How To Replace A Broken Showerhead

There’s nothing worse than stepping into the shower, ready for a refreshing wash, only to be greeted by a broken or faulty showerhead. Whether it’s a weak, trickling stream or a full-blown leak, a malfunctioning showerhead can quickly turn your daily routine into a frustrating experience. But don’t worry—it’s easier to fix than you think!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of showerhead replacement, from the tools you’ll need to the final installation, so that you can enjoy a perfect shower again in no time! But if you still face issues, you can always turn to professionals such as Bromley Plumbers.

Call us on 0208 050 2707 or drop us an email at info@bromleyplumbersltd.co.uk to discuss your plumbing and drainage needs.  

1. Gather The Necessary Tools And Materials

Before diving into shower head replacement, ensure you have the right tools. Everything you need will make the process much smoother and prevent any damage to your shower fittings or shower valve.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Adjustable wrench or shower head replacement tool
• Cloth or towel
• Teflon tape
• A new showerhead
• Shower hose

Having the right shower parts will ensure a smooth showerhead installation and prevent the need for any leak repair down the road.

2. Turn Off The Water Supply

Before you begin the showerhead change, turning off the water supply is essential. This will help you avoid any unexpected water splashes or leaks. In most cases, you won’t need to turn off the main water supply; simply closing the shower valve will suffice.

If you’re unsure how to shut off the water, checking with plumbing emergency services near you is always a good idea.

3. Remove The Old Showerhead

Now that the water is off, removing the old showerhead is time. Follow these steps for replacing a broken showerhead:

1. Loosen the showerhead: Using your adjustable wrench or showerhead replacement tool, gently loosen the old showerhead by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful not to scratch or damage the shower fittings with the wrench. You can wrap a cloth around the shower arm to protect it.
2. Inspect the threads: After removing the old showerhead, check the threads of the shower arm for any damage or debris. This is also a great time to clean off any mineral buildup or grime that could affect the performance of the new showerhead.
3. Clean the threads: Use a cloth to wipe off any dirt, old Teflon tape, or debris from the threads to ensure the new showerhead fits securely.

4. Prepare The Shower Arm For The New Showerhead

Once the old showerhead is removed, it’s essential to properly prepare the shower arm to ensure the new one installs smoothly. This is a crucial part of shower maintenance to avoid leaks or improper fittings.

Showerhead replacement parts often come with detailed instructions, but adding the tape is a reasonable precaution to avoid future leak repair.

5. Attach The New Showerhead

Now that the shower arm is prepared, it’s time to attach your new showerhead. This part is simple, but it’s essential to follow these steps for a proper showerhead installation:

1. Screw on the new showerhead: Gently screw the new showerhead onto the shower arm by hand. Be sure it aligns properly with the threads. If you’re also replacing the shower hose, attach it currently.
2. Tighten carefully: Use your adjustable wrench or pliers to tighten the showerhead slightly. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the threads or crack the showerhead.

6. Turn On The Water Supply And Test The New Showerhead

With the new showerhead, it’s time to test everything out. Turn the water supply back on and gradually increase the water pressure. This will help you identify any leaks or other issues early on.

1. Check for leaks: Turn the water off and tighten the showerhead a bit more if you notice any leaks around the connection. If the problem persists, you may need to reapply Teflon tape or consult a plumber near me for further assistance.
2. Test water pressure: If you’re experiencing low water pressure, it could be due to the new showerhead or limescale buildup. You should clean the new showerhead or check the shower filter if you installed one to remove any impurities.

7. Tips For Maintaining Your New Showerhead

Once your new showerhead is installed, proper shower maintenance is essential to keep it in good condition. Here are some tips to help you maintain it:

• Clean your showerhead regularly: Over time, mineral buildup (especially in areas with hard water) can clog the holes in the showerhead. Regularly clean your showerhead using vinegar and water to remove limescale and optimise the water pressure.
• Check for leaks: Inspect the connection between the showerhead and arm every few months. Even a tiny drip can lead to wasted water and potential damage.
• Replace the shower hose: If the hose is cracked or worn, it’s a good idea to replace it along with the showerhead. A new hose will improve water flow and prevent leak repair issues in the future.

8. When To Get In Touch With A Professional?

Although replacing a shower hose is a relatively simple DIY task, there are certain situations where it’s best to look for plumbing services in Bromley.

• If you’re dealing with low water pressure: If your new showerhead doesn’t improve the water flow, it might indicate a deeper issue with your plumbing, such as clogged pipes. A plumber near me can help identify and fix the problem.
• If the threads on the shower arm are damaged: If the shower arm is cracked or worn out, it’s best to call a plumber for a shower head change to prevent further damage.
• Persistent leaks: If you’ve done everything to tighten the showerhead, but the leaks persist, it may indicate an issue with the plumbing behind the wall.

Bromley Plumbers: Providing Top-Notch Plumbing & Drainage Services

Replacing a broken showerhead is a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade your bathroom and restore your showering experience.

At Bromley Plumbers, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch drainage and plumbing services in Bromley and the surrounding areas.

Our other services include:

• General Plumbing
• Emergency plumbing
• Drainage services
• Dishwasher & washing machine installations
• Toilet Repair and replacement

If you encounter any issues, such as persistent leaks or low water pressure, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional help.