How to Plumb a Shower Head
There is nothing quite like a hot shower after a long day's work or at the start of a busy day. When it is time to install a shower head, you'll need to know the proper procedure. Add the right tools and you can install just the shower head or make the addition of a shower to an existing tub. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stud finder
- Carpenter's level
- Utility knife
- 2 pipe wrenches
- Tub/shower faucets (if needed)
- 1 piece ½ PVC pipe (10 foot)
- PVC pipe cutter (or hacksaw)
- One ½-inch threaded PVC elbow
- PVC glue
- 1 14½-inch long 2 by 4
- Variable speed drill
- Philips head screw tip
- 1½-inch drywall screws
- 2 conduit clamps
- 4 1-inch drywall screws
- ½-inch PVC plug
- Threaded sealer tape
- ½ sheet of ½-inch drywall
- Backer board (optional)
- ¾-inch paddle bit
Instructions
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1
Turn the water supply to the bathtub off and locate and mark the studs in the wall on either side of the bathtub faucets with the stud finder. Place the level on the marks and draw vertical lines on the wall from the top of the bathtub to the ceiling.
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2
Cut the wall on the lines with the utility knife and remove it to expose the existing plumbing. If the faucet does not have a fitting for a shower head, it will have to be removed.
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3
Place a pipe wrench on the nut where the water supply lines connect to the faucet and remove them. If the faucet moves when attempting to remove the nuts, use a second pipe wrench to hold the faucet stationary.
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4
Measure and cut a piece of the ½-inch PVC water pipe long enough to install the shower head at the desired height and connect the threaded elbow on the end of it with PVC glue. Install the new faucet according to the manufacturer's instructions, including the water line for the shower head.
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5
Secure the 14½-long 2 by 4 between the studs at the back of the wall with the 1-inch drywall screws and the variable speed drill with the Philips head screw tip. Next, secure the shower head water line to that 2 by 4 with the conduit clamps to hold it securely in place. Wrap the ½-inch PVC plug threads with threaded sealer tape, secure it to the end of the shower head water line and turn the water on to check for leaks.
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6
Cut a piece of drywall with the utility knife to replace what was removed and mark it where the shower head pipe will come through it. Cut a hole with the paddle bit, place the drywall in the hole that was cut in Step 2 and secure it to the studs with the drywall screws.
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7
Wrap the threads of the shower head extension (on both ends) with threaded sealer tape and secure it to threaded elbow at the top of the shower head water line. Next, secure the shower head to the extension with your hand. If it leaks, use a wrench that fits or a soft cloth with a pair of pliers to tighten it further.
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Tips & Warnings
Slip the collar over the shower head extension before installing the shower head. If installing a tub surround for the shower, use backer board to protect the walls.
Do not apply unnecessary pressure when tightening the nuts to the plumbing as this can cause leaks. Use only approved PVC glue products with PVC pipes.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit LisaRoxy: Flickr.com
