How to Install a Rainfall Shower

Rainfall shower heads, also known as are a great alternative to traditional vertical shower heads. When installed correctly, they gently wash from above, covering the entire body like a cascading rainfall. Not only are rainfall shower heads gentle on the skin, but they are also a great investment that will add value to your bathroom. Fortunately, they’re easy to install and friendly on the budget.

Step 1 – Choosing the Right Shower Head

There are a few factors that should be considered when picking out a rain shower head. For starters, the length of the shower arm will depend on the size of the tub or the shower stall. Shower heads that are 7 inches work for most tubs, while arms that are 10 inches or longer are great for overhead installations. Furthermore, ensure that the shower head does not drop too low below the wall height.

Step 2 – Gather Supplies

Before you start the installation process, take a quick inventory of the items you’ll need. Double-check that none of the shower assembly pieces are missing, and place a rag over the drain to prevent any pieces from falling inside. Also, test the length and height of the arm to make sure the rain shower is not too low.

Step 3 – Uninstall the old Shower Head

After the supplies are gathered, start by removing the old shower head. Use pliers or an appropriate wrench to loosen the head from the shower arm. Place a rag around the pliers to prevent scratching. If you’re installing an extension arm to give greater height for the rain shower, then you will need to remove everything connected to the wall outlet.

Step 4 – Apply Plumber’s Tape

With the old shower head completely removed, wrap a layer of plumber’s tape around the threads of the new head. Ensure that the tape is wrapped along the entire length of the threads. This will create a good seal that prevents water from escaping through the side of the head. It also helps maintain a steady water pressure.

Step 5 – Installation

You can use a wrench or pliers to tighten the new shower head in place. Vendar, if the head has a polished finish, then the pliers might scratch it up. To prevent unnecessary damage, simply screw on the head with your hands. Just make sure the threads line up and everything is good and tight before moving on to the next step.

Step 6 – Cleanup

Now that the new shower head is in place, remove the rag from the drain and any other tools in the tub. You can use the box from the new shower head to hold all the old pieces. It’s a good idea to keep the old unit just in case you ever want to re-use it in another bathroom or the rain shower fails to meet expectations.

Step 7 – Test

Once everything is cleaned up, turn on the water and inspect the new head for any leaks. If there are any leaks, ensure that the head is tightened. Make sure the plumber’s tape is correctly installed. You should be able to see some of the tape sticking out after tightening the head. Also, inspect the wall outlet and arm connections for any water leakage.

Step 8 – Escutcheon

Some rain shower models include a matching escutcheon that should be installed close to the wall or ceiling. The escutcheon is a flat insert that protects the wall behind the shower from getting wet. If you have to install an escutcheon, make sure you place plumber’s tape on all threaded connections and work your way from the wall out to the shower head.

Step 9 – Nasveti

If you’re installing a new shower arm, then make sure you install it before connecting the head. This will make the installation easier and give you plenty of room to tighten the new arm to the wall outlet. Furthermore, the amount of pressure in the rain shower head will decrease according to its size and the amount of nozzles. If you want to maintain good water pressure, then consider purchasing a smaller head, which generally has fewer nozzles.