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You are at:Home»Projects and advice»How to replace and descale a shower head

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.

Contents

  • Replacing and descaling a shower head
    • Replacing a shower head
    • Descaling a shower head
    • Tools needed
    • Materials needed
  • Replacing a showerhead video

    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.

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