Video:DIY -- Replace a Shower Head

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Transcript:DIY -- Replace a Shower Head

Hi! I'm Ami Young with About.com Home. Today I'm going to show you how to replace a shower head.

Materials Needed

For this project, you're going to need:

• Clean rag
• Roll of Teflon Tape
• Pair of adjustable pliers
• New shower head

Remove Old Shower Head

First, we're going to remove the old shower head using adjustable pliers. Now, in order to prevent the pliers from marring the chrome you may want to wrap the jaws of the pliers with tape like I've done with this pair.

Clean Shower Stem

Now that I have taken the old shower head off, I'm going to use a rag to remove any old plumbers' putty or Teflon tape that may be left on the threads of the shower stem. If for some reason a rag doesn't do the trick for you, you may want to try rubbing a little paint thinner around the threads and then rubbing the shower stem threads again with your rag.

Seal Shower Stem

Next, I'm going to apply some new Teflon tape to the threads of the shower stem to help prevent water leakage. It's important to remember that when you apply Teflon tape to any plumbing fixture, you'll want to make sure you wrap the tape in the direction that the fixture will be tightened. If the tape is wrapped in the opposite direction, it may tear when the fixture is installed on the threads and your new fixture may leak.

Install New Shower Head

So, with my Teflon tape applied and checking to make certain that the appropriate washer is installed in the neck of the shower head – the washer should be provided in the kit with your newly-purchased shower head – I'm just going to go ahead and twist the new shower head clockwise onto the neck of the shower stem.

Proper Tightening

Now, when you're tightening the new shower head down, it's important that you carefully tighten the connection. And although you may want to use your wrench to make sure its good and snug, be careful not to over-tighten it – or you may still wind up with a leaky faucet!

So there we have it! Thank you for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at HomeGarden.About.com.