- 1). Turn off the main water valve that supplies the water coming into your home. Find this in your basement or on the exterior wall of your home, if you don't have a basement.
- 2). Drain water out of the shower pipes by opening the taps. Close the taps when draining is complete.
- 3). Place a rag over the drain to prevent anything from falling down through it.
- 4). Cover the teeth on the wrench with electrical tape or duct tape to protect the finish of the new shower fixture and the pipe.
- 5). Remove the existing showerhead by twisting it counterclockwise until it is detached from the pipe. If the showerhead is sticking due to corrosion, loosen the nut with the wrench while holding the showerhead. Take care when doing this so you don't damage the pipe.
- 6). Brush the threads on the pipe with steel wool to clean them.
- 7). Place two or three loops of plumber's tape onto the threads in a clockwise direction and press the tape onto the threads.
- 8). Install the new fixture. In most cases, the new showerhead screws directly onto the threads and tightens into position with the nut, but follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the fixture purchased.
- 9). Turn the main water valve back on and check the shower fixture for leaks.
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