How to install a handheld shower Hi again folks, today we are going to talk about how to install a handheld shower unit. I can't believe how many people I see who think that they can just pick out an add on handheld shower package and go home and install it, without first installing a complete shower control (rough in) and shower head unit  And I'm talking about those folks who are building a brand new shower or renovating an old shower. Many people don't realize that a hand-held shower unit will not work without the installation of a regular shower valve and the proper plumbing first. This is extremely important: The first thing you have to understand about a handheld shower kit is that it is nearly always an "add on", by that I mean, it is a component that you add to your existing shower in order for it to work. In most cases if you do not have an exiting shower and valve, the handheld will not work. You cannot replace an existing shower with a handheld shower kit unless a complete shower valve comes with the kit.

It is important to note that some kits include a shower valve while others do not. You have to know the difference which I will attempt to explain in this short article. This is an example of a typical handheld shower kit, that you would find at your local home improvement store. This unit is meant to replace your existing shower head. This is another example of a typical handheld shower kit that can be purchased online or at your local home improvement outlet.  Some of these kits come with separate diverters. This is yet another handheld shower kit. Notice that the kit does not include a shower control valve, which is required to operate the handheld. This handheld shower unit comes with a slide bar and wall outlet for the hose. You must install an in wall diverter valve with this unit, if you want to have a separate shower head. Here is what a typical hand held shower kit with a slide bar looks like, Fig 1 As you can see this is a simple add-on  kit.

It still requires the use of the original shower  in the shower area. The original shower valve (not shown)  still controls the water pressure and temperature for both the shower head the handheld shower which is being added.Bon Iver T Shirt Uk Figure 2, shows a typical shower unit on which a hand-held shower device has been added. P215/75r15 Tires UsedIt also requires a diverter valve at the shower head, to switch between the handheld and the shower head. Bona Hardwood Floor Finish ReviewsMost installations will only allow the use of one shower head at the time. This is one of many styles of shower diverter valve available.  It allows you to switch between a shower head or a hand held shower, but installed at the shower head. These come in a variety  of designs an shape, but all perform the same function, change the flow of water from the shower head to the hand-held shower unit.

There are basically two types of hand-held shower installation, one uses a slider bar and the second uses only a shower bracket. Both types of installation work well, it's basically a matter of choice.  Some people prefer the bar type which is adjustable while others do not have any preference.  It's really up to you. This is a basic hand-held shower kit without a sliding shower bar.  It includes a shower hose and a wall bracket for easy installation. This is an example of a typical hand-held shower unit with a slider bar for easy height adjustment.  It also uses a suction cup installation that does not require drilling or screws, it can be  installed in minutes. Some hand-held shower bar requires  screws for  attaching it to the wall. Choose the type you prefer when purchasing a hand-held unit. Now Let Try Installing a Hand Held Shower Let start with a typical hand-held shower kit that we will install. The kit shown, does not contain an adjustable slider bar.

Before you can install your new hand-held shower unit you will need to remove your old shower head. If you are planning to reuse the old shower head you will want to be careful not to damage it.  You can either wrap your pliers with masking tape or wrap a cloth around the shower head as shown. Now, turn the shower head connector counterclockwise to loosen it.  Once loose you should be able to remove it by hand, just keep turning till it comes off. Next, apply plumber's tape (Teflon) in a clockwise direction, about six to seven turns before screwing on the diverter valve. This will prevent it from leaking. Once the shower head has been removed you should install the new diverter as shown. Don't worry if your diverter looks  different, it should still work fine. Once the diverter had been installed, you will want to install the shower head.  Simply add more plumber's tape to the threaded male end of the diverter and screw on the shower head by  turning clockwise till it feels good and tight.

Once you have tightened it as far as you can by hand, use a wrench or pliers to give it about a quarter of a turn, then test for leaks.  If the shower is leaking, tighten it a bit more using a wrench. Be careful not to over tighten, you could damage it. This is a typical hand-held shower mounting bracket. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and color. The one shown here is for mounting a hand-held shower that does not have an adjustable height slider bar.   Choose the one that suites you best. Typical bracket type installation This is a typical hand-held shower, adjustable mounting rod.  This  allows you to raise and lower the shower head to best suite your personal preferences.  They also come in a variety of styles and configuration, so pick the one that suites you best.  The one shown here is a screw mounting type bar, but many are stuck on types. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper installation method. This is sort of what your completed installation of a hand-held shower with slide bar should look like.