QA

How To Replace The Shower Head

Can you just replace the shower head?

Yes! Changing out your showerhead can be a do it yourself job and we are going to help you do it. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to replace a showerhead. Even if your current showerhead “works just fine”, upgrading is a job that can save you money on your energy and water bills.

Do all shower heads fit the same shower?

Pretty much every shower head has the same connection in the United States, 1/2″ NPT. This is the standard! As long as you have the shower arm plumbing coming from your ceiling or your wall, you can choose whichever shower head you want and mount your shower head wherever you want.

How do you remove a shower head without tools?

Fill a plastic sandwich bag with white vinegar, wrap the bag around the showerhead so that it’s completely immersed, especially the connector, and secure the bag to the shower arm with rubber bands. Wait about 2 hours, then remove the bag, and you should be able to turn the showerhead by hand.

How much does it cost to have a shower head installed?

The national average materials cost to install a shower head is $77.84 per head, with a range between $46.02 to $109.65. The total price for labor and materials per head is $149.38, coming in between $80.77 to $217.99. Your actual price will depend on your location, job size, conditions and finish options you choose.

Is it easy to install a shower head?

Learning how to change a shower head is a simple task that only takes a few minutes. This guide explains the steps to installing three different kinds of shower heads: fixed-mount, hand-held and fixed-mount and hand-held combination models, also known as a dual shower head.

How do I know if a shower head will fit?

Check for fit. Many showerheads are designed to fit a standard shower arm with a ½-inch outer diameter and male threads. Consider the showerhead’s arc, the angle of your shower arm and how much headroom exists above the pipe.

Are shower head connectors universal?

Showerheads have a universal thread size in the United States and Canada, which is designated as ½-inch NPT. As a result, any locally sold showerhead should be compatible with your shower arm.

How do I know what shower head to buy?

Look for a unit in which the spray pattern is easily adjustable. Most shower heads offer three different spray patterns including: A wide coverage that feels like a drenching rain and is ideal for everyday use. A drenching spray pattern that’s good for rinsing shampoo from your hair.

How do you remove a shower head that won’t budge?

Place a small rag on the connector to prevent scratching. Turn the wrench or pliers clockwise to attempt to crack the built-up rust or calcium, then counterclockwise to loosen and remove the showerhead. If the tools aren’t working, you should treat the showerhead with a rust, calcium and lime remover.

How often should you replace your shower head?

Many people don’t realize it, but shower heads should actually be replaced every 6 to 8 months. That’s up to two times each year! Most people neglect to do this, of course, but the reasons for keeping up with the replacements are more important than you might expect.

What can I use in place of a wrench?

What to Use if You Don’t Have a Wrench Duck tape. Two coins. Zip-tie. Another nut and bolt.

Do I need a plumber to change a shower head?

Removing the old apparatus and fitting a new one takes minutes and gives an old bathroom an instant lift. Most plumbing jobs have to be carried out by a qualified professional, but simple tasks like this one are fine for anyone to DIY.

How much should a plumber charge to replace a shower head?

Most plumbers can install a showerhead for about $75 to $150. As with most home improvement projects, the cost depends on the job size. While the plumber is at your house, you may have them upgrade additional fixtures or complete other repairs.

How much does a handyman charge to replace a shower head?

Answers to commonly asked questions Depending on your location, labor costs for a simple showerhead replacement will run between $75-$150. You can expect to pay more if you choose to make repairs or plumbing changes at the time of install.

How do you remove a glued shower head?

If the shower head is still stuck, it may have mineral deposits that need to be loosened. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and fasten over the stuck fitting. Wait several hours or overnight. Remove the plastic bag and return to Step 2 to remove the old shower head.

Are all shower arms removable?

If your shower arm was installed within the last five years, you should be able to remove it without tools. If you have a bent shower arm, the best place to grab and turn it is right on the very end. You don’t have to unscrew and remove the showerhead first — that’s up to you.

What size are shower fittings?

The standard thread size for shower heads in the US is 1/2 inch. You don’t have to worry about fitting since the size of shower head threads is standardized.

What is a shower arm?

A shower arm or a shower extension is nothing but a pipe fitting that connects a showerhead to the water supply in the wall. A shower arm extends out of the wall and offers more flexibility to mount a showerhead. With the help of a shower arm, you can raise or lower the height of your showerhead.

Are shower heads standard fitting?

Shower heads have a standard size and threading that is referred to as One Half Inch National Pipe Thread – Tapered. This is often abbreviated 1/2″ NPT. 1/2″ NPT fittings will have 5.6 threads per cm, which is 14 threads per inch (TPI).

Can you mix and match shower parts?

Shower Trim You can coordinate the same style and finish across all components, trim and fittings, as well as faucets and accessories, or you can mix and match.