How to Remove a Shower Head

Did you notice you’re not getting enough water coming through your shower head lately? It could mean you need to install a new one.

A shower head is a nozzle that attaches to the shower arm. It sends water into the shower or tub through perforated holes along its base.

Calcium, mineral deposits or rust will build up, block the holes in the shower head and retard water flow. Then the first question what comes to your mind is how to remove a shower head.It’s not the easiest task, so we will walk you through the process to keep it simple.

The Process:

Try to slacken the shower head using any of the above tools as needed.

Next, apply some heat to help dissolve the mineral deposits and rust.

Apply some lime scale remover to help clear the buildup.

Add some form of lubricant to work deep into the nuts and bolts to help loosen the shower head.

Step 1: Find the problem

Before you remove your shower head, find out why it’s stuck in the first place.If the shower head doesn’t come loose with your hands, do the following:

• Check around the shower head for signs of discoloration. If there are copper or orange- like marks, there’s rust present.
• If you see a white ring around the shower head, there’s mineral build-up.

When none of the above is present, chances are, the connections may be too firmly attached.

Step 2: Shut off the water source

If you’re finding it hard to remove your shower head, you’ll need to switch off the water supply.

To locate the valves: search under the bathroom vanity or space directly beneath your tub.

Step 3: Prep your work area

Have a cloth or towel handy to help keep small plumbing parts safe and retrievable. Cover the floor or tub to prevent defacing your shower with chemicals or tools.

Step 4: Take out the shower head

You have a range of tools to help you get the job done.

• Start with pliers or wrenches. If it’s still stuck, try each tool until you get the right fit.
• Cover the plumbing parts with a cloth or towel to help minimize scratches or damage.
• Take a firm hold on the connector or bolt with a wrench or pliers.
• Turn the tools to the right to help break up the limesacle or rust.
• Next, turn the tools in the opposite direction to help loosen the shower head.

Step 5: Treat the problem

• Once the shower head comes off, it’s time to treat the problem.
• Treat the buildup or rust with a cleaner to help loosen the connections.
• Apply the cleaner according to the instructions given.
• Give the product some time to penetrate the shower head.
• Use a wire brush to scour off the buildup.
• Wipe away excess material with a cloth or sponge.

Step 6: Lubricate the shower head

Mineral buildup can make it difficult to remove your shower head. You may need a strong penetrating lubricant to help.

Products like Liquid Wrench or WD-40 may help take some of the muscle out of your work.

• Follow the instructions ad apply the product to the connections.
• Give it some time wot work through the buildup.
• Apply another layer of lubricant and let it sit for a few more hours.
• To loosen, cover the parts with a cloth to get a firm grip.
• Use a wrench and start to loosen th shower head.

Step 7: Clean the shower head

Now the shower head is off; it’s time to clear away the buildup.

• Place the shower head in a small basin and cover it with some white distilled vinegar.
• Make sure the vinegar covers the shower head.
• Let theproduct penetrate. You can leave it overnight if needed.
• Hold the shoer head under the tp and wash away the buildup.

Step 8: Troubleshoot

If traces of buildup or rust remain after the vinegar solution, here’s what to do:

1. Use a limescale or rust remover product to the shower head.
2. Follow any instructions to avoid damage.
3. Let the product penetrate for some time before scrubbing.
4. Work the rust and buildup out with a wire brush.

Step 9: Clean the threads

When you take off the shower head, you’ll notice pieces of plumber’s tape, limescale or rust around the threads.

Always clean your shower arm before re-connecting the shower head.

• Strip off the tape from around the arms of the thread. A utility knife or wire brush can help.
• Use some limescale remover to loosen any rust or buildup.
• Give the cleaner time to penetrate before scrubbing.
• Work the area with a wire brush to help loosen and remove calcium, rust or mineral deposits.
• Wipe the arm clean with a cloth or towel.

Step 10: Reattach the Shower Head

Apply some fresh plumber’s tape around the threads in the shower arm to reduce leaks. You can use teflon tape as well to seal the threads.Turning to the right, wind the tape around the threads on the shower arm.

Make about three layers and press them firmly into place.

Step 11: Connect the Shower Head to the Arm

After the shower arm is clean, attach it to the head.

For a basic shower head:

• Position the shower head onto the threads on the shower arm.
• Turn the parts to the right until they are tight.
• Attach the end of the hose mounts to the end of the opposite shower head.
• Fasten the parts by hand.
• Put the shower head on the mount.

Step 12: Test it out 

When the shower head is in place, check for any possible leaks.

• Turn on the water and let it run.
• Check to see if there is leaking from any of the connections.
• If there are leaks, re-fasten the connections until leaking stops.
• Apply additional tape if necessary.

If you want to know more then you can watch below video

Conclusion:

Bath time is a welcome relief. You want a steady flow of water every time you step into the shower.Hard water buildup can block your shower head and reduce water flow.

Follow all guidelines.Work step by step to remove the buildup.

Clean the shower head and put it back into place.In no time, you can have a clean, bright shower head in place.