How to Change a Shower Head

Replace Your Shower Head in 7 Easy Steps

Shower head being installed on shower arm with thread-sealing tape

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $30 o $300

Replacing your shower head is a small upgrade that makes a big difference in the bathroom. To prevent water waste, federal regulations state the maximum water flow is 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) at 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). In addition to this guide, read the instructions that come with your shower head. Some shower heads might need assembly or have additional parts, such as an extension arm or a shower filter that you may want to install.

Before you Begin

There are three different types of shower heads:

  • Fixed: This is the common shower head that screws directly into the shower arm on the wall.
  • Hand-held: A mount holds a flexible shower head that can be released from the shower arm or you can use it like a fixed shower head and keep it attached to the mount as you shower.
  • Combination: This style, also called a dual shower head, has two shower heads in one unit. There's a fixed shower head plus a mount for a hand-held spray head. Many units allow you to have water spraying out of both heads simultaneously.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Soft-jaw pliers or a soft cloth
  • Wire brush, old toothbrush, or damp paper towel
  • Stepstool or ladder
  • Adjustable wrench with channel locks

Materials

  • Shower head replacement
  • Thread-sealing tape (also called plumber's tape or Teflon tape)

Instructions

Materials and tools to replace a shower head

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How to Replace a Shower Head

  1. Turn off the Faucet

    Turn off the faucet to prevent water from escaping when the shower head is removed. Make sure the water faucet is off, but it's not necessary to turn off the water to the house.

    Water turned off with shower faucet handle

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Unscrew the Existing Shower Head

    • Turn the shower head counterclockwise by hand. 
    • If the shower head doesn't turn easily, hold the connecting shower head pipe (arm) with soft-jaw pliers or a wrench wrapped around a soft cloth. 
    • Turn the shower head gently counter-clockwise. Be careful not to turn the pipe in the wall to avoid breaking it off the wall. 
    Old shower head unscrewed with wrench and towel wrapped around shower arm

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Remove Excess Dirt

    Once you remove an older or dirty shower head, you may find gunk around the threaded end of the extension pipe coming through the wall.

    • Use a wire brush, old toothbrush, or damp paper towel to wipe the threads clean.
    • Dry the threads before applying the thread tape.
    Old toothbrush scrubbing gunk off shower arm threads

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  4. Apply the Thread-Sealing Tape

    Wrap the thread-sealing tape around the threads. Each layer should cover half of the previous layer as you wrap up the threads.

    • Start at the base and wrap clockwise. (If you wrap counter-clockwise, the tape will unravel when you screw on the new shower head.)
    • Continue going around until you reach the end of the threads. If you run short, remove the tape and start over with a longer piece.
    • Squeeze the tape and threads between your thumb and forefinger to smooth it into the threads.
    Thread-sealing tape wrapped around threads on shower arm

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    Watch Now: How to Use Plumber's Tape

  5. Attach the Replacement Shower Head

    Before you attach the replacement shower head, read the product's instructions. Your shower head may not require a wrench to fasten it to the pipe in the wall securely.

    How to Install a Fixed Shower Head

    • Screw the new shower head on the shower arm.
    • Tighten by hand, but do not overtighten.

    How to install a Hand-Held Shower Head

    • Screw the mount that holds the hand-held shower head into the shower arm.
    • Connect the hose of the hand-held shower head to the mount and to the head to secure the flow of water.
    • Secure the hand-held shower portion in the mount.

    How to Install a Combination Shower Head

    • Secure the water diverter portion of the head to the shower head and shower arm. Tighten by hand.
    • Screw the main shower head onto water diverter and tighten by hand.
    • Secure the hand-held shower head to the shower and the mount per the instructions (differs by model).
    New shower head threaded on shower arm with new thread-sealing tape

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  6. Check the Fit and Look for Leaks

    • Check the fit by angling the shower head toward a wall away from you.
    • Turn on the cold and hot water. If you spot a leak, the shower head may need tightening.
    • Make sure that there is sufficient tape on the threads and that the tape is firmly secured on the threads.
    • Check to see if the rubber seal is lining up correctly or if it appears damaged.
    Shower head checked for leaks

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  7. Fix or Make Adjustments

    • Turn off the faucet, check the seal, re-tape the shower head, and retighten.
    • If you still have leaks from the shower head's connecting nut, one of the components may have been damaged.
    • If the water flow or pressure seems low or only trickling, remove the shower head, inspect the shower head closely for parts that seem out of place or unaligned, and start over.
    Thread-sealing checked on shower arm for adjustment

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

When to Call a Professional

You may decide to call a professional for more difficult shower head installations. A top-mount shower head or smart shower head could require electrical wiring. If you are not an experienced DIYer with plumbing and electrical experience, it will be worth calling in a professional.

FAQ
  • Do you need to shut off the water to change a shower head?

    You do not need to shut off the water to the house to change a shower head.

  • Do all shower heads fit all showers?

    Yes, just about all shower heads have the same 1/2-inch NPT (national pipe tapered) size.

  • Can I change a shower head myself?

    Yes, it is easy to change most shower heads yourself unless it is a complicated one with high-tech features.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Best Management Practice #7: Faucets and Showerheads. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.