How to Install a Handheld Showerhead

How to Add a Handheld Showerhead Using a Standard Fitting

With this method, a hand-held shower attaches to the existing shower arm, replacing the old showerhead with a flexible hose and handheld shower unit. The handheld unit either screws onto the end of the new showerhead base or fits onto a bracket that's mounted to the wall, depending on the model.

1. Attach Showerhead Base

   After removing the old showerhead and wrapping several loops of plumber's pipe-seal tape around the threads on the shower arm (see above), screw the hand-held showerhead base onto the shower arm, and tighten it by hand. Hold the shower arm while doing this and do not overtighten at this point.

2. Attach the Hose

   Wrap several loops of plumber's pipe seal tape around the exposed threads of the showerhead base, then thread the flexible shower hose onto it. Tighten it by hand. Attach the showerhead unit to the other end of the hose.

   Turn on the water at the faucet and check for leaks. If any connection point leaks, tighten carefully with an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers, using a piece of heavy cloth or leather to protect the finish.

3. Mount Wall Bracket

   If your new showerhead assembly has a built-in bracket for your showerhead, then simply slot it in and you're done. Otherwise, mount the wall bracket following the manufacturer's directions. This may require drilling holes in the wall to insert expandable anchors.

How to Add a Handheld Shower Using a Cross-Tee Diverter Fitting

This method adds a handheld showerhead but also leaves the existing showerhead in place. It involves temporarily removing the existing showerhead, then installing a cross-tee fitting that has two outlets—one for connecting the new handheld showerhead and hose, and one for reconnecting the original showerhead. 

1. Install the Cross-Tee Fitting

   After removing the existing showerhead (see above), screw the cross-tee fitting onto the shower arm. Tighten by hand.

2. Reconnect the Showerhead

   Wrap plumber's pipe-seal tape around the threads on the cross-tee fitting, then screw the original showerhead onto one outlet. Tighten by hand.

3. Attach the Flexible Hose

   Fasten the flexible hose of the handheld showerhead onto the other outlet on the cross-tee fitting, and tighten by hand.

   Turn on the water at the faucet and check for leaks. If either connection point leaks, tighten carefully with an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers, using a piece of heavy cloth or leather to protect the finish.

How to Add a Hand-Held Shower Using a Tub Spout Diverter Valve

Where you have no current showerhead at all, you can use a tub spout diverter valve to add a hand-held shower. Usually, this requires replacing the old tub spout with a new one that has a diverter fitting.

1. Remove the Tub Spout

   First, remove the old tub spout.

   • If there is a hex-head (Allen) setscrew on the spout, it is a slip-on type. Loosen the setscrew with a hex key (Allen wrench) and slide the spout off the stub-out pipe coming out of the wall.
   • If your spout doesn't have a setscrew it is a threaded type. Unscrew the spout counterclockwise, using channel-lock pliers, until it comes off the stub-out pipe.

   Warning

   Removing the tub spout is not always easy and can very quickly go wrong. Most tub spouts are installed onto a brass nipple, pre-cut copper pipe with male adaptors, or a slip fit (straight copper pipe), which is secured by a set screw on the spout. Sometimes the entire brass nipple may unscrew from inside the wall, or the copper is so tight that it twists and breaks off. If you encounter any of these issues, call a professional.

2. Install a New Spout

   Purchase a new diverter-style tub spout that uses the same attachment method as the old one: slip-on or threaded. 

   • If the spout is a slip-on design, slide it over the stub-out pipe and tighten the setscrew with a hex key. 
   • If your spout is threaded, wrap the pipe threads with two or three clockwise wraps of plumber's pipe-seal tape, then screw it onto the stub-out pipe.

3. Mount the Slide Bar

   Mount the slide bar or mounting bracket for the hand-held showerhead) to the wall, following the manufacturer's directions. This may include drilling holes in the wall and anchoring the bracket with expandable anchors.

4. Attach the Flexible Hose

   Attach the flexible hose to the threads on the spout's diverter valve. Use plumber's pipe-seal tape around the threads to ensure a tight seal. Attach the other end to the showerhead unit, also using the tape first. Hang the showerhead on the bracket or slide-arm.

   Turn on the water and check the assembly for leaks. If the showerhead, hose, or diverter are leaking, tighten the connection carefully with an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers, using a piece of heavy cloth or leather to protect the finish.