How to Remove a Shower Head

You may need to remove your shower head to clean it or when you replace an old or broken shower head with a new or better one that offers massaging jets. Removing a shower head is generally easy and requires only basic tools.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Examine the shower head. The shower head is connected to the source pipe by a large nut near the shower head itself. Some shower heads are also screwed in place. Look under the shower head to determine if it uses screws.

2. Loosen any screws located on the underside of the shower head. Use a screwdriver with the right-sized tip.

3. Remove the stripped screw heads and go to the hardware. Buy new replacement screws. This is an easy way to salvage the shower head for future use.

4. Attempt to unscrew the shower head from the pipe by hand. Unscrewing by hand is the method least likely to damage the shower head or the pipe.

5. Use a crescent wrench, pipe wrench or a pair of vice grips to attempt to unscrew the shower head if you are unable to unscrew it by hand. If you plan to use the shower head again, be careful not to damage the surface of the shower head.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent damage to the shower head finish by wetting an old leather belt or use masking tape. Wrap it around the base of the shower head. Grip the belt with the vice grips or pipe wrench rather than gripping the shower head directly.
• Use caution and work slowly to avoid causing damage to the source pipe, shower head, or the wall the source pipe.
• Don't put pressure on the water pipe and don't wiggle or jerk it. Hold on to the source pipe to keep it steady while you attempt to unscrew the shower head.