subject: How To Change A Shower Head ? [print this page] If the old shower head in your bathroom is not working properly or you are interested in having a new and modern day shower head then you can change out your own shower head in just 30 minutes of effort. For this, you don't even require a plumber.
Changing a shower head is not so difficult and a homeowner can do it himself. For replacing a shower head, you would require some tools like adjustable pliers, masking tape, plumbers tape, rag, new shower head and a large towel or piece of cardboard.
For starting the installation, first of all, put a large towel or piece of cardboard at the bottom of the shower area to prevent the shower pan from getting damaged due to dropped pliers or shower head. Second, if you want to save the older shower head, wrap some masking tape around the jaws of the adjustable pliers.
For removing the old shower head from the shower stem, you can use adjustable pliers. After removing the old shower head, clean all threads of shower stem. This cleaning should be done properly in a way that no Teflon tape pieces are left on the shower stem so that the new shower head could be tightly fitted.
Next, cover the threads of the shower stem with Teflon tape. Drape this tape at least three to four times over it in order to make sure that the new shower head would get tightly fitted on the shower stem.
The Teflon tape should always be applied in the direction in which the new shower head would be screwed. Otherwise, it could result in bunching up or tearing of the Teflon tape while screwing the new shower head assembly. In some cases, this situation may lead to leakage of the shower head.
After completely taping the shower stem, screw up the new shower head and make sure that you do not cross thread it. Firstly snug it using your hands and then use adjustable pliers to further tighten the new shower head to the shower stem. However, make sure you do not over tighten.
Remove the towel or cardboard from the bottom and your installation is complete. Turn on the water supply and check your new shower against leaks. If everything works fine then you are ready for a shower.
