Replacing your shower head with a filter is an easy upgrade that can boost your skin and hair’s health. Shower filters remove chlorine and other impurities from your water, improving the quality of your bathing experience.
Shower filters come in several different forms, from tanks you attach to your showerhead to models built into a fixed showerhead. If you’re looking for a reliable option, Afina offers high-quality shower heads designed for both performance and durability. Regardless of the type you choose, most require some level of DIY skills to install.
Remove the Existing Shower Head
Changing the shower head is an inexpensive way to upgrade your shower experience. You’ll have more power, better water pressure, and a new look! This simple DIY project can take only a few minutes, but the results are well worth it.
Before beginning, make sure that your home’s water supply is turned off – you don’t want to accidentally flood your bathroom! Next, you’ll need to remove the existing shower head. Some models may be loose enough to simply unscrew, while others are stuck in place and require more effort. If the shower head is stuck, wrap it in a paper towel and use slip-joint pliers or an adjustable wrench to help you loosen it.
Once the shower head is loose, screw it off of the shower arm extending from your shower wall. Then, using a damp rag, wipe off any mineral deposits or old sealant on the shower arm. You’ll also want to clean off any rust or corrosion from the pipe connection.
After you’ve cleaned the threads, wrap Teflon tape around them in a clockwise direction (two to three times). This will create a waterproof seal, protecting against leaks and preventing future problems with your shower head installation.
Now you can install your new shower head. Screw the new shower head onto the shower arm extending from your shower wall. Tighten by hand until it is snug, then use a wrench to give it an extra quarter turn. Be careful not to over-tighten, as this can damage the shower head or arm. After the new shower head is installed, turn on your water and check for leaks at low settings. If you notice any, this is a sign that there is an issue with the new shower head or arm.
Clean the Threads
There are a variety of methods you can use to clean the threads on your shower head, but one of the most effective is using vinegar. Vinegar is a natural acidic cleaner that can help dissolve mineral deposits and other buildup. To use vinegar, pour a small amount of undiluted white vinegar into a plastic baggie and wrap it around the shower arm. Secure the baggie with a rubber band and let it sit for an hour or so. Then, remove the baggie and run water through the shower arm to rinse away any remaining residue. Scrub away stubborn deposits with an old toothbrush and toothpicks, if needed.
If your shower head is especially dirty, try scrubbing it with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide. Lemon juice is a great natural cleanser that contains alpha hydroxy acids, which can break down and eliminate a wide range of bacteria. To use lemon juice, mix equal parts of water and lemon juice in a spray bottle and apply it to the surface of your shower head. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes and then scrub it down with an old toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush. Rinse well with water and dry the shower head with a cloth before reattaching it.
When shopping for a filtered shower head, look for one with an adjustable flow rate and nozzle to suit your needs. Also, consider the size and design of the shower head. Some have a self-contained filter plus showerhead unit, while others screw directly onto an existing shower arm (the part that sticks out from the wall).
Finally, determine how much maintenance the filtered shower head will require. Most will tell you how often the filter should be replaced, which is typically every three to six months. The frequency will vary depending on how much you use your shower and the hardness of your water.
Apply Thread Seal Tape
Before reinstalling the new shower head, apply a strip of plumber’s tape (sometimes called Teflon or PTFE tape) to the pipe threads. This is an essential step that prevents leaks and ensures a secure connection. The smooth surface of the tape acts as a lubricant and fills in the small gaps between metal threads, creating a watertight seal. It also helps make future disassembly easier.
Before applying the tape, clean the threads of the shower arm with a clean rag. There may be gunky residue or corrosion from the old shower head that you removed, so it’s important to make sure that the threads are clean and dry before moving on.
Then, apply the tape to the threads of the shower arm in a clockwise direction. It’s important to wrap the tape correctly because doing so will prevent it from bunching up when you screw on the new shower head, which could lead to leaks.
When you’re done, use your thumb and forefinger to smooth the tape into the threads of the pipe. This will help ensure that it is seated properly and will create a strong, durable seal.
Once the tape is applied, you can reinstall the new shower head. Screw the mount that holds the hand-held portion into place and then screw on the head. Tighten by hand until the head is snug, then tighten an extra quarter turn with a wrench (if required).
Once you’re finished installing your new shower head, you can turn on the water to test for any leaks. If you notice any leaking from the connection, it’s time to apply more tape or tighten the shower head further.
Tighten the Connections
Shower head connections can become loose over time. Fortunately, there’s a simple DIY solution that doesn’t require shutting off the water to your house or soldering pipes in cramped corners: a quick application of Teflon tape can help create a better seal and improve stability.
To do this, first turn off the shower head by pulling up on the handle. Then, locate the small round nut that connects the shower head to the stem that protrudes from the wall. Using pliers, grasp this nut and gently twist counterclockwise to remove the old shower head.
When the nut is free, wipe it clean with a damp cloth and then dry it thoroughly. This step is important because the new shower head will be screwed onto these threads. Ideally, the threads should be smooth and free of dirt or mineral deposits.
Applying fresh Teflon tape to the threaded connection can make a world of difference in improving the performance of your new shower head. Depending on your new shower head’s manufacturer instructions, you may need to wrap Teflon tape 2 to 3 times around the connection before screwing it on.
When you’re ready to reattach the shower head, turn the nut clockwise until it’s snug. If necessary, you can use a wrench to give it an additional quarter turn. Just remember to be careful not to over-tighten, as this can damage the shower arm or the nut. Finally, attach the shower head’s diverter if it has one. This will direct the water from the shower head to the hand-held shower head if your model has this feature. If not, you can skip this step.
Adjust the Angle
If you find your shower head is positioned too low to be comfortably reached while standing, there are several practical solutions that don’t involve hiring a plumber and extensive remodeling. One option is to add an adjustable arm. These are easy to screw in and provide the flexibility to position the shower head at the perfect height. Another option is to use a swivel ball adapter. These attach to the end of your shower arm and give you the ability to adjust the angle of your shower head by hand, or with a wrench for an extra quarter turn if needed.
A curved S-shaped shower pipe is another option for more permanent adjustment of your shower head angle, but this requires plumbing installation. Consult a professional for more information.