How to Replace a Shower Head

Before you remove the old showerhead, cover the tub opening with a towel to prevent any pieces from going down the drain.

Unscrew the old shower head. Try turning it counterclockwise by hand first. If you can't remove it by hand, cover the shower arm with a towel. Then use a wrench or pliers to remove the shower head.

Once the old shower head is removed, clean off any remaining rust, mineral deposits, sealant or tape on the shower arm threads with a wire brush.

If your new shower head requires it, wrap fresh plumbers tape clockwise around the threads of the shower arm, pressing it into the threads. Make sure to wrap the tape only as high up the arm as the threads are or excess tape will show. Check out our DIY Basics video to learn more about using plumbers tape.

Screw on the new shower head. You might need to cover the shower arm with a towel again and grasp it with pliers to make sure it doesn’t turn inside the wall.

Turn the water back onto the house.

Turn the water on and check for leaks. If the connection does leak, rewrap the threads with plumbers tape and carefully tighten again with an adjustable wrench.