Replace a Broken Shower Head in 5 Minutes

No plumber needed — this is a 5-minute job with one tool. Shower heads screw on by hand and unscrew the same way. The threads are standardized (½-inch NPE), so any replacement will fit.

Step-by-Step

1. Turn off water (optional but cleaner) — valve behind the wall or main shutoff
2. Unscrew old head counterclockwise — grip the shower arm (pipe) with one hand, twist head with the other. If stuck, use an adjustable wrench on the nut (wrap pipe with rag to avoid scratches)
3. Clean threads on shower arm — wipe away old plumber's tape and gunk with a rag
4. Wrap new Teflon tape clockwise — 3-4 wraps around threads. This prevents leaks
5. Hand-tighten new head clockwise — snug by hand, then ¼ turn with wrench if needed. Don't overtighten or you'll crack the fitting
6. Turn water on and test — if it drips at connection, tighten ½ turn more

What if the shower arm (pipe) is corroded? You may need to replace it too — it unscrews from the wall fitting the same way. Add pipe thread sealant to those threads.

Pro tip: Spend $30-50 on a mid-tier head (Moen, Delta, Kohler) instead of $10 bargain models — the difference is spray quality and longevity. High-pressure heads (2.5 GPM) feel stronger than low-flow (1.8 GPM) but use more water.