LAST UPDATED: 3rd January 2023 by The Editorial Team
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
- 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
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