Craving a spa-like experience in your own home? Are bathroom upgrades on your to-do list? If you’re not sure what the best types of shower heads are and don’t know how to change a shower head, you may overlook this easy upgrade.

Read on to learn how easy it is to change a shower head.

Best Types of Shower Heads

The first step is finding the right type of shower head to elevate your bathing experience. But what kind to choose?

The best types of shower head for you depends on the current installation and what you want to achieve. Some shower heads are better than others for specific tasks. Hybrid models can offer the best of two different configurations as well.

Look at the current configuration of plumbing in your bathroom to see which models you can choose from.

Fixed shower heads

These are the most common types of shower heads, but they also offer ease of installation. Better yet, you can easily adapt these into a variety of shower head types.

Hand-held shower heads

These are nifty devices that give you a shower head on a long hose so you can reach all those difficult spots in the shower. They’re also the preferred model for busy parents for cleaning shower walls, rambunctious children, and even the family dog.

Ceiling mounted shower heads

This configuration is generally installed with a “rain shower” head. If your current bath has a ceiling mount, your choice for new models is usually limited to other rain shower heads.

Spa Retreat Overhaul

Once you have a new shower head to fit your current installation, it’s time to get cracking. These steps walk you through changing out most shower head types.

  • Turn off the water at the tap

  • Remove the existing shower head by turning it counterclockwise

  • Clean the supply pipe by removing any soap scum, limescale, or other debris. Pay special attention to scrubbing the threads.

  • Wrap the supply pipe threads with plumber’s tape

  • Install the new shower head by screwing it on clockwise until it is hand-tight on the pipe

The installation is slightly different for handheld shower heads.

  • Screw the hose mount onto the supply pipe until hand-tight

  • Connect one end of the hose to the mount and the other to shower head (if not pre-assembled).

  • Place the shower head in the cradle

The next step is to turn on the water and test for leaks.

Hand-tighten if necessary to prevent leaks. You may need to reassemble the shower head using a thicker application of plumber’s tape.

Conversions

Converting from a wall mount to a ceiling mount may seem like a good idea, but it’s a job best left to a professional plumber. They need to route new supply pipes through the ceiling and the risk of property damage is simply too high for DIY.

Make an appointment today with the pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Pleasantville. They can make your home spa dreams come true.