A fixed showerhead is a showerhead that is attached to the shower arm that sticks out from the wall. A fixed shower head can be changed the same way the heads of other types of showerheads are changed: unscrewing the old showerhead and screwing on the new one. Be careful to lean against the shower arm as you unscrew the showerhead, so you don’t break the shower arm. Permanently installed shower heads can have a lot of different features, such as massage, rain, and the ability to save water.
What You Should Learn About Shower Heads
Your shower system comprises many parts, and your shower head is one of them. The faucets in your shower are another part. On the other hand, the shower head is where the water will come out.
Most shower heads in the United States follow the standard set by the National Pipe Thread, which is a half-inch. This helps ensure that your shower head will fit into a standard-sized shower elbow. Before making a purchase, you should think about the outside diameter of the shower elbow and the shower head you want. This is especially important if you’re considering buying something that wasn’t made in the United States.
When Should You Replace Your Shower Head?
If any of the following describe your shower head, you should get a new one:
• No longer gives off a good, strong flow of water. This could be because of a sediment buildup, so you should clean your shower head before buying a new one.
• It leaks and can’t be fixed. First, check to see if you can fix the leaking shower.
• A lot of sediment has built up over time. This problem is especially common in places where the water is hard.
• Being full of mold that can’t be cleaned. Mold can be cleaned off the shower head by letting it soak in vinegar overnight and flushing it with hot water.
If you are remodeling your bathroom, you can also choose to install a water-saving shower head, which would mean replacing your current shower head. Look for the WaterSense label if you want to buy a low-flow shower head that is good for the environment.
Be aware that most companies that make shower heads offer a limited lifetime guarantee on their products. Check this out before you buy a new shower head.
A Guide to Replacing Your Shower Head
Most of the time, all you have to do to change a fixed shower head is take off the old one, put on the new one, screw it in, and tighten it. The installer faces a unique problem when installing toggle bolts for an adjustable shower head inside a fiberglass or plastic shower.
You will need to screw the bracket for the handheld shower head into the wall before you can install the handheld shower head. Things get a little more complicated when you have two shower heads. Installing a diverter that sends water to the handheld and fixed shower heads is a fairly easy DIY project, but you will usually need to do it if you want to use both.
