How to Remove a Stuck Shower Head

When a showerhead is stuck, it's usually hard to tell until the time comes to replace it. A showerhead that is fitted improperly will usually let you know the minute you turn it on by leaking or spraying water. Showerheads that have been in place for a long time, however, can become calcified or rusted, allowing them to be used without a problem, but making them quite difficult to remove. You can remove stuck showerheads yourself, though you should exercise basic caution to avoid further damage.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth or rag
• Plumbing wrench
• WD-40
• Lime remover
• Plumber's tape

Instructions

1. Examine the showerhead closely to determine what is causing it to become stuck. In most cases, it will be one of two different problems: excessive rust (reddish flaky metal) or a buildup of lime deposits and hard water stains (white, gritty material) on the showerhead. If neither of those appear to be the case, then the shower head is probably simply attached too tightly.

2. Apply an oil or solvent to the showerhead to dissolve the buildup. With lime deposits, this means using a lime remover such as Lime-Away or CLR. For rusted or tightly fitted shower heads, apply WD-40 oil or a similar rust-removing oil. In each case, you should give the solvent a few minutes to work before trying to remove the showerhead. In stubborn cases, wait at least 15 to 20 minutes and apply more lime remover or oil if the initial dose was unsuccessful.

3. Wrap a washcloth around the showerhead and grasp it with a plumbing wrench or a pair of pliers. Turn strongly but slowly in a counterclockwise direction while firmly grasping the water pipe with your free hand. Unscrew the showerhead and pull it free of the pipe.

4. Check the threads of the water pipe to see if they are rusted or covered with mineral deposits. Apply another coat of lime remover for mineral deposits or WD-40 for rust. Give the solvent several minutes to work before gently wiping it clean with a rag or cloth.

5. Apply plumber's tape or pipe joint compound to the threads before screwing in the new showerhead.

Tips & Warnings

• A pipe wrench or pliers may damage the finish on your showerhead when you turn it. To avoid this, wrap the showerhead in a cloth or wrap the individual jaws of the wrench with masking tape or rubber bands.

• When removing a stuck showerhead, it is very important not to damage the water pipe it is attached to. That can cause serious problems and demand a plumber's attention. Never force a stuck showerhead to turn, and always turn the showerhead itself and not the showerhead and pipe together.