The showerhead is a device that controls the flow of water in your bathtub or sink. Sometimes it can be difficult to remove and replace because they are not designed with this function in mind. Follow these easy steps to fix this problem without disturbing your pipes.
When To Replace A Showerhead
It’s time to replace a showerhead when it no longer functions the way it is intended. In other words, if the showerhead is difficult to operate, produces uneven water flow, or has a lot of mineral deposits, then it is probably time for a new one. Also, showerheads generally have a life expectancy of around 3-5 years. So if yours is approaching this age, you may want to consider replacing it.
Why Showerheads Get Stuck
You’ve recently invested in a high-pressure rainfall showerhead. Only the old, calcified showerhead you wish to replace stands in your way of leisure — and it refuses to move! Don’t be concerned.
Old showerheads get stuck primarily for two reasons: sediment buildup or corrosion. If your showerhead is stuck and you live in an area with hard water, chances are it’s because of sediment. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium that can leave behind deposits as the water evaporates. Over time, these deposits can build up and clog your shower head, as well as make it difficult to remove.
You’ll Need These Tools To Replace Your Showerhead
- A tarpaulin or a trash bag
- Pliers or a wrench
- Tape for plumbers
- Vinegar
- A gallon of water
- Steel wool
How To Remove, Replace & Maintain Your Showerhead
Protect Your Bathtub & Other Bathroom Fixtures
Replacing your showerhead starts with preparing the bathroom area. First, turn off your water supply to help prevent any surprises. Then, lay a tarpaulin or a trash bag in your bathtub. Rust shavings can make a big mess, and ensuring falling metal won’t scratch your tub is always a good precaution.
Take Out The Old Showerhead
Before picking up your wrench or pliers, try one more time to remove your showerhead by hand. If it’s still not twisting off, wrap Tape for plumbers around the sharp teeth of your wrench or pliers so that you reduce the rust, mineral, or metal shavings that drop while you work. This will also help you preserve your showerhead in case you want to keep it or install it elsewhere.
Now that you have additional leverage, try twisting the showerhead with your wrench or pliers. You may finish removing the showerhead by hand once it is moving.
If it still doesn’t budge, fill up a gallon of water with vinegar, tie it around the showerhead, and leave it soaking overnight. The vinegar will eat away rust and other minerals, making it much easier to remove your showerhead the next morning.
The Shower Pipe Should Be Cleaned
Now that your showerhead has been removed, it’s a good idea to clean the pipe threads so your new showerhead won’t corrode right away. Scrub the pipe threads with steel wool and vinegar to remove rust and mineral buildup from every nook.
Replace Your Showerhead Now
To prevent showerhead leaks, wrap the clean pipe threads with Tape for plumbers and install your new showerhead according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Test your new showerhead by turning your water main back on, pulling back your tarp, and trying the shower. Look closely for any leaks. If you’re still experiencing leaks, unscrew the new showerhead and add another layer of Tape for plumbers.
If Tape for plumbers doesn’t eliminate the leaks, you might have a more complicated plumbing problem that only a professional can diagnose.
Vinegar Cleanses And Maintains Your Showerhead
Set a reminder to do a fast vinegar clean-up once a year to keep your showerhead replacement clean and operating correctly. Any rust or mineral buildup that causes leaks may be removed by tying a bag of vinegar around the showerhead and leaving it overnight.
Showerhead Replacement Is Handled By A Local Plumber
Would you rather have your showerhead replaced by a professional? Any showerhead brand, make, or model may be installed or repaired by licensed plumbers. When you call a plumber, you can expect one who comes promptly and has the equipment and skills to resolve any plumbing problem on the first visit.
A stuck showerhead could be the least of your plumbing problems. Find out more in What Causes A Sewage Backup In The Basement?
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