Home Improvement Ideas Plumbing Installations & Repairs How to Replace a Showerhead for a Spa-Worthy Bathroom Trade out that drippy shower arm and basic showerhead for a prettier, more personalized experience. By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on February 13, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Admit it. You're tired of the crusty old showerhead in your bath that's been there longer than you can remember. If you know how to replace a showerhead, you can stop dreaming about those swanky fixtures with fancy settings and install one yourself. Newer-model showerheads provide more options for control, including multiple spray styles, pivoting angles, and temperature settings. They're also more efficient, using less water with equal cleaning success. Follow our guide, and you'll be enjoying a spa-like experience in minutes. These 8 Best Showerheads Are the Ultimate Bathroom Upgrade Emily Followill What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Pliers Wrench Clean, soft cloth Plumber's tape Materials Shower arm Flange (often comes with shower arm) Showerhead Instructions How to Replace a Showerhead These five steps will make it a smooth transition, whether you're simply switching showerheads or getting a new shower arm. Jacob Fox Loosen Up Turn off the water supply to the shower. If you're keeping the shower arm, wrap a cloth or plumber's tape around both ends of the arm to protect it from scratches. Next, grip the shower arm with pliers while using a wrench to turn the nut counterclockwise. The 8 Best Wrench Sets of 2024 Come in Handy for All Your DIY Needs Jacob Fox Out With the Old Unscrew the showerhead. Remove the screw holding the flange in place, then remove the flange. Unscrew the shower arm using pliers at the base. Editor's Tip If the showerhead is stuck, soak the cloth in white vinegar, wrap it around the nut on the showerhead, and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen mineral deposits. Jacob Fox Prepare the Arm Wipe around the hole in the wall to remove grime. Next, tightly wrap five layers of plumber's tape clockwise around the end of the shower arm that goes into the wall. It's essential to wrap the tape opposite to how the arm will twist into place. Jacob Fox Secure Connection Attach the end of the shower arm to the pipe in the wall, turning clockwise. (Because you also wrapped the tape clockwise in Step 3, it's now turning counterclockwise, making a tight bond.) Replace the flange. Wrap three layers of tape around the exposed end of the shower arm. Jacob Fox Finish the Job Screw the showerhead into place by hand. Protect the showerhead joint with a cloth or tape and then tighten with a wrench, turning clockwise, to prevent leaks and water-pressure issues. The 7 Best Rain Shower Heads of 2024, According to Testing and Research Bonus: Expand the Upgrade A right-angle shower arm protrudes farther from the wall and angles straight down. Pair this extended shower arm with the wide circumference of a rain-style showerhead (often installed as a ceiling-mount model) for a more luxurious shower experience. How to Have Your Ultimate Shower Experience 36 Breathtaking Walk-In Shower Ideas The 14 Best Bath Towels of 2024, According to Testing How to Set Up Your Shower for the Perfect Everything Shower Experience The 11 Best Shower Caddies of 2024 to Organize Your Shower 11 Amazing Double Showers with Top-of-the-Line Details