How to replace a shower head

Difficulty Easy Time 1-2 hours Materials $17–$55 Steps 7
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Easy1-2 hours
Always turn off the water supply before starting.
Do it yourself
$17–$55
parts & materials, about 1-2 hours of your time
Hire a pro
$100–$200
typical all-in price
Doing it yourself could save roughly $45
Rough estimates for guidance only — actual costs vary by job, materials and local prices. Get real quotes.

Tools you'll need

adjustable wrenchplumber's tapebucket

Parts & materials

new shower head
Typically need: 1
$15-$50
per each
plumber's tape
Typically need: 1
$2-$5
per each

Estimated materials total: $17–$55. Prices vary by region and retailer.

Step by step

  1. 1 Turn off the water supply Locate the water shut-off valve for the shower and turn it off to prevent leaks during the replacement. 10 min
  2. 2 Remove the old shower head Use the adjustable wrench to unscrew the old shower head from the shower arm. 15 min adjustable wrench
  3. 3 Clean the threads Wipe the threads of the shower arm with a cloth to remove any debris or old plumber's tape. 5 min
  4. 4 Apply plumber's tape Wrap plumber's tape around the threads of the shower arm to ensure a watertight seal. 5 min plumber's tape
  5. 5 Install the new shower head Screw the new shower head onto the shower arm by hand, then tighten it gently with the adjustable wrench. 10 min adjustable wrench
  6. 6 Turn the water supply back on Slowly turn the water supply back on and check for leaks around the new shower head. 10 min
  7. 7 Test the new shower head Turn on the shower to ensure the new shower head is functioning properly and there are no leaks. 10 min

Permits, safety & disposal

Safety rules
  • Always turn off the water supply before starting.
  • Use plumber's tape to prevent leaks.
Check locally

Check local plumbing codes and regulations in Naperville, IL.

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This guide is AI-generated for general help and may not fit your exact situation. Know your limits — when in doubt, hire a licensed pro.

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