How to change a shower head

EricL

Difficulty: Beginner

Changing a shower head can be a quick and easy D.I.Y project that can help save water or make for a more enjoyable experience.

Here is a simple guide to changing your shower head without drilling into your wall.

Steps

Step 1

Remove the old shower head.

Place an adjustable wrench towards the end of your shower arm near the wall. The shower arm connects the water outlet on the wall to the shower head. Adjust the wrench to fit the shower arm and turn anti-clockwise.

Once the shower head is loose, turn it by hand until it comes off. The water outlet on the wall should now be visible. This is also known as the brass nipple.

Step 1.1 Adjust wrench and turn anti-clockwise.png Step 1.2 Remove old shower head by hand once loose.png

Step 2

Replace the thread seal tape on the brass nipple.

Remove all the old thread seal tape on the brass nipple by hand.

Some brass nipples may also allow you to remove the back flange, which is a silver ring attached to the brass nipple. However, do not remove the back flange if it is stuck with silicone.

Now wrap the new seal tape around the brass nipple in a clockwise direction. Rotate the tape around the brass nipple at least four to six times.

Step 2.1 Remove old thread seal tape.png Step 2.2 Wrap new tape around brass nipple.png

Step 3

Install the new wall mount holder.

Purchase a new shower head set. These typically come with a shower head, a wall mount holder, and a shower hose.

Line up the wall mount holder so that its base is parallel to the brass nipple. Turn the base clockwise to attach it to the brass nipple.

Make sure that the holder’s exit hole points down to the floor. If it doesn't, turn the holder anti-clockwise until it points in the right direction.

Step 3.1. Shower set with shower head, wall mount holder and hose.png Step 3.2 Line up wall mount holder to brass nipple.png Step 3.3 Twist and screw wall mount holder.png Step 3.4 Wall mount holder with outlet in the centre.png

Step 4

Connect the shower hose to the shower head and wall mount holder.

Connect one end of the hose to the shower head and the other end to the wall mount holder. The cone-shaped end of the hose goes into the shower head and the nut-shaped end goes into the wall mount holder.

Use your hands to tighten the hose while attaching it to the shower head. You can use an adjustable wrench to firmly attach the hose to the wall mount holder.

Once the hose is connected to both ends and the shower set is installed, test it to ensure there are no leaks. Turn on your shower. Water should only be flowing from the shower head.

If there are any leaks, tighten your hose fittings again. You may also need to reapply your thread seal tape around the brass nipple.

You have now successfully replaced your shower head.

Step 4.1 Shower hose with two ends.png Step 4.2 Cone-end of hose to shower head.png Step 4.3 Nut-shaped end of hose to wall mount holder.png Step 4.4. New shower head installed.png

Materials

Your preferred shower head, like Estilo 3 Function Hand Shower WELS 3 Star 9L/min
Thread seal tape.

Tools

Adjustable wrench.

Images

Step 1.1 Adjust wrench and turn anti-clockwise.png Step 1.2 Remove old shower head by hand once loose.png Step 2.1 Remove old thread seal tape.png Step 2.2 Wrap new tape around brass nipple.png Step 3.1. Shower set with shower head, wall mount holder and hose.png Step 3.2 Line up wall mount holder to brass nipple.png Step 3.3 Twist and screw wall mount holder.png Step 3.4 Wall mount holder with outlet in the centre.png Step 4.1 Shower hose with two ends.png Step 4.2 Cone-end of hose to shower head.png Step 4.3 Nut-shaped end of hose to wall mount holder.png Step 4.4. New shower head installed.png