A new shower head that actually feels good
Quick answer
Most shower heads unscrew from the arm and replace in minutes with thread tape. Leaks at the arm, low pressure or a corroded arm need more attention.
A new shower head is a small change that makes daily life better.
Choosing
Look for a good spray pattern and a flow rate that meets California standards.
Installation
Unscrew the old head, clean the threads, wrap with thread tape and install the new one.
Leaks at the arm
Leaks behind the wall at the arm need repair.
Handheld heads
Handhelds are great for bathing children and cleaning.
Low pressure at the shower
If a new shower head still feels weak, the cause may be scale in the shower valve, a flow restrictor, or the cartridge. Cleaning or replacing the cartridge often restores pressure.
Hard water
Monterey Park's water carries minerals that clog nozzles. Shower heads with rubber nozzles let you rub scale off with a finger. Soaking a metal head in vinegar dissolves buildup.
Rain shower heads
Large overhead rain heads feel luxurious but may need a longer arm or a ceiling-mounted arm to work well. Water pressure and flow limits affect how they feel.
Matching finishes
If the tub spout and handle are chrome, a chrome head looks best. Matching trim kits are available for many valves.
Arm and flange
A corroded shower arm or a loose flange can be replaced at the same time.
Flow rate rules
California limits new shower heads to 1.8 gallons per minute at standard test pressure. That is less than older heads, which commonly ran 2.5 gallons per minute or more. A well-designed 1.8 gpm head can still feel strong; the difference is in nozzle design and spray pattern.
Look for the WaterSense label, and read reviews from people with similar pressure.
Installing a new head
Our steps:
- Unscrew the old head counterclockwise, using a cloth on the wrench to protect the finish
- Clean the threads on the arm with a brush and remove old tape
- Wrap new thread seal tape clockwise two or three times
- Thread the new head on by hand, then snug it a quarter turn
- Run the water and check for drips at the connection
Most heads seal with a rubber washer inside the nut. Tape helps the threads seal, but overtightening can crack the plastic or damage the arm fitting inside the wall.
When the arm leaks
If water drips down the wall below the arm, or the arm wobbles, the threaded fitting inside the wall may be loose or corroded. Replacing the arm is simple when it unscrews cleanly. If the fitting inside the wall turns with the arm, stop.
Forcing it can break the connection behind the tile. That is a job for us.
Valve issues
Low pressure across the whole shower, rather than just at the head, points to the valve. Old cartridges clog with mineral scale. Temperature swings when someone flushes a toilet suggest the valve lacks pressure-balancing, or the existing pressure-balancing cartridge is worn.
Many single-handle valves accept a new cartridge, which is usually a practical repair.
Handheld showers
Handhelds make it easier to rinse the tub, wash pets, and bathe children. They are also useful for seated bathing. A slide bar lets the head adjust for different heights, and it should be anchored into studs or with anchors rated for wet use. Diverter combo kits let you keep a fixed head and add a handheld.
Mineral buildup
Hard water clogs nozzles over time. Soak the head in white vinegar for an hour or overnight, or tie a bag of vinegar over it if it will not come off. Rubbing rubber nozzles with a finger loosens scale.
For related bathroom fixes, see recaulking showers and tubs.
Choosing a spray
Shower heads vary a lot. Wide, gentle sprays feel soft but lose heat. Narrow, concentrated sprays feel stronger at the same flow.
Multi-function heads let different users pick a setting. If your water pressure is low, a head designed for low pressure with fewer, smaller nozzles performs better than a big rain head. Air-induction heads mix air with water for a fuller feel at lower flow.
Height and arms
Standard arms put the head around 78 to 80 inches off the floor. Taller users may want a higher position, which can be done with an S-shaped riser arm or an adjustable extension arm. These add leverage on the fitting inside the wall, so make sure it is solid before adding one.
Finish and cleaning
Chrome is durable and easy to match. Matte black and brushed nickel look great but can show water spots, especially with hard water. Wiping the head occasionally helps it look better longer.
Handheld hoses and holders
Handheld hoses come in lengths from about 59 to 72 inches or longer. A longer hose helps when cleaning the tub, but one that is too long drags on the floor. A wall holder or slide bar placed where the head will be used keeps the hose off the floor.
Metal hoses look durable but can kink; flexible hoses with a smooth cover are easier to clean.
Filters
Shower filters screw in between the arm and the head. Many reduce chlorine, which some people find helps with dry skin. They do not soften hard water. Cartridges need replacing on schedule or flow drops.
What our visit involves
We install new heads, replace arms if needed and check for leaks. See shower head replacement.
After a few shower head swaps, a sandwich from Bánh Mì Hòa Phát on Garfield fits perfectly.
Want us to handle it?
Call or text (626) 684-3505, Mon–Sat, 8:30 AM–7 PM. Send a photo and we will give you an upfront quote.
Call or text (626) 684-3505