How to Replace a Wall-Mounted Showerhead

By
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 06/21/22
Reviewed by
Richard Epstein
Richard Epstein
Reviewed by Richard Epstein
Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. He specializes in estimating as well as design and engineering for plumbing systems, and he works for one of New York's largest union plumbing construction companies.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Fact checked by Emily Estep
Wall-mounted shower head being adjusted underneath

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 15 mins
  • Total Time: 10 - 15 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $50 to $60

Traditional showerheads may need replacing for several reasons. Sometimes they simply build up with lime or calcium deposits and stop spraying correctly or they leak. Often the reason is simpler: you may want to install a showerhead with modern flow-restriction features that use less water, or you may just want a new style.

While this is also an opportunity to add a hand-held shower hose to your fixture, in many cases, a simple replacement of the old showerhead with a new one will be just fine. 

This is one of the easier DIY projects you can attempt. You can spend anywhere from a few dollars for a very basic showerhead to several hundred dollars for a showerhead with a decorative finish and multiple spray settings. Either way, the installation process is usually the same.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Plumber's tape

Materials

  • New showerhead

Instructions

Materials and tools to install a wall-mounted shower head

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  1. Remove the Old Showerhead

    Make sure the shower valve is shut off fully. If the faucet is leaking at all, now would be a good time to address that issue, either by repairing it or replacing it entirely.  

    Grip the base of the showerhead at the flat spots; use an adjustable wrench and turn counterclockwise to unscrew the head. 

    Clean the threads at the end of the goose-neck pipe to which the showerhead was attached. Be sure to remove any debris, such as old pipe compound or plumber's tape.

    Adjustable wrench gripping bottom of old shower head for removal

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Prepare the Goose-Neck Pipe

    Once you've cleaned the threads of old debris, wrap the threads in plumber's tape to prevent leakage when the new showerhead is installed.

    Cut a length of Teflon plumber's tape about nine to 12 inches long. Wrap it around the threads in a clockwise direction for several turns. Don't allow the tape to extend above the threaded area, or the tape will show when the new head is installed.

    Use your fingers and gently press the tape into the threads. The texture of the threads should be visible through the tape.

    Teflon plumber's tape wrapped on thread ends of goose-neck pipe

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Install the New Showerhead

    Remove the new showerhead from its packaging and examine the parts. Some showerheads have a rubber or neoprene washer that must be installed inside the threaded fitting; others will seal automatically. If the showerhead has a secondary washer, press it into the threaded inlet opening, making sure it is seated tightly. 

    Screw the showerhead onto the goose-neck shower arm and hand-tighten as tight as possible. Then, turn on the shower valve and watch the showerhead. Look for leaks around the base of the head, where it connects to the goose-neck pipe. 

    If the showerhead leaks at the connection, tighten it slightly more. Take care here, as it's possible to damage the gooseneck or even break the pipe connection inside the wall if you use too much force.

    Check again for leaks. If the connection still leaks, you may need to disassemble and apply fresh Teflon plumber's tape.

    Warning

    Use caution when installing a showerhead that has a secondary washer. For these assemblies, tighten with hand pressure only, not a wrench. It's possible to force the washer up into the gooseneck if you use too much pressure. 

    New shower head inspected for washers before installing

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

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