Replacing a shower head is a task that does not require any difficult or painstaking steps. It is a matter of fact that the steps are quite simple. What is difficult for most people is the full process. There are quite a few, easy steps that if done out of order or if a step is missing, then the process fails and you could be left with very costly damage.
The real danger associated with replacing the shower head is not to break the seal behind the wall where the pipe connected to the shower head comes off. Doing so will cause a leak that will cause water damage, and promote the growth of molds, some of which can be toxic.
1. To begin, before you buy a new shower head, remove the old one.
This is done by grabbing an appropriate pair of pliers or a wrench, and while holding the pipe to ensure it remains stationary, loosen the nut behind the old shower head until you can turn it with your fingers. Then using your fingers, remove the shower head completely.
2. If you need to replace the pipe as well, then carefully twist it counter clockwise until it starts to freely turn.
Keep turning without pulling on the pipe, until you feel no more resistance to turning. Gently pull the pipe out, continuing to turn if there is resistance to the pipe being pulled out.
3. Now you must clean up the pipe if it will get reused, and the other parts.
Let the old shower head drain completely and air dry completely. With the pipe, use a stiff wire brush to clean out the threads at either end. There should be no tape or debris in the threads.
4. Go to the store to purchase your new shower head, taking the old one and the old pipe with you.
When you buy a new shower head and/or pipe, ensure that the connection points match exactly to what is on the old one. This will ensure that you buy the correct equipment and that it will install correctly.
5. When it is time to install the new shower head, make sure again that the threads on the pipe and shower head are clean and free of any debris.
Now is time to install the pipe sealant. The pipe sealant is a material that is put onto the threads to ensure there are no tiny gaps where water will flow through. There are two major kinds. One is a compound that is brushed upon the threads before the pipe is reattached. The other is a Teflon tape. If you have the tape, your should first attach the pipe loosely without using the tape, making note of which way, clockwise or counter clockwise, you have to turn to tighten the pipe. Disassemble the system and put the tape on the threads in the same direction as you need for tightening the pipe. This will ensure that when you install the pipe, the rotation will hold the tape on, not scrape it off.
6. At this point, it is time to reassemble the system.
If you have a adjustable wrench which will span the size of the new showerhead, then use it to tighten the new showerhead. Make sure that the pipe, which has been installed and is tight, is stationary whilst the new shower head is being installed. Only tighten until there is no water leaks in the next step.
7. Turn the water on and watch for leaks.
Use a glass against the wall to listen for leaks inside where the pipe attaches to the system. If there is a leak, then tighten. Now you're done.
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Originally posted 2008-12-04 05:36:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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