How to Install a Rain Shower Head

Rain shower heads are a popular update for bathroom showers. Luckily, you don't need a plumber to make the swap: just an adjustable wrench, some plumber's tape, and your new rain shower head and arm.

Step 1: Figure out how much space you have to accommodate an elevated rain shower head. Measure the vertical distance between the shower arm and the top of the ceiling along the shower stall. This will give you the largest possible acceptable vertical change for your shower arm.

TIP: Subtracting 3 inches from this measurement will ensure that your rain shower head doesn't get to close to the top of the ceiling.

Step 2: Remove the old shower arm and shower head by twisting counterclockwise. Although you can often remove them without the use of tools, an adjustable pipe wrench can help you twist the shower arm off. Use a towel around the shower arm to protect against scratches from the pipe wrench.

Step 3: Clean the end of the exposed water pipe with a brush, removing any lingering plumber's tape and any possible mineral build up.

Step 4: Wrap the end of the water pipe threads with new plumber's tape to help create a water tight seal.

Step 5: Twist on the new rain shower arm to the end of the prepared water pipe, twisting clockwise until you cannot twist the arm any more. Then give the arm a half turn using the adjustable plumber's wrench, making sure to use a towel between the wrench and the shower arm to guard against scratches.

Step 6: Twist on the new rain shower head to the shower arm. Make sure it is firmly connected to the shower arm, but do not tighten it with the adjustable wrench unless you see a leak. This will allow you to take it on and off easily for cleaning.

Step 7: Turn on the water and check the rain shower head for leaks. If any leaks are spotted, you can try tightening by quarter turns at the area of the leak until it stops.