Although it is one of your most important household items, many people neglect to clean their showerheads. People often leave their showerheads unattended for decades or even decades without cleaning or replacing them. Although you may think that it is unnecessary to replace your shower head, there are many benefits.
Water Bills - Save Money
Old showerheads often leak because of tiny cracks, old Teflon tape, grime and rust-creating gaps. Even if the leakage is not severe, it could mean that you are wasting hundreds of gallons every year due to a leaking showerhead.
Older showerheads, dating back over a decade, have a higher flow rate than modern models. The newer models have a stronger spraying power and lower water consumption of up to 60%. You could save hundreds of dollars each year depending on how efficient your replacement is.
Increase water pressure
Even if your showerhead is new, the age of its design, as well as calcium deposits, rust, and other grime, can all cause a dramatic drop in water pressure. It's amazing how strong your shower's water pressure can be just by changing the showerhead.
More Style
A bad showerhead can ruin even the most beautiful bathrooms. There are many styles, colours, and designs for showerheads to match any bathroom decor. And, more are being created every day. This is especially useful if you have recently renovated or plan to renovate your bathroom in the near future.
Additional Features
Showerheads are constantly evolving in design and features. Showerheads used to only have a regular spray option, and sometimes a massage function.
Modern showerheads also offer a variety of spray options, including pulse, waterfall, mist, rain, whirl and full-body. Smart shower heads can even monitor water usage and play music.
Increased functionality
You might consider upgrading to a modern design if you already have a single-spray showerhead. You can enjoy the spray of regular showers and then remove the shower head to rinse out hard-to-reach places. This is especially helpful for homes with pets, as it makes bathing easier.
You can adjust the height of your shower with the sliding pole shower head. This makes them ideal for households with children or people of different heights.
The overhead spray allows for a more thorough full-body rinse.
How to replace your shower head
A shower head replacement is an easy DIY project that takes about half an hour. After you've chosen a shower head that suits your needs and made sure all parts are in order, it's time to get started.
Step 1: Gather all necessary tools and items
You will need supplies to remove your old showerhead and install a new one. You will need some old towels, an adjustable wrench, and Teflon tape. To make it easier to reach higher places, it's a good idea for you to invest in a sturdy step stool.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
To prevent tile damage and to stop small pieces from falling down the drain, place a towel on the floor of your tub or shower. You may need a step stool. Make sure it does not slip around in the tub or shower.
Step 3: Disconnect the old shower head
Make sure that the water valve is completely turned off. As much as you can, tighten the knobs without damaging them. You don't have to shut off the main water supply to the shower. However, it is important to not nudge the knobs as you work.
You might be able to remove the old showerhead by hand. If it is not, you can use an adjustable wrench to attach it to the end. To prevent scratches, wrap a towel around the neck of your showerhead and the showerhead.
Slowly, but firmly, turn the showerhead counterclockwise to remove it. To prevent water from escaping, place the old showerhead in a bag or towel.
Step 4: Clean the neck
Most likely, the threads at the neck of your shower are clogged with old Teflon tape, grime, and plumber's glue. All that grime can be cleaned with a damp cloth and an old toothbrush. Do not use a screwdriver, hammer, or any other metal tool to remove the grime as it could cause damage to the threads.
Step 5: Apply Teflon tape to the threads
Teflon tape should be applied to the threads of the neck. Wrap the threads around three to four times. You should wrap the threads at least three to four times. Anything less will not provide a tight seal. However, it might be too tight to attach the showerhead. To prevent the tape from unravelling as you attach the showerhead, apply the tape clockwise.
Step 6: Attach the new shower head
Screw the new showerhead onto the threads at the neck. Securely tighten the wrench with the wrench. To prevent scratches, wrap the nut around the showerhead.
Step 7: Turn the water on
Turn the water off and make sure the showerhead is working. To ensure there are no leaks, leave the showerhead on for a while. You might need to take out the shower head and cover the threads with Teflon tape. If there are no leaks you can go.