Install a New Showerhead (Teflon + Flow)

Upgrade your shower in minutes—better pressure, cleaner spray, and no leaks.
Difficulty: Very Easy
Success Rate: 90%
Cost: $15 - $60
Estimated Timeline: 10–20m
Turn Off Water: No
Find a Local Plumber
Tools Needed:

  • Adjustable or strap wrench

  • Soft cloth or masking tape (to protect finish)

  • Small brush/toothbrush

  • Utility knife or scissors (to trim tape)

  • Flashlight

Materials / Parts:

  • New showerhead (choose preferred GPM/flow pattern)

  • PTFE thread-seal tape

  • Optional: thread sealant (PTFE-safe)

  • Optional: new shower arm and escutcheon (if old parts are corroded)

Safety Warnings:

  • Protect finishes with a cloth under tools.

  • Do not overtighten—thin brass/chrome parts can crack.

  • If the arm in the wall wobbles, stop and call a pro.

Test & Verify:

  • No drips at the connection during use or after shutoff.

  • Smooth, even spray with chosen pattern.

  • Head swivels smoothly without loosening.

Cleanup & Disposal:

  • Wipe fingerprints and residue from the trim.

  • Recycle the old metal head if accepted; discard old tape/sealant.

Pre-Checks:

  • Confirm leak/drip is from the head, not the arm-to-wall joint.

  • Note existing flow rate; some regions require low-flow (e.g., 1.8 GPM).

  • Ensure the shower arm threads are intact and clean.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

  1. Wrap the old showerhead flats with a cloth; turn counterclockwise to remove.

  2. Clean the shower arm threads with a brush; remove old tape or sealant.

  3. Wrap PTFE tape clockwise on the arm threads (3–5 tight wraps). Press it smooth.

  4. Optional: add a light coat of thread sealant over the tape.

  5. Hand-thread the new showerhead clockwise onto the arm—make sure it starts straight.

  6. Snug gently with a wrench over a protective cloth. Do not force.

  7. Turn on water and check for drips at the connection.

  8. If it weeps, back off slightly, add one more tape wrap, and re-snug lightly.

  9. Adjust spray pattern and ball joint angle.

  10. If flow feels weak, confirm the head’s restrictor spec and that your shutoff is fully open.

When to Stop & Call a Pro:

  • Shower arm or fitting in the wall turns or feels loose.

  • Threads are damaged and won’t seal.

  • Persistent leaks after proper tape/sealant and snugging.

Common Mistakes:

  • Wrapping PTFE tape counterclockwise (it unravels when tightening).

  • Cross-threading the showerhead.

  • Overtightening and cracking thin fittings.

  • Forgetting to remove old tape/sealant before reassembly.

Troubleshooting:

Q: Still drips at the swivel ball.
A: Replace the internal washer/O-ring per the head’s instructions or exchange the unit.

Q: Spray is weak.
A: Verify restrictor rating; soak the head in warm vinegar to clear factory debris; ensure valve is fully open.

Q: Head won’t start straight.
A: Remove, clean threads again, rewrap tape neatly, and hand-thread carefully before snugging.