Replace Showerhead

Replace an old showerhead by unscrewing it, cleaning the threads, applying fresh PTFE tape, and installing the new showerhead, then checking for leaks.

Easy · 10-20 minutes

Tools

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Soft cloth or towel

Materials

  • New showerhead
  • PTFE thread seal tape

Safety

  • Turn off the water if possible before starting.
  • Cover the drain so small parts do not fall in.
  • Use a cloth or towel between the wrench and finished surfaces to avoid scratches.
  • Do not overtighten the showerhead; hand-tighten first, then snug gently only if needed.
  • Stop if the shower arm in the wall feels loose or starts turning.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Prepare the area

    • Turn off the shower water if you have a local shutoff; if not, make sure the shower is fully off.
    • Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper.
    • Place a towel around the shower arm or nearby trim to protect finishes.

    Check: Water is off and the shower is not running. · The drain is covered. · Finished surfaces are protected.

  2. Step 2: Remove the old showerhead

    • Grip the old showerhead and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
    • If it is stuck, use an adjustable wrench over a cloth or towel to avoid scratching the finish.
    • Unscrew it completely and set it aside.

    Check: The old showerhead is removed. · The shower arm did not loosen in the wall while removing the showerhead.

  3. Step 3: Clean the threads

    • Remove any old PTFE tape or sealant from the shower arm threads.
    • Wipe the threads clean with a dry cloth.

    Check: No old tape or debris remains on the threads. · The threads are clean and visible.

  4. Step 4: Apply new PTFE tape

    • Wrap PTFE tape clockwise around the shower arm threads so it will stay in place when the new showerhead is threaded on.
    • Use 2 to 3 neat wraps, keeping tape flat and off the opening.

    Check: The tape is wrapped clockwise. · The tape lies flat and does not block the water opening.

  5. Step 5: Install the new showerhead

    • Thread the new showerhead onto the shower arm by hand, turning clockwise.
    • Hand-tighten until snug.
    • If needed, use a wrench over a cloth to tighten slightly more, following the manufacturer instructions if provided.

    Check: The showerhead is threaded on straight and not cross-threaded. · The connection is snug but not overtightened.

  6. Step 6: Test for leaks

    • Turn the water on slowly.
    • Check the connection where the showerhead meets the shower arm.
    • If you see drips, turn the water off and tighten slightly or remove the showerhead and reapply PTFE tape.

    Check: Water flows normally through the new showerhead. · There are no leaks at the threaded connection.

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Replace Showerhead0 of 6 steps done

Written by AI, not checked by a tradesperson. How this works

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 of 6

Prepare the area

Diagram for step 1: Prepare the area
Fig. 1Prepare the area
  • Turn off the shower water if you have a local shutoff; if not, make sure the shower is fully off.
  • Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper.
  • Place a towel around the shower arm or nearby trim to protect finishes.
Check

Water is off and the shower is not running. • The drain is covered. • Finished surfaces are protected.

Was this step clear?
Step 2 of 6

Remove the old showerhead

Diagram for step 2: Remove the old showerhead
Fig. 2Remove the old showerhead
  • Grip the old showerhead and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
  • If it is stuck, use an adjustable wrench over a cloth or towel to avoid scratching the finish.
  • Unscrew it completely and set it aside.
Check

The old showerhead is removed. • The shower arm did not loosen in the wall while removing the showerhead.

Was this step clear?
Step 3 of 6

Clean the threads

Diagram for step 3: Clean the threads
Fig. 3Clean the threads
  • Remove any old PTFE tape or sealant from the shower arm threads.
  • Wipe the threads clean with a dry cloth.
Check

No old tape or debris remains on the threads. • The threads are clean and visible.

Was this step clear?
Step 4 of 6

Apply new PTFE tape

Diagram for step 4: Apply new PTFE tape
Fig. 4Apply new PTFE tape
  • Wrap PTFE tape clockwise around the shower arm threads so it will stay in place when the new showerhead is threaded on.
  • Use 2 to 3 neat wraps, keeping tape flat and off the opening.
Check

The tape is wrapped clockwise. • The tape lies flat and does not block the water opening.

Was this step clear?
Step 5 of 6

Install the new showerhead

Diagram for step 5: Install the new showerhead
Fig. 5Install the new showerhead
  • Thread the new showerhead onto the shower arm by hand, turning clockwise.
  • Hand-tighten until snug.
  • If needed, use a wrench over a cloth to tighten slightly more, following the manufacturer instructions if provided.
Check

The showerhead is threaded on straight and not cross-threaded. • The connection is snug but not overtightened.

Was this step clear?
Step 6 of 6

Test for leaks

Diagram for step 6: Test for leaks
Fig. 6Test for leaks
  • Turn the water on slowly.
  • Check the connection where the showerhead meets the shower arm.
  • If you see drips, turn the water off and tighten slightly or remove the showerhead and reapply PTFE tape.
Check

Water flows normally through the new showerhead. • There are no leaks at the threaded connection.

Was this step clear?

Common Mistakes

  • ×Wrapping PTFE tape in the wrong direction.
  • ×Leaving old tape or debris on the threads.
  • ×Cross-threading the new showerhead by forcing it on.
  • ×Overtightening and damaging the finish or threads.
  • ×Using a wrench directly on finished surfaces without protection.

When to Call a Professional

  • The shower arm moves in the wall or appears loose.
  • The threads are damaged or corroded.
  • You cannot stop a leak after reinstalling with fresh PTFE tape.
  • There is leaking from inside the wall or behind the trim.
  • The new showerhead requires plumbing modifications beyond a simple threaded replacement.

Notes

  • Some showerheads include a rubber washer and may not require PTFE tape; follow the manufacturer instructions if they differ.
  • If your new showerhead includes a flow restrictor, check local rules before removing or modifying it.
  • Keep the old showerhead until the new one is tested and confirmed leak-free.

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