Showers are one of the most important fixtures in your home, but they can be difficult to install and maintain. Unfortunately, they also have an even higher risk of giving you grief. Here's how to change them easily and avoid common problems.
What You'll Need:
You will need pipe-cutting pliers and a shower head to change. You could use screwdrivers or wire cutters if you don't have pliers.
Step 1:
Start by taking off the old shower head. First, remove the screws that hold the fixture together. If there are no screws, pry up on both sides until they start falling apart. Then slide the two halves apart by hand. Be careful—it's easy to get hurt when working with water pressure. Don't drop the heads either. Some models come in three pieces. Be careful not to lose any parts as you separate these pieces. Once all parts are separated, remove the new part from its packaging and try it out. Make sure it fits comfortably inside the opening at the top of the shower wall.
Step 2:
Now it's time to work on removing the old pipes. Take the piping out and set it aside so you can clean it later. When unscrewing the old piping, make sure to keep the threads clear—they're what help stop leaks. Use pliers to pull each screw out gently, so you don't damage anything. It may take you several minutes to do this.
Step 3:
Now you'll see some holes where the old pipes were screwed into position. Use your pliers again to remove these holes. Clean out every last bit of debris stuck between the holes and the pipes. This can happen because of long periods of stagnation and because of condensation.
Step 4:
Finally, you should now have clean pipes. Next, if you still have a threaded hole left over, you will want to fill it with silicone caulk. That way, you won't have to worry about any leaks. Fill all of the exposed holes and cracks with caulking sealant. Put a bead of caulk along the edge of the tile walls before installing the new shower head. This will prevent mold growth and grout overflow. Use your fingers to smooth down the surface. Work slowly with a steady motion, so the caulk doesn't dry too quickly. Let it dry overnight.
Step 5:
Once you've done the above steps, it's time for the hard part. Place the shower head back onto the pipes. Slide the shower head into place while simultaneously pulling upward with your hands. This should cause the shower head to pop into position. Gently push down on the shower head until it feels snug against the edges of the shower space. Now you need to adjust the height of the shower head. Grab the handles on the side and turn clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower. Test the shower head to ensure it's positioned correctly; it should sit below eye level. Turn the knobs to fine-tune the desired height.
Step 6:
When finished, you will likely find excessive caulk around the pipes. Cut that off using your scissors.
Step 7:
Clean up everything you used to complete the job. After all is said and done, you have successfully changed the shower head. But wait! You shouldn't be done yet. A few details remain. Before reinstalling the shower head, you must attach the new plastic parts that came with it. These are designed to fit securely over each end of the old head. Carefully insert the parts into their respective locations. Once these new parts are firmly attached, tighten them by turning the knobs. Reinstall the screws.
Choosing Your Shower Head:
The right shower head makes your daily showers more enjoyable and relaxing. Many people use different types of shower heads due to various reasons. Choosing the best one takes time. There are many factors you should consider before making the decision. Here are seven things that should influence your choice.
- Water Pressure
- Price
- Size and Shape of the Hole
- Noise Level
- Material
- Color
- Overall Experience
Changing a shower head may seem like a small project, but it can significantly affect how comfortable you feel after taking a shower. It's important to try as many options as possible to get the perfect shower head. Take your good time choosing the shower head that meets your expectations perfectly. Changing the shower head is a great option when you're looking for a new experience. Just remember to follow these simple instructions for changing a shower head.