Installing a handheld showerhead is an easy way to upgrade your bathroom. Handheld showerheads provide flexibility and convenience, allowing you to detach the head and use it to clean hard-to-reach areas or bathe pets and children.
This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to install a handheld showerhead properly.
Benefits of a Handheld Showerhead
Before jumping into the installation process, let’s look at why you may want to install a handheld showerhead in the first place:
- Flexibility – Handheld showerheads can be detached from the mount to allow spraying water in any direction. This makes cleaning the shower easier and allows you to use the hose to spray yourself or your children/pets without confining yourself to standing directly under the mount.
- Water Conservation – Since you can concentrate the water spray more directed, handheld showerheads use less water than traditional overhead showerheads.
- Affordability – Handheld showerhead kits provide an affordable way to upgrade a standard fixed showerhead. Prices typically range from $15-50.
- Easy Maintenance – If minerals build up or clog the showerhead, it’s easier to soak and clean a handheld showerhead than a mounted one.
Preparation
Installing a handheld showerhead requires proper preparation to ensure the job goes smoothly.
What You’ll Need
- Handheld showerhead kit
- Adjustable wrench
- Teflon tape
- Rag
- Pliers
Make sure to purchase a handheld showerhead designed to meet your needs. Considerations include:
- Water Pressure – If your home has low water pressure, choose a handheld showe head specifically made for low-pressure systems.
- Flow Rate – Select a model with a flow rate (measured in gallons per minute) that meets the strength of your water pressure. High flow rates require stronger pressure.
- Hose Length – Consider the size of your shower and your needs to determine the necessary hose length. Typically 5 or 6 feet is sufficient.
- Material – Chrome and stainless steel resist mineral buildup and rust. Plastic is affordable but not quite as durable.
Turn Off Water Supply
Before removing your existing showerhead or doing any work on your shower plumbing, it’s crucial to shut off the water supply. This prevents water from unexpectedly gushing out mid-project.
Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the shut-off valve that controls the water supply to your shower.
- Turn the valve clockwise until it cannot turn any further. This stops the flow of water to your shower.
If you do not have an individual shut-off valve for your shower, turn off the main water supply for your entire home instead.
Prepare the Shower Arm
Before installing your handheld showerhead, inspect the shower arm (the pipe protruding from the wall) for any cracks, leaks, or damage that could hinder installation.
Use rag to wipe down the shower arm, removing any dirt, buildup, or old plumber’s tape. Scrub vigorously if needed to fully clean and prepare the arm.
Make sure the threaded part at the end is completely clean and dry.
Read More: Your Bathroom Cleaning Chemical Guide
Step-By-Step Installation Guide
Now let’s walk through the entire installation process step-by-step:
Step 1: Apply Plumber’s Tape
Plumber’s tape (also called Teflon tape) provides a watertight seal between threaded pipes and fittings. This helps prevent leaks.
To apply:
- Wrap plumber’s tape around the cleaned shower arm threads 2-3 times, moving clockwise as you wrap.
- As you wrap the tape, pull tightly on the end to ensure even coverage around the threads.
- The tape should cover all the threads down to the base. Leave the two bottom threads unwrapped.
Step 2: Install Mounting Bracket
Your handheld showerhead kit will include a mounting bracket. This bracket connects to the shower pipe and provides a place to securely dock and hold your showerhead hose and head when not in use.
To install:
- Check that your bracket fits the shower arm threads by screwing it on temporarily. If not, you may need an adapter.
- Unscrew bracket and apply plumbers tape to shower arm threads as described in Step 1.
- Screw bracket back onto shower arm. Tighten with adjustable wrench.
When positioned correctly, the U-shaped end of the bracket should face down.
Step 3: Install Hose Bracket
To keep the shower hose neatly in place while docked, you need to install the other bracket piece that’s included in your kit.
One end of this bracket has a female fitting for the shower hose to screw into. The other end has holes to mount it to the wall with screws.
To install:
- Position bracket on the wall near the mounted showerhead bracket. Mark holes with pencil.
- Drill holes for screws if necessary.
- Screw bracket to wall.
- Attach hose end to the female fitting on the bracket. Hand tighten only.
Consider the shower hose length as you position this bracket. Mount it at a height convenient for docking the showerhead easily.
Step 4: Connect Handheld Showerhead to Hose
Your kit will include a flexible metal hose to attach your moveable showerhead to the mounted plumbing.
Connecting is simple:
- Make sure gasket/washer is firmly fitted inside the female fitting at the end of the hose.
- Screw on the showerhead. Hand tighten only.
Don’t use plumber’s tape here. The gasket provides the seal, and tape could cause the connection to crack if overtightened.
Step 5: Connect Hose to Shower Arm
Now join the hose to the shower arm piping:
- Apply plumber’s tape to shower arm as described in Step 1.
- Hand tighten the swiveling nut at the other end of the hose onto shower arm threads.
Step 6: Turn On Water & Check for Leaks
The final step is to turn the water supply back on and ensure our connections don’t leak:
- Turn shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore water to the shower pipe.
- Carefully check all connections on the shower arm brackets, hose, and showerhead.
- Tighten any leaking connections gently with a wrench or pliers. Don’t overtighten.
If leaks persist:
- Add additional plumber’s tape and re-secure fittings.
- Check gaskets/washers are properly in place. Replace if worn.
- Contact manufacturer if issues continue.
Once any small leaks are addressed, dock the showerhead and enjoy your new handheld shower!
Troubleshooting Common Handheld Showerhead Problems
While the installation process is quite straightforward for most homeowners, you may encounter a few hiccups even with a properly installed unit.
Review these common troubleshooting tips:
Problem: The shower spray is weaker than your previous showerhead.
Solution: Adjust the water restrictor setting inside the showerhead so less water is restricted, increasing the flow:
- Unscrew the showerhead from the hose.
- Locate and remove the water restrictor disk/ring inside.
- Replace restrictor with fewer holes to allow more water flow.
You may also consider a replacement model designed specifically for low water pressure systems.
Problem: The showerhead drips constantly, even while docked.
Solution: Clean showerhead jets and hose/pipe fittings to remove blockages or debris:
- Soak showerhead in equal parts vinegar and water for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Clear debris from hose by backflushing pipes.
- Check and replace any worn gaskets/washers.
Problem: Loose connections resulting in leaks.
Solution: Properly wrap connections in plumber’s tape and tighten fittings. Replace worn gaskets or hose if necessary.
Still leaking? Contact manufacturer for warranty replacement parts.
Maintaining Your Handheld Showerhead
With routine care and maintenance, your handheld showerhead should function like new for years to come.
Follow these tips:
- Prevent Clogs – Rinse showerhead thoroughly after each use and soak/backflush periodically.
- Scrub Buildup – Use baking soda or lime removal cleaner to remove stubborn mineral deposits.
- Check Gaskets – Replace worn gaskets on hose fittings to prevent leaks.
- Tighten Fixtures – Ensure brackets and connections remain securely tightened.
Also replace the showerhead hose every 2-3 years to maintain flexibility and prevent bursting.
Replacing the showerhead itself every 4+ years will also ensure maximum water pressure and flow. New models offer improved technology too.
The Bottom Line
While it may sound complicated, installing a handheld showerhead truly requires no plumbing expertise and commonly takes less than an hour.
The key is proper preparation:
- Turn off water supply
- Thoroughly clean existing pipes
- Have all necessary tools and replacement parts on hand
Then simply follow the straightforward installation process:
- Tape pipe threads
- Mount brackets
- Connect hose
- Attach showerhead
- Turn the water on & check for leaks
You’ll enjoy the benefits of a more convenient and flexible shower instantly.
Over time, perform occasional maintenance like backflushing, scrubbing mineral buildup, and replacing worn parts when necessary.
Here’s wishing you an easier, more refreshing shower experience going forward!