How to replace and descale a shower head

LAST UPDATED: 3rd January 2023 by The Editorial Team

Replacing a shower head

Summary: Step by step guide and video showing how to remove a shower head, fit a new shower head and descale a shower head.

Replacing and descaling a shower head

Replacing 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.

Descaling a shower head

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.

Tools needed

  • Slip-joint pliers
  • Screwdriver

Materials needed

  • PTFE tape
  • Silicone sealant

Replacing a showerhead video

Summary: DIY video showing you how to install a new showerhead.

You may simply want to replace the old showerhead with a more modern, stylish or powerful showerhead. Remember, replacing a showerhead with an environmentally friendly low-flow showerhead could save you thousands of gallons of water per year.

Author

The Editorial Team

The Editorial Team at lets-do-diy.com are a team of experts led by Mark Wilson. We have been creating DIY projects, articles, costs guides and product reviews since 2008. For more info see our about page.