Out with the old, in with the new
Whether you are doing a big bathroom remodel or you just want to put a personal touch on a rental bathroom, a new showerhead is an easy upgrade to consider. Learning how to change a showerhead is simple, even for novice DIYers. When you are ready to refresh your bathroom, you will enjoy better water pressure, advanced features, and a more stylish option. Here is how to swap out a showerhead for a new and improved look.
The first thing you should do is choose the best showerhead for your needs. You might go with a traditional fixed or handheld showerhead or something more luxurious like a rain or combination showerhead. Buy one that will work for the water pressure in your bathroom, and consider low-flow options for reducing water usage.
Once you have the new showerhead, gather all of the tools you will need. Get a wrench, a toothbrush, cloth, seal tape, and screwdriver.
Before putting in the new showerhead, you have to remove the old one.
Turn the showerhead counterclockwise. If it feels stuck, use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the old showerhead.
Remove any existing plumber’s tape on the shower arm. Use a toothbrush and a damp cloth to clean the arm threads, which is where the new head will attach. Wipe the threads dry.
Wrap the shower arm threads with seal tape. This ensures a tight, waterproof seal around the arm threads to prevent leaks after you attach the new showerhead.
To change a showerhead, you will need to know how to remove the old showerhead. Then, depending on the type of new showerhead, there are different steps to take for a secure installation.
Some showers have retractable heads that you can maneuver while washing up, but a fixed showerhead stays on the wall. While they offer less adjustability, a fixed showerhead is the easiest to install.
Screw the showerhead onto the shower arm, over the taped threads.
Turn on water to test for leaks.
If you notice leaking, add more seal tape and tighten the showerhead with a wrench.
Test again to check for leaks. If you still experience leaking, you may want to call in a plumber to take a look.
A handheld showerhead rests on a mount. You can pick it up and move it, thanks to a long, flexible arm. Handheld showerheads are also simple to install, but there is an extra step to connect the showerhead to its mount.
Screw the showerhead onto the shower arm.
Attach the flexible hose. It should connect in two places—the shower arm, which it will screw onto clockwise, and its mount. Consult the product manual for specific instructions.
Once the connections are tightened by hand or with a wrench, place the showerhead onto the mount.
Turn on water and test for leaks.
Add more seal tape and tighten the connections again if the showerhead leaks.
For the best of both worlds, consider a combination showerhead. These feature both a fixed head and a handheld showerhead—also called the arm—that rests on a mount.
Connect the diverter to the shower arm. The diverter allows the water flow to switch between the head and arm, depending on which you want to use.
Next, connect the fixed showerhead to the diverter. Move in a clockwise direction. You can tighten the connection by hand rather than with a wrench.
Connect the shower arm to its mount.
Attach the shower hose to the handheld shower arm and mount.
Turn on the water and test the diverter. Check for leaks.
If there are leaks, tighten the connections and test again.
The cost to install a new showerhead is $75 to $150, although it may be higher if you splurge on a more expensive one. You can find many showerheads for $15 to $50 at hardware stores or online. You may also need to buy a few tools and supplies, including plumber’s tape, an adjustable wrench, and slip-joint pliers, if you do not already have them.
Hiring a plumber to install a new showerhead costs about $50 to $100 for labor, plus the cost of the showerhead. While DIYing can save you money, hiring a pro can give you peace of mind that the showerhead was installed correctly and will not lead to leaks or poor water pressure. It is also best to hire a pro if you are planning to switch from a standard wall, hand-held, or combo showerhead to a rainfall showerhead that attaches to the ceiling.
Paige Bennett contributed to this piece.
Showerheads can last anywhere from six months to 15 years, depending on the type and how you take care of them. Make sure to deep-clean the showerhead once a month to extend its lifespan. To do this, pour a half cup of baking soda into a gallon-size plastic bag and follow with four cups of white vinegar. Then, wrap the bag around the showerhead and secure it with a hair tie or rubber band. Let it sit overnight before removing the bag and rinsing the showerhead.
A new showerhead costs around $50 to $100, although high-end models with upgraded features can cost up to $300. With tools and supplies, changing a showerhead yourself will cost about $75 total. Professional installation costs about $50 to $100, plus the cost of the showerhead. Overall, it is a cost-effective project that has lasting benefits.
While you can change a showerhead at any time to upgrade to something more stylish or with more features, you should definitely get a showerhead replacement if you notice:
Black mold
Sediment buildup
Low water pressure
Rust or other mineral deposits
These signs point to an internal problem with your showerhead that can cause health issues if you ignore it. Check the rest of your bathroom if you find black mold to make sure there is not an undetected source. Sediment buildup may require the installation of a water softener, and low water pressure can hint at issues with your water heater.
If you are in the market for a new showerhead, consider investing in a metal option rather than plastic. Metal showerheads are more durable and long-lasting, and bacteria tend to survive and grow better on plastic. Besides the materials, what works best for you will depend on personal preference. Maybe you would prefer a showerhead with as many settings as possible, or you would like a handheld one.
