How to Install a Hand Shower

Sometimes a standard shower head just doesn't do enough. It can't be maneuvered into the right position when someone with a broken arm can't get their cast wet. It can't reach the corners when you clean the tub. It can't rinse all the soap out of Fido's fur when you wash your dog at home. But a detachable shower head, or hand shower, can make these chores easier.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adjustable wrench
• Teflon tape
• Hand shower kit
• Piece of rubber or latex, such as shelf liner (optional)

1. Wrap a piece of rubber around the shoulder of the original shower head and use a wrench to twist it a half turn. The rubber will protect the shower head from scratches and help the wrench get a better grip. Continue to loosen the shower head by hand to remove it from the pipe.

2. Wrap some Teflon tape around the threads of the pipe. This tape will help prevent water from leaking.

3. Place the hose from the new shower head on the pipe and tighten it first with your hand. Finish tightening it with the wrench. As you tighten the hose, you will most likely have to line up an attached bracket that the detachable shower head will rest in.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not overtighten the new showerhead. Overtightening could crack the shower head.
• Do not place any torque on the pipe that leads from the showerhead into the wall. Movement could damage the pipe.
• There are a number of styles of detachable shower heads on the market. Depending on what you are looking for, you can spend anywhere from $20 to upwards of $200. This article covered the installation of a simpler model that attaches to and hangs from the shower pipe. However, you can also find models that have to be attached to the shower wall.