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We Know: All About Remodeling Your Shower Fixture
Why would you remodel the shower fixture yourself?
Most people consider replacing a shower fixture when it wears out or they want
to upgrade it. Installing a shower fixture yourself is easy because the manufacturers
design their products with the do-it-yourselfer in mind.
What are the steps to replacing a shower fixture?
Replacing a shower fixture can be easy when you follow these steps:
- Shut the hot and cold
water off. If there is not a shut off valve close to the shower, you may have
to shut off all the water into the house.
- Carefully remove the
old showerhead. Rust deposits inside the fittings may require that you use
a wrench.
- If your shower fixture
kit comes with a decorative flange, install it now unless the manufacturer's
instructions say otherwise.
- Wrap the threaded pipe
with Teflon tape in a clockwise direction. This prevents the tape from unraveling
when you screw on the showerhead. You can also use pipe compound in place
of Teflon tape.
- Follow the manufacturer's
directions for installing the new showerhead. Do not over tighten it. If you
need to use a wrench, prevent it from gouging your new showerhead by covering
the showerhead with a rag.
- Turn the water back on.
To bleed dirt and air from the lines, flush the toilet. This can prevent debris
from clogging your plumbing.
What kinds of showerheads are available?
There are several types on the market today:
- Standard showerhead.
Most models offer adjustable sprays and are self-cleaning. Standard showerheads
come in a range of prices, with the chrome plated models being more expensive
than the plastic models. Single control units control water flow and temperature
with one knob. This gives you the option of turning water on or off without
ever having to adjust the temperature.
- Massaging showerhead.
Water pressure is used
to create pulsating effects that are usually adjustable, depending on the
model. The unit can be mounted permanently, hand held, or used as a traditional
showerhead.
- Continental showerhead.
This is a combination wall and hand showerhead with a 6' flexible hose and
hang up bracket. Typically a switch will allow you to change it from a hand
to a wall showerhead. Some models also offer a handheld switch to control
water flow.
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