How to replace and descale a shower head

• Turn off the water at the stop tap.
• Turn on the shower to drain the supply pipes.
• Remove the old shower head using slip-joint pliers if it is stiff.
• Scrape away any putty or tape using a screwdriver.
• If you are installing a shower with a handheld adaptor, fix the connector between the main head and the handheld shower head.
• Wrap some PTFE tape around the pipe.
• Attach the new head, ensuring you have added a washer.
• Make a watertight seal around the joint with sealant.
• Repeat this to connect the hose of the handheld adaptor.
• Fix the adaptor to the wall or clip it to the main shower head, as instructed in the manufacturer's guidelines.

A build up of limescale in the shower head can cause a noticeable reduction in the flow of water. This is simply remedied by descaling the shower head.

• Unscrew the shower head from the hose.
• Unscrew the spray plate from the front of the shower head.
• Immerse the spray plate in a descaling solution for the length of time recommended by the solution's manufacturer.
• Rinse the spray plate in cold water to remove the descaling solution and screw it back on to the shower head.
• Turn on the shower to flush any limescale from the pipe.
• Reconnect the shower head to the hose.