Apply the Thread-Sealing Tape

Wrap thethread-sealing tapearound the threads.

Each layer should cover half of the previous layer as you wrap up the threads.

Your shower head may not require a wrench to fasten it to the pipe in the wall securely.

Shower head being installed on shower arm with thread-sealing tape

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

A top-mount shower head or smart shower head could require electrical wiring.

You do not need to shut off the water to the house to change a shower head.

Yes, just about all shower heads have the same 1/2-inch NPT (national pipe tapered) size.

Materials and tools to replace a shower head

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Best Management Practice #7: Faucets and Showerheads.

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Water turned off with shower faucet handle

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Old shower head unscrewed with wrench and towel wrapped around shower arm

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Old toothbrush scrubbing gunk off shower arm threads

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Thread-sealing tape wrapped around threads on shower arm

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

New shower head threaded on shower arm with new thread-sealing tape

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Shower head checked for leaks

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Thread-sealing checked on shower arm for adjustment

The Spruce / Kevin Norris