The bathroom can pose a lot of problems. While some of them are more serious, there are also others which do not cause that much trouble. Among these can be a broken or leaky showerhead. Repairing a leaky showerhead, however, can cause quite a lot of hassle, so sometimes replacing it can be a better idea. It can save both money and time.
Our local plumbers can give you the best solution on how to replace a showerhead. The replacement of the showerhead could be a DIY job or you can call one of our plumbers in London if you have a modern or older showerhead installed.
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When does the showerhead need a replacement?
You don’t necessarily need to replace the showerhead if it is only clogged or limescale has formed on it, as in this case it only needs cleaning. However, there are a few signs that indicate it is time for a showerhead replacement.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Main types of showerheads | Fixed (can’t be moved) and handheld. |
When is it necessary to replace a showerhead | It is recommended to replace the shower head when it leaks and it can’t be fixed. It is necessary to change it when it is broken and doesn’t properly work anymore. |
Is it easy to change the showerhead? | In general, yes. However, those who have a fixed showerhead will need to address a plumber, as the procedure is more complicated. |
| How can our plumber help | Our plumber knows how to replace a showerhead, regardless of its type. He will arrive at your premises with the necessary tools and the new showerhead, and will install the new one. |
| Duration of the procedure | Given that this is a simple plumbing task, it will take less than 1 hour. |
| When is it recommended to opt for a fixed showerhead | A fixed showerhead is usually installed in accommodation units, as a measure to reduce water consumption. |
| Why opt for a handheld showerhead? | The handheld showerhead is a more versatile item, which provides more liberty when taking a shower. It is ideal for private homes, as it can fit the needs of all types of people, from children to seniors, as well as of those with limited mobility. |
| Can our plumber replace a fixed showerhead with a handheld one and viceversa? | Yes, it is possible to install a different type of showerhead, but more complex plumbing procedures can be required, depending on the current shower system the client has in his/her home. |
| Installing a rainfall showerhead | A rainfall showerhead is a fixed item which is installed on the ceiling of the bathroom. Considering this, the plumbing required is the most complicated, as the water pipes have to be adjusted to reach that remote location. |
| Installing dual showerheads | Our plumber can also assist in installing dual showerheads, which contain a fixed showerhead and a handheld one. |
| Plumber’s fee | Because the procedure on how to change a showerhead is a rather simple plumbing task, our plumber charges very low fees. Depeding on the type of showerhead, the fee is around GBP 40-100. |
| Lowest price for a showerhead | Around GBP 10 |
| Highest price | GPB 1500 |
| How to select a showerhead | The decision should be influenced on the client’s lifestyle, on the number of persons living on the property (and their needs and age), but in general, we recommend to purchase a product of good quality, regardless of the type of showerhead selected. |
| When to contact our plumber | Clients can address our team at any moment of the day. Given that the procedure on how to change a showerhead is not en emergency, you can address us during our regular working schedule, but if you need to fix this issue outside our regular program, you can also contact our emergency plumber, available 24 hours a day. |
Our emergency plumber in London advises you to check for rust and for leakages: when these appear, you will need to change the showerhead. In this case, you need to buy a showerhead that fits the shower arm.
Steps taken by plumbers near me when replacing a broken showerhead in London
Before starting disassembling the shower or just the showerhead, it is advisable to check where or why it has broken. Once the cause is determined,our plumber in London advises that the next steps should be taken in order to replace the showerhead:
- have enough room to work and the necessary tools at hand;
- turn off the water in the bathroomin order to avoid other accidents;
- remove the showerhead by turning it counterclockwise;
- clean the inside of the shower hose or arm in order to make sure the new head fits in tightly;
- one can also use Teflon tape around the shower arm’s threads by taping it clockwise;
- attach the new showerhead, turn the water back on and check for any leaks.
Among the tools that can be used when replacing a showerhead, our plumbing professionals recommend the adjustable wrench and Teflon tape, as these are very useful in this case.
Types of showerheads
If you plan to replace a showerhead, you can change it with a similar model or you can opt for a different style or for one with other new functionalities. However, this modification must be made in accordance with the shower arm you currently have.
Otherwise, if you want to select a specific type of showerhead that is not compatible with your shower system, the entire shower may need to be replaced. Showerheads are divided into 2 main categories, namely:
- fixed showerheads (they can’t be moved from their location);
- handheld showerheads (the most preferred option, as the user has more flexibility when taking a bath).
Typically, the fixed version can be found in hotels and other accommodation units, as a measure for reducing the water consumption, while the handheld version is the first option homeowners buy. It is also possible to install both types of showerheads within a single shower system.
However, for the latter situation it is necessary to address a specialized person. Our plumbercan easily conclude this task.
What is the cost of a new showerhead?
Among the plumbing devices that one may need in a bathroom, a showerhead is one of the cheapest objects, therefore when replacing it, the costs will be minimal. However, even for this small object, prices can increase based on the functions it incorporates, the brand, the size, the style, the material it is made of, etc.
In the list below, our plumbers present some of the costs clients may need to pay when buying a new showerhead:
- rainfall showerheads – they can cost around GBP 150 and up to GBP 400, depending on the brand and quality (they typically have a spray surface area of around 10 inches);
- concealed showerheads – they have a similar utility as the rainfall showerhead, only that they are mounted directly in the ceiling (a concealed showerhead can cost minimum GBP 150 and maximum GBP 700);
- aerating showerheads – they have more functions which include air pressure for a diverse shower experience (they have the lowest costs, of GBP 30);
- dual showerheads – they incorporate fixed and handheld showerheads and the cheapest options can be purchased at a price below GBP 100 while the most expensive ones can be sold at a price of GBP 1,000.
Changing a showerhead is one of the simplest plumbing tasks, therefore the fees charged by our plumbers are also low. This service can cost around GBP 40-100. If you live in Ilford, you are invited to address our plumbers in Ilford, who will arrive at your premises and complete this plumbing issue.
The replacement of a showerhead can be quite easy, however, modern showers could require the hand of a professional, so do not hesitate to contact our plumbers in London in case you need help. We also offer other plumbing services for your home in London. We can help you repipe a house, which is a complex plumbing procedure that needs the assistance of a specialized team.