Upgrading your bathrooms with new showerheads is one way to instantly change the appearance and performance of your showers. There is plenty of variety to choose from. Luxury showerheads can be ornate and decorative as well as being practical. Most heads are simple spray devices but many are active body massagers. Some save water; still others create high pressure spray. Handheld and adjustable shower heads are also available.

Handheld Showerhead

The most expensive models include advanced electronics that control the balance and flow of large amounts of water. Such high-tech showerheads require professional installation. However, upgrades with a standard showerhead can usually be done simply by following the assembly instructions provided by the manufacturer. Here are a couple of additional installation tips.

Prevent Leaks

Use pipe thread compound (available from your home improvement store) when you attach your showerhead upgrade to the existing pipe. This will help ensure a proper fit. Unscrewing the old head sometimes breaks the seal from the gooseneck pipe to the internal plumping. Use the pipe thread compound and sealant on both ends of the gooseneck extension connection.

Prevent Damage
 
The finish on a new connection pipe can easily be damaged if you use pliers or a pipe wrench on the outside to force it to turn. To get a tight fit without damaging the gooseneck, it’s best to turn it by hand. However, this is not always possible. If the pipe has a flat surface, you may be able to use a flat adjustable wrench.

Otherwise, try an alternative solution. These pipes generally have a small bend in them (that’s why they’re called goosenecks). Stick the end of a long, thick screw driver into the pipe’s opening. Use it as a lever to turn the pipe from the inside. Any scrapes will be on the inside of the pipe and will not affect its performance.

Related posts:

1. Shut Off Valves and Supply Tubes
2. Replacing a Worn Valve Seat
3. Diagnosing Leaks In Bathrooms: Part 2
4. Bathroom Mirror Installation
5. Connecting CPVC

Tags: Bathrooms

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 6:28 am and is filed under Bathrooms. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.