Easy guide: How to change your shower head
Thinking about giving your bathroom a bit of a makeover? It’s amazing what a few small touches can do to refresh your space. Installing new shower fixtures, for example, is a small change that can make a big difference.
So today, we’re looking at how you can easily update your shower head. Whether you’re looking for a wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or rail-mounted shower head, installation is relatively easy to do on your own. Just follow these step-by-step guides.
How to install wall-mounted shower heads?
We’ll start with the easiest and most popular shower head installation – the wall-mounted shower. This shower head comes in a range of styles so you can find the perfect finish for your bathroom.
Check out Abey Australia’s range of wall-mounted (horizontal) shower heads to find the one that suits your space.
Here’s our installation advice:
Step 1: Gather your shower supplies
You’ll need the following:
- Pipe wrench
- Teflon tape
- Towels
- WD-40
- Your new shower head
Step 2: Turn the faucet off
You won’t need to shut off the water valve itself – as long as the faucet is off, there won’t be water in the shower head. Once off, lay a towel over the shower drain to prevent any dropped pieces from getting away.
Step 3: Remove old shower arm
You can usually use your hands to loosen the shower arm. Just turn it counterclockwise and it should pop off. If it’s corroded, spray your WD-40 and let sit for a few minutes to help loosen things up.
Step 4: Screw in your new shower arm
Simply screw your new shower arm clockwise until it is nice and tight. Now take a look at the shower head’s installation instructions. It may require you to wrap the threading with Teflon tape. If it doesn’t, skip ahead to the next step. If it does, wrap two to three times in a clockwise direction. Then squeeze the tape so it sinks into the threading.
Step 5: Install your new showerhead
Again, review your instructions to make sure you know which parts your model needs. Most showers will come with a rubber washer – place this into the shower band then screw the shower head clockwise onto the taped arm’s end until it is hand-tight. Then, to prevent scratches, wrap a towel around the head and tighten the head a quarter turn more.
Pro tip:
Screw the head on slowly to protect the threads.
How to install ceiling-mounted shower heads
You might also know this option as a ‘rain shower head’ because it’s mounted on the ceiling. This luxury look might be a bit more expensive as pipework will need to be installed into your ceiling if it’s not already there. Once the pipes are in place, you can easily install the shower head yourself as it will follow the same instructions as wall-mounted shower heads, only on the ceiling!
Check out Abey Australia’s range of ceiling-mounted (vertical) shower heads to find the one that suits your space.
How to install a shower on a rail?
This is the most practical shower head. It can consist of a handheld option as well as an overhead shower. And, it’s highly flexible as it’s easy to remove when you need to wash your kids or pets. Installation is a bit more complicated, but totally manageable once you know what you’re doing.
Check out Abey Australia’s range of showers on a rail to find the one that suits your space.
Here’s our installation advice:
Step 1: Gather your supplies
You’ll need the following:
- Multi-purpose detector
- Power drill
- Tile bit
- Rawl plugs
- Screwdriver
- Pencil
- Level
- Towels
- Protective eyewear
- Your new shower head
Step 2: Prep your shower
Begin by using your multi-purpose detector to check that there are no wires or pipes behind where you plan to place your rail. Then place your rail against the wall and mark the screw holes onto tiles. Use your level to ensure your holes are straight. Finally, lay your towel over the drain to make sure no dropped parts get away from you.
Pro tip:
Make sure your rail is at a good height for all family members.
Step 3: Drill your holes
Pop on your protective eyewear and check that your drill is on the correct setting. The correct setting will depend on the type of material you are drilling into. Then drill into the holes you marked earlier.
Step 4: Install your rail
Place the rawl plugs into the holes and screw the rail’s brackets into place with your screwdriver. The shower rail should slot easily into the brackets after that.
And there you have it! Your quick and easy guide to installing shower heads. Not sure which shower head you’ll go with? Head into your local Abey Australia selection gallery and check out all your options. Our variety of bathroom showers offer something for every bathroom interior!
