How to Unscrew a Stuck Shower Head

Shower heads come in many different styles and with many different features.

Shower heads come in various shapes, sizes, designs and sets of features. Shower heads can be interchangeable, allowing you to replace an older shower head. Some shower heads come with adjustable dials that allow you to change the water flow, amount of pressure, angle of flow and amount of water. No matter the type of shower head you have, over time the components can wear out and require replacement. However, after years of use the metal pipe threads can become corroded, rusted or jammed with buildup, making it difficult to unscrew the head from the pipe fitting.

Things You'll Need

• WD-40
• Lime and rust remover
• Thick cloth or rag
• Standard pipe wrench

Instructions

1. Turn off the main water supply valve in the house. Generally, this is located in the basement of the building. Open a faucet in the basement such as a sink or on the first floor. Turn the shower knobs open to drain excess water in the bathroom plumbing.

2. Inspect the shower head where the head section meets the pipe piece. There will be a small seam where the shower head screws into the pipe piece. If you see rust, spray some WD-40 in the seam and allow it to soak in. If you see greenish grime, this is lime and calcified water buildup. Spray a lime remover spray on the grime and allow it to soak in.

3. Wipe down the shower head fixture to remove the applied spray and some of the buildup. Grasp the tip of the shower head and try to turn it counterclockwise until it comes loose. If the shower head does not unscrew, proceed to Step 4.

4. Wrap the rag or cloth around the section of pipe with the seam where the head connects to the pipe. Place the pipe wrench opening around the section covered by the cloth. Adjust the wrench until the wrench is grasping the pipe tightly. Begin turning counterclockwise. Place your other hand on the end of the shower head to catch the head part when it comes loose.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use pliers in place of a pipe wrench.

• Don't use the pliers or pipe wrench without a cloth over the pipe as the tools can damage the finish of the shower head or pipe if directly applied to the surface.

References

• Shower Head Resource: How to Remove a Stuck Shower Head