Replacing a shower head is one of the simplest DIY bathroom upgrades you can tackle. Unlike many plumbing projects, it requires no special skills, no pipe cutting, and typically no tools beyond what you already have at home. In most cases, the entire job takes 10-15 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weekend project that delivers immediate results.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the installation process for standard wall-mounted shower heads, handheld units, and dual systems. We'll also cover common issues you might encounter and how to solve them.
Before You Begin
Check Compatibility
Australian shower arms use a standard 1/2 inch BSP (British Standard Pipe) thread. Virtually all shower heads sold in Australia are designed for this fitting, so compatibility is rarely an issue. However, if you're installing an imported product or a very old shower head, verify the thread size matches before beginning.
Gather Your Materials
For a basic shower head replacement, you'll need:
- New shower head
- Adjustable wrench or pliers (optional—many shower heads hand-tighten)
- Cloth or rag (to protect finishes and for grip)
- Plumber's tape (Teflon tape)—usually included with new shower heads
- Old toothbrush (for cleaning threads if needed)
Plumber's tape (also called thread seal tape or Teflon tape) wraps around pipe threads to create a watertight seal. It's inexpensive, widely available at hardware stores, and essential for leak-free connections.
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1: Remove the Old Shower Head
Turn the old shower head counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the shower arm. Most shower heads can be removed by hand with a firm grip. If it's stuck from years of mineral buildup, wrap a cloth around the connection point and use an adjustable wrench for extra leverage.
Be careful not to apply force that might bend or break the shower arm, especially if it's an older installation. The arm should remain stationary while only the shower head rotates.
Step 2: Clean the Shower Arm Threads
Once the old head is removed, inspect the exposed shower arm threads. Remove any old plumber's tape or debris using your fingers or an old toothbrush. If there's significant mineral buildup, a quick wipe with white vinegar on a cloth helps dissolve deposits.
Check that the threads aren't damaged or corroded. Minor surface corrosion is common and usually doesn't affect the seal, but severely damaged threads may require replacing the shower arm—a more involved project that may require professional assistance.
Step 3: Apply Plumber's Tape
Wrap plumber's tape clockwise around the shower arm threads. Start at the end of the threads and work back toward the wall, overlapping each wrap by about half the tape width. Two to three complete wraps typically provide sufficient coverage.
The clockwise direction is important: when you screw on the shower head, the tape tightens rather than unwrapping. If wrapped incorrectly, the tape will bunch up rather than creating a seal.
Pull the tape taut as you wrap to ensure it conforms tightly to the threads. Loose tape is less effective at preventing leaks.
Step 4: Attach the New Shower Head
Thread the new shower head onto the shower arm by hand, turning clockwise. Screw it on until hand-tight, then give it an additional quarter to half turn. This should be sufficient—over-tightening can damage threads or crack plastic components.
If your shower head includes a rubber washer inside the connection point, ensure it's properly seated before threading on the head. This washer provides an additional seal and is particularly important for plastic-to-metal connections.
Step 5: Test for Leaks
Turn on the water and check the connection point for leaks. Small drips usually indicate the connection needs slight tightening. If leaking persists, turn off the water, remove the head, add more plumber's tape, and retry.
A properly installed shower head should show no leakage at the connection, and water should flow exclusively through the shower head face.
Installing a Handheld Shower Head
Handheld installations follow the same basic process but include additional components:
Components Overview
A typical handheld shower head kit includes:
- Handheld shower head unit
- Flexible hose (usually 1.5-2 metres)
- Wall bracket or holder
- Mount fitting that connects hose to shower arm
Installation Process
- Remove the existing shower head as described above
- Apply plumber's tape to the shower arm threads
- Attach the mount fitting or hose connector to the shower arm
- Connect one end of the flexible hose to the mount fitting
- Connect the other end of the hose to the handheld shower head
- Mount the wall bracket at your preferred height using the included hardware
Wall bracket installation typically requires drilling holes, so have a drill and appropriate wall plugs ready. Mark hole positions carefully, ensuring the bracket is level and positioned where the handheld unit can rest comfortably.
Installing a Slide Bar System
Slide bar systems require more significant wall mounting but follow similar principles. The bar mounts vertically with brackets at top and bottom, and the shower head holder slides along the rail to adjust height.
Because this involves drilling multiple holes into potentially tiled walls, some homeowners prefer professional installation. If you proceed DIY, use a tile drill bit for initial penetration and work slowly to avoid cracking tiles.
While simple shower head replacement is straightforward DIY, complex installations involving wall modifications, plumbing inside walls, or electrical components (for smart shower systems) should be left to licensed professionals.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Persistent Leaking at the Connection
If proper tape application and hand-tightening doesn't stop leaks, try:
- Removing the head, cleaning threads thoroughly, and starting fresh with new tape
- Checking that the rubber washer (if present) isn't damaged or missing
- Ensuring you haven't cross-threaded the connection—it should thread on smoothly
Low Water Pressure After Installation
Some new shower heads include flow restrictors to meet WELS requirements. If pressure seems unusually low, check whether a removable flow restrictor is installed (consult the product manual). Some users choose to remove or modify these, though doing so affects the shower head's WELS rating and water efficiency.
For more on pressure issues, see our guide to troubleshooting low water pressure.
Shower Head Droops or Won't Stay Positioned
This typically indicates a worn ball joint or loose swivel mechanism. Try tightening any adjustment rings or collars on the shower head. If the problem is within the head itself rather than the installation, the unit may need replacement or warranty service.
When to Call a Plumber
While most shower head installations are DIY-friendly, certain situations warrant professional help:
- The shower arm is damaged, corroded beyond repair, or needs replacement
- You discover active leaks inside the wall during installation
- The installation requires modifying plumbing beyond simple shower head connection
- You're uncomfortable working with plumbing or lack confidence in the installation
A licensed plumber can complete complex installations correctly and address any underlying issues that a simple shower head swap might reveal.
Enjoy Your New Shower
With your new shower head installed, take a moment to test all spray settings (if applicable), adjust the angle for optimal coverage, and enjoy the immediate improvement to your daily shower experience. It's one of those rare home improvement projects where the effort is minimal, the cost is modest, and the daily benefit is significant.
Remember to maintain your new shower head regularly to keep it performing at its best for years to come.