While all showers more or less serve the same purpose, not all shower heads are created equal. A handheld shower head empowers you to save water while enhancing your cleaning capabilities and offering unparalleled flexibility.
Whether you’re trying to support easier, safer bathing for an elderly person or you want to make it more convenient to give your dog a bath in the shower, or simply want the luxury experience only a handheld head can provide, you’re wondering: can you add a handheld shower head to an existing shower?
You’ve come to the right place. Yes, it’s possible, and frankly a whole lot easier than you might assume. We’ll walk you through how to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower in this guide, from choosing the right head to navigating the actual installation process.
First thing first – discover the premier selection of handheld shower heads at High Sierra. We’ve designed ours to be as quick and easy to install as possible. They deliver a full cone spray of heavy droplets with exceptional flexibility and versatility. Find your favorite in our catalog today!
The Benefits of Handheld Shower Heads
Before we get into our step-by-step guide on adding a handheld shower head to an existing shower, here’s why you should bother taking on this project in the first place:
- Unparalleled Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom to direct water exactly where you need it, whether you’re washing your hair, rinsing hard-to-reach spots, or cleaning the tub itself.
- Perfect for Kids and Pets: They make bath time easier and more enjoyable, especially for young children or pets who can be hard to bathe with a fixed showerhead.
- Accessible for All Abilities: Those with mobility challenges or seniors rely on handheld showerheads as they allow users to sit or stand while still enjoying a full shower experience.
- Customizable Experience: Adjustable settings mean you can switch between a gentle mist, a strong massage spray, or anything in between, bringing a spa-like experience to your home.
Sounds great, right? But is it even possible for your existing shower setup? More specifically, is this something you can handle on your own, or should you reach out to a plumber?
Can You Add a Handheld Shower Head to an Existing Shower?
The good news is that yes, not only is adding a handheld showerhead to an existing shower possible, but it’s also very straightforward.
Really, you’ll just need to choose the right replacement and find a diverter. Let’s determine whether you should take the DIY route or not, first.
Do I Need a Plumber?
If you’re comfortable using basic tools like an adjustable wrench and plumber’s tape, you can handle this installation yourself. Most individuals can get the job done in an hour or less without a plumber’s assistance.
But if you’re dealing with older plumbing or lower water pressure issues, it could be worth hiring an expert. Just be aware that going rates for plumbers aren’t cheap, and you should look at them as a last resort.
Tools, Materials, and Expertise You’ll Need
Beyond the replacement showerhead itself and a diverter, what else do you need to install a handheld shower head to an existing shower? Thankfully, not a whole lot! Here are the essentials:
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- (Optional) Drill, if you’re adding a new mounting bracket or slide bar
No advanced expertise is required for most installations. With this guide on how to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and easily. So, let’s not waste any more time!
How to Add a Handheld Shower Head to an Existing Shower: Step-by-Step Guide
By the time you read through this quick guide on how to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower you’ll feel confident in your next steps.
Whether you’re trying to completely replace an old shower head or you want to offer a handheld head in addition to your existing shower head, we’ll walk you through the process below.
Given the importance of the specific shower head you choose, we need to start with a few tips on what to look for in a replacement.
Step 1: Choose the Right Handheld Shower Head
We started today’s guide by saying not all shower heads are created equal. That’s true even under the umbrella of handheld shower heads themselves.
There’s a lot that goes into picking the perfect shower head – water pressure, spray settings, and hose length should all be taken into account when shopping. You should also consider build quality so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of replacing the head again anytime soon.
With so many different options at your disposal, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Look no further than our selection here at High Sierra, where you’ll discover the best selection online.
They’re made here in the USA from metal components so you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve. With a 60-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty, you don’t have to take our word for it when we tell you that you’re going to love your new shower head.
You never have to stress about clogs from minerals and hard water either with our one-of-a-kind, patent-protected design. We also incorporate a patented green technology design that saves water, and in turn, money.
Plus, the wide, full cone spray rinses hair fast and never stings – it’s the most invigorating shower experience you’ll ever have. And it’s just a few clicks away today.
Whether you need a RV shower head or a big shower head for your master bathroom, a high GPM shower head, shower heads for low water pressure, or anything in between, the perfect pick is here waiting for you. Shop today or get in touch for a personalized recommendation.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply (If Necessary)
You might not need to shut the water supply off all the way unless you notice any leaks or issues with your plumbing. But even still, you’d rather be safe than sorry.
Locate the main valve or your shower-specific shut-off valve to prevent any surprise sprays while you’re working. Then, it’s time to get to work.
Step 3: Remove the Existing Showerhead
Grip the base of your current showerhead where it meets the arm with an adjustable wrench and turn counterclockwise. Hold the arm in place with your other hand to avoid damaging it.
It’s not uncommon to feel resistance – this could be the result of mineral buildup. Don’t risk breaking the arm off altogether. Instead, apply a spritz of penetrating oil to loosen it up, and then try again.
If you’re looking to add a handheld shower head in addition to your current shower head, you’ll still need to remove the old head to attach the diverter valve. This will let you switch between the two heads or use both at the same time. More on that later.
Step 4: Clean the Shower Arm Threads
With the old shower head out of the way, you can check the shower arm for any remnants of the old plumber’s tape and remove those.
This is something so many people overlook as they’re eager to get the new head attached but trust us – it will save you all sorts of headaches down the road. Failure to clean the shower arm threads can lead to annoying leaks.
Use a rag to wipe off any debris, old plumber’s tape, or mineral deposits on the threads of the shower arm. This will give you a nice fresh base for the new head to form a tight seal.
You can wrap the threads with fresh plumber tape if you’d like, but another really cool feature of our shower heads here at High Sierra is that you don’t actually need to!
Step 5: Attach the Diverter or Mounting Bracket
If you’re adding the handheld shower head as a secondary option alongside your fixed showerhead, now is the time to attach the diverter valve.
We have these in our catalog as well to help you gather all the essentials in one hassle-free purchase. Screw the diverter onto the shower arm by hand, then use a wrench to give it a snug turn. Don’t overly tighten it.
Mounting the handheld head on the wall makes it easier for everyone who uses the shower, which is why we suggest doing this as well. Follow the included instructions with your specific bracket, which may involve drilling a few small holes in your tile.
Step 6: Install the Handheld Shower Head
You’re just about there – attach the flexible hose to the shower arm or diverter and then connect one end of the hose to the shower head. The other end should be attached to the shower arm or diverter valve.
Hand-tighten both ends before you give them a slight turn with your wrench. It’s important to avoid overtightening as this could contribute to cracked fittings.
Step 7: Test for Leaks and Adjust the Spray Settings
The work is just about done at this point. Turn back on the water supply and make sure there aren’t any leaks in the connections. If you do see drips, turn off the water again and tighten the connections further.
After you’ve confirmed everything is installed to perfection you can experiment with the different spray settings on your shower head. All that’s left to do now is place the showerhead in its holder or attach it to the slide bar. Enjoy the luxury experience only a handheld head can offer!
Final Thoughts on Adding a Handheld Shower Head to an Existing Shower
There you have it, everything you need to know about how to add a handheld shower head to an existing shower. This is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to upgrade your shower – especially when you shop at High Sierra.
You’re investing in exceptional flexibility, ease of use, and improved functionality. The process takes just a few minutes and minimal expertise/tools, so you can rest assured you’re equipped to handle this DIY project yourself.
Whether you’re cleaning the shower/tub itself, bathing pets or an elderly loved one, or enjoying a spa-like spray yourself, the benefits are just a few clicks away. Shop High Sierra today and see for yourself what a difference the right shower head can make!