottom of the bracket and the other to the handheld shower head. Ensure both hose ends have rubber washers inside the fittings before attaching. If they’re missing, your hose may leak at the connection points.

Step 5: Place the shower head into the holder and check for leaks

Once everything is connected, slide the handheld shower into the bracket and ensure it sits securely. If you don’t have a bracket already installed, hold it in place and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Then, use a carbide-tipped bit to drill slowly into grout lines. Insert wall anchors, align the bracket with the holes and screw it into place.

Turn on the shower and inspect each connection for drips or leaks. If you see any, tighten the connection or remove and re-wrap the tape.

Shower head assembly for combined systems

If you have a combined system, follow the steps for replacing a handheld and standard fixed shower head outlined above.

In addition to those steps, you also need to:

• Install the diverter valve: Screw the diverter valve to the shower arm and tighten until it is snug. Use a wrench for an additional quarter turn if needed. The diverter should face downward or in a direction that allows easy access to connect the hose to the handheld shower head.
• Connect the hose and handheld shower head: Attach one end of the hose to the diverter’s side outlet and the other to the handheld shower head. Ensure rubber washers are inside both connectors before tightening.

Common issues when installing a shower head

Certain issues can arise while installing a new shower head. Here’s what to look out for and how to fix them.

• Leaks at the connection point: If you see drips or a slow leak while the water runs, the seal isn’t tight enough. Gently tighten the shower head a little more by hand. If that doesn’t work, use a wrench to give it an extra turn. If that doesn’t work, unscrew the shower head, wrap more Teflon tape around it, and screw it back on.
• Washer problems: Some shower heads have a rubber or plastic washer inside the connection fitting. If the washer is missing, damaged, or not sitting flat, water will leak or spray oddly from the connection. If it is, replace it with a new one from a hardware store.
• Spraying in odd directions or low water flow: If the water sprays unevenly or the pressure seems low, the shower head could have debris stuck inside. Unscrew it, rinse the inside under running water, and check for blockages. Some shower heads also have a plastic flow restrictor that limits water output. If installed incorrectly, it can cause pressure issues. Remove or adjust it as needed.
• Stripped or damaged threads: If the shower head doesn’t screw on smoothly or feels loose even after tightening, the threads on the shower arm might be worn or stripped. Try adding more Teflon tape to create a better grip, but if the threads are badly damaged, they won’t hold long-term, and you will eventually have to replace the shower arm.

Final checks and tips for installing a shower head

Once you’ve finished installing your shower head, turn the water on slowly and check every connection. A properly installed system should feel solid, operate smoothly, and be completely leak-free. Clean your shower regularly to prevent mineral buildup, and check the hose periodically for signs of wear or leaks.