Let’s face it – taking on a home reno, big or small, usually always takes longer than expected and leads to unwanted work. However, when done properly, installing a in your bath or is a task anyone can take on, can be done quickly and easily, and makes a huge difference to both your experience in the and the aesthetic of your bathroom.
Before going over , it’s important to be prepared and have all the tools you need for the job. Don’t skip out on any of these because like I said, if done properly, installing a can be very easy. But without the proper tools and equipment, it’ll quickly become a hassle.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your replacement (obviously)
- A or ( work too)
- Thread seal tape or (this usually comes with your )
- Caulking or plumbers putty
- A (this is optional and depends on your )
Step One
Before you get too excited and grab that , take a quick look at your and – this is the angled pipe that comes out of the wall and attaches to the . Does it have any corrosion or mildew around it? Is it beginning to rust or looked aged and out-of-date? Does it match with the you plan on installing? All of these questions are important to think about before installing the .
Some heads come with a , but it yours doesn’t, then you’ll want to make sure you want to keep your existing before installing the head. If you do want to keep it, great! You can move on to the next step. If you don’t want to keep it and your newly purchased didn’t come with an arm, then you’ll need to buy one before moving on. Don’t worry though – arms are pretty easy to find. We’ve listed a few option below to make things easier for you:
Step Two*
*If you’ve decided to keep your existing , then you can skip this step!
If you’ve decided you need to replace your existing , then that’s the first thing we’ll need to do before moving on to the . To remove the current , simply take your and unscrew the back of the from the wall. Depending on the age of your , sometimes they can become rusted or gather mildew, which makes them difficult to uninstall.
If this is the case, a quick trick to make this easier is rub some white vinegar onto the arm which should help remove the mildew or rust. Or if you have it, CLR is always a good alternative.
Once you’ve removed the old and the , you can install your new one. To install your , start by taking your and wrapping its threads, two to three times over, with your thread seal tape. Make sure to tightly wrap the thread seal (and stretch if needed) as you apply it. Then, carefully turn the pipe into the wall fitting, and seal the wall opening with plumber’s putty. Slide the flange over the arm and press it into the putty. If there’s any excess putty, wipe it away and clean up the surface so it’s neatly installed.
Step Three
Now that you’ve installed your , it’s time to put in your shiny . Installing any is fairly simple, however the installation process will vary depending on the type and brand of you’ve purchased. Below we’ll go over each type and how to properly install it.
Attaches directly to the arm
If your is the type that attaches directly to the arm, then first use the to wrap the threads on the base of the . Then turn the in a clockwise direction (remember: righty tighty!) until it’s in position, making sure to not tighten it too much. Over-tightening can lead to damage. Feel free to use your when performing this step, but be sure to not squeeze too hard in order to protect the finish on the fitting. You can use a piece of cloth or tape to avoid this.
If you’ve purchase a , then chances are you won’t need any thread seal tape added to the base of the . However, just to be safe, check the manual or instructions with your . To install a , simply thread the handheld head onto your . Again, make sure to not over-tighten. Once you’re done, just attach the and you should be good to go!
As a final step, run your for a few minutes to ensure there are no leaks and the is adequate.
Quick Tips For Purchasing & Installing Heads
- When considering purchasing a , remember that a is more practical than a . They’re easier to use and a lot more convenient when cleaning yourself up.
- If you’re an environmentally-friendly person (which we all should be!), then consider a low flow to save both energy and water. A lot of heads come with a low flow option, so when and if you do need that extra pressure, you can still get it!
- A lot of brands these days are developing plastic heads in order to reduce costs for the consumer. However, be cautious when purchasing plastic heads, as they can break easily. Look for chrome or brass finishes for best and long-lasting results.
- Don’t just spring for the first one you see! Check your local stores and online for multiple options – a won’t be the biggest purchase you make for your home, but it is an important one. You and your housemates use the everyday (or at least I hope you do), so make sure to get something that is suited to your needs and fits your budget. You can find some a list of our top waterfall heads here!
